Ashley and I met in 1st or 2nd grade. She quickly became one of my favorite people. She was always ready to have fun, had an easy laugh and most importantly owned a Talk Girl and a clear phone. We went to elementary school together and I loved to make up dances, sing at the top of my lungs and get into trouble with her. After 7th grade, her mom got remarried and she moved across the country to Virginia. Our friend group was all devastated, but thankfully Ashley came out to visit during the summer occasionally where we all continued to get into plenty of trouble and have fun together. Fast forward to senior year of college and Ashley and I both applied to and got accepted into Columbia’s advanced standing social work program. We ended up in NYC together and it was crazy. Life continues on and our group of friends continues to try and meet up together whenever we might be near each other. When I was in San Diego with them in January, I made Ashley and Zack do a mini couples photoshoot with me, and it was so much fun to play with a couple without worrying about little kids running off and getting hurt! Zack was the only guy in our group in SD and he took all the girly silliness like a champ!

All growing up, Ashley was obsessed with Saved By The Bell and Zack Morris. We all knew when she started dating Zack, that it was meant to be! She came to my wedding in July and I went to her wedding in August. So very hot, but so much fun to be newlyweds together. I’m so grateful for long lasting friendships. The kind that don’t require constant communication to know that they’re my tribe through and through.