My Best Friend's Wedding

So my best friend in the whole world is MARRIED! I can hardly even believe it, even though it was over a week ago. I am very, very proud to have been such a big part of Katy & Tyler's day, and SO blessed to call her my best friend. It was so cool to be able to stand next to her as her Maid of Honor as she said her vows to Tyler before God and everyone, as she had done for me almost a year and a half ago. We have truly come full circle for one another, and it warms my heart that our friendship is stronger today than it has ever been. I guess I underestimated the magnitude of what it is to be a "Maid of Honor". I mean, I always knew she would be mine and I hers, but I suppose I didn't realize the impact it would have on me. As I was waiting with her in the Bridal Suite in the church, waiting for her Dad to come back and walk her down the aisle, I had the most powerful feeling of what it is to be a best friend to someone. That she wanted me there, needed me there, depended on me, was leaning on me. It was such a surreal feeling, and one that inspired my passion for our friendship and what she was about to embark upon.

I had stayed up until 2 a.m. the night before with her. Putting together all of the programs, tying them together with the most impossible of leather strips. But there was nowhere else I'd have rather been at that time. I woke up the next morning around 7, and sat at the computer to type up directions to the reception hall, and then cut all 350 of them into separate strips. I loaded up the car with her and Tyler's luggage for Matt to drop off at the hotel, after I shuttled her to the hair salon and back, complete with an in-between trip to go back and get her veil. And I'd do it all over again. I sweated off a good 5 pounds bustling her dress, and certainly didn't make any friends as I ordered the emcee around and gathered up the wedding party. And I won't even mention the wedding cake debacle. But she is worth every second of it to me. To know that whatever it was that I was doing, and whoever it was I was chewing out, that it was one less thing that would take away from HER day with Tyler, is priceless to me.

I hope that I did her justice up there, because she certainly has always come through for me. And like I told Tyler in my toast to them that night, if she is even half the wife to him as friend she's been to me...he's in very good hands. And then some.

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Tyler Merrill!! I love you both!