Talia and I met at the University of Guelph, where we lived across the hallway from each other and have been best friends ever since. Talia has been helping me plan my wedding since Shane and I started dating. We would sit in Talia's bed and scour Pinterest and watch wedding videos- both loving to watch other people's love stories. Talia has the best taste in just about everything, has the biggest heart, is crazy talented, and is the brains behind the ring. She loves all things interior design, painting, candy, and animals, especially her dog Augsta.
I met Amy when she started dating Shane’s brother Andrew and we instantly connected. Over the years we have bonded over a mutual love of Jillian Harris, weddings, wine, and the highs (and lows) of dating a Gamble boy. Amy is passionate, ambitious, and is the busiest person I know, yet always makes times for those she loves. She loves everything Norfolk County, a good cuppa coffee, and her two kitties. Five minutes with Amy is guaranteed to have you laughing.
Jackie and I grew up 8 houses down the street from each other but only became friends when we met in high school. We spent almost every day after school at her house. You could find us in her bedroom listening to Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, and Tim McGraw (Jackie is the reason I got into country music). We don’t get to see each other as much as we would like, but when we do it is like no time has passed. The test of a true friendship. Jackie is creative, ambitious, and the smartest girl I know. She is a lover of dogs, musicals, and travelling (seriously- she has the craziest travelling stories!).
I met Kristine through Nolan, who has been a friend of Shane's since high school. The boys are kicking themselves now because we are inseparable and have high energy when we around each other. The four of us have become travel buddies, travelling to Cuba, Mexico, and Turks & Caicos together. Kristine is always the life of the party, the ultimate planner & organizer, and an amazing cook- but don’t ask her to bake. She is beyond kind and will move mountains to make someone smile.
I met Gemma the first Christmas she spent with the Gamble family and was immediately in awe of Gemma’s kindness and light. We grew much closer when Greg and Gemma moved to Kitchener from the great white north (aka Thunder Bay) and briefly became roommates. Gemma is a lover of nature, art, craft beer, and baking. She is wickedly talented and approaches everything with a gratitude and a gentle touch.
Andrew is the middle brother in our family. Growing up, I followed in Andrew’s footsteps in many ways - acting, public speaking, and more. Andrew always held me to the highest of standards and pushed me to excel in all areas of my life. When he’s not patrolling the streets of Norfolk looking for crime, Andrew is either at home working out, tending to his cats Oliver & Momo, or working on his tan at Port Ryerse beach. Andrew is flamboyant, gentle, has a great sense of humor, and gives great advice.
Greg is my eldest brother but has always been my buddy. Growing up, even if Greg’s friends were around, I was always welcome to tag along. He was the leader of our crew growing up - crafting elaborate games and activities for us. From forts, to Nerf gun wars, Greg organized it all. Into adulthood Greg and I have continued to share interests in sports, classic movies, and pure relaxation. Greg is a lifelong learner, an outdoors enthusiast, a dedicated family man, and the most handy person we all know.
Nolan and I have been friends since our first year of high school. We became a part of the same friend group and grew our friendship through basketball, parties, and more. Nolan and Kristine have become Liv and I’s favourite travel companions and we’ve seen many countries together. Nolan is an incredibly supportive friend, a fantastic listener, and makes those around him feel important & valued.
Matt (Mumu) is Liv’s younger brother. Despite his horrible taste in football teams, Matt and I have developed a strong bond. Initially, discussions were dominated by sports, rap music, and video games. These topics still dominate discussions but now the we also talk about relationships, careers, and footwear. Matt is quietly confident, incredibly goofy, and is the proud father of the dumbest rottie in the GTA.
Kyle and I actually had our very first high school class together. Sitting on the bench during basketball season for three years gave us plenty of time to talk and become friends. We organize yearly trips to Buffalo to watch the Bills play, quote Seinfeld way too much, and genuinely love hanging out together. Kyle is as steady a friend as you could ask for. Reliable, kind, and soft spoken. No favour is too big to ask Kyle, even when he’s working 100 hours/week running Procyk Farms.