The Wedding Party: Lillian Willis

The next bridesmaid I am going to tell y'all about is one of the most loving and beautiful people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Lillian Willis is truly an angel from Heaven, and I know anyone who has spent any amount of time with her would agree with me. Lilly and I met freshman year of high school at the prayer circle. We would see each other every morning, and even when I didn't know her that well, I felt like I did because she is that kind of person. Our friendship really developed over the four year span of high school through our mutual friend Lexi. We spent many weekends at her dad's beach house, went to prom together both years, hung out a couple semesters in journalism, and talked as much as possible with our different schedules. After high school was over, Lilly went to UNC-Charlotte and I came to UNC-Wilmington, and we remained just as close even with all the miles between us. In these four years of college, we have made it a point to see each other whenever possible on holiday breaks. Distance has become a normal part of our friendship, but when we are reunited, we easily pick up right where we left off. I think that is the measure of a true friendship.

There are two things that I absolutely adore about Lilly: her love for Jesus and her talent for dance. Lilly is a beautiful, tangible reflection of Christ's love in my life. She is someone that has always prayed for me and loved me in a way that no friend ever has. She exudes joy and peace in every situation, and every time I am with her, she sparks a fire in my heart to love Christ and people more. I think having a friend that encourages you to stand strong in your faith just by the life they live is a blessing, and it is one of my greatest joys to have that blessing in Lilly. Lilly is also the most beautiful dancer, and I am so proud of her accomplishments throughout the last four years of her dance career at UNCC. Watching her dance inspires me - not to become a dancer (because let's be real... ya girl can't dance 😂), but to do what I love with intent and a purpose. Everything Lilly does is intentional and purposeful, and those actions alone make her the most unique and special person.

It would be nearly impossible to name just one favorite memory with Lilly, simply because we have too many to name. Our friendship in high school was so carefree and youthful. We shared so many silly moments that really set the tone of happiness in our friendship. As we have gotten older, we have continued to have those silly moments, but we have also shared some of the most serious conversations I've ever had. We have seen each other through some of the toughest times, and our friendship has evolved into this unbreakable bond because of that. Every time I am with Lilly, we make a new memory that reminds me why we became friends in the first place: Lilly makes me a better person. She has the ability to make everyone want to do and be better for the people around them. What a gift she is.

Lilly wears her heart on her sleeve. She allows people to know the real her. She is a perfect example of every fruit of the spirit. She is constantly loving, continuously joyful, noticeably peaceful, endlessly patient, authentically kind, invariably good, consistently faithful, sincerely gentle, and unfailingly self-controlled. Every single thing Christ asks of us as His children, Lilly strives to do in her every day life. What a beautiful testament that is to how much she loves her Father and how much she loves the people around her! It makes my heart swell that I am able to call her one of my very best friends!

The most special thing about Lilly being a part of our wedding is that she and Al were actually best friends before Lilly and I even knew each other. The two of them together makes my heart so happy because I have gotten to see their friendship so clearly from both sides, and man do they love each other! Over the past four years especially, the three of us have become the three best friends you could ever have. Lilly is the biggest supporter of our relationship because she has heard every detail from both sides for the past six years. She has been a friend to both of us when we were struggling and has always encouraged us to seek God's will in our relationship. I don't have this fact confirmed, but I'm pretty sure Lilly was one of the first people Al called when he finally had my ring in his possession. They FaceTimed so Lilly could see it, and Lilly told me that the look on Al's face was perfect joy. So while Lilly will be standing on my side of the church when we're saying our vows, I know if she could, she would split herself in two so she could be on both sides. Her friendship is precious and priceless to us both, and we are a better couple because Lilly has loved us!

Lilly, you are one of the most important people in my life. I would not be half the person I am today if it weren't for you. Thank you for always encouraging me and loving me. I am honored to have you as a part of our wedding day. We have been talking about this time for so many years, and I can't believe it's finally here. Even when Al and I are old and married, the three of us will still be having Eno dates and talking about life for as long as we live. I love you so much, and I can't wait to share this time with you!