In late June, my best friend of about 20 years got married, and I was the maid of honor. This was my second-ever wedding I’d been to and my first time in a bridal party. I didn’t realize how much time was spent getting ready and taking photos until that day, when we arrived at the venue around 10:30 a.m. with our dresses and shoes in hand.

My best friend surprised the bridal party the night before at the rehearsal dinner with matching pajamas we could wear as we got ready. The wedding took place at Epping Forest Yacht Club, a historic property on the banks of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. Getting ready was beyond fun; we sipped mimosas, snacked on fruit and bagels and chatted while we had our hair and makeup done, one by one. Around lunchtime, the property catered salad and chicken for us to keep us energized. As the wedding neared, we took fun photos in our pajamas and, later, in our dresses alongside the bride, groom and groomsmen.

The wedding itself was a blast. Despite being in far more nerve-wracking environments, I was still nervous when it was my turn to walk down the aisle. Even little things like the cracks in the cobblestoned walkway, my dress sticking to my legs because it was so hot, and the little flies that crowded my eyes during the vows were things I never thought of. Of course, I would do it again in a heartbeat as I draped my best friend’s dress before her when she finally arrived at the altar to make for some beautiful photos, and I held her vibrant bouquet until it was time for her to walk back down the aisle with her husband.

While it was a given the heat and humidity would be par for the course, everyone seemed to forget about it when they had a few refreshing signature cocktails and upscale food in their stomachs. It also helped that the view onto the river was beautiful, my best friend was stunning, and the band played some absolute bangers. The wedding also featured a cake-cutting and a fun photo booth, as well as a spot where a deck of cards was laid out and guests could write messages on them.

We sent the couple off with sparklers as they got into a vintage car. What a night to remember!

— Aoife O’Riordan, associate editor