I’ve already touched on some of these people but one of the most special things about my wedding was getting to share the day with sorority sisters.
At one point we were in a circle dancing on the dance floor singing loudly to our chapter song and I though this moment right here is exactly what I wanted when I signed up for recruitment years ago. Not literally just that moment though but the idea of not only having a support system in college but a lifetime connection with special ladies. We have seen each other grow from college kids who had a lot of fun to wonderful women – professionals, wives and mothers but still Gamma Phi Betas.
I’ve already talked about two of the ladies I went to college with that attended in our bridal party post but there were additional wonderful ladies there that I was so happy to celebrate with – Becky, Sam and Cara.
Becky was awesome enough to attend my bachelorette party and we had SO MUCH FUN! She’s just an all around cool girl and we were in the same pledge class, I loved being able to attend her wedding a few years ago and so it was wonderful to also have her and her husband at mine.
Sam is another sister in the pledge class the year before me and is one of the sweetest people I know. Sam is so cheerful and has such a big heart – I am so happy she came to share her love with us at the wedding. Plus, look at the dress- Sam gets the best dressed wedding guest award.
Cara joined Gamma Phi the year after me and in addition to being sorority sisters we are also fraternity brothers (did I just confuse you?) – we are both members of Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity (which my husband is also a member of). Cara is super smart but lots of fun. One of things that I admire most about Cara though isn’t her great hair (which seriously, is amazing) but her strong faith. Before dinner Cara pulled Shaun and I aside to pray with us and sprinkle us with Holy Water from her Church – it was such a special moment and so incredibly touching. Yes – being sorority sisters isn’t just crafts and drinks.
In addition to some fab ladies I went to college with there were a few members from the Memphis alumnae group in attendance. Carrie was my MOH and you saw Ms Sara in the post about the married couples dance but what I didn’t mention was that in addition to being one of my mother’s best friends Sara is a Gamma Phi and wrote my letter of recommendation, so really she’s the reason I have all these other fabulous ladies in my life!
In the picture with us are Chrissie, Nancy and Allison. Chrissie has such a wonderful personality and makes anyone feel welcome – she’s one of the first ladies I met in the alumnae chapter – and a great sense of style, I’m in love with that hat which is hers and not a photo booth prop. Nancy is thoughtful and warm but also laid back and makes everyone around her feel at ease – I always look forward to our Gamma Phi events knowing that she will be there. Allison is probably one of the smartest people I know but she is not in your face about it – she has a quirky sense of humor and we always have fun hanging out. What I love most about these ladies though is even though we had different collegiate experiences we still find love together in our alumnae group.
At each Gamma Phi even in college it was a tradition to play our chapter song (Come on Eileen) and then do a Gamma Phi toast after and most of use have carried this tradition into our weddings – we even had a few honorary Gamma phis join in our fun.
Having these very special ladies at my wedding was so wonderful and a reminder that it really isn’t just a four year college activity – being a Gamma Phi Beta is a lifetime commitment.
