Who's That Girl?

This weekend was the most special weekend for me for a few reasons but there is one in particular which I will share with you today. My not-so-little cousin is getting married next year and I had the honour and privilege of going with her, my aunt and my mom to look for her perfect dress.

You have to take a step back with me for a moment to realize the significance of this full circle moment and how much it means to me. Being an only child and the only grandchild on my mother’s side for many years was a big deal for me. Yes, I had lots of friends and time with my second/third cousins but I was always the only grandchild to my Di Santo nonni’s. I still think because of the huge gap in time they always looked at me as their third daughter and I was completely ok with that because in essence they were my other parents. Well, 14 years after being the lone wolf my aunt and uncle had their first of three amazing kids, which was Christina. This little bundle was my first real interaction with a newborn and it was so special. I remember holding her and thinking “how precious is this little babe?”

Over the years I watched that little girl grow up in to a beautiful, smart, hardworking entrepreneur woman and it has been incredible to see. Having the opportunity this weekend to watch her try on several remarkable wedding dresses was definitely memorable and monumental to say the least. With each dress she tried on the more jaw dropping and stunning she looked and the more flashback moments I had flood through my head. One in particular that I felt warm and fuzzy about was a full circle moment. When my aunt and uncle got married back in the 80’s I was their junior bridesmaid. Fast forward to 2004 and Christina was my junior bridesmaid. If you haven’t guessed it just yet, next year my little Mila will be Christina and Marco’s junior bridesmaid which she is ever so proud and eager to tell to anyone and everyone that will listen. If that doesn’t give you all the feels, nothing will.

I felt so privileged to be sitting in that room and to be experiencing what my mom and aunt must have been feeling years ago as they came dress shopping with me. It was such a beautiful moment and it also gave me a little glimpse into the future of what I may get to experience with my own daughter. Cue the waterworks with that thought but thankfully there is still lots of time until that happens! Time with family and sharing in such special moments is so important and truly brings me joy. The laughter, the tears and the conversations we had together throughout that day are things I will carry with me in my heart for always.

You are probably wondering “did she say yes to a dress?” Well, I think she could have said yes to literally ALL of them because she made even the simplest of dresses look spectacular and she definitely has a couple top contenders but the hunt continues……as do the memories and magical moments.

So to my friends taking a moment to read this on a holiday Monday I hope you all had some time for a little relaxation, some fun and togetherness with your loved ones and may you have some special memory making moments too.

LM