Back in July, one of my friends got engaged, and I was there to see it unfold. There was barely a dry eye in the place when he got down on one knee in the middle of serenading her with "Marry Me" by Train. Before the night was even over, she asked me to be one of her bridesmaids. I was surprised, honestly, because I wasn't expecting that.

This is not the first wedding I've been a part of, but it's the first time I will be a bridesmaid. I'm honored that someone would want me to stand beside them as they pledge themselves to someone forever. However, since I've had no experience with being a big part of a wedding, it has been interesting trying to help where I can and give advice where I'm asked.

The closer the wedding gets, the more frantic the planning gets, meaning it's all hands on deck. Whenever I see her, our conversations always seem to drift to talking about the ceremony or the dresses or the table settings. While I'm happy to help with the actual planning, I think there's more to being a bridesmaid than just wearing a fancy dress and holding flowers.

Being able to stand next to one of my friends as she begins a new journey in her life goes beyond the actual wedding day. I am promising to be there for my friend and her husband - help them, laugh with them, cry with them, and love them. I get to watch my friend grow into her new role as a wife.

Before the big day, though, I get to be a trusted confidant, someone who can console the bride-to-be when it looks like everything is falling apart. I will gladly do my part to make her special day all that it should be, but I know that I am in her life for the long run. I have been there for her since before she got engaged, and I will be there for her long after she gets married. I can't wait to celebrate some of my favorite people!