The Billiken blue and white cheerleading uniform, plus the white tank tops with orange lycra shorts are the reasons that Ashley and I are friends today, or rather, the way fate brought us together.  We've been by each other's side for years now through babies, boys, and breakups.  We both always speak our minds (sometimes too much!), but the mark of a true friendship is one where you can be yourself at all times and trust that other person to stand by you no matter what.  I've found that kind of friendship with Ashley.  To my bestie and sister of the heart- Happy Wedding Day!

Ashley and I met at her 21^st birthday party at Westport back when it was still cool!  A mutual friend, Heather, brought me along to celebrate.  Ashley and I were party friends from the start.  We had drinks, music, and high heels as mutual interests so it was a natural fit.  Over time we got closer, but if I had to pinpoint a time when I knew that Ashley would be a lifetime friend, it would be the summer of 2007 when she begged a musician at a country bar to play “Ticks” because it was one of the only country songs I liked.

The first time I met Ashley was at my first big girl job out of high school working at St. Louis Children's Hospital as a patient care tech. Let's just say Ashley made me her servant and I did anything and everything she asked of me. During that time, she realized I was pretty awesome ;) and that we had a lot in common, and that we should be friends! Since that time we have spent many nights at country concerts that we'll never remember, laid on the floor gasping for air at CrossFit, and eaten ourselves into a coma at all of the sushi restaurants in St. Louis. Now we are coming full circle and I am back to being her servant on her wedding day, which I am honored to do! :)

Ashley and I attended Parkway South together, although we admittedly had very different high school experiences. Over the years, the easiest way for me to spend time with Ashley has always been around two things that will distract her long enough to take a break from giving me a hard time, food or sports.  Her love of food, sports, and keeping me in check is probably why we became friends in the first place.  It’s fitting that one of the first people I talked to on the Internet and I have managed to keep in touch all these years despite always having thousands of miles of separation.  Again, why we are probably still friends.  She’s fiercely loyal, stubborn beyond reasonable measure, NEVER let’s me off easy, and has ALWAYS been there for me over the years.  I’ve always admired what you do on a daily basis, and have wished for happiness for you for years.  I could not be happier you’ve found it, and can’t wait to celebrate it with you!