Meet my Maids!

Soon after we got engaged, my parents and I discussed what was most important to Andy and me for the wedding. Other than the obvious--getting MARRIED--I basically wanted two things...good pictures and all my friends in attendance.

Selecting who to ask to stand next to me as Bridesmaids was no easy task. I didn't want to hurt any feelings or leave anyone out but I also have always thought it was crazy to have several people in your bridal party. I stressed about it for weeks. But when I really thought about it, there was a group of girls whom I wanted to tell I was engaged, as soon as it happened. They were my best friends and I'm honored they agreed to be a part of my special day.

I'm excited to introduce you to them so read below to Meet my Maids!

 Catherine Gordon is my Maid of Honor, my cousin and my lifelong friend. I wouldn't have made it through Jr. High without this girl. I always looked up to her and was amazed at how she could run around barefoot outside when we were kids without fear of getting dirty or cut. She thought I was a sissy and she was right. Nevertheless, she was my protector and I am so thankful for her. There aren't too many memories of mine without this wild child in it.

 My Jr. Bridesmaids and future sisters-in-law, Emily and Hannah Freeman, are my true loves. I have watched them grow up from sweet kindergarten and first graders who would run and greet me at the door with a hug to now teenagers from which a simple picture text can make my day. In the 6th grade, when I found out my youngest brother was not going to be a girl, I thought my dream of having a sister was over. I was devastated but didn't realize God had a plan to bring me a man with such sweet younger sisters who I can claim. I can't wait for future memories with these two (if Andy doesn't lock them in a room to keep them away from boys)!

I, Peyton, take you Erin Bankert, to be my Little...Erin now knows that I picked her out from the beginning. I was buying gifts for her with an "E" initial before she even pledged Kappa Delta. She had no chance of not joining our KD Family (sorry, Erin!). Over the past four years, I've made such great memories with her and she doesn't know how glad I am she's in my life. We literally have an award-winning friendship: Best Big/Little '09 and Big/Little with the Highest GPA '12. Booyah!

 Krista Parker has taught me that dreams can come true! She set a goal of getting into Dentistry school and we all worried with her and prayed for her through the interview process. Of course we all celebrated with her when she was accepted to UAB! I'm thankful for our friendship because she'll tell you how it is...even if it's that she thinks you're a weirdo. I met Krista when we were freshman and both pledged KD. Bonding over our Junior Miss titles, love of stripes and dinners at Rodeo, Krista and I became good friends. I can't wait until she graduates and becomes Dr. P!

 Ashley Harrison has been in my life for a really long time. From our Selma Somies gymnastics team days to being roommates our last semester of college, Ashley has always been there.  As a nervous freshman at Troy, Ashley was always who I turned to when I had questions and she is the reason I joined KD. It was only natural that she is who I wanted for my Big sister! I'm thankful she let me make cookies literally everyday that we lived together and that she trusted me with the beautiful Lola Belle Harrison Fuller, only the smartest dog in the world.

 Lauren Stephens is my sweet friend who got me through classes at the Hall School of Journalism. Always reminding me of quizzes and assignments, I am forever thankful for her. But I'm mainly thankful for our friendship because it has taught me that you don't have to talk everyday for it to be real. I first met her when I pledged KD and we became friends when we served on council together. Never forgetting to answer a text and always calling you when she says she will, Lauren is one of the most thoughtful people I know. I only wished she lived closer to me so that we would've have to wait so long to catch up! 

 Jessica Harris is sort of the one that started this all! As one of my first friends at Morgan and Andy's cousin, I couldn't be happier that she will stand with us on our big day. She introduced Andy and I over 7 years ago and she actually introduced me to my first college roommate, Kash Forrester, too! It's easy to say say I'm forever grateful for her! I can't wait for future family gatherings with her! So proud of her smart self for getting a grant and going to grad school! I know her students love her!

 I met sweet Melissa Moreman my freshman year of college in KD. She is one of the most optimistic and fun people I know. I could tell her anything and trust that I'd suffer no judgment or fear that she'd share my secrets. She's proven to be superwoman in her first year teaching first grade (and coaching numerous sports while maintaing a life). I am so happy that she is now engaged to her prince charming and excited that I have her during the wedding planning craziness! A big thanks goes to her for helping Andy make the scrapbook he used to propose. She is a good secret keeper, for sure!

Sara Porter is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. I remember wanting to be friends with her when she went through recruitment and was so excited when she pledged KD and eventually became President! She has a heart of gold and I'm lucky to know her. Andy and I have so enjoyed double-dating with her and Mark and I'm excited that both of them will be a part of our wedding! Here's to many more memories and New Year's Eves with all of us together!

Three girls sharing one small room and one bathroom in the KD house will either make for immediate conflict or immediate friendship. Thankfully, Kayla Cook and I experienced the latter. Too many buenas noches in that room to count and the fun continued the next year when we lived together in B3 (which is the bee's knees, duh!). Kayla is a mean cook and is going to be even better in the insurance field. As one of my besties, I am so thankful for her friendship and the laughter we've shared.

 You know when you're sitting in church as a little kid and someone makes you laugh so hard that you can't fight it for the rest of the service? Yeah, that's Emily Rhyne and me. I don't know what it is about her that brings out my goofy side but I'm so thankful she's been my friend since High School and even more thankful she's let me live with her in Montgomery. Whether we're discussing our long term relationships, attempting Pilates in the apartment or stressing over low batteries in the fire alarm, Emily can always make me laugh!

Last but definitely not least, Morgan Nall was one of my very first friends at Troy. I saw her in the parking lot on move-in day and immediately became nervous for that day's recruitment activities because she was so beautiful I just knew none of the sororities would want me. Lo and behold, she was my suite mate, became my pledge sister and one of my best friends. The shenanigans she has talked me into will remain some of my favorite memories. Always lured by glitter and sparkles, Morgan has taught me to live a life of whimsy and not take things so seriously. Andy calls us "kindred spirits" and I think I can agree with him.

Writing this blog post has nearly brought me to tears thinking how blessed I am to have such amazing friends. Love is what life is all about and I've learned that from these girls. Thank you for making me who I am today and I can't wait to be with you all on April 6, 2013!!!