I’ve had the privilege to stand beside some of my best and closest friends as they recited their marriage vows. I’ve shed tears, shared laughs, and rejoiced at the site of some extremely beautiful brides.
In the excitement of becoming engaged to the love of my life, I couldn’t help but think of some very special ladies that I wanted standing by my side on our special day. Ladies who’ve supported me, loved me, comforted me, and cheered for me throughout my life. They’ve been there through thick and thin, accepted me for me, and accompanied me through high school, college, first jobs, second jobs, and big moves. I am blessed with amazing friends, but five women specifically have been the best friends I could ever wish for – Bethany, Carolyn, Mallory, Megan, and Sarah.
Knowing how much time and money goes into bridesmaid duties, I wanted the opportunity to truly ask my friends if they could be a part of my special day. With card-stock, stamps, twine, and bottles of champagne – I made these…
As I prepare for the day that I’m to be a bride, it would mean the world to have you sipping by my side… Will you be my bridesmaid?
Bethany Baggett. My sister, my friend. Although we once fought over clothes, shoes, and toys – those days have past. Yes, we still have our differences. If you know us both, you know they are strong differences. But, we share a bond that is a God-given blessing – sisterhood. We’ve coined our sisterly love for each other, sisy love. She’s more than my sister, she’s my friend. For all of the nights she kept me up because she was scared after watching Scooby-Doo, for all of my dolls she tortured with Crayola markers and scissors, and for all of the clothes she stole, crinkled-up, and threw on her bedroom floor – I couldn’t think of a better way to pay her back, than to ask her to be my Maid of Honor. I’ve been blessed with one, very amazing sister and I’m proud to have her by my side as my Maid of Honor. I asked her on September 1, 2011 – right after Justin asked me to be his wife. Well, she kind of told me she’d assume the role of Maid of Honor.
Carolyn Kimbrel Cannon. My soon-to-be cousin. On November 7, 2009, I watched two of my closest friends say, “I do.” Carolyn Kimbrel married Trae Cannon {Justin’s cousin} in Albany, Georgia. Justin and I were both honored to support these two as they made promises of forever to each other. Carolyn and I have only been friends for a few years, but it was one of those long-lasting friendships from the start. She was there when I said, “Yes!” – and she’ll be there when I say, “I do.” For years it’s been a running joke that we’d one day be family – and now, it’s here! I couldn’t been more happy to have my future cousin standing beside me on our special day.
Mallory Middleton McBride. After bonding over heartbreak our Junior year of high school, she’s been one of my best friends. She introduced me to Aubie, the city of Auburn, and the battle cry, “War Eagle.” On October 10, 2009, I watched as Mallory said, “I do” to her high school sweetheart. We danced to Miley Cyrus’ hit Party in the USA and sipped on sweet tea. I was honored to share that day with her and will remember it forever. Our friendship over the years has brought so much happiness to my life, I couldn’t imagine my wedding day without her standing by my side.
Megan Piper White. A childhood friend. We met as infants in the nursery of Poulan Baptist Church. We spent our younger years hunting Easter eggs and celebrating birthday parties at Putt-Putt. After a brief hiatus, we were reunited in middle school atSherwood Baptist Church. It wasn’t until Megan joined the SCA cheerleading squad that we became close friends again. Since then, we’ve shared friends, majors in college, the city of Savannah, and now have the privilege of working together at Visit Savannah. My friendship with Megan has brought me: encouragement, good advice, new friends, a deepened faith, stronger friendship, a new beginning, and courage to face my fears. On April 10, 2010 on St. Simon’s Island, Megan Piper became Mrs. White. This marked another wedding date that I will forever remember and cherish. I value my friendship with Megan and am excited to have her standing by my side as I marry my best friend.
Sarah Taylor Hobby. My friendship with Sarah is like none other. Although we’ve shared endless amounts of good times, it’s those rock bottom days that have made our friendship so strong. In 2005, I lost my Mema. Sarah was the first familiar face I saw after hearing this devastating news. She held me as I sobbed, offered encouraging words, and prayed over my limp body as I wept. To this day, I’m not sure if she knows how much I appreciate her comfort on that terrible day. If the Lord put her in my life, just for that moment in time – I’m grateful. In 2009, Sarah lost her father. I will never understand the loss she felt as she received the earth-shattering news. It was in this time of desperation, that I was given the opportunity to repay her kindness as I stood by her side while she grieved the loss of her father. As time passed, I’ve watched Sarah grow into a strong, loving woman and I’ve continued to be blessed by her friendship. On November 12, 2011, I had the pleasure of standing beside Sarah on her wedding day, of watching her brother and mother give her away, and to see her shine as a bride. Experiencing life changing moments with a friend like Sarah has been a gift from the Lord – and I couldn’t imagine becoming Mrs. Heape without her standing beside me.
