To My Best Friend,

As I write this, at this very moment, we are exactly a week away from your wedding day. One week. It's impossible to describe how happy I am that I get to witness your first steps on the greatest adventure yet with the man you love. I have been catching myself reminiscing on the wild ride that our friendship has consisted of during these past couple of weeks. Our friendship has endured so much through the years, but looking at where we are now I wouldn't go back and change a single moment.

By doing all of the necessary sappy reminiscing, I have only been reminded of just how important you are to me. How much I love, respect, and admire you. Inevitably, this friendship that we share is going to change in a week. I mean how could it not? Not once has that thought saddened me. I have been counting down the days for this day since you have asked me to be one of your bridesmaids. I can't contain my excitement. It is still surreal to me that I get to stand by your side for the moment that your future begins. There are a couple of things I've been really thinking about and I thought I would share them with you.

Sunday is going to transform into a whirlwind of flowers, dresses, and emotions. There is going to be an overwhelming amount of joy that will be obtained within every person that is attending this wedding, it's going to be completely undeniable. One of things that has been on my mind was to remind you to slow down that day. It's going to be in fast forward with little details and time frames demanding your attention. Don't hesitate to take a step back and just breathe. Take in that moment. Don't get consumed in the entirety of the craziness. Just remember to enjoy and appreciate those moments because you both are going to look back on them 70 years from now.

I also wanted to say how unbelievably proud I am of you. I know everyone else is too. Everything that you have achieved thus far is so well-deserved. You are a constant source of inspiration for me personally, which makes me wonder how many other people find this statement true. You glow with confidence and determination. You have never been hesitant to chase your dreams and I think that is something so special and rare. You're spirit is so alive and passionate. I know that those characteristics that I love so dearly will never fade.

I guess above everything else, I hope you remember how fun your big day will be. It's going to be all too easy to fall into the stress of all the schedules that your wedding day entails. Just keep this in the back of your mind: this day belongs to you and the love of your life. Everyone you love is going to be celebrating right along your side. Enjoy every second.

All of the preparation and hard work is going to pay off. The years of dreaming for this day with the help of Pinterest is just around the corner. Before you know it, you'll be saying vows and saying "I do" in front of the ones' you love. I can't wait to experience this day by your side and being able to watch you live out your own version of the fairytale's we grew up reading about. I couldn't imagine a better man for you to share this lifetime with.

All my love,

-Em