Abby and Emma met in fourth grade at St. Anne’s Elementary. Despite their relationship starting with a playground rivalry, they became fast friends. They were never far apart in those early years and were often mistaken for twins. As high school came, they ran in adjacent social circles but never lost that deep friendship with each other. After Emma left Fort McMurray they became long distance besties but every time they got together they resumed their shenanigans as if nothing ever changed. Abby and Emma have had their fair share of wild nights on the town and love nothing more than a couple of cocktails and an open dance floor. Emma always knows she can count on Abby to match her vibe and bring her out of a slump with a night filled with endless laughing and some Cactus Club bellinis. Emma likes to think that Abby followed her to Vancouver Island where Abby serendipitously introduced her to her friend Tristan from work. Emma will forever be indebted to Abby for this reason.

Emma met Karigan a short 6 months after meeting Tristan. She was in town visiting as she would be following her big brother to Vancouver Island the following year. Emma knew from that first meeting that she had gained a lifelong friend and another sister in Karigan. Being deeply in tune with pop culture and Tik Tok memes at her ripe age of 22, Emma was able to become a sort of translator between Millenial Tristan and Gen Z Karigan. More than that, Emma found Karigan to be unbelievably caring and completely non-judgmental, making her Emma’s go to friend for talking through life’s many trials and tribulations. Karigan has only ever supported Emma, when others always seem to be telling her to “stop singing Phantom of the Opera” Karigan has only ever encouraged her to sing louder.

Ashleigh is Emma’s only sister and as a result they developed a very close bond. They of course had your typical sister fights, which if you have a sister you will know can get very intense, however, these fights were often diffused by watching someone slip on ice, or having no one else to go get ice cream with and so they never lasted long. With parents who worked long hours, and a 5-year age gap, Ashleigh became a mother-figure to Emma, always making sure she was well fed, and giving her the exact same haircut she had. Emma of course was the annoying little sister who always wanted to hang out with Ashleigh and her friends. They almost always let her join and taught her a lot about life and boys. As they grew, so did their relationship, becoming better friends as the years passed. Ashleigh has now become Emma’s closest confidante as she knows there is nothing she could tell Ashleigh that would make her love her less.

In July 2014, Ashleigh gave Emma the greatest gift, her niece Peyton. During the first couple years of Peyton’s life, her and Ashleigh came to live at home. It was during this time that Emma and Peyton grew a bond beyond aunt and niece. Emma had never experienced a love so strong, as what she felt for this perfect, happy, little girl. Two short years after Peyton was born, Emma left for university. This was the hardest time of her life as she had to leave Peyton behind. They shared many a tearful Facetime (mostly on Emma’s part) during their time apart and Emma looked forward to every holiday so she could come home to her baby girl. As Peyton got older their relationship changed as she became more of a little sister to Emma. Emma has always thought of this as payback for being a pain in the butt for Ashleigh all her life. Seeing Peyton grow into a smart, funny, empathetic young lady has been the absolute honour of Emma’s life.

Emma and Kayla forged a strong friendship while pursuing their PharmD, quickly becoming inseparable during their final year of didactic learning, the very definition of trauma bonding. Their shared enthusiasm for a good party often set them apart from many of their classmates, who preferred a more “academic” lifestyle. As the newest addition to the bridal party, Kayla's presence is invaluable to Emma, who cannot imagine standing beside Tristan on their wedding day without her support. Kayla deeply appreciates the bond between Emma and Tristan, always celebrating their love and claiming them as the only heterosexual couple she believes in. Emma goes to Kayla for advice on all matters, pharmacy related and otherwise, Kayla always lends a listening ear and has never judged Emma for her many mistakes… pharmacy and otherwise

Richard is Tristan’s older and wiser brother. Ever since they were kids Tristan was always sticking to his brothers side. Tristan will always be grateful for the lessons learned from his brother, first and foremost being always blame it on the younger sibling. Despite Tristan being quite the hanger on, Richard and his friends always welcomed Tristan, as made quite obvious by the loving nickname of “Barb” that the entire senior class seemed to adopt for the younger sibling. As they aged and grew further apart in distance, the two continue to make sure that they kept close, with Richard telling Tristan what games to buy, and Tristan attempting to get Richard into reading for fun, which did eventually take hold. Richard and his wife Katie are close confidants with both Tristan and Emma, who take their advice to both head and heart.

Tristan and Paul have been getting each other out of trouble for the past ten years. Meeting in University, the two didn’t become close until they both went to nursing school in the frozen hellscape that is Regina Saskatchewan. Throughout the years they were always sleeping on each others couches, studying, skipping class, and encouraging each other when they both needed a hand. Tristan will always say that he gets the most out of the friendship though, as Paul is a phenomenal cook. Although introducing Paul to the love of his life might even thatit out a little bit. After graduating Tristan realized he needed his friend a little closer and dragged Paul out to Vancouver Island were they continued the same shenanigans. Seeing how passionate Paul in helping the people that need it the most has always inspired Tristan to challenge his viewpoints and ideals.

Eric officially met when they became roommates in university, and grew close through drunken nights watching Jaws, panic cleaning the kitchen, and trying their hardest to learn their Polish roommate’s name. It was also a big plus for Tristan, as Eric was the only one of his friends with a car. Even living in different cities the two drive the distance to be there for each others events and parties. Some of Tristans favourite memories from college are from trips to Erics family cabin, skiing and getting to know his wonderful family. Eric’s steadfast support for his friends, love of adventure, and ability to hit Tristan right in the funny bone has always made Eric a integral part of Tristans support system.

Mitch and Tristan became fast friends as new nurses in the hospital. Mitch has always been steadfast in being the biggest supporter in Emma and Tristan’s relationship, and we may not be here today as Mitch invited Tristan to the restaurant were the couple met. Tristan has always been impressed with how Mitch is able to make friends with anyone he meets. Meeting Mitch so soon after moving to Nanaimo made the city like home much faster for Tristan. Mitch and Tristan became roommates as well after a few months in Nanaimo. They got close there, throwing birthday parties and hanging out. Emma ended up moving in and Mitch and Emma were able to become close as well. Mitch was one of the first calls Tristan and Emma made after getting engaged, as they both new how important his friendship he was to their relationship.

Alex is a close friend of both Emma and Tristan. They met in Nanaimo, Alex also being a nurse on the same floor that Tristan started his career. They bonded during their off days where they relaxed due to the insanity that is the Nanaimo hospital. Alex is always down for an adventure, whether it’s a hike, a float down the river, or a night on the town Alex is always a party. Alex spent many a night on the couch in Vancouver to support Emma in the events she planned or hangout with the couple. Tristan is always impressed with Alex’s love for those that are close to him, supporting friends and family alike. Alex and his partner Kelsey are close friends with Tristan and Emma, and were happy to be the first ones to celebrate them as a newly engaged couple after Alex proposed.