When we started thinking about the most influential people in our lives, the ones who have seen us through the years, and the ones we'd want on our ultimate Dream Team...we drafted this crew— since without their impact on our lives we wouldn't be where we are today (currently writing an intro on my wedding website, gahh!!!). Meet The Ultimate Dream Team, narrated by Allison.
Captain, Team North
Amanda Colburn
The OG! Hailing from the 716 — I met Amanda in the womb and grew up with a built in best friend for life. Her uncanny ability to look and sound just like me might confuse those of you who haven't met her — but once you do — you'll know why the universe brought this twin team into the world. She's the coolest, smartest kid in the room... she'll drink you under table, boast about her latest spreadsheet formula, and has a heart bigger than you can imagine. She's my oldest, longest friend and the best sister you could ever dream up, which makes her Captain of The Dream Team (and Captain of any other team she's ever been on TBH). No matter where we are in the world — she's only a quick, creepy twin telepathic conversation away. Meet her by the bar in October, she'll be the one offering shots while making grand speeches.
Captain, Team South
Natalie Diller
The BFF! Born in Georgia but destined to drift around the world, she kicked it with Tori all through high school working at Chick-fil-a, driving across the country, and helping her navigate the peaks and valleys of life along the way. And while her adventurous spirt has called many places home throughout the world since high school, their friendship has only grown stronger over the years. She is seriously adorable, insanely helpful, and has the sweetest, shiniest soul (making you wonder how you can bottle up just a bit of it). She speaks Spanish, owns her own business and can hike for miles with her pup and hubs (who are just as sweet). She's the kindest human you will ever meet and her hefty heart is beyond the brightest light of wonder and adventure in our lives. Find her exuding positivity and likely tailing Tori with treats and sunshine.
2nd in Command, Team North
Nikki Nassan
Sailing in from the 412, Nikki is my best parts of Pittsburgh. She met me in my tumultuous 20’s — helped me grow up and ultimately move on to the life meant for me. She’s the strongest woman I’ve ever met and the most inspiring mom and friend. We've sailed on our fictional sailboat - dreaming of what life would offer us, promising to always sail home when tides got tough. She taught me about the things that make life worth dreaming about — red wine, coffee, Mexican food, poets, artists, and how to save a dog in danger. Mostly, she showed me what real friendship truly was. She’s just a quick phone call away and still the same, strong, safe, and incredible human I looked up to all those years ago. Find her steering the sails in October, keeping the ship steady, and adding hot sauce to her tacos.
2nd in Command, Team South
Cassidy Manseau-Toth
The Best Bud! Tori & Cassidy met in 6th grade. Little baby buds that bloomed into a friendship most people only dream out. Tori dreaded June - August when Cassidy would head to Chautauqua Lake for summer break — leaving her wondering what the heck could ever be so great about a lake in upstate NY (little did she know that's where her future wife would venture to ATL from!) They spent their adolescence burning CD's, driving through Duluth, and dreaming up all the dreams. Cassidy is a legit gem. She can do everything you can do only better. She can do things that no one can — and even made up a song about it. She's a wife, a new mom, and the person you will call when you're having a panic attack. Seriously, she's a psychologist. Ping her if ya need a chat. She'll be the one offering advice at the bar and doing things that no one can.
Coach, Team North
Emily Blanton
My ATL lifeline and one of my first friends in Atlanta. She's the person who taught me about the south, about politics in the south, about brunch mimosas, and how a perfect little dog can change your life. We've danced in the kitchen, we've longed for love, and we've chatted on the balcony for hours — lending advice, caution and guidance throughout the past decade. She doesn’t judge a single human, is always there to lend a perspective or 2, and will have your back no matter what (mine and her other 1k+ best friends because she's truly everyone's favorite human). She's the person that will bail you out of jail. Literally. No, seriously she bailed me out of jail. She has the kindest heart that loves unconditionally. She is wicked smart, super funny, ridiculously classy, and can pull off a Madewell boxy tee better than anyone. Find her on the dance floor this Fall — she'll be the one doing a choreographed dance from the 80's or rapping Outkast beats.
Coach, Team South
Lindsey Martin
She's a Georgia gal – loyal, sweet and incredibly classy with a killer wardrobe. She's the ultimate Advisor, the curator of fun and Tori's work bestie, even though they don't actually work together anymore. Lindsey puts the Dream in DREAM TEAM — if she wasn't drafted to Team South, I'd steal her for the North because not only were we BFF at first sight, but she’s also the kind of person you want leading your team — always ready to call a time-out, reevaluate the situation and encourage you to get back in there. Tori met her working at the law firm, and she was one of her first IRL friends who saw who she was, helped guide her and loves her no matter what. Accurately dubbed as an amateur florist, shopper, decorator and savvy traveler — she’s the person you want to plan your next party, wrap all your presents and watching your dog while you’re out of town. For real, hit her up – she’s every dog’s best friend at first sight, too. We just absolutely love her. She'll be the one steering clear of large groups in October — if you can actually find her and keep her I’ll give you $100.