My older sister got married at the beginning of summer 2018, in June. My sister and I have a good relationship, but it is a little unconventional. This is because she is 13 years older than me. When I was born, she was more like a second mom to me than a sister. She was looking after me, changing my diapers, and feeding me. We really didn't become close until I started my later years of high school.

She got engaged in December 2016 and in August of 2017 she asked me to be her Maid of Honor. I was so surprised and emotional that I started crying. I was only 17, so I didn't know how I was going to do all that things that a Maid of Honor usually does. Luckily, she also had a Matron of Honor. And she did a lot of the work that needed to be done.

When it came down to giving toasts at the wedding, I was asked if I wanted to give one. Being the youngest person at the event, I wasn't really comfortable doing it, so I respectfully declined and let the Matron of Honor do it. I really regret this. I should've said everything that was on my mind that day.

So, to my big sister, and best friend, here is what I wish I said on the day you got married.

Ashley, it has made me so happy to see you be so filled with joy throughout your engagement and while planning your wedding. I knew at Thanksgiving in 2014 when you were texting a guy named "Chris" and smiling down at your phone, that he must really be someone special. Even though you told me that he was "just a friend," I think we all knew that he was more than that.

I have been waiting for this day since I was little. I always used to imagine that I would be the flower girl, and I never even thought that I would be your Maid of Honor. I was so shocked when you asked me, but this is so much better than being a flower girl. You were usually like a second mom to me because of our age gap, but I am so happy about how close we have gotten. I am so happy that I got to stand by your side today. I am so happy with how much more time we have gotten to spend together throughout this past year and a half. And I am so happy that you and Chris are finally married.

Chris, thank you for making my sister so incredibly happy. Thank you for sharing her love for music, brews, Baltimore and of course her dog, Newman. I think my whole family and I can agree that we have seen something change in Ashley since you came into her life, and it has been amazing to see. We are so happy that you are now a part of our crazy family.

So to Ashley and Chris, Congratulations! Thank you for allowing me to play this part in your big day. I love you both, and I can't wait to see what your future together holds.