Happy Monday ladies~
I've read / contributed to / lurked on the message boards for a few months now, and I've noticed so many posts about difficult bridesmaids and groomsmen that it makes me breathe a sigh of gratitude and relief for my own bridal party. We should count our blessings with our loved ones and give them the credit they deserve, no?
I'd like to put up a post about how awesome my peeps are, and also ask you: what is it about the friends and family in your wedding party that make them so special to you?
My examples:
1. My sister, the Maid of Honor - somehow manages to balance her career as an accupuncturist, traveling all over the country (and sometimes different parts of the world), and serving as either a bridesmaid or a Maid of Honor in at least three weddings this year besides mine, yet is still so sweet and so organized that she's put together a bachelorette party for me as well.
2. Two college friends, both bridesmaids - one is a stay-at-home mom in San Diego, the other lives in Oregon and is due to have her first child at the end of this week, yet when I told them that I'd gotten engaged, they both enthusiastically volunteered to not only be in the wedding, but assist with any planning in whatever way they could.
3. My sister-in-law, a bridesmaid - this beautiful lady gave birth to my lovely niece in September, but just like my college girlfriends, she would not bat an eye if I were to ask for her help. She's also super busy in her job as a microbiologist... get this; her job is literally trying to find the cure for cancer. Superwoman!
4. Two high school pals, both bridesmaids - one of them makes it a point to meet with me for lunch at least once a month so we can catch up... and the last time we met up, she surprised me by treating! The other is a busy mom who will be unable to make it to my bachelorette party, but totally blew me away when she told me that because of that, she's arranging for something special for the two of us to do instead.
5. Fiance's former coworker, a bridesmaid - I was introduced to her because she and my fiance used to work in the same department at his old job. But in the years since then, she and her husband have offered their advice and hospitality to us so many times it makes my head spin. Even though they had just moved to Utah when we got engaged, they both said they were saving the date, and she said she would be honored to be a bridesmaid.
6. My two little brothers, both groomsmen - these two are a sizable chunk of my universe. Through thick and thin, it's always been the three of us. They will continue the trend of always being there for me when they walk me down the aisle.
7. Theater buddy, groomsman - no car, sprained ankle, iffy work schedule and very little money to spare, but has his best suit all ready to go and says he is honored to be there for the big day. Never has a bad word to say; always cheerful.
8. Fiance's college roommate, groomsman - just bought a new house, and his first child is due on our wedding day, no joke. But, baby permitting, he and his wife say they're looking forward to the festivities.
9. Fiance's college buddy, groomsman - is making every effort to fly all the way out from Ohio for the wedding, then fly back in time for state testing at the school where he teaches immediately afterwards.
In summation, how lovingly pampered and lucky can a bride and groom be? What did we do to deserve such selfless and devoted people in our lives? We truly have an embarrassment of riches and we cannot thank them enough.
So let's hear it. Sing the praises of your loved ones here! How are they making your wedding (and more importantly, your life) extra special? What makes them the wonderful folks that you cherish?