My Best Friend's Wedding

I met Sam when I was 16. That's 10 years of friendship today. She was gentle and soft-spoken, I guess it's true what they say: opposites attract. I was a freshman in college and she was my block mate. Her small and beautifully freckled face caught my eye. I can't exactly remember how our conversation began, all I know is we hit it off right away.

My fondest memories of Sam were back when our professors would declare free cuts. Automatically, we'd head over her home and lounge with her at the basement, which they transformed into their room. She shared it with her two other sisters (and her closest friends for that matter). It was always cold and no sunlight penetrated through it, which made me figure out why Sam was such a sleepy head, always running late for class, even when her house was only 10 minutes away from our campus.

We've had such great memories in that basement—sleepovers, make up sessions, cry-fests over stupid boys—sometimes it would serve as a hospital for the hung-over, which was usually Stacy. We would dance and sing and laugh and play with her nephew and little cousins. We would eat all the green mangoes from their farm until our stomachs hurt. It was a place of warm cuddles, honest conversations, and shared secrets.

the Maids of Honor (Sam's beautiful sisters)

with my college friends, Sab and Krisha

the groom

Sky, Sam's child, who was also part of her entourage

the bride, writing her vows

Mikee, honoring his parents

Sam, honoring her parents

I've seen Sam and Mikee's love story unfold since day 1. When Mikee would lurk around the volleyball court and watch Sam play. When they were introduced and we all knew that they both secretly liked each other. When they finally became official. Mikee is Sam's perfect match, her God's best, and I can say it confidently, with no doubt in my mind. 

Sam's family

FINALLY!!! YOU'RE MARRIED TO THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE!!! It was so hard to hold back the tears as you walked down the aisle last Saturday. You were the most stunning bride. Your smile, your aura—it was like there was light around you, following you every step towards the altar. 

Your smile was as bright as the sun, but your glow was as soft as the moon. 

I want to thank you for the friendship you have given me. I know we had a barren season in our sisterhood, but it was necessary for us to grow individually. I was going through some identity crisis, and you were entering the concrete jungle of your career as a teacher. I missed you during those days. I missed you a lot. I hurt a lot without you in my life, but I knew I had my faults and shortcomings, too.

I have seen you go through your deepest heartache with your past relationship, but truly, God trades His beauty for our ashes. Even though it was difficult, you soldiered on and fought for yourself. I think you're so brave. You embraced your aloneness with such delicate hope, and just when the timing was right, God sent Mikee your way. You didn't wait in vain. You are both beyond blessed to have found each other under the wonderful canopy of His Goodness, Faithfulness and Grace. 

I know for a fact that your love is a God kind of love. I've witnessed you go through the very challenging path of a long distance relationship, but this is definite and certain: 

Love always wins.

I love you, Samantha! I am so joyful and grateful to be a part of your wedding. Thank you, for it is our honor to have hosted it. Thank you for treating us like family and loving us all these years. You and Mikee are blessings in our lives, and I cannot wait to see your love blossom even more.

gel nails by Beauty and Butter

I love genuine and sincere weddings. Ones that aren't done for show. Ones where God is so obviously present and the love overflows. What a Saturday well-spent.