when friends become family.

When this lady asked me to be in her wedding, she thought it would be for me to help her on her wedding day. After all, isn't that what bridesmaids are for?!?! Little did I know that becoming one of her maids would forever change me.

See, here is the thing... through all of the wedding festivities, the showers, the parties, the weekends at her in-laws... we became family. I found myself pulling away from the lake house where we stayed for the wedding weekend in tears. Happy for Hunter and Ashley, but sad that all the fun was coming to an end. Then I realized it wasn't the end, but the beginning.

Ashley comes from a long line of strong women, so I have learned. These women are incredible. Her family welcomed me with open arms. They have become my family. I am so grateful for them. I sat in a beautiful home on the lake and listened to their laughter on the porch and felt the love that was infectious. It was overwhelming. Not to mention, she lucked out with mother-in-law that is a precious woman.

I also learned this weekend that if you are open, you might find a friend in someone you didn't think you have a lot in common with. Turns out sometimes people surprise you and end up being a new friend (and laugh at your lame jokes).

I feel so blessed and thankful to have been a part of a special day, but even more, to have walked away with much more than another bridesmaid dress.