Everyone Loves a Wedding

My baby sister-in-law is getting married and I could not be more thrilled. 

I met Kate when she was only 9 years old.  This adorable little girl opening the door to her house, with her silky brown hair and toothy smile she instantly fell into my heart.  With the cheerfulness only nine year olds posses, she asked why I was at her door.  I told her I was there to see her brother Jon, and she smiled at me.  Something in her smile was so pure, so joyous, so loving. I loved having a little sister instantly even though I was no longer a little kid, but a teenager. Over the years, we played and laughed and did all the things sisters should do. She went to college, I had three babies, we both had busy lives going in different directions, but I always knew our lives would collide again. Now instead of dressing up cabbage patch kids, we are ready to hit the taffeta world of bridesmaid’s dresses. Kate had a wonderful day of bridal gown shopping and by the end she had found the perfect dress.  Let us hope we are as lucky in the less than glamorous floor of bridesmaid’s dresses. 

As one of her matron of honors, I made appointments at a few shops for us to look.  I could almost hear it in the woman’s voice at the first place I booked.  Oh, she said things like “how many bridesmaids will be attending?”, and “What is the name of the bride?”, but I know what she really wanted to say.  She wanted to tell me to wear spanx from head to toe, do not eat all day before, and bring a good attitude and my big girl panties because silk and satin are on the menu.  Thankfully, my sister-in-law is the farthest thing from a bridezilla, and she wants everyone to be comfortable, but the dress designers have other ideas. In weddings things can go one of two ways; beautiful bride, lovely maids, or pretty bride, maids donned in chiffon dresses in styles and colors that would make Lady Gaga blush.  We are shooting for the first, but just being in a bridesmaids dress can make even the most confident girl want to improve to look her best.  Just the wedding photos that will be around “forever” is enough to make anyone run to the nearest gym and sign up for several classes a day. In preparation for the upcoming nuptials, I have decided to use this time to get into shape (or at least one besides round).  Since I stopped running those annoying little pounds came back, and they brought friends. 

So my wedding to do list looks a little like this: engagement party, spin classes, think of shower themes, have a bowl of air and water for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, try on dresses, double up spin classes until wedding.  So from now until December if you see me please tell me to practice walking in my 5-inch heels, quiz me on the calorie count of a spicy tuna roll, and remind me on how unforgiving satin can really be.  Lastly, if I ever, ever have the nerve to even think about complaining, please remind that I made my girls (including Kate) wear T-length, off the shoulder, peach dresses. Enough said.