I always knew that I wanted to surprise my bridesmaids and ask them in a unique way. I spent some time brainstorming a bunch of ways to ask them before coming to an idea that I thought was the most "me!" Today I'm going to be sharing with you how I asked my bridesmaids and who I picked!

To go with my wedding theme, I decided to make each of them dreamcatchers (and one for myself to match) and have calligraphy and watercolor letters written for them that say:

"Will you stand by my side as my dreams come true and be my bridesmaid?"

I loved the dreamcatcher idea not only because its pretty and bohemian, but its also a keepsake that the girls can hang up in their room as a memento. I also chose to have letters and envelopes made that could easily be framed for the same purpose.

I wrapped up the dreamcatchers and letters in blush tissue paper (I'm all about the details) and sent them to my girls' doorsteps earlier this week! This has been in the works for months and it killed me not to tell them what was going on, but the element of surprise that I was so excited for kept me quiet!

THE LETTERS

  
 I love that the letters are items that my bridesmaids can always keep and look back on. They were made by one of my favorite girls on Instagram, Sydney Soelberg. I was looking into the idea of having someone write bridesmaid letters for me when she just so happened to reached out to me. I was already a fan of her work so I was super excited to collaborate with her on my idea! If you're interested in having calligraphy work done, you should definitely consider Syd. She's so great to work with and she does custom orders to fit whatever needs you have! Check out her Instagram and website. :)

THE DREAMCATCHERS

 Here's what you'll need to make them:

• Metal hoop

• Crotchet/lace doily

• Fabric ribbon, trim, etc.

• Yarn in various textures and thicknesses

• Hot glue gun + glue

• Scissors

Begin by wrapping the ribbon of your choice around the metal hoop. Hot glue it in place every few wraps to make sure it doesn't budge. When you've covered the whole hoop, hot glue the end down and cut off the excess ribbon.

Next, cut your yarn into strips — you'll need to measure what length you need for the look you're going for. Begin looping them around one end of the hoop and vary what type of textures you use as you go.

And you're done! It's so simple, but so gorgeous and delicate at the same time. I had a lot of fun making these and now I want to make a million more for our apartment and wedding! ;)

THE BRIDESMAIDS

I asked my cousin Caitlin to be my maid of honor, which was a no-brainer to everyone in my family I'm sure. We're basically attached at the hip, we dress alike arguably WAY too often, and we never stop laughing when we're together. I smile looking back on our memories of stalking cute lifeguards at Myrtle Beach when we were teenagers, making dance videos (more like productions because these were heavily planned out, people!), getting yelled at by our family for taking too long to get ready, and shopping way more than necessary. Caitlin is not only blood, but also one of my very best friends.

For my bridesmaids, I asked my closest friends growing up: Kassie, Natalie, Danielle, and Stacy. 

Kassie is always one of my biggest cheerleaders, and I love her for that. She supports me in all of my decisions and always has a piece of advice about everything, whether it be what gift to buy Justin for our anniversary or what I should do to address whatever predicament I may be in. She is always there to listen, just as I am for her, and I'm so happy knowing she's only ever a text or phone call away. Kassie, thank you for providing endless bonfires and always having "senior picture photo shoots" with me long before we were ever close to being seniors.

Natalie and I met at age five and have been close since a young age. I have such fond memories of us playing Mary Kate & Ashley while watching their movies and pretending to do whatever they were doing, and BELIEVING we could pass for twins, plotting to switch places by going home on each other's buses in first grade (don't worry, we didn't follow through! :)) — we were actually convinced that out parents wouldn't notice. Natalie has always brought such a positive, light energy to my life, always being up for anything, and I'm so appreciative of that.

Danielle and I have always made such a good team, whether that be writing ridiculous stories and poems when we were younger just for fun, planning ways to help Natalie in a time of need when boys she wasn't interested in wouldn't stop pursuing her (this happened more often than you'd think), or being co-editors for our high school newspaper. Danielle is the listener of the group, always being so sincere and level-headed. Thanks for all the times driving around blaring "Jai Ho" and being my carpool buddy!

Stacy and I grew up living next door to each other, being the closest thing either of us ever had to a sister. I can't even begin to count the number of days we spent as kids running around barefoot with dirty feet (I'm not kidding, we literally NEVER wore shoes), playing "mermaids" in the pool, saving up every dime and nickel we had (or could find under the couch cushions) to donate food to the animal shelter, and throwing weddings for our dogs — Mardi Gras beads and all.

__________

I'm so excited to have each of my bridesmaids stand by my side on my special day and I'm so happy with how my surprise turned out!