I recently had the pleasure of being a bridesmaid in my best friend’s wedding. While it was truly a joy to stand by her side, the most wonderful part of the weekend was their display of unconditional love for one another. It taught me true love still exists and it’s out there for everyone.

The bride, Ansley met her husband at our church in the fifth grade at our after school program, FFGO (For Fifth Grader’s Only). They became instant friends, going on choir tour together and other youth trips and day camps. However, it wasn’t until our sophomore year of high school that they became an “official” couple.

Patrick, the groom, always knew how to make a grand gesture. We were all sitting at the pep rally for one of the few home games that season when Patrick got on the microphone to give the player talk. Instead of the normal speech, though he said “Ansley will you go to homecoming with me?” and our Dean of Students brought out a bouquet of flowers.

She, of course, said yes, and the rest was history.

Our senior year of high school, Patrick accepted a football scholarship to play at the Naval Academy. Ansley would not be attending there, but she would go on to UGA.

We all were nervous about the long distance, but she believed in the process and knew they could work.

It was the last night of summer before she and I left for college, when she and I, along with our two other close friends discussed the future. Ansley told us her plans were to finish at UGA and marry Patrick in a chapel with us being bridesmaids.

She spoke that into existence, because six years later on June 1, 2019 that is exactly what happened.

Ansley and Patrick got married, where they met, with us standing by their side.

She walked down the aisle, while Patrick teared up, looking at the beautiful woman he had known for most of his life.

It was the wedding fairy tales are made of; the lovers who defied the distance and the odds. Following the ceremony, Patrick’s naval brothers did a sword arch. It was something I had never seen before. Each sword was raised after the new couple followed the command of kiss on the cheek and kiss on the lips. Once completed, the final sword tapped Ansley, welcoming her into their naval family.

It was the best wedding I could’ve asked to be a part of, and one of the most beautiful couples.

I am wishing them the happiest journey on their new adventure and hoping that I can find a love that can match that they have for each other.