If you add up how long I have known each of my bridesmaids, it's almost 90 years total. I am beyond blessed to have such amazing women stand by my side on my wedding day. They've been with me through all walks of life, from learning to share my glue sticks to learning how to live away from home, and everything in between.
Stephanie shortino- maid of honor
Before Steph moved into my freshman dorm suite, I was incredibly homesick and using her then-empty room to hang up my laundry and store extra belongings. While my own room got more crowded when she moved in, I couldn't have survived without her. She's always been there to laugh at my failed attempts to get fit, watch hours of Real Housewives marathons and spend ridiculous amounts of money at Target. Calling her my college roommate and best friend really doesn't do her justice. We're pretty bad influences on one another (I always encouraged her to help me finish the Cheetos, and she always encouraged me to go out rather than do my homework), but I wouldn't have it any other way. She's one of the few people in this world who understands my constant sarcasm and is always there when I need her.
Callie ricketts- bridesmaid
Callie is the third member of 'Suite Love' that also includes Steph and myself. She filled the final empty void in our suite and became a lifelong friend as soon as she moved in. Callie is the patient, gentle and kind one out of our threesome and is always there to offer logical advice or some domestic assistance. From date parties and football games to takeout meals on the floor of our freshman suite, my time at UNC would not have been the same without Callie! Her laugh is contagious, and I know that I can trust her with anything. She is definitely the bridesmaid I'll go to for advice on buying healthy foods, ironing a shirt and other basic tasks that I haven't mastered. Callie is currently planning her own wedding to Greg Huneycutt!
elizabeth Ciepcielinski- bridesmaid
Liz is one of my cherished friends that I've known since we were owning the playground in kindergarten at Charlotte Christian School. Lizard (a loving nickname, I promise) is always so much fun and constantly keeps me laughing. We have very similar personalities and always seem to be on the same wavelength. We took selfies and made duck faces before they were cool, so you could say that Liz is a trendsetter. I am so thankful that she moved back to Charlotte recently because she is always great for venting sessions and catch-ups. Liz recently married Brady Ciepcilinski and I loved being brides and bridesmaids together! Two bridezillas for the price of one!
justine vadini- bridesmaid
Oh Justine! Whenever my mother tells me to be a blessing, what she really means is: Be more like Justine. Tini is probably the nicest person I've ever met. She always has a positive attitude, and you can't help but be in a good mood when she's around. Some of my favorite memories with Tini happened in the drama department at CCS. She always lit up the stage in musicals with her beautiful voice and couldn't help but be the center of attention. We shared the role of the dragon in The Hobbit, and it's a wonder that Hollywood didn't come immediately knocking. Justine is beautiful on the inside and out, and really is a blessing to have as a member of my bridal party.
mary katherine antoon- bridesmaid
It is impossible for me to think about my CCS days without thinking of MK. We were partners in crime, whether we were rollerblading around her neighborhood, playing with Barbies or executing some sort of arts and crafts project in her kitchen. And, it was always nice to have someone in cheerleading with a mouth that could rival mine. MK is honest and not afraid to tell you what she thinks, and I love that! She has such a quick wit and infectious spirit, and I know she's going to make this wedding journey an exciting one from start to finish. We've been bridesmaids together twice (so far), so I already know she's more than qualified to handle anything I throw her way.
taylor Bard- bridesmaid
Tay is more of a sister than a friend. We grew up in each other's homes, and she's been in my life since I was four. Bald Head Island beach trips, playing with American Girl dolls and over-analyzing IMs to our middle school loves are just a few of the countless memories I have with her. Oh, and we can't forget about The Orb videos that we made as kids. I cried like a baby when she married Luke Bard in January 2014, and I can only hope she'll be able to show a little more self restraint than I did. She has a tender heart and is a great balance for someone as crazy as me. We've gone through almost every stage of life together, and I can't wait to have her by my side for this wedding experience!
victoria Harris- bridesmaid
Tori or 'Wee Babe' is my sorority Little and getting her to choose me as her Big was more stressful than finding the man I wanted to marry. After threatening other contenders and pretty much making sure she didn't make any new friends, I was successful, and we've been inseparable ever since. We were chosen as Tri-Sigma's Best Big/Little Pair two years in a row, which is just a testament to our collective awesomeness. Tori is my complete opposite (she's athletic) and my perfect match in so many ways. She has tirelessly listened to all of my problems and is always there when I need advice or love. She married Credle Allen Harris in May 2015 and currently lives in Chapel Hill.