Nick & Val

V: Angie is more than my best friend- she's like a sister to me. We met on our first day of high school when we were freshman starting out at a new school and we conquered the awkward struggles of our teen years together. We haven't lived in the same state since we graduated high school, but have maintained our closeness through countless phone calls, visits, and vacations. We have made so many memories and have always been there for each other through laughter and tears; thick and thin. The day that she met Nick, she immediately gave her stamp of approval- and I knew for sure that he was the one. I can't imagine anyone else standing beside me on my wedding day!

V: Erin and I met in high school, but it was one of those fast friendships that felt like we'd known each other for our whole lives. We were inseparable. When I went off to College in Tennessee, Erin was the first person that took a trip to visit- because being apart felt like I was missing part of myself! Throughout the years, we've had to live with some geographical distance between us, but I love that she is one of those friends that you can pick up the phone and fall right back into step with. Erin is one of the sweetest, funniest, caring people that I know. She brings out the carefree teenager in me as we reminisce about our high school days and countless inside jokes. I am so excited and honored to have her be part of my wedding day!

V: Lacey and I are cousins that grew up near each other and close in age- so naturally, it was like a built-in best friend. As we grew into adulthood, as many familial relationships tend to become more distant, Lacey and I became closer than ever. I was so excited for every holiday or family get-together so I had a chance to catch up with my cousin. Now, rather than waiting for the next holiday, we plan weekend trips to visit one another. When Lacey was in Iowa in summer 2015, Nick even confided in her that he was planning to propose. Although a secret like that surely drove her crazy to keep, she kept it! When I called her to tell her that Nick had proposed, we both cried, and I immediately asked her to be a part of our day. Lacey is such a beautiful person. She's clever, creative, and one of the most loyal friends I've ever been lucky enough to have. Nick and I are both so honored to have her in our bridal party.

V: When Monica was born, I remember being so excited. I was at that age where babies were the coolest, and although I had always begged my mom for a baby sister, I somehow wound up with a brother instead. From the beginning, I thought of Monica as the baby sister that I always wanted but never had. As we grew older, I started to babysit- I still like to think that I was her favorite babysitter. When I got my drivers license, I would pick her up sometimes and take her out shopping or to the movies. Before I knew it, she grew into a teenager, and I got to enjoy a whole new relationship with her- as more of a friend and a peer than a little kid to watch over. Monica is now a college student at Ohio State, and I couldn't be prouder of how far she has come. I still think of her as my little baby cousin, but also get to enjoy hanging out with her as a friend. It's a perfect combo! Watching her grow up has been such a joy, and I'm incredibly proud of the young woman that she has become. Nick and I are both so excited for Monica to be part of our wedding day!

V: Sydney and I have been two peas in a pod since the day we met in law school. We have always bonded over being Illinois girls captive in Iowa- and an added perk of our friendship is that we can carpool home to visit our families! It feels strange to go a week without talking to our seeing each other. Our lives always seem to be in step with each other's... we both got engaged to our soulmates in the same year, and we're both going to be brides in the same year! Sydney is such a sweet friend and has always been a true blue gal pal, supportive of my accomplishments and a listening ear whenever needed. Her energy and optimism are contagious- and I'm so excited for her to bring that to the wedding party! It means so much to both Nick and I to have her be a part of our wedding day.

V: Caitlin and I met in passing a few times during my first year of law school, but it wasn't until the summer after that our friendship really blossomed. I was studying abroad in France and Caitlin came to visit another student in the program, and her and I quickly realized that we were on the precipice of a beautiful friendship. Fast-forward to a year later, and Caitlin had moved to Des Moines. A year after that, she began law school, and we selected one another for the law school mentoring program, so that I was her mentor and she was my mentee. Although, Caitlin didn't really need me to show her the ropes of law school- she's so bright and friendly and energetic that people are drawn to her, and it didn't take long for her to get acclimated to law school life and surround herself with friends. Caitlin also loves to plan events- and we co-hosted quite a few parties while in law school. Following law school, Caitlin moved to Texas. While I was so sad to see her go, I was so proud of my little 'mentee' for being brave enough to take such a risk and jumping in head first. She was immensely successful at the practice of law in Texas, as I always knew she would be, but recently she found a job in Des Moines and decided to move back. I can't even describe the feeling of elation when I heard the news. Having Caitlin around just makes life better- her energy and optimism are contagious and the world feels like a better place for her being in it. I'm excited for her to bring those vibes to the bridal party and for her to be by my side on my wedding day!