I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again (and when I’ve said it before, I’ve even said “I’ll say it again” then, too): I love my brides. I love them.

I love that my brides are excited for their wedding day. I love that my brides are even more excited for their marriages, even more excited to live out their lives with the men they’re marrying rather than focusing on being bride and groom for one beautiful day. I love that my brides want me to help them make their wedding day as memorable as it can be, and I love that they want to help me help them.

You know what else? I love that they trust me to do that. They trust me to capture those fleeting moments — stepping into the exquisite gown, straightening Daddy’s tie, floating up the aisle with “Mr. and Mrs.!,” for the first time, resonating in their ears as they clutch their new husbands’ arms. They trust me to help prepare them for their wedding day, and then to help them navigate the long-awaited day when it comes.

Ladies, you’re great. I just thought I should tell you that. I know your men tell you time and again, but we girls can always use a reminder from someone else. You make my life more fulfilling and rewarding, and you’re not just my brides, not just clients who hire my services: You’re my friends. Whether we’ve even met in person yet doesn’t matter.Thank you, once again, for making my job the best!

~ Laura