I’m so lucky to be the mother of this beautiful, sweet bride and I can’t even begin to say how honored I am to be chosen as her matron of honor. I’m just so, so proud of the thoughtful, hardworking woman she has become and the life she is creating for herself and her family. To see her and Aidan starting down the path of their long journey together will go down as one of the most joyous times in my life. I love them both dearly and I’m so excited to get to be a part of their next chapter. ❤️

When I was a kid, all I wanted was a little sister to dress up and boss around like my sister did to me. I even tried to convince my younger brother his name was Sarah…but it didn’t take. When we moved down the street and next door to my cousins, I thought I would finally get that little sister to boss around. Much to my chagrin, Abi did not understand that this would be our new dynamic—or much more likely, she just did not care. Abi let me dress her up in doll clothes and do her hair like Cindy Lou Who, but beyond that my older sister orders were often met with “No” or “Why?”. Abi didn’t care that I was older. It wasn’t older and younger. It was just equal. It was friends. Moving next door to the Spooners did not give me the little sister I always wanted to boss around, but it did give me something better—one of my best friends.

A built-in best friend is a cliché for a reason, and how lucky are we to experience this dynamic time and time again. We're a big family, yet not simply due to our immediate blood or last name. Our big family is built on the community that becomes our family. I have always called Abigaile my "cousin", but she's truly always been my sister, more specifically, my 3-day-younger older sister. We're so different yet love each other and those around us completely the same; building our family one person at a time. One of my favorite things in life is to learn to love the people Abigaile loves, and what a blessing it has been to watch her love Aidan and learn to love him as family myself! No matter how different our lives could be, the love of a sister will always be the same, and I couldn't be more excited to add a brother to that list! I love you forever Abi and I’m so ready to stand by your side!

Abigaile and I have been friends for way more years than we haven’t (17 years to be exact). My favorite part about Abi is that she was always my partner in crime when I had some crazy project I wanted to do. Some of my favorites are when her and Mary Kathryn made me a blonde during COVID, when we sewed a medieval ball gown dress out of scrap fabric from around the house, and the countless times we re-modeled and deep cleaned my room. She never thought twice and always had a vision. We have known each other through so many phases of our life (even ended up at the same college!), and I am so grateful to have a lifelong friend that has become a sister to me.

Abigaile and I have been friends for just about as long as I can remember. We first met during gymnastics and grew very close. I can’t imagine my life without her. Through the years it’s been hard to keep up with each other, we have always gone to different schools and now I live in Texas so our friendship has changed. Something about Abigaile and I’s friendship though is that we never let the time apart affect how we are with each other. We get together and are girls again, just as we were dancing on her bed in her hot pink bedroom. Abigaile is one of the most thoughtful and beautiful people I know inside and out. I cannot wait to see the life that her and Aidan will build together, and I am forever grateful that we have each other.

Though I had known Abigaile well before 2020, she became my sister while being a part of our covid pod. We spent almost every day together during that spring/summer, and that did not stop when Aidan went to college. We were briefly quarantined in the early beginnings of the pandemic, and even though we still were not that close, she sent us Taco Bell and squishmallows to our door to help us feel better. Honestly, I think Taco Bell may have played a role in the journey we took to becoming sisters, along with Dunkin Donuts. When Aidan went to college, she never stopped coming to our house. That first semester was difficult for her, but she always drove out of her way to pick us up and take us to Dunkin every morning before school. It was a hard year for a lot of people, and her many small acts of love made it a little bit better for me and my family. Starting high school, especially in 2020, would have probably been the most unbearable time if she had not been around, and I will forever be grateful for that. She has played a crucial part in making me the person I am today. 

When my brother (Aidan) moved away to college, I remember riding to school with Abigaile as we usually did because I got lucky enough to go to high school with her for one year. Instead of parking and getting out together, she just dropped us off and she went back home because she was really sad about my brother leaving. I knew then that she really loved him, and maybe subconsciously knew they would get married. When I was a freshman in highschool, and she was a senior, I really struggled socially and she showed me nothing but kindness. I remember that even though she missed my brother, she was always there for me and my sister. I had an especially bad week during my freshman year, and she showed up to my house with her friends and they brought me an outfit and took me to a nice dinner. I have never forgotten that, and that is only a tidbit to show how amazing of a person she is. Not only does Abigaile have great taste in friends, she also has good tastes in sister-in-laws. I know my sister and I tease her and mess with her now like she's our sister, but that’s because of how close we are, and only people we love get the twin sister teasing. All who get to know Abigaile are truly lucky.

I have been honored to know Abigaile since I was 9 years old and I can truly say you will never meet a more generous and kindhearted person. She welcomes everyone into her life with a warm smile and a huge hug. Through all the ups and downs that life has thrown our way I have never doubted your loyalty and friendship. Aidan and I started to become friends in middle school and only grew closer as he and Abigailes relationship started to become serious. Little did he know I would soon become somewhat of the third wheel in their relationship and he could not have been nicer about it. He included me in everything from the taco-bell order to movie nights with only the two of them. I don’t think it’s possible to name a favorite memory but if I had to pick, it would be the two of us in Abigailes guest house during one of our weekly sleepovers, and I asked her if Aidan was going to become something serious. Abigaile then said “if we start dating this is going to be it for me.” Now we are here. A few months away from the big day and I could not be overjoyed and honored to be apart of it. Abigaile and Aidan inspire me to work hard for the people I love and never be afraid to go after what you want. Congratulations to Abigaile and Aidan! So excited to celebrate. Please edit where needed!!!

Abigaile and I met the summer before our freshmen year at Vanderbilt, while we were both looking for a roommate. We clicked instantly- and bonded over how we might decorate our little dorm or what classes we might take. Back then, I had no idea how lucky I had been to get Abigaile as my roommate. She would go on to be a rock for me for the entirety of college- including three years of living together before her and Aidan got engaged. Whether lending me an outfit or sending me to class with a coffee in hand, Abigaile has been there for me when I’ve been at my best & worst. She is steady & kind, energized & poised. What strikes me the most about her is that she does not make friends of the people around her- she makes everyone family. I am so excited to stand by her & support her during such an exciting season of life- and to continue to stand by her and Aidan as they thrive for many years to come!

Baile baile has been one of my closest friends for basically as long as I can remember. We met my freshman year of highschool and ever since she’s always been someone I can call on to celebrate the good times and commiserate with during the bad. She was even there for the very first squish of my squishies obsession (as pictured). Her and her family have always made me feel loved and appreciated even when Lily and I would show up unannounced everyday for about a year. Everybody deserves to have a baile in their life. I am so grateful to be able to call Abigaile my friend and cannot wait to watch and celebrate her during this next phase of life.

Abigaile was the very first friend I made when I started at BGA in the sixth grade, and she has been a constant presence in my life ever since. We cheered together for seven years, sharing countless memories that have made her an integral part of my life. Her family has welcomed me with open arms and truly has become my second family. Abigaile’s home has always felt like home to me (and personal shopping center), complete with my own designated room called, “The Lily Pad”. She has been a guiding light throughout my life, sticking by my side through thick and thin. I am overjoyed and honored to be a part of this new chapter for her and Aidan.

Abigaile and I met through our sorority at Vanderbilt during her freshman year. I was so happy to become her big, even though I often feel like she’s the one taking care of me. Abigaile is one of the most generous and thoughtful people I know and I feel so lucky to have her in my life. Getting to know Aidan and the Spooners has also been such a blessing! They welcomed me right away and made me feel like I had a home away from home. From driving me to the airport and going to the lake together to the awesome Halloween and Easter parties, I will always be grateful for these moments! I am so excited to make more memories with Abigaile and Aidan and can’t wait to celebrate them in May!!

Coming from Hawaiʻi, I was worried about the cultural differences of the South. My concerns were thrown out the window when I met Aidan. We instantly became friends. Our first semester was online due to COVID-19, so I was stuck waking up early in the morning to attend classes back home. When Aidan heard this, he immediately offered to have me stay at his apartment. I was shocked that someone I had never met would open their home to me. That is just one recital of how Aidan has shown me how to be a better person. I will forever cherish our memories of sharing countless classic hangouts and cookout lines with you, my brother. I am grateful for Aidan’s impact on my life and know I always have a friend I can count on. It has been an absolute pleasure to befriend Abigaile, and I could not be happier that Aidan found himself “one of the good ones.” Congratulations to Abigaile and Aidan!

I first met Aidan when I was 10 years old, playing for the baseball team, the Franklin Warriors. His dad, Mr. Brent Mclay was our head coach and, quite frankly, the only reason Aidan was on the team. From the moment Aidan and I met him, he and his family were nothing but kind and welcoming to not only me but my family as well. After that season, Aidan and I wouldn’t see each other for a few years. But fast-forward five years later Aidan and I found ourselves playing for the same baseball team once again. Ever since then, I can safely say that Aidan has been one of my best friends. Even though he’s kind of an idiot, there’s no one out there with a bigger heart and no one who cares more. It doesn’t matter if we haven’t seen each other in a year or two weeks, he’s someone I can always count on for a hand, a Taco Bell quesorito, or even just a laugh. It’s been an absolute privilege to see Abigail and Aidan’s relationship grow over the past few years and one that I truly admire. I’m extremely excited to see what these next years have in store for you guys and forever grateful to be able to witness it. Love you Aidan. I wish you and Abigail a long and happy marriage. Thanks for being such an incredible friend.

Founding Father George Washington once penned, “True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity, before it is entitled to the appellation.” This botanical metaphor, steeped in the grandeur of early American prose, encapsulates the essence of my storied relationship with the Groom. Our first meeting occurred by happenstance, unfamiliar faces in a place foreign to me. Awash with new information and overwhelmed by his commanding presence I applied a misnomer, dubbing the Groom “Alan Roger McRay”–a moniker befitting a 19th century railway tycoon. My embarrassment was immeasurable. Our dearly departed statesman James E. Carter acted in accordance with the principle, "Aggression unopposed becomes a contagious disease"; it soon became evident through Alan’s amicable demeanor that he heeded this thoughtful guidance. Graciously, despite my grievous error, the Groom chose not to smite me down with the fury of an insulted acquaintance but instead allowed the seed of friendship to take root. He showed grace in a moment of hardship, compassion in a world without. Never in that moment could I have imagined the Groom becoming an integral part of my life in the coming years, yet off we went. Three years residency in a bastion of intellect, striving together to create a more perfect Union, much like the visionaries who came before us. The names of those who shaped our shared journey ring out as a pantheon of our own—a testament to camaraderie, perseverance, and shared bouts of frivolity: McLay, George, Gunnison, Haynes, Dickerson, Luke, Williams. Each one etched into memory, emblematic of an era spent in the trenches of both academia and life. Hamilton, Madison, Jay, Adams, Marshall, King, Pickering—great minds that once forged a nation—became parallel to our own small but significant fraternity, striving to leave our mark on the world. Of all the great fortunes in life, none is more profound than finding a true partner—someone who stands beside you as an equal, a confidant, and a source of unwavering strength. In that regard, I could not be happier that the Groom has met his Rosalynn Carter. Just as President Carter found in Rosalynn a steadfast companion, a partner in purpose and in love, so too has the Groom found someone who matches his wit, his warmth, and his boundless ambition. Together, they will weather life’s inevitable tempests, celebrate its triumphs, and build something far greater than either could alone. It is a joy to witness, and an honor to celebrate.

Playing baseball throughout the years has given me many relationships and memories that will last forever, although I never expected to find some of my best friends on a baseball diamond. I first met Aidan when I was about 10 years old, and we were on rival little league teams. Aidan didn’t care that we were on different teams, his personally shined bright and he made friends with everyone that came into his life. I think this says a lot about the man he is today, and I’m very grateful that he found someone that shares the same trait. A few years later I got the chance to play with Aidan on the same baseball team. I didn’t know it at the time, but I believe this was meant to happen because it gave me one of my best friends. Even though we never went to the same school, we still made time for each other. Whether it was at the baseball field or just hanging out in Aidan’s basement, those were some of the best times in my life. We continued to keep in touch through our college years, and made it a priority to see each other during school breaks. I’m so grateful that Aidan has found Abigaile, and couldn’t be more excited to watch their lives flourish with each other. I love you guys, congratulations!

I’ve known Aidan for years, going back to our time at Battle Ground, and over that stretch, we’ve packed in a ridiculous number of experiences. I couldn't even guess how many games we’ve watched, rounds of golf we’ve played, debates we’ve had (some productive, some definitely not), or random outings we’ve gone on, but no matter what we’re doing, his company is always something I appreciate. Aidan has a sharp wit, an unreasonable amount of geography knowledge, and an ability to turn simple plans into something memorable. Whether we’re doing something entirely mundane or fully committing to a new hobby on a whim, there usually aren't dull moments with him. He’s the kind of person who makes things more fun just by being there, and that’s something I don't take for granted. Beyond all of that, Aidan is someone you can count on. His passion and intensity—whether for politics, sports, or whatever else has his attention—also show in the way he cares about the people in his life. It’s been great to see that same commitment and enthusiasm in the way he loves Abigaile. I couldn’t be happier for the two of them and can’t wait to celebrate with them.

Aidan and I first met freshman year at Rhodes College, where we quickly formed a bond that has only grown stronger over the years. We became roommates during our sophomore year and stayed close throughout college, sharing countless road trips, sports events, celebrations, and late-night conversations. Some of my favorite memories are of us just sitting around, cracking jokes, and enjoying each other’s company. Aidan is one of the funniest and most easygoing people I know. He has a natural ability to bring people together and make any situation more fun. He’s also incredibly intelligent, though he’s not one to brag about it. Over the years, he’s become one of my closest friends, someone I admire and always look forward to spending time with. Abigaile is kind, thoughtful, and an amazing match for Aidan. Seeing them together, it’s clear how much they complement each other, and I have no doubt they have an incredible future ahead. I’m beyond excited to celebrate their wedding and can’t wait to see what’s next for them!

Aidan and I met when I moved to Franklin in 2016 and started at BGA. He gained my immediate respect for being the only person even relatively close to my skill at ping pong, and we have been friends ever since.