I’ve been incommunicado for the past week but for a good reason–J and I flew East for Jessica’s wedding! After an overnight at my parents’ home, we drove out to Long Island Saturday afternoon. We were surprised to learn that, by coincidence, our hotel room had a connecting door to the bride’s and groom’s room! It was fun that we had some time to hang with them privately before we all had to get ready for the “prenuptial party” (aka rehearsal dinner).

We spent all day Sunday preparing for the main event. That meant we had to be at the hair salon by 9:30 AM — and my appointment wasn’t until noon! After our hair was all washed, blown dry, teased, curled, pinned, and lacquered with hairspray, we went straight to the synagogue, where we killed time by lounging, snacking and fawning over the bride. Jessica was calm, cool and collected. The coordinator at the synagogue actually said that Jessica was the most relaxed bride she had ever seen. Of course she was — I was acting all nervous and impatient for her! I had “shpilkes” or pins and needles in Yiddish.  I almost felt like I was the one getting married!

Let me say right here that Jessica was the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen. She looked like a movie star with her hair and makeup done, like a young Catherine Zeta Jones.  Her dress was insanely flattering, but more than that, she was glowing from happiness. She didn’t stop smiling all night. There was literally this aura about her… It made me that much more thrilled for her. When my friends are happy, I’m happy.

Everything about the wedding was totally Jessica and D. It was their perfect wedding. If it were J’s and my wedding, it wouldn’t have seemed right, but everything from the flowers to the music matched Jessica’s and D’s personalities.  There was no question that this was their night.

Besides sharing this special occasion with the bride, I also got to spend lots of time with Linds, who was also a bridesmaid. I missed my girls!! Our boys had their own time to bond while we were doing bridesmaid-related things.

Monday morning we ate brunch at Jessica’s parents’ house and then had to say our goodbyes. After lots of hugs, J and I zipped back to NJ so I could check out some bridesmaid dresses for my wedding. It was really nice having Jessica’s wedding to look forward to because it distracted me from all the planning I have to do for mine!

Later that afternoon we were dropped off at the airport and flew back to Omaha. It was hard to say goodbye to my parents. I wish we had more time to spend with them, but we’re planning on coming back for Thanksgiving. Note to self–buy plane tickets for November ASAP!