Bridal Party

Maid of Honor

My sister, my built-in best friend, and one of the most important people in my life. Growing up together hasn’t always been perfect, we’ve laughed, argued, and definitely tested each other’s patience, but through every chapter, we have always shared a bond that runs deeper than any disagreement. At the end of the day, she has always been my sister, my confidante, and someone who knows me better than almost anyone.

One of the things I admire most about Megan is the way she moves through life. She brings lightness, confidence, and energy into every room she walks into, and her desire to explore the world and try new things has always inspired me. Watching her leave Pittsburgh, move to California and then New York, and create a life for herself reminded me that I could do the same. Her independence and courage gave me the confidence to spread my own wings and make the move from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia.

Megan is also the person I go to when I need an honest opinion, because I know she’ll give me one whether I’m ready to hear it or not. She has never been the sister who simply tells me what I want to hear, and while I may not always love that in the moment, it is one of the things I appreciate most about her. With Megan, I always know I’m getting the truth, and I always know it comes from a place of love.

As we’ve gotten older, our relationship has only grown stronger. We’ve been through so many different stages of life together, and somehow growing up has made me appreciate having her as my sister even more. We can still get on each other’s nerves like only sisters can, but we also know each other in a way very few people ever will. No matter how much our lives change or how many miles have separated us, that has never changed.

Having Megan as my Maid of Honor feels especially special because there really isn’t another person who has been there for every version of me. She has seen the good, the messy, the growing pains, and everything in between. She is my sister, my forever best friend, and one of my greatest supporters. I truly cannot imagine this chapter of my life without her standing beside me.

Maid of Honor

My best friend since first grade and truly my person. Lauren and I have grown up side by side, and some of my earliest and favorite memories include her. We have known each other through childhood, awkward school years, big life changes, and everything in between. Even when I switched schools in high school, nothing between us changed. Our friendship simply grew with us, and over the years, she became so much more than a best friend. She became a sister.

Some of my favorite memories with Lauren are the ones from growing up together. We had endless sleepovers, bonfires, softball games and tournaments, association cheer, movie nights, boat days, and all of the little traditions that became part of our childhood. I loved getting to tag along on her softball trips, but just as much, I loved the ordinary days, the ones spent doing absolutely nothing special and somehow still having the best time. So much of growing up is tied to memories with Lauren, which makes our friendship feel like such a constant part of who I am.

There is something really special about having a friend who has known you for almost your entire life. Lauren has seen every version of me and has been there through the good times, the hard ones, and all of the ordinary moments in between. We have spent years laughing together, growing together, and somehow always picking up right where we left off. No matter how much life has changed around us, our friendship has always stayed steady.

Lauren is one of the people I can always count on. Her kindness, loyalty, and huge heart are unmatched. She is brilliant, caring, and one of the most genuinely good people I know. My family has loved her for so long that they consider her a third daughter and a sister to Megan and me, which says everything about how naturally she has always belonged in our lives.

Having Lauren stand beside me as my Maid of Honor means more than I can really put into words. She has been beside me since we were little girls, through so many chapters and so many memories, and now she gets to stand beside me for one of the biggest moments of my life. I truly cannot imagine this day, or this next chapter, without her by my side.

Bridesmaid

Although we went to the same high school, Ellen and I did not truly become friends until college, when she became the best roommate I could have asked for, sorry, Brad. From the beginning, living together felt easy. What started as a college friendship quickly became one of the most important and lasting relationships in my life.

Ellen also played a special part in bringing Brad and me together. She was the one who put in a good word for me and somehow seemed to know before I did that we would be a great match. As fate would have it, Brad and I met in the Duquesne Library, but Ellen helped set everything in motion. It is one of those details that makes our friendship feel even more woven into this chapter of my life.

Over the years, we have made more memories than I could ever count. We have frolicked around the South Side, taken spontaneous 24-hour trips to the Jersey Shore, explored Europe together during Maymester, and spent countless nights eating Milanos on her dorm room floor with fruit punch always nearby. Some of the memories are big, some are completely ordinary, but together they tell the story of a friendship filled with laughter, adventure, and years of growing up side by side.

Ellen has been there through so many chapters of my life, and I am endlessly grateful that the roommate I met in college became such a lifelong friend. Having her stand beside me as I marry Brad feels especially meaningful, and I feel so lucky to share this moment with someone who has been part of our story from the very beginning.

Bridesmaid

We met in Spanish class in college and quickly became besties. While Carlee went on to finish the Spanish program, I decided I had learned enough and was happily done with it—LOL—but I will always be thankful that class brought us together. Before long, our nights out turned into trips and weekends away, and some of my favorite college memories have Carlee in them. From late-night snacks after South Side bars to posing for every photo at Finn McCool’s, we somehow made even the most ordinary nights feel memorable. She has always been encouraging, endlessly supportive, and the kind of friend who is up for an adventure or willing to try something new.

When Brad and I moved to Philadelphia, having Carlee already there made the transition so much easier. She welcomed us into her life, introduced us to new people, and helped make a new city feel like home. From playing kickball together to sprinting toward our bus for a shopping day in NYC, she has made every chapter more fun and has been such a constant through so many different seasons of my life.

And now, getting to watch Carlee become a mom to Oakley has made this chapter of our friendship even more special. Seeing someone I have known through college nights, big moves, and so many adventures step into motherhood has been really meaningful, and Oakley is so lucky to have her.

I feel incredibly grateful for the friendship we have built over the years and for all the memories still ahead of us. I couldn’t imagine celebrating this day without Carlee by my side.

Bridesmaid

My high school bestie and the life of every gathering. After I moved to Mt. Lebanon and ended up in the same prom group as Julia, we clicked almost immediately. Starting over at a new school could have felt intimidating, but she made it easy. By the summer after my senior year, we were inseparable, and so many of the memories from that time have her in them.

Some of my favorite memories with Julia are also some of the simplest, late-night food runs, driving around with the music turned up, and spending evenings on Mt. Washington talking, laughing, and catching up on everything happening in our lives. She has always had a way of turning an ordinary night into something memorable, and no matter what we are doing, there is never a shortage of laughter.

Over the years, our friendship has grown right along with us. We have been there for the fun nights, the big milestones, and all of the life in between. Julia brings so much energy and joy wherever she goes, and she is one of those people who makes everyone around her feel like they are part of the fun.

I was so honored to stand beside her when she married her husband, and it means even more to now have her standing beside me as I marry Brad. From those first high school memories to everything we have shared since, I feel so lucky that our friendship has lasted through so many different chapters, and that there are still so many more ahead of us.

Bridesmaid

I met Gabi through Dan, and while I have to give him credit for introducing us, I’m pretty sure I like her more than I like him now, sorry, Dan. From the very beginning, our friendship felt easy, and it did not take long for us to become incredibly close. I am so grateful our paths crossed because Gabi has become one of those people who makes life better simply by being part of it.

She has the kindest soul, the biggest heart, and a way of making everyone around her feel genuinely cared for. She is brilliant, accomplished, thoughtful, and somehow still one of the most fun people to be around. Whether we are celebrating something big or simply spending time together, Gabi brings so much warmth and joy to every moment.

Some of my favorite memories have been made with Gabi, Brad, and Dan. From our Seven Springs weekend to the unforgettable free boat day on Chautauqua Lake, we have shared so many laughs, adventures, and moments I know I will always look back on fondly. Those memories mean even more because they are part of a friendship that has continued to grow through each new chapter of our lives.

I was so honored to stand beside Gabi as she married Dan, and it means so much to now have her standing beside me as I marry Brad. She has become such an important part of my life, and I feel incredibly lucky to celebrate this next chapter with her by my side.

Bridesmaid

Brad’s sister, who welcomed me into the Nelson family with open arms from the very beginning. Before we had even met, Megan found me on Instagram and sent me a message telling me how excited she was to meet me. It was such a thoughtful gesture, and one I have never forgotten. From the start, she made me feel included, loved, and as though there was already a place for me in the family.

Megan has a calming presence, the kindest heart, and a way of making everyone around her feel completely at ease. She is thoughtful, warm, and genuinely caring, and she brings a sense of comfort wherever she goes. Being around her feels easy, and I have always admired the way she makes people feel seen, supported, and at home.

Over the years, our relationship has grown into something I am so grateful for. I was lucky enough to stand beside her as she married Kyle, and sharing that day with her made our bond even more meaningful. Since then, she has continued to be such an important part of my life and of the family I feel so fortunate to be joining.

This journey has given me so much, but one of the greatest gifts has been gaining not only a wonderful sister-in-law, but another sister to share life with. Having Megan beside me as I marry Brad feels incredibly special, and I feel so lucky that this next chapter includes her.

Bridesmaid

Brad’s sister, my yoga bestie, fellow Aries, and someone I feel so lucky to call family. Over the years, our relationship has grown into a friendship I truly cherish. What began through Brad has become a bond that feels completely our own, and I am so grateful for how naturally she has become such an important part of my life.

Whether we are heading to yoga, celebrating milestones together, or simply catching up, Caleigh brings so much fun, energy, and warmth to every moment. She has a way of making even the simplest plans feel special, and I always leave our time together feeling lighter, happier, and grateful for the friendship we have built.

We share the same fiery Aries spirit, and maybe just a little stubbornness, which has led to plenty of laughs over the years. There is something so special about having someone who understands your energy, matches it, and can laugh with you through all of it. Our friendship is easy, genuine, and filled with so many memories I already treasure.

One of the most meaningful parts of marrying Brad is gaining another sister, and I feel incredibly lucky that sister is Caleigh. I am so grateful for the memories we have already made, for all the milestones still ahead, and for the life we will continue to share as family. Having her stand beside me on our wedding day means so much, and I could not imagine this next chapter without her by my side.

Junior Bridesmaid

My sweet little cousin with the most beautiful soul. Ellie is Rena’s daughter, which makes having her beside me on my wedding day especially meaningful. Growing up, Rena was so much more than my aunt, she was like another sister, a second mom, and one of the biggest parts of Megan’s and my childhood. When she moved to Alaska nine years ago, Ellie was only two, so watching her grow from a tiny little girl into the kind, thoughtful person she is today has been incredibly special.

Even though she lives all the way in Alaska, every time we are together, we make the most of it. From her convincing me to buy her and Emma nail polish and clothes during our Target trip, to Disney, and most recently our trip to Anna Maria Island where she taught me what doobies, little sand shells, were, there is never a dull moment with her. Ellie has such a gentle spirit and a way of making even the simplest memories feel special.

I also love that I got to be a junior bridesmaid in Rena and my uncle Charle’s wedding, and now, years later, Ellie gets to stand beside me in mine. It feels like such a sweet full-circle moment. I am so proud of the person she is becoming and feel incredibly lucky that, even with all the miles between us, she has remained such an important part of my life.

Junior Bridesmaid

My little cousin who brings endless energy, confidence, and just the right amount of sass. Emma has always had such a big personality, and she makes everything more fun simply by being there. She is funny, fearless, incredibly bright, and one of the most competitive people I know. I especially love that she shares my obsession with pool baseball, and I can always count on her to bring the same energy and determination to the game that I do.

Even though we do not get to see each other as often as I would like, every time we are together, it feels like no time has passed. Whether we are playing games, laughing until we cannot breathe, or she is doing everything possible to make sure she wins, Emma always keeps everyone entertained. She has such a fun spirit, and I love watching her confidence grow more and more every year.

There is also something so special about seeing her become her own person. She is strong-willed, hilarious, caring, and completely herself, and I know that confidence will take her so far.

Having Emma stand beside me as a Junior Bridesmaid makes me so happy. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of her life, and I cannot wait for all the laughs, games, adventures, and memories still ahead of us.

Best Man

I've spent my whole life looking up to my older brother, Nick, and not just because he's older. He's been an incredible role model. I have always admired Nick's compassion and his ability to listen. I could not ask for a better brother, and I'm honored to have him standing beside me as my Best Man

Groomsman

Luke has been my best friend since childhood, which means he's witnessed just about every phase of my life — for better or worse. I couldn't ask for a better friend and I'm excited to have him standing beside me as one of my groomsmen.

Groomsman

Shane and I met on the first day of college and he quickly became one of my best friends. From the memories we’ve made over the years to the laughs we continue to share every time we’re together, I’m grateful to have him standing by my side as one of my groomsmen.

Groomsman

Hodge and I have been great friends for many years, and we've shared more than our fair share of great memories and good times. I'm lucky to have a friend like him by my side and honored to have him standing with me as one of my groomsmen.

Groomsman

Bass and I met freshman year of college, and he’s been one of my closest friends ever since. He’s one of the funniest people I know and has a way of making every moment more enjoyable. I’m grateful for all the memories we’ve made over the years and excited to have him standing beside me as one of my groomsmen.

Groomsman

Noah is not only my future brother-in-law, but someone I’m grateful to have in my life. Over the years, he’s become someone I always enjoy spending time with and someone who brings a lot of laughs wherever he goes. Whether it’s a game night or just hanging out, Noah is always down for a good time and knows how to make every moment more fun. I’m lucky to have him as part of my life and excited to have him standing beside me as one of my groomsmen.

Groomsman

Ethan and I are soon to be brother-in-laws, but we are already fraternity brothers! Over the years, he’s become like a little brother to me, and everyone seems to agree that he’s my mini me. Ethan is always down for a good time, especially if there’s some Fireball involved, and he always brings a lot of fun and laughs wherever he goes. I’m lucky to have him by my side and grateful for the friendship we’ve built. I’m excited to officially call him family.

Groomsman

Kevin has been one of my best friends since childhood, which means we've collected plenty of great memories. I'm lucky to call him a friend and happy to have him standing by my side as one of my groomsmen.

Groomsman

Jack has been a great friend of mine since grade school, and it’s been awesome having him along for so many moments over the years. From growing up together to all the memories in between, I’m lucky to have a friend like him and excited to have him standing beside me as one of my groomsmen.

Groomsman

Over the years, Dan has become a great friend and someone who always brings a lot of laughs and good memories. Thanks to Brittnee for bringing us together, I’m grateful for the friendship we’ve built and all the memories we’ve shared along the way. We’ve had some great weekends away together and plenty of moments that I’ll always look back on. I was honored to stand beside him as one of his groomsmen, and I’m excited to have him standing beside me as one of mine.

Groomsman

Max and I met in college, and over the years he’s become a great friend and someone I’m lucky to have in my life. He lived with Brittnee and me in the South Side during the early days of our relationship, and we made plenty of great memories together during that time. Max is always down for a good time. He’s arguably the biggest Pittsburgh Penguins fan I know. I’m grateful for the friendship we’ve built over the years and excited to have him standing beside me as one of my groomsmen.

Xavier and I met at the beginning of college and hit it off right away. We had a few classes together freshman year, and over time, Xav became one of my best friends. Since the day we met, he’s always been a real friend and someone I know I can count on. He’s always down for a good time, and we’ve made plenty of great memories together over the years. I’m lucky to call him one of my best friends and excited to have him by my side as I get married.

Pat and I have been good friends since the beginning of high school, but our history goes back even further. We actually played basketball against each other growing up and went head-to-head long before we became friends. Pat is easily one of the funniest people I know and, more importantly, the kind of friend who is always by your side no matter what. I’m grateful for all the years of friendship and couldn’t be more excited to have him standing by my side on the big day.