MATRON OF HONOR

“Hey, do you know JD Baker?” were the first words Nikki ever said to Morgan. Who knew that Morgan’s ex-high school boyfriend would spark a lifelong friendship—one that survived more chaos and trauma than most people experience in a lifetime… a.k.a. the Physician Assistant Program at the Medical University of South Carolina.

From silent FaceTime calls just to exist together, to dancing at Sharehouse well past everyone’s bedtime, Morgan was the glue that held Nikki together through PA school. They spent nearly every waking moment side by side—whether dominating self-declared wing-eating contests at Home Team BBQ (special thanks to Morgan’s parents for sponsoring), going on double dates at Firefly Distillery, or hosting movie marathons on an air mattress with Ella, Jacob, and their beloved French Mastiff, Lulu.

Morgan’s also been there for some of Ella’s biggest moments. She witnessed Ella’s very first encounter with the famously cranky, road-trip-weary Jacob after their drive from Maryland to Charleston. And most importantly? She captured the iconic moment when Ella refused to get down on one knee during the proposal.

Morgan is truly a platonic soulmate, and we can’t imagine this day—or life—without her.

MAID OF HONOR

Ellie and Ella met through their partners—Nikki and Conor—who were in the same physician assistant program. What started as “the girlfriends tagging along” quickly turned into a full-blown friendship powered by spontaneous beach days, chaotic nights out, and a shared trauma bond formed at their gym, KOR4—where every workout felt like a near-death experience (but in a fun, character-building kind of way).

One of Ellie’s favorite memories with Nikki is the infamous night at the Windjammer in Charleston, which ended in an Uber ride that took a very unexpected turn. No one really knows why the driver got pulled over—or at least no one remembers—but the entire night lives on in group chats and inside jokes. Her favorite memory with Ella is selling merch together at one of Ellie’s dad’s concerts (shoutout to Uncle Mingo—go stream them). They danced the night away, sang every word (or at least some of them), and formed one of those “yep, this is my person” kind of bonds. It was pure joy—and peak Ellie and Ella.

Ellie is Ella’s main hype woman, style consultant, and chaos co-captain. The two are so in sync that Nikki and Conor’s PA school classmates once confused which couple was actually dating. Honestly, fair. We love her endlessly and are beyond lucky to have her standing by our side.

BRIDESMAID

Melanie and Nikki have been friends since approximately forever—like, grade school forever. Their official friendship kicked off in middle school, and even though they went to different high schools, they somehow became even closer (absence really does make the sarcasm grow stronger).

Melanie has been there for every major milestone in Nikki’s life—from the big move to Charleston, to getting into PA school, to becoming neighbors again in Charlotte. Fun fact: Melanie is actually the reason Nikki became a physician assistant... and the reason she’s gainfully employed.

They’ve made enough memories to fill a sitcom, but standouts include mission trips where they may or may not have faked illness to dodge responsibilities (so sorry). Melanie is that once-in-a-lifetime kind of friend—the one Nikki can call at any hour, about anything, and she’ll show up, no questions asked.

Melanie has been Team Nikki & Ella from day one. She was the first person Nikki told when she knew Ella was the one. She was there every step of the way while Nikki chose the ring, and watching her propose has become one of Melanie’s all-time favorite moments.

We’re so lucky to have her love, loyalty, and legendary sense of humor—especially on a day like this.

BRIDESMAID

Nikki met Jordan through the most unfortunate event of their lives—the MUSC Physician Assistant Program. They shared many tears, exams, long nights, and a whole lot of trauma bonding. From commiserating over pharmacology to questioning every life decision mid-rotation, their friendship was forged in the flames of academic chaos.

Some of Nikki’s most memorable times with Jordan include the Airbnb they shared during clinicals—one particularly sketchy town providing both character development and a new appreciation for locking doors. But one of Jordan's all-time favorite memories with Nikki? The night she and Ella came home to find Nikki and Shane (Jordan's now-husband) fully passed out on the couch after one too many drinks. Not touching. Not talking. Just… peacefully asleep in what can only be described as the most platonic blackout cuddle scene of all time. A true work of art.

As for Ella, Jordan’s favorite memories are too many to count—but most involve late-night conversations, too many inside jokes to explain, and a lot of affection. Let's say Jordan has never been shy about expressing her love for Ella (verbally or otherwise). Their bond is chaotic, hilarious, and completely genuine.

Jordan is the kind of friend who will hype you up, hold you accountable, pour you a glass of wine, and tell you exactly what you need to hear.

BRIDESMAID

Tanya officially became part of the family when she married Nikki’s brother, Nikko—but she earned honorary sister status long before that. From the very beginning, Tanya’s calm energy, dry wit, and unwavering loyalty made her feel like family. Whether she’s keeping everyone grounded or making us laugh with her perfectly timed one-liners, Tanya has a way of showing up that makes you feel instantly seen and supported.

One of her favorite memories with Nikki? Celebrating her 21st birthday, quarantine-style. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the party was just Tanya, Nikki, Nikko, and Ella—tallying Nikki up to 21 drinks, plenty of video games, and zero regrets. A night for the books (and somehow, no hangover). Tanya’s favorite memory with Ella is their time together during the holidays, when she lovingly attempted to convince her dog, Tank, to love Ella. There were treats, tricks, and plenty of bonding—both human and canine.

Tanya brings a calm, grounded energy to every room, and we’re so lucky to have her as a sister, a friend, and a part of our lives.