Sierra and I met in 7th grade writer’s workshop, right after I had just moved back to Georgia and was fully committed to my “mysterious girl” era. I was deep in my Pretty Little Liars obsession, convinced I was the seventh liar (if we are counting Mona)—giving dramatic glances, barely talking, and acting like I had secrets that could ruin lives. It was wildly over-the-top, but I was dedicated. Then out of nowhere, Sierra—completely unfazed by my silent soap opera performance—walked right up to me and asked if we could be friends. Just like that. And from that moment on, we never stopped. No awkward phase, no weird silences—just instant, easy friendship, like we were always meant to find each other.
In both my lowest moments and my highest highs, Sierra has always been right there beside me. When I was a young adult making questionable choices and living way too fast, she was my emergency contact—literally and emotionally—and there was never a doubt in my mind that she was the one I trusted most with everything. Sierra has always been the one person I could never lie to; she sees straight through my sarcasm, my jokes, and all my attempts at comedic relief. She just knows when I need a hug, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to sit in silence and truly listen. Her presence in my life has been nothing short of grounding, honest, and unwavering.
From awkward teens to lost young adults, I truly don’t know what I’d do without Sierra. We’ve grown up together in the most real, chaotic, and beautiful way, and even now—when she’s not even living in the same state—she’s still the person I go to nine times out of ten (and honestly, that one other time is probably a mistake). No matter the distance, she’s always just a call, text, or FaceTime away, ready with advice, comfort, or just her familiar presence that somehow makes everything feel a little more manageable.
So when it came to the big, life-changing moments—like pregnancy announcements and getting engaged—it was a no-brainer that Sierra would be the first to know. She’s always been my go-to, and it only made sense that she’d be the one to capture those moments too, camera in hand, doing what she does best. As a photographer, she has this magical way of making every memory feel even more special, and having her behind the lens (and beside me) during those milestones made them all the more meaningful.
But I’m not the only one who feels this way about Sierra—she has this incredible gift for making people feel genuinely loved, and the best part is, she truly means it. Her heart is so big, and she pours it into everyone around her. So when it came time for her to get engaged, I knew she probably had a long list of amazing people who could be her bridesmaids, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if I’d made the cut. But when she asked me, it was the easiest and most heartfelt “yes” I’ve ever given—well, besides saying yes to Andrew when he asked me to marry him, haha.
Sierra, Henry Carson and I love you dearly. Thank you so much for the opportunity to celebrate you in all the seasons of your life, but especially this one—it’s such a joy to watch you step into this new chapter with so much love and grace. Thank you for all you do and have done for me and mine. Your constant support, kindness, and friendship mean more than words can ever express, and we’re so lucky to have you in our lives.
The Amos-Hallford Life 