Welcome to a new weekend series! In Wedding Snapshots, I’ll be sharing some photographs from my wedding and reflecting on what those special moments meant to me. I hope you’ll celebrate along with me as I reminisce!
Why Your Girlfriends Still Matter
Balancing a serious relationship with other close friendships can be quite difficult. We often find ourselves choosing between our partners and our friends on a Friday evening. It can even be tempting to tell ourselves that being devoted to our relationship means sacrificing all others. But friends, this could not be further from the truth.
One thing that made my wedding so special was the presence of my very best friends who walked down the aisle with me. In that symbolic moment, they reminded me of all the seasons my husband and I had already journeyed through. They had witnessed it and cheered us on.
And at the wedding, they helped me stay calm in moments of great emotional pressure; they fought battles I did not even know about. They blessed us with toasts and prayers that brought me– and our guests– to tears.
I would say my relationship with my husband is better because I sometimes chose quality time with my girlfriends over dates with him. These women watched me grow within the context of my relationship as well as our own friendships. We asked each other questions and talked about our struggles; we cried over our brokenness and laughed about our frustrations.
They fought with me and they fought for me. After years of doing life together, they were ready to lead the crowd that ushered me into this new season of covenantal life. And they watched the ceremony with great pride and joy because they actually knew me, as well as the story that had reached a new beginning that day.
Friends, it’s so important to continue loving and investing in our nonromantic friendships no matter where we are relationally. Those of us who are blessed with the opportunity to reach great emotional depth with our friends will find support there for our romantic ups and downs. Then when we walk down the aisle– if and when— and we see their sweet faces, we remember that no relationship is intended to be isolated unto itself. Whether in sisterhood or marriage, we are designed to give, to care, and to bring life and joy into the lives of others.
I am so grateful for the women and men who walked beside me and led me to June 7, 2014. Without them, I would probably not have married my husband; I would have been consumed in my own pride, delusions and fears. They gave me courage and humility to do it– to become a woman who could. Three cheers for incredible girlfriends!
In what ways have your friends helped you walk through various relational seasons? I would love to know! And check out my amazing photographers.
If you liked this post, you might also like: Why the 5 Love Languages are Essential for Friendships.
Thank you so much Stephanie! I’m really glad it resonated with you, I was and still am so grateful my sweet friends were there. I’m sure your friends feel the same way 🙂
AMEN TO THIS! as someone who has cheered on many of my friends as they get married, this was so great to read!!! 🙂
Thank you so much Ivana– your words are so kind. And yes, it’s true; our relationships should help us grow as people, and in fact they can make us more generous with our time and attention. I really appreciate you stopping by!! 🙂
Thank you so much Jennifer! Yeah, it’s important to remember that strong friendships enhance your relationship, and the reverse is true as well. Thank you so much for stopping by, and good luck with wedding planning 🙂
I really enjoyed this post! I sometimes struggle with that balance of dates with my hubby or with my girlfriends. This post was a great reminder! We are actually starting to plan our wedding and we realize how important our friends are to us and our relationship! Thanks for the wonderful read!
Jen
http://Www.lavidalifeasitcomes.wordpress.con
Thanks so much Brittney! I’m glad you enjoyed the post, thank you so much for stopping by 🙂
Thank you so much Jamie, you are so kind!! 🙂 Yes, I definitely miss my friends a ton, and being married means I don’t live with them anymore!
Beautiful pictures and such wonderful advice! Friendships are irreplaceable!
oh Daisy! I love this! I used to not understand the importance of friendships but now that I am married I value them more than ever!
Oh, and you were a GORGEOUS bride!!
Thanks so much Emily!! Indeed, it’s all about balance– too much of one thing is rarely healthy 🙂 Thank you for your kind words, Emily! 🙂
Thank you so much Sarah! It’s so great that you include your best girlfriends in all of your romantic relationships– so many people don’t know how to strike that balance! And yes, it’s always a bad idea to go for the girl (or guy) who doesn’t have any real friends– huge warning sign!
Thank you so much Sarah– you’re so kind 🙂
Great post Daisy! I completely agree with what you said. It’s very easy to get caught up in relationships & lose sight of great friendships. I think the key to any strong relationship is balancing those who are important to you in your life. As you mentioned each person helps you grow & learn more than you ever knew possible. Love this!
20somethingfashion.blogspot.com
YES! I have always said that my best friends are my true soul mates and my soul mate is my true best friend. All of your points are spot on. I have always made it a point in my romantic relationships to know that my friends are part of the whole package and it’s done me very well so far. Friends are the best! I watch The Bachelor/ette (go ahead, you can judge me) and one of the siblings of a bachelor once told him before the show started to be weary of the girl all of the other girls in the house didn’t like. I feel like that’s so true. Girl Power!
Also – your wedding was absolutely gorgeous – from the dress to the colors – perfection!
– Sarah 🙂
http://www.thecrownbijoux.blogspot.com
Thanks, friend! Yes, it’s always sad when a relationship is too inward-focused; then the couple misses out on the fun of sharing their lives with others.
Thank you so much Jeanne! 🙂 Right, we need our friends no matter what 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!
This is so well said. I’ve experienced friendships slowly dwindle as couples became more insular. While there are seasons when family needs to be nurtured over friendships, I just can’t live like that for very long.
Absolutely! 🙂 I have really come to enjoy your blog, Daisy! SO much!
I actually have a couple of wedding posts up:
http://makingmrsm.com/our-wedding-ceremony-and-reception/
http://makingmrsm.com/our-wedding-before-the-ceremony/
I absolutely agree! Being in a relationship should never mean sacrificing friendships!
http://www.jeannechristinemarie.blogspot.com
*to be kind to others
beautifully written! you couldn’t be more right! Sometimes people close themselves within their relationship and end up being miserable…Being in relationship should make us be a better person, to strive for more, to be kind to other…By focusing on just one person, we sometimes can make that person feel trapped.
I must add that the photographs are breath-taking! You make me wish I hired a better photographer at my wedding:)
Thank you so much Martha Kate!! I’m so glad you’re enjoying my blog– that is so encouraging 🙂
Thank you so much Joyce!! Exactly, I don’t know what I’d do without my girl friends; and it’s been tough keeping up with everyone now that we’re all spread out, but always so good to be in touch.
Such truth!!! Love it and have loved your blog!! Xoxo MK http://www.leavingperfectionlearninggrace.com
Congratulations! I definitely cherish my girl friends, I don’t know what I’d do without them–but I always am in need of a reminder to be there for them more!
http://www.charactersandcarryons.com
I hear you Mariel– it’s tough. Being married has its own ups and downs and lots of responsibilities, that I at least did not anticipate!
Aww thank you so much Jaelan!! You are so kind– I really appreciate your words. Would love to see photos from your wedding if you’re willing to share them on your blog:)
Thank you so much Anna! And that’s really tough; I’m actually the first among my friends to be married and I’ve made a point of maintaining friendships across distance and my own marriage responsibilities. But really, having single friends continues to give me such great perspective. I really appreciate your kind words, Anna!
Aww thanks so much, I’m really glad you enjoyed it! Your comments are always so kind and uplifting– I really appreciate it:)
Thanks so much Kiki! That is so wonderful that you have such a close and awesome best friend! And really exciting that you get to be part of her wedding, truly an honor. 🙂
Indeed! Thank you Rachel for stopping by:)
Thank you so much Fabrizia! You are so kind 🙂
Thank you so much, I’m really glad you enjoyed it. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I struggle with this, I truly need to make more of an effort!
My goodness! You and your bridesmaids look absolutely gorgeous. This is such a sweet idea.
Aww I loved this! I’m not married, but several of my friends are and sometimes I feel like I get forgotten about because I’m not married. Beautiful pictures too! 🙂
My god, so beautiful – loved what you shared. I really appreciate you writing this post – it kind of got to me and reminded me of things I should know and cherish. Thanks, girl! 🙂
What a fantastic read. I too believe we learn our very best lessons through our friendships. My best friend is like a second mother to me. She’s always bringing me back to reality when I’ve just had enough. She’s always encouraging me. In June, I get to share her joy as she walks down the aisle. (:
http://accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com/
You are so blessed to have such friends!
Really adorable post and amazing shoots!
Fabrizia – Cosa Mi Metto???
Absolutely gorgeous photos! This is such a touching post. Thanks for sharing
Made in Mauve
Thank you so much Rachel! It’s amazing that you’re staying close to your best friend while being separated by distance. I’ve been trying hard to keep in touch with college friends who are scattered all over the world, and it’s super hard! And marriage is the start of a new season and a new family, but I’m hoping that it won’t mean the end of quality female friendships for me:) Thanks so much for your thoughtful words, I always love hearing from you!
Thank you so much Prudence! You are so kind. And yes, I’m grateful everyday for my friends near and far. I really appreciate you stopping by!
Thanks so much Sienna! And absolutely– I’m learning to verbalize my appreciation more often:) I really appreciate you stopping by!
Thank you so much Denise, so glad you enjoyed the post! Your best friend must have loved having you there– I know it meant so much to me. Thanks for stopping by:)
Thanks so much for your kind words Erica! I really appreciate you stopping by:)
Thanks so much friend, your words are always so encouraging:) Hope you had a lovely weekend.
Thanks Niamh!! I am deeply humbled by good friendships everyday. I really appreciate you stopping by:)
Thanks so much Kelly! I really appreciate you stopping by:)
Thank you Elmira! And yes I can see that, it can be so hard to make time when there are family members depending on you. Thanks for sharing that with me. I really appreciate you stopping by:)
Thank you so much Van! Indeed, good friends are hard to find and good friendships take a while to develop. Hope someone comes your way– you deserve it:)
Thank you so much Amy Ann! I really appreciate you stopping by:)
Thanks Borka! You are so sweet.
Aww thanks Brenda!! Yes it’s a lesson learned through experience:) Thank you so much for stopping by!
Thank you for sharing this sweet post, it’s wonderful to hear! Whenever I see something about friends growing apart after one is married it makes me sad, and thankful that currently my best friend and I are in a single season. Thankfully I know that even with us being a couple states apart, her in the middle of crazy busy nursing school, along with much more, we are as close as ever. Of course I miss not having the opportunity to talk with her as much, but it reaffirms that no matter how crazy life is best friends can remain.
Very heartwarming post! It is indeed a huge blessing to have great friends around.Lovely pictures and you look beautiful!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com
These photos are so lovely, and a great post. it’s always good to let those important to you know it!
http://www.rosecolorglass.com
Awwww great photos! You look so so lovely!! Such a great post! I was just in a wedding for my best friend, so this post is super relatable! Thanks.
Denise
http://www.fashionloveletters.com
This is such a cute post! So heartwarming. Thanks for sharing xx
Erica
http://www.eggcanvas.me
This was such a poignant post with great advice! Thanks for sharing this significant part of your life with us. Enjoy a restful Sunday evening, Daisy 🙂
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/
SO beautiful pictures! Heartwarming!
Let me know what you think of my latest article! xx
http://www.searchingforlbd.com
http://www.searchingforLBD.com
Beautiful post! So agree with you. You are so blessed to have such wonderful friends! 🙂
What beautiful photos, so true!
xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
I really like this post. Although I find as you would get more into your own life by having kids and so on, it becomes extremely challenging to maintain the relationship with your girlfriends. At least it was my experience.
xo
Elmira
http://www.wellputtogetherstylebyelmira.com
This was such a unique post! Sometimes down the line I wish I could be blessed with a beautiful group of girl friends like yours. You are so lucky!
x, Van
http://www.forevervanny.com
Great thoughts and beautiful photos. It’s so important to have good girls friends!!
xo, Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
This is beyond beautiful!
Kisses from Miami,
Borka
http://www.chicfashionworld.com
I know all too well about this! I was in a relationship were I didn’t make anytime for my girlfriends…3 years ago. Thanks for the reminder!
Thank you so much, friend! Thanks also for stopping by and leaving me a comment, I really appreciate it:)
Thanks so much Vale!! I really appreciate you stopping by:)
Thank you so much Jessica, I’m so grateful that you enjoyed this post:) Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words:)
Thank you so much for your sweet words! And yes, everything is better when enjoyed with good girlfriends:) I always enjoy hearing from you Stephanie!
Thank you, Lena! You are so kind. I really appreciate you stopping by:)
Thanks so much Morgan!! I really appreciate you stopping by:)
Thanks so much Heidi!! And absolutely– friendships that last a long time are so precious.
Thank you Jill! I really appreciate you stopping by:)
Thank you for your kind words! Sorry, I don’t accept invitations to follow-for-follow. But I appreciate you stopping by. 🙂
Thanks Charity:))
Thanks so much Joi!! So glad you enjoyed it– hope you’re having a great day, friend!
Wonderful post!
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr
What a super sweet recap, having close friends is such a blessing ! Kisses
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Aww.. that’s just the sweetest… I’m teary-eyed right now… Such an inspiration. Love your post!
Jessica
notjessfashion.com
So gorgeous. You look so beautiful. I agree that girlfriends are so important, they make any occasion easier and brighter. xo
http://www.chasing-peonies.blogspot.com
What a lovely post! And congratulations on the wedding! You look marvelous 🙂
Great post, girl time is necessary in any relationship!
Morgan
http://www.eenymeenyminymorgan.blogspot.com
Loved this post! Girlfriends are the best and I cherish them more and more as time goes on.
Heidi D.
http://www.wishesandreality.com
What a sweet post! Your photos are beautiful!
Jill
http://www.dousedinpink.com
I love these pictures!!Amazing blog!
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CHIC STREET CHOC
This is precious! 🙂
Such a sweet story. I agree, we always need quality girl-friend time 🙂 Beautiful photos
http://thejoifullife.com/
Thank you so much Sarah!! You are so sweet. Hope you’re having a great weekend:)
Thank you so much, Joanna! Exactly– so wonderful that you were surrounded by sweet women who loved you. The journey is made so much better when shared with friends. Hope you’re having a lovely weekend:)
That’s awesome to hear, Lauren– and thank you 🙂 Getting married is one of those moments, at least for me, when my love and appreciation for friendships increased that much more. So cool that you were part of that journey for your friends!
all of these shots are gorgeous, but I love the first one 🙂
Sarah
Midwest Darling
This is such a sweet post, Daisy. I got married on August 3, 2013 and I will always cherish those moments with my six bridesmaids- my sisters and my best friends. You look absolutely beautiful in these pictures, and so happy. There’s really nothing like having a great group of women who are always there for you. xx
lovejoanna.com
This post is so beautiful, Daisy! Alison did a really nice job of capturing really tender, organic moments. Plus, you looked to pretty!
My friends have been really instrumental in my experiences at Penn. God has done a lot to humble me these past couple of years, and they helped walk me through that, and got me out in one piece. I also have a few friends here who have gotten engaged, and married after graduation. It’s been a real blessing to see them walk through the process (and also to get to take a small part in it).