Alex and Ben go all the way back to when they were about two years old, meeting at their Jewish preschool, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. From elementary school to middle school, high school, college, and now into adulthood, their friendship has truly stood the test of time. They’ve shared everything from a love of basketball and golf (even if the skill level is questionable) to always having something to talk about & apparently, a shared appreciation for the name Alyssa, since they’re both dating one. Even though life has taken them in different directions and they don’t get to see each other as often, whenever they do, it’s like no time has passed, they pick up right where they left off. That kind of lifelong friendship is rare, and Ben is incredibly lucky to have Alex by his side as one of his Best Men.

Tina is truly such a big part of both of our lives. Alyssa met Tina in their sorority when she became her Grand, and from that moment on, she knew she had a lifelong friend. Their bond only grew stronger through their shared love of Pi Kappa Phi and all the memories that came with it. As life has gone on, their conversations have grown from college moments to careers, relationships, goals, and future travels, making their friendship even more special. With Tina (and her boyfriend Jared), there’s never a dull moment, from sharing a room in Vegas with the #DirtyDogs, USC game weekends/VIP day club trips with Dom Dolla, golf double dates, Palm Springs trips, and nonstop laughs. We couldn’t imagine some of our favorite memories without Tina. Alyssa (and Ben) are so grateful to have her by our side for this next chapter.

Ivan has been one of Ben’s most important friendships since college. They first met during rush, where (funny enough) Ivan brushed Ben off, but once they ended up in the same pledge class, everything changed. Throughout that time, Ivan pushed Ben to show up, be present, and get involved. That encouragement not only shaped Ben’s college experience, but helped him grow into the person he is today. From then on, Ivan became a constant, always making sure Ben was included, supported, and never alone. Their friendship carried on long after college, from living together in the Mirasol house to nights out, pickleball games, and just hanging on the couch watching Game of Thrones. Ivan has always been the kind of friend who shows up, and usually with a round of Goat bombs in hand. He’s also been just as present in Alyssa’s life, supporting her at her games in college, celebrating big milestones, and bonding over musicals and shows. He’s truly become like the big brother she never had growing up, and even Blue treats him like a third owner when needed. After more than 10 years of friendship, we feel incredibly lucky to have Ivan by our side as one of the Best Men.

Claire has been such a special part of both of our lives. Ben actually met her first through their Greek family, but she quickly became Alyssa’s Big sister in AXO. Since then, she’s been in both of our corners every step of the way, along with her boyfriend, Hayden. Spending time with Claire is effortless, it always feels like no time has passed. Whether it’s a night out, disney days, double dates, or just being on the same wavelength, it’s always easy and fun with her. She’s also been there for some of Alyssa’s most humbling moments, whether that’s late-night Del Taco (now Taco Bell) runs, drunk chip cravings, or literally wringing out soaked white pants at a sorority mixer. A true ride-or-die. She’s been a constant through college, life after, and now into this next chapter, and Alyssa couldn’t imagine having anyone else by her side as one of her Maids of Honor. We’re so grateful for her and everything she brings into our lives.

Armaan is the genius and culinary expert of our group the one we all turn to anytime we need a recipe or cooking advice. He’s so reliable that he once answered a FaceTime call on Christmas Day just to help us figure out how to season brussel sprouts… arguably one of the easiest vegetables to make, but somehow still made better with his guidance. This friendship is especially meaningful to Ben, as they’ve known each other since elementary school. From pickup games outside Armaan’s house to growing up side by side, their bond has truly stood the test of time. Armaan has always been the planner of the group, known for creating the most immaculate, detail-oriented itineraries for every trip. His natural ability to organize and think ahead has taught us all a thing or two about how to travel (and honestly, how to function). We love Armaan and his future wife, Reyna, and feel so lucky to have them in our lives. Having him stand by our side on this day means the world to us.

Maria is incredibly special to both of us, Alyssa’s "grand" in Alpha Chi and Ben’s “big sis” through Pi Kappa Phi. She’s been there through it all: the highs, the lows, and definitely a few too many tequila-filled nights (#Tequilaria). From awful hangovers and Taco Bell runs to unforgettable nights out, we’ve truly seen each other at our best and worst—and that’s what makes our bond so strong. Even from London, Maria has remained one of the most supportive and constant people in our lives, always giving the best advice and cheering on our relationship from day one. We are so grateful for her endless friendship and couldn’t imagine this day without her. Hopefully Chris is ready to go beer for beer again with Ben, but this time for an American wedding!

Hukam is our roommate, one of our closest friends, and the matchmaker who helped start it all. One post-COVID Cinco de Mayo, Alyssa told Hukam she wanted a shot with Ben and within minutes, he pulled Ben aside to make it happen. A true homie moment. What started as a chaotic group of friends quickly turned into something much more. After six years of living together, we’ve built a lifetime of memories we’ll never forget. Ben and Hukam are always finding a way to stay in their “glory days,” playing golf, basketball, football, and just about any adult league sport they can join. We’re beyond grateful for Hukam, not just for bringing us together, but for being such a constant and important part of our lives.

Alyssa met Fynley during sophomore year recruitment at Alpha Chi, where a house tour quickly turned into a lasting friendship. From then on, they were constantly running between fraternity houses, with Fynley somehow always outdoing the boys in drinking games (and her shotgun time speaking for itself). Fast forward to when Alyssa and Ben started dating, and Ben finally found someone to share his love of the Dodgers with Fynley (and now her boyfriend, Bryan). What started as double dates quickly turned into nights at Brewery X, World Series runs, and always saying, “yeah, sure, one more beer.” We’re so lucky to have Fynley by our side, she’s always down for a good time and makes every moment more fun.

Ajeya, the group’s forever bachelor, has been one of Ben’s closest friends since elementary school. From after-school Call of Duty and backyard dunk contests to growing up side by side, they’ve shared it all. The friendship continued at Cal State Fullerton, where Ajeya and Ben were freshman roommates. Even in different fraternities, they always found time to hang out. These days, not much has changed, Ajeya is always down for a good time and never turns down a vodka shot. We’re so lucky to have him standing by our side.

Hannah is Alyssa’s best friend since high school and has been there through every stage of her relationship with Ben, from the very beginning to now. She’s gone on trips with us, allowed us to babysit Micah, third-wheeled like a pro, and even helped plan the proposal. It may have taken a minute for Ben to win her over, but once she saw how happy he made Alyssa and how well he treats her, he quickly became the standard. Hannah is always down to shotgun with Ben, goes shot for shot and sometimes, she even calls him for advice before Alyssa. We love how close these two have become. Hannah has been a constant, irreplaceable part of Alyssa’s life, and there’s no way this day would feel complete without her. We’re so grateful for a friendship that will last through every chapter ahead.

David and Ben go all the way back to college, when Ben first spotted him dominating at the rec center and immediately knew he needed him on the Pi Kapp basketball team. With a little help from mutual friends, David joined the fraternity and the two clicked instantly. From then on, they were inseparable, between classes, playing basketball, grabbing food, and pregaming just for a handful of people to show up. Whether it was pulling up in David’s Dodge Charger or making a classic Wendy’s run for strawberry lemonade (to mix with Cîroc, of course), they made the most of every moment. David has been part of our lives for over 10 years, growing alongside us from college days to post-grad life, living together, going out, and making memories that have truly lasted. We’re so lucky to have David by our side. It’s been a ride, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We both met Taylor at Cal State Fullerton, and she quickly became like a big sister to us. Whether it’s her career, her travels, or just the way she carries herself, she’s always setting the bar high and leading by example. She’s the best listener, gives the kind of advice you actually need to hear, and was a huge part of helping Ben pull off the proposal. For Alyssa, she’s a fellow dog mom, the perfect partner for a spontaneous “Grandma’s night out,” and the one you can always call for a little tea. We’re so lucky to have Taylor in our lives and couldn’t imagine this day without her by our side.

Spencer—aka the best bartender in the group—goes back with Ben to the glory days of Pi Kapp in college. He’s always been the guy with a great attitude, a constant smile, and someone everyone wants to be around. While their friendship started in college, it really took off after graduation when Spencer moved into the Mirasol house. Since then, he’s been a true ride-or-die, whether it’s giving Ben (very needed) golf tips, stepping in for flag football, or just always showing up no matter what kind of day it is. Spencer has also been a big part of Alyssa’s life, from sharing a little bro in college to supporting her at games and performances. He’s always been someone who looks out for the people around him. We’re so lucky to have Spencer by our side, he’s the kind of friend who’s always on your team.

Heather has been one of Alyssa’s closest friends since college, back when she was on the dance team and Alyssa was on cheer. Since then, we’ve been side by side through it all: sorority and fraternity events, spontaneous Post Malone concerts, graduations, master’s programs, and navigating life as teachers and coaches. It’s been so special to grow alongside each other and watch life unfold, from relationships to marriage to her becoming an amazing mom. One of our favorite memories was sending Ben and her husband, Nico, on a four-hour car ride to Arizona together, this was their first time officially meeting by the way. Safe to say, it worked out perfectly. From that trip to countless memories since, our worlds have blended so seamlessly. We’re so lucky to have Heather in our lives and can’t wait to celebrate with her this summer (and Nico help us renovate our dream home one day!)