My bridesmaids are the kind of girls they make movies about. That's a fact. They are gems and they each play a big role in my life. I'm grateful to have them stand by my side come November. In preparation, I'd like for you to meet them all.
CASSIE | THE FEARLESS MAID OF HONOR AND FELLOW SCHOOLCRAFT EAGLE.
Cassie and I have known one another since grade school, Go Eagles! After high school we both attended Western Michigan and graduated with similar degrees in Communication. But it wasn't until after college that Cassie and I became close friends. Apparently distance is what our friendship needed in order to grow close - I moved to Grand Rapids and shortly after she made the jump to Chicago. I've always admired Cassie's drive. We relate in that manner. Plus, she's the sassiest friend I've got! At the wedding she'll be the one keeping me on task and reminding me to enjoy the moment.
CHELSEA | BRIDESMAID & THE BEST DAMN DOOR DECORATOR IN ALL THE LAND.
Chelsea, or Lassen (her last name) is what I like to call her, and I grew up on the ice rink together. Together, we learned to skate in snow pants and eventually worked our way up to Juniors as teens. A total of 7 years we skated together before I decided to leave skating for basketball and volleyball. But until then, we were the best of buds sitting together on bus rides and rooming with one another for out of town competitions (we had the best decorated doors in the joint) . Lassen and I reconnected after my move to Grand Rapids and is responsible for introducing me to Amanda (meet her below). Lassen has the heart of a lion and the feet of a baby deer who's just learning to walk (she trips a lot) and I love her all the same. At the wedding she'll be the one making sure my hand is always holding a cocktail - a Bells beer preferably (she works there!).
AMANDA | BRIDESMAID & THE SISTER I NEVER HAD.
When I first met Amanda she intimidated the crap out of me, which is saying a lot because not much intimidates me. It's now that I realize, if I had an older sister she'd be exactly like Amanda - someone who keeps me in check and knows when I need a good chat with a side of wine & cheese. After moving to Grand Rapids and reconnecting with Lassen, I was told there was someone I HAD to meet. It was her. Amanda is my fellow outdoors (wo)man and instigates more camping trips than anyone I know. At the wedding she'll be the one encouraging me to dance with her on the table tops.
KATHRYN | BRIDESMAID AND FELLOW WASHED UP BEAUTY QUEEN.
The first time I met Kathryn was the year I handed down my crown as Miss Kalamazoo. Later that year we competed together on the Miss Michigan stage and for some reason her father will forever refer to me as Miss Schoolcraft - which is not a real thing. Pageants aside, my favorite story about Kat is that rainy night in South Haven when I introduced her to my high school friend Tavis. At the popular SoHo hang out, Captain Lou's, they flirted as I made friends with the man twice my age sitting next to me (not by choice). They married last year where I stood as one of her bridesmaids. Kat will be the one at the wedding ... stay tuned.
KAYLEE | BRIDESMAID & THE BEST CO-WORKER A GIRL COULD ASK FOR.
I begin each work day sipping coffee with Kaylee - we work together at Start Garden! Over the years we've worked together on projects including ArtPrize & 5x5 Night. Like me, she's got a Type A personality and is an organizing/scheduling machine - which is why we get along so well. She's the blonde to my brunette and the vanilla creamer to my plain. I am ever grateful to have her as part of my work team each day. She is a devoted Mom, lover of chocolate milk, that looks mega hot in high heels. At the wedding she'll be the one crying harder than me - she's a softy.
STEPHANIE | BRIDESMAID & SOON TO BE SISTER IN LAW.
I've known Stephanie for just about as long as I've known Jeff, not quite a year yet. I don't have a sister and knowing I get one (plus two more bonus sisters who also married into the family) as part of the deal (to marrying Jeff) is really just icing on the cake. What we currently lack in history, I'm certain we'll make up for in the future. Stephanie makes a mean margarita and is a top notch kickball and dodgeball player - go Dutch Mafia (our team name). At the wedding she'll be the one smiling all the time because she's just a super happy and positive person.
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