Finding Your Bridesmaids

I was in Belize last December for study abroad. Even though I was there for a class we were also given plenty of free time, free time that resulted in lots of time to think. I remember one night reflecting on the past year. I had come out of a long-term relationship and had failed at trying to date again. I was in a little bit of a slump, being in the middle of the sea on a tiny island provides you with a little too much time to reflect on yourself. Regardless of the awe I was in by the beauty of the island, I had some trouble being comfortable in my own head. So to make it better I started writing, giving myself advice, and thinking of all of the people who have been there for me over the past year and the people who will always be there for me. That is when I started thinking of my cousin’s wedding and her choice of bridesmaids… Inspired by her story, I thought about writing on the topic and have saved it until now so that I could share it with pictures from her wedding, provided by my Uncle Horace Smith…

Finding Your Bridesmaids

I have always admired my cousin Michelle’s group of friends, a group of seven girls that have been friends since elementary school. She was lucky enough to have kept these friends for many years. I have watched them enjoy and support each other through high school, weddings, and the birth of a baby; a darling little girl who I am sure will be treated like a niece by this entire group.

Even though, I was a little envious growing up, that they all were so close, and because I was too young to be included in the fun. They taught be what it was like to have a strong group of girls that will always be there for each other. This kind of relationship is the kind you should look for: a best friend or friends that will share all kinds of times with you, good and bad.

When looking to your friends for support, don’t forget that family is also always there for you. I was lucky enough to have grown up next door to Michelle and her sister Kayla. We grew up like sisters and I am so happy that she included my sister and me in her wedding. I know that if she could have she would have had 20 bridesmaids because all of her friends mean the world to her!

Right now I live in a house with seven other girls. I often wonder if any of us will stick together as well as my cousin and her friends have. By watching my roommates I have noticed many of them more concerned with dating than getting to know the people they share a house with. And I come back to the advice I tried to encourage myself with in Belize, find your bridesmaids first. Find a group of women that will support you through anything and everything. To laugh with, and cry with when something goes wrong. People that will listen to your heart aches and tell you there is someone/something better out there for you. Although I hope everyone can find their soul mate and someone to come home to, we need to remember the friends that help us find that person and stayed up late sharing stories about them.

If you have found someone you get to spend the rest of your life with, then I am incredibly happy for you and wish you a lifetime of happiness!  Michelle and her husband Nick are off to a beautiful start to their marriage, I am blessed to have been apart of their perfect wedding.

Michelle and Nick, beginning their beautiful life together!

For those who are unsure or still looking, don’t look too hard. The right person will come at the right time and does not need to be searched for. By doing things that you love, someone is bound to cross your path doing those same things.

In the meantime, find your bridesmaids. Find friends to keep by your side throughout your journey.

Cousins, but more like sisters

As for the next generation of brides and bridesmaids, featured in Michelle’s wedding as junior bridesmaids, you never know who is looking up to you.  I always looked up to Michelle and her friends.  Someone may be looking up to you as well, show them what it is like to have the love and support of great friends.  I know these adorable flower girls sure thought of you as princesses!