miss barnett.

We met in Mr. Meade's  pre-calculus class when we were juniors in high school.  It was one of those how-in-the-world-are-we-just-becoming-friends moments, and it's been her + me since then. We would have week-long sleepovers at a time, even in the middle of the school year, and I'm pretty positive that for two whole summers in a row, we didn't hang out with anyone else unless one of us was going to be there. The lake + the beach saw us together regularly, and her family quickly became my second family.

It's hard to believe that it's been nearly nine years since we first became inseparable, but it has been the most fun adding new memories to our timeline of friendship every time we get together. We've laughed together + cried together + given each other "looks" so often that we always know what each other is saying without a word being spoken + defended each other + prayed together + made plans to never, ever let the day come when we're not friends. Not just mere friends, but the best kind we can be. 

Three years ago,  she stood by my side as I became a wife, and today, this twenty-sixth day of April, I get to do the same for her. A whole new chapter is beginning for Miss Barnett, so much so that "miss" will never be a name we call her again. I am elated to watch her walk down the aisle, and I have no doubt in my mind that what comes next for her + David will be the most thrilling ride they've ever been on. Marriage is a beautiful blessing, and one centered around the love of our gracious Jesus Christ is what makes it so.

In honor of this special, once-in-a-lifetime day, I think a little flashback of where this duo began is most appropriate, back when marriage was just a distant dream for the both of us. I sure do love our yeah-you-had-to-be-there friendship!

Best friend not bestie,

May you know that you are loved + cherished more than you can imagine, may you be confident that the power of Christ Jesus is within you, may you never, not even for a second, doubt that this next adventure you embark on today will be more incredible than any of your wildest dreams., and may you trust that no matter what, I'll always be right here with you, cheering you on as you pursue the adventures placed before you. Happy wedding day to you, best friend not bestie, my precious soon-to-be Mrs. llaneza!

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us." 
-1 John 4:18-19