Expressing Gratitude: How I Surprised My Bridesmaids with A Gift From PANDORA Jewellery

One thing I am guilty of not doing often enough: showing appreciation, especially to those that are closest to me. It’s not that I’m not grateful or don’t have manners; I always do make sure to say “please” and “thank you”. But I know actions speak louder than words, and saying “thank you” can be less powerful in conveying gratitude than a meaningful gesture or a gift. In giving a thoughtful gift, you go that extra little mile and say “I truly appreciate you” to the person you who’s receiving it. However, life gets in the way sometimes, and there isn’t always the time to be thoughtful.

I think jewelry, especially fine jewelry, is the best gift to give for life’s most special occasions. Much like the relationships it’s given to celebrate, fine jewelry is beautiful, long-lasting, and should be treated with care. My bridesmaids are my best friends, and I deeply value my friendships with all of them (although I don’t always get a chance to show them). I knew I wanted to express my gratitude to my bridesmaids before my wedding with a gift of fine jewelry, and I could think of no better fine jewelry to give than pieces from PANDORA Jewellery!

Every time I go on the PANDORA Jewellery website or into a PANDORA Jewellery store, I get lost in all of the beautiful things – it’s literally such a problem! It was actually so hard to shop for my bridesmaids, while also resisting the temptation to pick something up for myself! I am absolutely swooning over the entire PANDORA Jewellery bridesmaids collection. There’s such a variety and each piece is so gorgeous. Even if someone doesn’t already own a PANDORA Jewellery bracelet (btw, it’s never too late to start a new charm bracelet), there are also rings, earrings and necklaces to choose from.

I have 5 bridesmaids, Zamreen, Diana, Michelle, Carol-Ann, and Gabi. There was never any doubt in my mind about which ladies I wanted to stand by my side on the most important day of my life. Something else I did with intention was to not choose a maid or matron of honour. That’s because each of these ladies means so much to me, and I didn’t want to place more value on any one of these relationships over all of the others. For that reason, I also selected one special item from the PANDORA Jewellery bridesmaids collection that I could give to all of the girls: the Vintage Allure sterling silver earrings. One of the things I love most about PANDORA Jewellery is that it is so classic and suits everyone’s style. So, I knew each girl would love these earrings as much as I do!

Zamreen has been my best friend since high school. She’s been living in U.S. for the past 5 years; but nevertheless, whenever we talk, it’s as if nothing has changed. She couldn’t be here when I surprised the rest of the girls, so I can’t wait to see the expression on her face when I present her with the Vintage Allure earrings! I’m giving Zamreen this gift because I want to say thanks for being the voice of reason, and not always telling me what I want to hear, but what I need to hear.

Diana is my oldest and dearest friend. We’ve been besties since Senior Kindergarten, which was over 30 years ago! We’ve shared a lifetime of memories and have been there for all of each other’s milestones. I’m giving Diana this gift to say thank you for being there for me unconditionally.

Michelle and I met in university, when we were both preparing to apply to law school. We initially bonded over our career goals and then discovered we had so many other things in common. I was Michelle’s maid of honour and now that she’s my bridesmaid, we’ve come full circle. By giving Michelle this gift, I say thank you for being a great example of a lawyer, a mother, and friend.

Carol-Ann is like a sister to me and has been one of my favourite travel companions. We’ve been to Spain, New York, and the Caribbean together. She’s always fun to be around and has a very big heart. I’m giving Carol-Ann this gift because I’m grateful that she really understands me and always has my back.

Gabi and I met in the most unusual circumstances (randomly at a McDonalds after clubbing). We first bonded over a love for electronic music, but our friendship became so much deeper very quickly. She’s 7 years younger than me, but is such an old soul who is wise beyond her years. I’m giving Gabi this gift because I appreciate how much of a positive force and light she’s been in my life!

I am so fortunate to have not just 1, but 5, beautiful souls to stand by me on my wedding day. I know they’ll be there to calm me down, zip me up, help me to go to the bathroom, fix my train, make sure I eat, and be the best moral and emotional support anyone could ask for!

Photography by: Laura Clarke Photography

*Thank you to PANDORA Jewellery for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are completely my own