Jaden and I met as two awkward tweens when I moved to Sturgeon Falls back in 2008 (holy crap)! Unfortunately, when I reached out to Jaden to befriend her, she never answered my text. To this day, she doesn’t recall ever receiving that message from me (sure Jaden, we both know I wasn’t cool enough to hangout with in grade 7). Eventually, our relationship budded closer to the end of highschool, and once we moved to Ottawa our friendship was cemented.

Jaden and I have seen each other through many phases of life, which has been an adventure in itself. We have seen each other through 3 graduations, several breakups (each), plenty of hangovers, and too many sleepovers to count. She is loyal (to a fault), incredibly reliable, and is always thinking of others. One way she shows that she cares is by providing her closest friends with trinkets she has found on her life adventures (I have many). Jaden has truly helped shape the person that I am today, I would not be the same (or as well rounded - she keeps me in check) without her in my life. Long friendships like this are incredibly rare, and I am so thankful to Jaden for being my longest and best friend. She is my home away from home. Her friendship truly means the world to me.

Being Monica’s older sister, I have obviously known her since she was born. The relationship between sisters is one only the two of you can understand. Bestfriends to enemies to bestfriends again in the matter of a breath. I couldn’t imagine growing up without her by my side. I could go on and on retelling stories from our childhood, but I won’t bore you with the details. To put it plainly, if you were to watch us through one way glass you would think we need to be committed, and that’s OK because your brain just isn’t intelligent enough to get our elite sense of humour.

We couldn’t get enough of eachother even after we both graduated, so we ended up moving back in together out in Ottawa. Those times are ones that I cherish, and often wish I could teleport back to. Monica never liked having sleepovers with me when we were kids, so it was a dream that we got to spend 2 years together in our young adulthood that was essentially one giant slumber party. Monica is deeply loving, caring, and feels things to an extent that I do not understand. That is something that makes her so special, and I am incredibly proud to be her older sister.

Oh Bella. She is indeed named after Bella Swan from Twilight. Back in the 8th grade, when my mother fell pregnant, and the Twilight movies were all the rage, I suddenly had an epiphany and made an amazing name suggestion for my soon-to-be sister. My mother liked the name, but wanted to ensure we weren’t just choosing it because of my obsession with Twilight. I assured my mother that the thought never even crossed my mind, when in fact… that was exactly the thought that had crossed my mind. (Mom, if you're reading this, I am definitely just joking).

And here she is, 15 years later and all grown up. What a unique relationship Bella and I have, considering the age difference, but it is one that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Watching Bella grow into the person she is today has been something most people do not get to experience with their siblings. She is incredibly funny, and says the most out-of-pocket statements that will have you doing a double-take. She is also incredibly passionate and intelligent when it comes to her opinions on current world events. This is not something you can say about many 15 year olds, and it is something I really admire about her. We have grown a lot closer as she has gotten older and spending time with her fills me with happiness. I couldn’t ask for a better little sister.

Jessica and I go way back to 2018, trauma bonding at The Ottawa Hospital on D6. One of the only good things that came out of working there was that I found a best friend for life. Thankfully, Jess and I have since left our toxic workplace and built a friendship outside of work. There are work friendships and then there are those that are more impactful and meaningful, that flourish outside of prison walls.

Jess has had such a positive impact on my life, as she does with all of her friends. She is quiet at first, but if you take the time to get to know her (or in my case defend her against verbally and physically violent patients) she will eventually open up and bless you with her amazing personality. Jess is insanely intelligent, an amazing listener (which she has to be because I’m a yapper), endlessly thoughtful, and honestly just an all around wholesome gal. I am beyond happy that we have had the opportunity to get closer over the last 8 years, and because of her (and Natalie) I have been introduced to many new and incredible friends. My life is only fuller having known Jess and I can only hope that I add as much to her life as she has mine.

Natalie and I met in the same hell hole at The Ottawa Hospital (D6). Lucky enough for her, Nat didn’t technically work on that unit, but rather taught nursing students there. All in all, I believe she understood me on another level for also having to experience its horrors. For such an evil, evil place, at least it bestowed upon me another one of my very best friends.

Nat has become such an important person in my life over the years. The only downside of having her as a friend is that she wipes the floor with me every year at our annual gingerbread house baking competition, she is (sneakily?) creative. She is also incredibly genuine, thoughtful, supportive (during my many mental breakdowns), and is always able to lift my mood with her witty sense of humour. I am continuously amazed at the support and love she has shown me as our friendship grows stronger, and I often find myself wondering what I have done to deserve someone like her in my life. She is extremely welcoming and (alongside Jessica) has brought many new and amazing people into my life. I am endlessly grateful for the richness in my life that comes from having Nat in it.

Lindsay and I met in 2019, the year of love, the year we both met our now fiances. Our friendship started in somewhat of a fever dream, when we went to Pub Italia after a double date at a comedy show. We stumbled upon a German Choir practicing in the back of the Pub while on our way to the bathroom. We couldn’t quite tell if we had imagined it or not, as Graeme and Cole gaslit us into believing we were delusional when telling them the story.

It has been an incredible experience getting to know Lindsay over the last 7 years. She is the baby in the sun from the Teletubbies, but… scarier? If you know, you know. She is always happy, always vibing, and she WILL make sure that we are all having a good time, no matter the occasion. Lindsay is also incredibly supportive, she is essentially my own personal hype girl. She is always checking in to make sure her friends are doing ok, and I can honestly say I have never met someone with such a positive energy or outlook on life. It is a quality I wish I had myself. She uplifts our friend group and I couldn’t imagine life without her. A best friend like her is something that doesn’t come along often.

My longest running friend. We became who we are because of each other, practically living within walking distance since we were wee boys. Going through the trials and tribulations of youth, and young adulthood, Josh can make me comfortable and confident in any life situation. He’s been a total rock.

Josh was always the first to have my back and take care of me - whether it was during overindulgent drinking nights in university, hard emotional life moments, or if I needed a kick in the butt. He can be whatever you need him to. He’s logical, smart, thoughtful, and someone who in many ways I wish I could be more like. I also just adore his laugh, which he is quick to share with anyone.

We started as awkward dorky kids. Made tons of mutual colleagues, wingman’d each other to meet girls, and became super cool. Never to be found too far from each other, we have now become grown, less awkward dorks. Always will be. My forever friend.

I can’t begin to explain how good Russell was to me as a younger brother of four years. Whenever I have, and I tried when I asked him to be my groomsman, I practically wept. Not the best as we were in a pool bar at the time, but he still gave me a hug and reassurance as he always does.

Russell has endless patience for me - helping me grow and mature so rapidly. Influencing me with hilarious TV and movies (not for kids), great music, and letting me be around his friends - I feel extremely lucky to have had him, and to still have him. He is a big reason why I am the competitive person I am today. Beating me endlessly in video and board games, academics, brotherly wrestling… I’ve been taller for a minute now and have still never stood a chance.

He’s one of the genuinely kindest people I know, and smart as hell. If I ever need anything, there is no doubt in my mind Russell would drop his priorities to help me. He cares, and his support, love, and teachings have made me a better man than I ever could have hoped for.

I met Adam at the start of high school. Early on I was so enthralled with him - the perfect mix of confident, silly, and cool in my 13 year old eyes. Our friend groups never entangled much until the end of our four years, but we were quick to sit next to each other in classes. I have never laughed harder with anyone else in my entire life, and we were separated many, many times during lectures.

We became really close in university as we kept contact, bringing each other to our sides of the city for social events. There really is no better person you want around to have a good time. Everyone knows this about Adam, and I’ve been jealous of his way with people my whole life. He is someone who makes me really proud just due to the fact that he holds me to a similar regard. I’ll also be his groomsman this year and cannot wait.

Adam spent some years away from me out in beautiful BC like so many Ontarian’s do, but I am so glad he has moved back. Him leaving was worth it as he locked up his now lovely bride to be, but it was still hard for me you know? And it is about me.

Everyone is guaranteed to enjoy his company on Miranda’s and my big day. And if you don’t? Well, then I will seriously think that something wrong with you.

I met Cole during university frosh week. Being in different programs, we didn’t meet through scheduled events - but more through some sort of destiny. We brought out a childlike play within each other. Going around campus, sneaking into buildings, talking to strangers, climbing things and hurting ourselves. General 5 year old doofus behaviour, but so very fun. Cole was always the best for helping unwind from the school grind.

We went on to live together for 5 years, and peacefully at that! Cole became a second brother to me. We confided in each other more than anyone else at the time, and I will never forget those conversations that now bind us. Those nights on our couches just us two were some of the happiest I’ve been - felt like I could stay in that time period forever.

When Cole moved to Toronto for a couple of years, he wasn’t far but it left a huge hole in my life. My most constant person was apart from me, and although we made good on visits, it was a huge relief when he and his Fiancée returned to us in Ottawa.

Watching Cole turn into the man he is - I have that brotherly pride. I am honoured to have him by my side for my big day and that I will get to do the same for him this year. I know I can count on him to make sure myself, and all our guests have that silly kind of fun… or else!

…Zak Zak Zak. The guy is a charmer. A big flirty boy. He has a way of talking to you that makes you feel like the most interesting person in the world. Maybe it’s those sloth-like eyes and smile, I don’t know. But he’s someone you want to have genuinely like you.

Zak does what he wants, the way he wants it - becoming a point of inspiration to me. He goes for the life experiences and career paths he really wants and never wastes his time with things and people he doesn't like. I am honoured that he has kept me as a close friend in his life, and I am really proud of the person he has become through forging his own path - killing it along the way. A great soundboard for your hopes and dreams - the most supportive when he sees passion in you, and honest when he does not.

With niceties said - no one can get to me quite like Zak. Always getting a good laugh at my frustration with him, it’s like a little dance we do. This guy has been getting that rise out of me since I was 10, but I just cannot for the life of me shake him! So I've given up trying - and we continue to dance, and laugh, and criticize, and dance, and laugh. I feel like his mother all the time, and I love him like one does.

I know everyone will enjoy having Zak around for the night. But to be safe, maybe don’t over indulge in the man. I recommend 20 minutes tops for maximum pleasantry. Anything after, he’s a wildcard.