The Most Nervous Bridesmaid

Once upon a time, I had the lovely misfortune to be a bridesmaid. It has only happened once, and I must admit, it was a bittersweet affair for me. I had lived 800-some-odd miles away from my family for years, and yet, my brother Shaun and I were still close enough that I was asked to be in the wedding party.

Now, because of this, so many challenges and mixed feelings arose - challenges, as in not knowing how the dress was supposed to fit because I couldn't attend the fitting with my sis-in-law and other bridesmaids, and also having Kadin in the wedding as the ring bearer, who was just a little guy at the time, and being worried about him since I was in the wedding party and couldn't tend to him - and mixed feelings, as in not knowing any of the other bridesmaids, or many of the groomsman for that matter, and feeling like an outsider the entire night. But I was there to support my brother and embrace Melissa as a sister, even though I would go home to my little house 800-some-odd miles away and not see them again for another year or so. That made me very sad.

I was so nervous, and worried and concerned for Kadin, who didn't get a nap that day; concerned that he wouldn't do well or walk down the aisle (in fact he didn't  - his dad had to carry him down the aisle because the flower girl wouldn't hold Kadin's hand and he had a complete meltdown, and cried the entire way as Joe was carrying him). And I really don't do well in front of people. You want to see me quake with fear and turn about the shade of a pomegranate? Put me in front of an audience and tell me to talk to them. It looks a lot like a deer caught stunned in headlights looks. Hell, it could even be a group of friends, people I know and I'm comfortable with, and I will see spots swim before my eyes and feel my body temperature run volcanic. I simply, simply... am beyond shy. I hadn't eaten that day save a handful of Lays potato chips, and almost fainted, and had to sit during the ceremony. I really hope that Shaun and Melle have wonderful, beautiful memories of their wedding, because it was a really gorgeous day for them. It just wasn't a gorgeous day for me, even though I was incredibly happy to be there, incredibly honored to have been asked to take part, and incredibly happy for the both of them.

So in two weeks, I get to be a Bridesmaid for the second time, for one of my BFFs, and I'm so excited - and slightly dreading it at the same time. Remember that shy thing I got goin on? I just know I am gonna trip on my heels and fall or otherwise manage to embarrass myself and Missy and Clyde. Poor Missy has the most diverse, fun and pretty darn incredible group of friends (heck, we have that in common) and we were afforded the unusual pleasure of -get this!- complete control in what we are wearing! All of us are going to look pretty different. We were free to choose as long as it fit in the theme and fit her colors. Ok, did you really think a Bride would say "wear whatever you want" ?!? ;) There has to be some sanity and coherency, afterall.

Missy and Clyde's Photo Booth-style Save the Date - photo courtesy of Arms Up Photography (yep, me. :D)

Here's why I am SO stoked (other than being a nervous wreck about actually being in front of people):

I love all that's Vintage, and her theme is 50's Pin Up/Candy Shoppe. Oh yeah!

Complete with a "Candy Bar" (bar with various candies), Pin-Up inspired dresses, make up and hairstyles for us bridesmaids and our darling Bride, vintage Button Bouquets - and the colors are black, red and white.

Missy's look better than this, and they're just red, black and white, but you get the idea. Image from CountryLiving.com, pictured here is "Princess Lasertron", a.k.a Megan Hunt, holding one of her own creations.

The dress that I chose for the wedding - mine is Super Spy black.  

The celebration is going to be very small, but man-oh-man, the details are going to be so delicious! And I cannot wait to see how it all comes together. I'm absolutely thrilled, excited, and dancing with glee.

So, Missy and Clyde, congratulations early, I love you guys, and please know that I will try exceptionally hard to not do anything embarrassing on your big day. xo