I met Stephanie when I went away to college. I only knew a handful of people down in Statesboro and I was super sad that I wasn’t going to Athens. In fact on the day we left to head down to Statesboro I remember looking at my mom and dad and saying “ok never mind- let’s just scratch this trip. I’ll go to GPC or State – I don’t need to go away”
Needless to say they forced me into the car and it was a good thing because I met one of my very best friends- Stephanie McDaniel.
Stephanie showed up at just the right time in my life. My heart had been broken and I felt lost. She stepped in, picked me up and helped me heal. She helped me find my laugh again and boy oh boy did we ever laugh together. It’s funny you never know when a best friend is going to walk into your life but isn’t it wonderful when they do?
She’s always been there for me and I’ll always be there for her. She stood by me when I got married and I’m ever so honored to stand next to her now that she’s getting married.
Stephanie has always been the life of the party- I didn’t realize how much fun dancing was until I met Stephanie. She had such a passion for life and it was definitely contagious. She has always been a girl that knew what she wanted and went for it; never compromising. Steph knew what she wanted in a guy and wasn’t going to settle for just anyone. Now mind you, there were casualties- some boys just had to go! LOL But Stephanie knew you can’t sit back waiting for love to find you- you have to put yourself out there to help love find its way and sometimes you have to do a little legwork. When Tyler showed up it was clear to see her prince had finally arrived to the party.
I remember when Stephanie first brought Tyler around our circle of friends. She was worried about how we would react to a new person in our crew.
Would he fit in?
Would we like him?
Would he like us?
Who can blame her? It’s hard to bring a new person into a group of friends that have been so close for so long with inside jokes, shared experiences and it’s hard to be the new person to join a group. But Tyler was an instant hit with all of us, it never felt like he was trying to impress us or be someone he wasn’t. He was just Tyler being Tyler and we could all see how happy he made Stephanie.
It’s so nice when you friend starts dating someone that you want to be friends with as well. An even better attribute to Tyler was the fact that he was a Bulldog. The last thing I needed was another Volunteer, Tiger/Eagle or Gator in the mix! J He was an instant keeper for me once I learned we shared a love for the Dawgs.
Now they are getting married and I couldn’t be happier for them.
Steph and Tyler-
I wish for you happiness beyond measure.
I hope in the good times you find happiness and during the bad times you find strength in one another
I hope you inspire one another to grow and become even better versions of yourselves.
Marriage changes some things while others stay the same.
You’ll find it funny how some days you love and want to kill this person at the same time. On days when dishes on the counter instead of in dishwasher will make you shake your fists into the sky or when you are flustered trying to find justification that you need every bit of makeup, perfume and hair products out on the counter while you get ready, on these days you will know you are married.
You’ll pick and choose your battles, finally giving in to the fact that maybe some things just can’t be changed and you’ll love them even more because that is what makes them who they are.
You’ll find yourself loving each other more than you did before and also loving in a new way that you are still trying to figure out.
You’ll love each other, fight with each other and forgive each other.
You are making a promise to one another on Saturday and mere words won’t do it justice. You’ll have to show up everyday and it will take work, some days seemingly easier than others. You’ll share life changing moments of joy and sadness and each day will bring you a new adventure
Saturday is just the beginning and you’ll have a lifetime to build on that promise
Just remember the road you are about to take might be bumpy with twists and turns but it’s definitely worth the ride
Love you both-
thank you so much for letting me be a part of your wedding!
Some pics of me and Steph that were basically ruined in the flood but I couldn't throw them away
