To my sister:

The day has finally come.

Twenty plus years have flown by. Twenty years full of memories, laughter, and lots of love. But now the day has come, the day we used to talk about with every boy we ever had a crush on the wedding day. We used to stay up late and imagine we’d marry this boy or that one, but never did I ever realize that one day we would actually get married.. in real life. But today’s that day, and he’s that boy.

Whether we were in the kitchen at 2 am making ramen noodles, or enjoying our Friday nights in a barn with wheat juice – we were the inseparable two; we were best friends. All the pins we pinned on our wedding boards prepared me for a lot of things: a dress that was $3000 over budget, 70 different table decors we could choose from, and a wedding ring that probably only looked good with a bunch of computer editing. However, they never prepared me for what would actually come of your wedding day: dread.

Yes, dread. As much as I am excited for this day and ready to see the happiest smile permanently placed on your face, there’s a part of me that feels dread. Because, today, I have to give my best friend away. I have to give you to another human who will also call you his best friend, who will now be your Tuesday night “I really shouldn’t be drunk right now” partner, and the one who now shares a bed with you.

As much as I won’t miss you whiffing your stinky body stench at me, I will miss having you right there all the time. But, if anyone is to take my place, I’m glad it’s the man you chose. And I’m glad I get to stand right beside you when you say I do. I’m excited for this magical day that we’ve been dreaming of, and I’m excited to see where this world takes you and my soon to be brother-in-law. I’m excited to share so many more memories with you down the road; but, now, we get to add a little more fun since we have an extra person to spend these memories with. I’m excited for you, and most importantly I’m happy for you.

I’m happy that you finally found a man that loves you unconditionally, and treats you like the princess you (seem to think) you are. I’m happy that the day you’ve always dreamed of is finally here, and I’m happy that you’re giving me an amazing brother-in-law. I’m so happy for both of you, words can truly not express. Thank you for being my best friend, my partner in crime, and, most importantly, thank you for letting me join you on this special day.

In you, I got a best friend for life, and I really couldn’t imagine a life without you; I hope he feels the same way. As hard as it is to give you away, I’m glad it’s to him. Happy wedding day!! I love you bunches.

xoxo your soon to be crying sister