Let me tell you, being a bridesmaid is not for the faint of heart. I’ve had the honor of standing beside several close friends as they tied the knot, each with their own unique styles and very specific requests. And with every wedding, I reminded myself it wasn’t about how I felt but about how much I loved them and wanted to see their wedding dreams come true. Some dresses hugged my body like a dream, others… well, let’s just say I was grateful for my self-confidence. Yet, despite the fashion hits and (many) misses, they all wanted me to be a part of their special day, and that’s what really mattered.
But after turns as a bridesmaid, I’ve made a vow of my own: no more weddings unless I’m sitting in the guest section with a plate of cake! Well, there’s one exception—if my sister Asialyn decides to walk down the aisle, you know I’ll be there in a heartbeat. And fine, maybe for my nephew, too. By then, I’ll be an older, wiser woman, and they’ll have to find me a dress that fits me and my walker! (Okay, kidding. Sort of.)
Being part of a bridal party is a whole different beast. Trust me when I say, no two bridal parties are alike, but they all come with their own brand of drama. Cattiness? Check. The one bossy maid of honor who’s running things like it’s her military operation? Double check. I’ve never had the honor of being a maid of honor, but I imagine it’s stressful managing everyone’s opinions, needs, and personalities. It’s like herding cats, but in heels. Oh, and don’t get me started on being paired with a groomsman! I’ve mostly had good luck, but there was this one time… The man had the nerve to proposition me after learning I was married. He looked at my wife and said, “Welp, I’ll take you both!” Excuse me?! Sir, we are not on the menu.
But the real fun? That starts at the reception, of course! Finally, you get to let your hair down—literally—kick off those shoes, and dance like no one’s watching. No more fussing with your hair, makeup, or squeezing into that dress for pictures. It’s all about dancing, eating, drinking, and celebrating. My kind of party!
Now, let me tell you about the last wedding I was in. This one hit differently. I had been part of this bride’s entire journey—through the ups, downs, and heartbreaks—and I knew how much she deserved to be loved by someone who adored her the way I do. So when she found her person, I was over the moon! It was the kind of love that makes you believe in fairytales, and honestly, I was just as smitten with her partner for loving her so completely.
This one was a destination wedding—my first! So there I was, packing for a whole trip and getting beautified for forever photos. It was worth it though; their personalities shined through in every detail. It felt like a reunion, too, with childhood friends and family, catching up over poolside drinks, laughter, and games. The vibe was so fun, we almost forgot we had a wedding to get to!
One of my favorite parts of this destination wedding was the morning walks on the beach with the groom. He made sure we were enjoying ourselves, and with every step, he’d talk about how excited he was for the day to come. Seeing his anticipation and love for his bride was heartwarming—it reminded me of why we were all there, standing in the sand for this moment.
When the big day finally came, it was perfect—sun shining, wind lightly blowing, and sand under our toes. And get this, my wife and I were both in the wedding! She was the officiant, and I, of course, was a bridesmaid again (surprise, surprise). It was her first time officiating, but she handled it like a pro. We rehearsed beforehand, and every word she spoke came straight from her heart and our 10+ years of marriage experience—humor included. By the time the ceremony ended, there were tears streaming down my face. And let me tell you, I am not a crier, but this wedding got me. Maybe it’s old age softening me up. Or maybe it was the love, the moment, and the realization that this was the last time I’d be a bridesmaid.
I’ve officially retired my bridesmaid shoes. But as I reflect on all the weddings I’ve been a part of, this one—this moment—made me realize something beautiful: every love story is unique, and every time I stood beside someone I loved, it wasn’t just about a dress or a title. It was about bearing witness to the kind of love that changes lives and connects hearts in a way only God can orchestrate. I may not walk down that aisle as a bridesmaid again, but I’ll always be cheering from the sidelines, ready to celebrate love in all its forms. Because at the end of the day, that’s what really matters.
