Today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day.  This is a day to recognize the amazing achievements of women and to do our part today and everyday to ensure a bright future for girls that is safe, equal, and rewarding. 

I decided to use International Women’s Day to give a shout out to all the bridesmaids out there standing by their friend on her wedding day.  Being a bridesmaid is such an honor, right? You get to be there for one of your best friends as she marries the man of her dreams.  You get to help her in the planning process, help her into her dress, and you gladly wait on her hand and foot that day! You apply lipstick and put her shoes on.  You make sure her champagne glass is always full.  You check for any hair out of place.  Heck, you may even help her as she goes to the bathroom because, whoever has tried to pee in a wedding dress knows, you’re gonna need some help!

Documenting the “getting ready” part of the day is my absolute favorite.  I get to witness the special relationships between our bride and her bridesmaids.  I get a glimpse into how much these women mean to each other.  I see how strong their bonds are, how much they truly care for each other.  Sometimes it’s a beautiful chaos of women jumping on beds and toasting the bride! Sometimes there’s music playing and women are working in harmony to get ready, all while making jokes and reminiscing about all the good times they’ve had.  Other times, it’s quite and calm.  It’s tender and special and intimate.  But, whatever it’s like, it’s always real.  It’s always a representation of their relationship, of their unique bond and that is what makes it special.  Brides, whether you’re getting ready with your group of bridesmaids, it’s just you and your maid of honor or your sister and mom, be sure to get this special moment documented.  These images will last a lifetime and will bring back beautiful memories of how your girls were there for you on this oh so special day! 

You do this because you love each other.  Because the bonds of friendship and womanhood are strong.  As women, we stand by each other during the good times and the bad, and really know how to celebrate the good times together.  We celebrate each other, we celebrate our victories and triumphs, our accomplishments.  And, what better day to celebrate than a wedding day! 

Here’s to the bridesmaids, the girlfriends who know you and love you as you are.  The girlfriends, bridesmaids who will do anything for you, including, but not limited to, lacing a corset, bustling your dress, fasting bracelets and necklaces, adjusting veils, calming nerves, hugging on a whim, giving funny and heartfelt speeches, taking selfie, and wearing matching dresses without complaint! XO