Summer is well and truly in full swing, which means that a plethora of frothy white (and not white!) wedding dresses, delicious drip cakes, taco parties, drink stations, and secretly seething bridesmaids are heading our way.

And, of course, there are tales of unruly guests to gleefully pore over as well: just a few days ago, we brought you the story of a best man who decided to hijack his pal’s wedding with a mid-ceremony proposal – and the internet was equal parts horrified and obsessed with the faux pas.

Which is why it’s so uplifting to see a spin on this classic tale of thunder-theft: Jessica Rayko wanted to make sure that her best friend had the best proposal possible, so she took it upon herself to help her best friend’s boyfriend pop the question.

During her own wedding.

Read more: 15 invaluable (and hard-earned) pieces of wedding wisdom

The moment was captured by wedding photographer Ross Dance, who has since shared a candid image of Jessica clutching hands with her overwhelmed BFF (new fiancé all but forgotten as he clambers up from one knee in the background).

Sharing the story behind the picture, Dance said: “[This is] one of the most beautiful and unselfish things I've ever witnessed shooting weddings.

“Leading up to the wedding Jessica's bridesmaid and best friend (also Jess) worked tirelessly to ensure the preparations and wedding day were perfect. To show her appreciation the bride decided to share her special day with her friend, coordinating the proposal with Jess' boyfriend.

“Instead of throwing the bouquet, the bride spun around and walked over to her best friend.

“Everything froze as she said ‘Jess... turn around...’”

Read more: Why friendships are crucial to both our physical and mental health

As you can see from the photo, Jess was completely bowled over by Jessica’s loving gesture – and, after blurting out a ‘yes’ to her new fiancé, spun around to hold on to her friend as tightly as possible, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Responding to the plethora of comments under the photo, Jess later said: “Thank you all for your kind words.

“It was definitely a shocking moment as you can see! @rossdancephotography captured the most beautiful moment in my life while @jessnakrayko created it!”

It’s a reminder that the relationships we share with our close female friends are some of the most special we will ever have – and it calls to mind that famous line from Sex and the City: “Maybe our girlfriends are our soulmates and guys are just people to have fun with.”

Images: instagram/rossdancephotography