On my birthday, a big package awaited me on my doorstep. Tearing it open, I thought wow, my friend Erin knows how to send a birthday card. Then, as I unwrapped the super light box, I realized it was instead an invitation to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. Pretty much the cutest bridesmaid invitation I had ever seen! She sent an adorable, personalized hanger to hang our bridesmaid dresses, complete with a little tag reading, “Will you please hang with me on my wedding day?”
Cute.
Weddings seem to come in cycles and Alex and I are currently on an upswing. The last was 2009, the year we were married and attended five weddings. In two weeks, Alex’s friend will be married and I will attend another friend’s bridal shower. This sweet, childhood friend that sent the bridesmaid invitation will not be married until next fall and I cannot wait.
I love weddings.
The year I planned ours, I woke up excited every morning for what lay ahead. Now, I’m excited to accompany another friend on this journey. She and I first met in elementary school and bonded over our quirky shyness as middle schoolers. We liked the same boys, stayed up late giggling uncontrollably, and developed code names for everything. Even though years kept us apart as we got older, we always easily reconnected when life brought us back together.
Tonight I’m feeling grateful for old friends, love, and weddings.
oliviaobryon 
Like for the memories and connections that stay with you.