My eldest sister was married in the fall of 2018. Months prior my youngest sister and I were asked to be her maid of honor. She came over one evening with two blue Gatorades, one for my youngest sister and one for me. A tag was strapped to it with a ribbon asking, “will you be my Maid of Honor?” Of course, we were super excited and touched to be asked and said yes. 

Since we are both under 21, we weren’t able to be involved in planning or attending the bachelorette party, so our cousin took the role of the “unofficial” maid of honor. 

The night before the wedding my sisters and I went out to dinner, then stayed together in the bridal suite. I thought it was super sweet to be there with our sister, a sleepover on her last night before she was married. 

The next morning we woke up fairly early to get ready for the makeup artist and hairstylist to arrive around 10 a.m., around the same time the rest of the bridesmaids were to show up. 

Things quickly grew chaotic. People were buzzing everywhere trying to get ready on time and enjoy the day. My hair was in a half-up half-down style and curled, my makeup was heavier than I had ever worn it before, and I even wore fake lashes for the first and probably last time. 

My youngest sister and I were in shorter, ice blue lace dresses. The other bridesmaids were in deeper blue longer dresses. Contrary to the stereotype of bridesmaids hating their dresses, I loved all of ours. They coordinated perfectly and looked lovely. 

That afternoon the ceremony began. Immediate and extended family filled the room and all eyes were on us as we walked down the aisle, signaling the bride was soon to arrive. 

My sister’s dress was strapless and covered in sparkles with the train brushing the carpet as she walked, and it had pockets! She was a beautiful bride. 

I stood a few feet away from her at the altar and fluffed the train when she arrived. After the ceremony when photos were being taken I followed her, holding her train and fluffing it for the pictures.  

The reception was well put together, and catered by the hotel. When it came time to give the maid of honor speech I thought I would be nervous, but to my surprise it was easy. I looked at my family and my sister and the words just came flowing. Surrounded by those that I love in a beautiful, joyful setting, I was comfortable and happy. Being maid of honor is an experience I will always be proud of and cherish.