From BFF to sister: When Your Best Friend Marries Your Brother

Picture this: after years of watching your best friend and your brother fall for all the wrong people, they finally fall head over heels in love with the right person – each other! It’s the type of story you only hear about on TV sitcoms or in the movies. Only for me, this happened in real life – my life. Yes, just last month, my best friend and older brother exchanged wedding vows in front of family and friends. It was such a beautiful day for so many reasons. The tears that were shed were definitely happy tears, reminiscing on the journey that got them to that very day.

My girl friend and I met in 2001 when we were in undergrad, and by 2002 we were nearly inseparable. Since we were on such a small college campus, it didn’t take long for us to build a friendship that would inevitably last a lifetime (little did we know just how the term “lifetime” would unfold). Not long after we graduated, we got our first apartment and moved in together. We were both so happy to just have our own space, and to be able to come and go as we pleased (sorry mom & dad!). In 2005, she honored me by accepting one of two roles as Maid of Honor at my wedding. I always knew I would return the favor for her one day. But I never imagined that it would also mean standing by my brother’s side as well. Even though I’ve actually had people say to me that they would never want to be in a similar situation as myself, I can think of plenty of reasons why I wouldn’t have it any other way.

For one, I can stop holding my breath. When my brother moved back to the east coast a few years ago, I started noticing that he was getting more and more invitations to certain things that my friend would normally invite me to. When asked, neither of them initially admitted that they had a thing going on, but I knew better than that (did I mention they dated several years before, and had always maintained contact/friendship?).

Click here to check out the rest of this post!

Then come back and tell us about your experience. Have you (or anyone you’ve known) experienced a similar situation with your best friend marrying your brother/sister? What made it a favorable or unfavorable situation?

**All photos taken by the lovely & talented Mrs. Kelly Sauer. If you are in the Charleston area, do yourself a favor and check her out! You can also check her out on Facebook.**

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13 Comments

  • DjRelat7
    November 30, 2012 at 5:04 PM

    I have been fortunate to not have to worry about this as I have no brother but I can imagine that would be an awkward situation. You might be super happy about it at first but I’m sure the dynamics of the relationship might shift big time!

    • Christine St.Vil
      December 3, 2012 at 7:39 AM

      Yes, it’s one of those situations that you just don’t know how you’ll feel about it until it happens. LOL. There will definitely be a need for a shift in the dynamics of the relationship.

  • cocoamommy
    December 1, 2012 at 3:47 AM

    I think it is wonderful love story! After being married I see the importance of forging relationships with family. I always heard people say your marrying the individual not the family. This is so untrue and when the families are connected it creates a wonderful support network for raising children with family values. All the best to the bride and groom 🙂

    • Christine St.Vil
      December 3, 2012 at 7:38 AM

      Hi Cocoamommy, I completely agree with you! You really do marry the family when you marry the individual. Thanks so much for sharing and for your kind words 🙂

  • Heather
    December 2, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    so sweet! now she’s really your sister:) you definitely have to write part 2 one day!

  • Chasing Joy
    December 3, 2012 at 4:58 PM

    This was a lovely story.

  • Katelyn
    February 4, 2013 at 10:29 PM

    My brother and best friend are not married, but they are in a committed relationship and they plan on getting married asap. It’s definitely a whirlwind of emotions for me! One side of me is SUPER excited for them and to have my best friend be my sister, but it’s also a huge adjustment. I think the dynamic of friendships always change when guys become involved, but it’s even weirder when it’s your brother. 🙂

    • Christine St.Vil
      February 6, 2013 at 4:51 AM

      Thank you so much for sharing Katelyn. I absolutely understand where you are coming from! It’s a tricky situation and as I mentioned the dynamics will definitely have to change some. But the important thing is that they are happy, and also understand where you’re coming from.

  • Nicola Pybus
    September 1, 2013 at 11:44 AM

    I married my best friends brother…. and she know hates me and our friendship is over 🙁 I am not sure why? ANY advice?

    • Christine St.Vil
      September 9, 2013 at 4:29 PM

      Hi Nicola! I’m so sorry to hear that 🙁 How long were you dating her brother? How was the relationship while you were dating? I know it’s not something that will work out for everyone. Either way, you’ll gain a sister-in-law but lose a BFF since the dynamic of the relationship will change. Have you tried talking to her at all about why she feels that way?

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