My Best Friend's Wedding

I've been told I have a lot of "best friends". The problem is, I have several friends that are near and dear to me, but to explain our relationship to you would take too long. So when talking about these sweet people in my life, "best friend" seems to be the best fit for the sake of time (we all know I'm a little long winded). However, there is one person that has always been deemed the title "best friend", and her name is Codi.

Codi and I met as freshmen at the University of Mobile and made a fast friendship during our second semester. However, we had to part ways in the middle of our sophomore year at UM when Codi transferred to University of Alabama (blah). It was the best change for doing what she wanted to do (social work), and would be cheaper (always a plus). I gave her my best, knowing that the Lord was calling my friend away, but sad to see her go. We had developed a friendship that went deep, based on how God had brought up through similar things in life. But when she moved, I'm not sure either one of us really expected to keep in touch as much as we did. Somehow though, we have always found time and made it a point to be there when it counts: graduations, hard break-ups, first dates, and birthdays. All the while throwing in a few "need to get away" weekends.

Codi's undergrad graduation! We both finished a semester early :)

I can vividly remember where I was and what I was doing when Codi called me a few years ago to tell me some news.  I had been out of the country for a month on a mission trip, and was checking my voicemail when I heard one from Codi:
"Hey, I can't remember what day you get back but CALL ME when you get in."
I called her back and after a little catching up about my trip, the conversation went a little like this:
Codi- "Sooo, I'm going on a date tonight."
Me-  "You ARE?" 
"You're not gonna believe who it is with"
"Can I guess?"
"Yea..."
"Collins?"
"How did you know that?!"

 Now, I can be a little naive at times (ok, maybe a lot of the time), but that one was not hard to figure out. I had met Collins probably a year earlier, and watched him become Codi's best friend. Codi had been seeing someone else for a while, but I knew that if he ever dropped out of the picture, that there was a good chance Collins might step up. He never overstepped the boundaries of friendship and was totally cool with the person Codi was and is. He encouraged her to be more of herself, and most importantly, Collins loved the Lord. What more could a girl ask for for her best friend?!

So this past weekend, I had the lovely honor of being in Codi and Collins' wedding. From the white daises to the bridal party walking down the aisle to "Lean on Me" to orange bridesmaid dresses, the wedding was  perfectly "Codi". (*Side note: I love going to a wedding and seeing the bride's personality all over the place.) Here are a few pictures from the weekend...

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Codi and I at the rehearsal dinner. Where I told my side of the "first date" story, and cried when she gave my gift and card.

Minutes before the ceremony! Wearin' her favorite color...

Shots of the happy couple. To the left, Codi Sprewell and Collins Espy. To the right, Mr. and Mrs. Collins Espy!

So there you have it. My best friend's wedding. Congratulations Codi and Collins! I couldn't be more happy for two people. I am so excited to see all the Lord is going to do in and through you as you begin your lives together. Know you always have a special place in my heart, and a place to visit in Georgia!