This weekend the day finally came when two of my best friends promised to spend the rest of their lives together, and I couldn’t be happier. They are the first of my friends to get married, which I guess means that I have officially left childhood. But in the midst of the chaos of the wedding prep and actual ceremony, I don’t think I was able to fully express everything I was feeling this weekend. So without further ado…

To the happy couple,

First, congratulations again! I don’t think I have ever been so happy for anyone. You are a rare couple in the best way. I could see the love between you two from the day I met you and every day since. You make me want to be a better person and a better girlfriend, and I think the friends that make you want to be better are the best kind of friends.

Throughout this wedding planning process, you and your families have always treated me like I was a part of the family, and it warms my heart to be included in that way. I was honored to be invited to witness your lives become one, and it was a privilege to help you prepare for your special day. Seeing the love you share come together in front of all the people you love was truly breathtaking.

Now to the groom. The highlight of the whole ceremony, at least for me, was seeing your reaction when you first saw her. I know you were telling people to look at her, but I couldn’t help but watch you reacting to your beautiful bride. In that moment you showed us all just how deep your love is, and it moved me to tears. You have always welcomed me with open arms and even on your day you took time to see how I was doing. You made sure to tell me that I looked beautiful (thank you again) and had nothing but kind words when introducing me to your other friends. And even though you had a few beverages, you gave me some life advice and made sure to tell me how much you love me, again focusing on me and not yourself even though it was your day. You are probably the most incredibly selfless person I have ever met. I am so thankful to have met you and that we have grown so close, and that you consider me one of your best friends (which you told people several times when introducing me, in case you forgot).

To the gorgeous bride: wow! I know I saw the dress before the wedding, but you were stunning. You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen, and I have pinned a lot of wedding related things on Pinterest--so I have seen a lot of brides! I thank the universe that you were brought into my life. I’m not sure if you believe in fate, but I think it was meant to be that our fellas are best friends. Without them we would have never met and that would be a true tragedy of Shakespearean proportions! I only wish I could have half of your grace and beauty. Just knowing you brings me so much happiness, and I look forward to a lifetime of rejecting the boys' outrageous schemes with you. Your infectious spirit filled the room from the moment you came in and reminded us all just how lucky we are to know you.

You both inspire me on a daily basis, both as individuals and as a couple. The love you have for each other radiates and spreads to everyone around you. I don’t know what I did to deserve such amazing friends, but I am so grateful to have you in my life. I only wish we had met sooner! I wish I could keep you both to myself, but it would be unfair to take the magic you bring to the world and keep it just for me. I want so much for you in life. You both deserve the world, and if I could give it to you, I would (but I know you are too humble to accept it). I hope you know that even though you have each other, I am always here for you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.

Thank you for including me in your day and in your hearts.

Cover photo is courtesy of Jesse Waits from Cincinnati, Ohio! He does amazing work and I encourage you to check him out on Facebook! He does all sorts of cool things with teeny tiny cameras that will blow your mind. Seriously, check him out.