How beautiful are these?! These lovely brooches came from my dear friend and bridesmaid Megan K. She traveled to several antique stores to find the perfect pieces to suit her taste. So sweet. If you know me, you know I love sparkle…and boy do these puppies sparkle.

I’ve known Megan for what seems like forever. I don’t remember what year we met. I’m guessing it was 6th or 7th grade.

See…in 4th grade, I joined our elementary school’s beginner band – choosing to learn and play, of all instruments, the trombone. For several years, that darn thing was bigger than I was. AND it wasn’t exactly the most popular instrument among the female population, so I spent most of band practices hanging out with the guys.

Thankfully in 6th grade our school district decided it would be a good decision to allow us to start practicing with the junior high band. So several mornings out of the school week I would be dropped off at the junior high school for early bird band, then shipped back to the elementary school with the rest of the 6th graders after practice. Megan was a kind 7th grader to whom I took a liking quickly. Not to mention, she was one more female in the trombone section, which I really appreciated! (Many of my other female friends played easy-to-carry, more “girly” instruments like the flute or the clarinet. I was definitely an odd bird amongst my friends, so I was very grateful another girl was giving the trombone a whirl too!)

Megan and I were inseparable all throughout school – both of us playing our trombones until the end of our senior years of high school. She graduated a year before me, so I had to endure my final year without her. (Thankfully her younger sister was in band, so it was kinda like I still had her around. Just not in the trombone section. )

I remember on September 11, how we were at marching band practice at the football field and then went home for lunch to watch the news footage of the tragedy. I remember football games and how much we LOVED playing “Louie, Louie”. I remember late night talks about guys, life and God.

Megan, I have so many heartwarming, incredible memories that involve you. I am so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for your enduring love, hope and optimism in a world that can seem so dark  at times.  It’s a thrill to be on the journey of marriage with you. Philip and I look forward to spending many, many more times with you and Brandon. I love you, my fellow B.I.C. (It’s an inside joke that’s lasted between us for YEARS. And if we told you what it means, you probably wouldn’t think it was that funny. Ya just had to be there.)

Here we are. The B.I.C.’s! (And Megan, I LOOOVE how you’re actually holding an antique trombone in this picture! Perfect!)

Here we are on Megan and Brandon’s wedding day.
Such a beautiful bride.

Thanks for the amazing woman you are Megan! We can’t wait to celebrate our big day with you. I love you! XOXO