All Together Now.

Friday after work I flew to Chicago for a bridal blitz weekend. This was the first time all the bridesmaids were in one spot. From left, Karen and Lauren live in Chicago, me in town from Kansas City, and on the far right Gaby was in from California. Being all together felt right - we all balance each other pretty well, and I know that the wedding day will be so super fun! We are all very tall. Except Gaby. But she can kick my butt in yoga and surfing, so I know not to mess with her.



Saturday was our big day with a bridal shower hosted by Joe's parents as well as the bachelorette party. Jennie wore a vintage lace dress that fit her perfectly. Joe always looks pretty dapper, and he suited up and came along for the nice shower. It wasn't a couple's shower, but I know everyone appreciated seeing Joe because it was a mix of Joe's family members and ladies they know through Joe's world - sister-in-laws, nieces, aunts, cousins, and wives of college/law school friends!





Joe is the "Spencer Luhrs" of his family! He is the youngest of nine from a blended family, and I love meeting all the family members and making the connections. His niece was there, and she's old enough to be married and having a baby! When Jennie marries Joe, she not only will become an aunt but a great aunt! This could totally happen to Spencer's wife. You know, when he finishes high school and college. Not anytime soon.



I've been close to Jennie's family since middle school when we became friends. I treasure the time with Jennie's mom, Jane, and 'aunt' Donna (both in the picture above with Joe and his dad). I put it in quotation marks because even though she's not her actual aunt, she's Jane's closest confidant and partner in crime. I love that that kind of friendship was always modeled for Jennie and me. I think watching Jane and Donna as friends across many miles as helped Jennie and I stay close across many miles!

Lunch was yummy, present opening super efficient and fun with four bridesmaids helping out, and we all received the nicest party favor. Joe's mom collected recipes from all of the guests and put them together for everyone, not just the bride and groom. I have my own spiral bound collection of family recipes - and many have great family photos as well! Such a sweet memory from this wedding season.