Choosing my bridesmaids was pretty easy, because I gave myself a limit of 2. (Which I increased to 3 at a later date). If I was having a bigger wedding, I would of struggled to decide between all of my close friends. I’m the sort of person that has plenty of really good friends and few ‘best friends’. At the age of 10 I moved away from where I grew up. I moved far away from my family and from my friends I had know since playschool. I tried my hardest to keep in touch with everyone, but moving at such a young age meant I had no choice but to start all over again. Building relationships and creating new memories.

Like I said before, I have lots of close friends, but because I limited myself to 2 bridesmaids I had no doubt who they would be. If I had decided to have 6 bridesmaids, I would really struggle to pick between everyone. I love all of my friends dearly, but the bridesmaids I have chosen hold a very special place in my heart for their own reasons.

Maid of Honour

I met Justine when I was 17. We both attended the same 6th form college, along with the rest of the ‘girls’. She was introduced to us by Alice (my other bridesmaid) and we welcomed her with open arms. Over the past few years Justine has been my rock. We have developed a beautiful bond of love and trust. Before Little Lamb came along, she spent most evenings snuggling on my sofa drinking tea and watching Friends. My other half works nights, so while I was pregnant she was my honorary hubby, looking after me in case I went into labour. In fact when I reached my due date, she stayed at mine 3 nights in a row, then had to go home to work 🙁 and I went into labour that night! All alone! Typical. Even with her own things going on, she always finds the time to pop over for a quick cuppa, or most likely a chinese! We often text each other asking if it’s “chinese Tuesday?”, or “chinese Wednesday?”… you get the idea. Every time we reply with “always!” (a quote from Friends of course) This is probably really boring to read, but it makes us laugh!

Justine is probably one of the funniest people I know, but also one of the most stubborn! I think that’s why we are so close… we are very similar characters 😉 Will Justine and I be friends forever? Always.

Bridesmaid 1

Another very easy choice. My best friend. My sister (in law). I have known Alice since secondary school. We hung out in the same group of friends, but it wasn’t until college that we got really close. Alice and I went to 6th form college together (where I met Justine), and after completing our A levels went onto to complete our Foundation Art course together. This was where our close friendship blossomed. As I mentioned earlier Alice is also my sister-in-law. Well, to be. Once I marry her brother!! Alice actually set Joe and I up on our first date. Joe saw a photo of me on her bedroom wall (her walls were covered in photos, literally top to bottom). He asked who I was and if he could take me out! At the time I was in a relationship (that was slightly rocky), so I avoided her suggestion to give Joe my number. But as my relationship was coming to an end, I got a sneaky text from Joe. The rest is history!

Alice and I both have brothers, no sisters, so we have built a very special sisterly bond, and love each other very much. What is amazing is I basically get to hang out with my best friend all year round (apart from at the mo while she is living in Australia!) Birthdays, girly nights, family occasions, family holidays, Alice is always there and we have so much fun together. Lets not mention our obsession with cats…

Bridesmaid 2

As I said earlier, I was originally having 2 bridesmaids as we were keeping the wedding party to a minimum. But, Joe decided he was having 3 ushers and a bestman, so obviously I was allowed another bridesmaid! Enter Stevie, my sister in law.

I decided to ask Stevie because we have developed a great friendship over the past few years. My younger brother and I have always had a close relationship, so I had no doubt in my mind Stevie would become one of my best friends. If she’s good enough for Dominic, she’s good enough for me!

Stevie and Dominic looked after me while I was pregnant with Jaxson. When Joe was working I would get him to take me to their flat on his way to work so we could hang out (I hated being on my own every night). Stevie would cook me lots of yummy meals (she’s awesome in the kitchen), I particularly love her chicken & chorizo lasagne. I blame her for my 2 1/2 stone pregnancy weight gain 😉

I was the most excited about asking Stevie to be my bridesmaid, because she had no idea I was asking her! The other two girls knew they would be involved, my two BFFs, I wouldn’t be able to do it without them! But I’m sure Stevie would expect me to ask another friend rather than her. Well, she is my friend, a best friend, and I love that she is in our family.

What is even more special about Stevie being a bridemaid, is she gets to walk down the isle with the most special person in her life, her Son, my Nephew, Indiana (another one of my BFFs).

Oh, and if you are wondering what the balloon is about, I sent the girls a lovely card from Not On The High Street with a balloon attached. Once the balloon was blown up they would see the message asking them to be my bridesmaid! (Don’t tell Stevie I told you, but she got a little emotional when she opened the card 😉 )

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my beautiful bridesmaids for all of their help so far, and for any help you give me in the near future. I am very happy you are part of my special day.

Alex x