I am still riding the high from all the love that was shared this weekend. Wedding weekends are my absolute favorite. Every ceremony is so unique to the couple and the event brings together so many loved ones for a reunion/dance party.

Being a bridesmaid in Juan and Jen’s wedding meant that I witnessed them DIY-crafting, deliberating over flowers, and meticulously planning this big day for months and months on end. How this girl managed to wedding plan, teach 1st grade students, prep for a new job, and take online classes is beyond me. But it came together so beautifully and I know it was exactly what they had wanted.

On Thursday night, we had a short rehearsal at the venue in Saratoga Springs. Then, we all hopped into the car and drove to downtown SJ where we had dinner at Olla Cocina.

Jen chose the place because it had a Tulum feel to it and we all know Jen loves nothing more than she loves Tulum. (Except for maybe…just maybe…she might love Juan more than she loves Tulum).

Within minutes of getting to the restaurant, we had tequila shots ordered. At which point we officially kicked off the wedding festivities. Nothing says wedding like a tequila shot with lime. (Also, side note: tequila tastes better when served in a mini wine glass).

We had fun mingling with everyone at the table. Some were chatting. Others were playing Pokemon-Go. (Apparently downtown SJ is where it’s at for all the Pokemon Go players).

At one point, Izzy took over three cell phones and was capturing Pokemon on each phone while also conversing with us old folks. I swear, the younger they are, the more capable they are at all these iPhone games.

It felt nice to get some quality time in with Jen and Juan before their wedding day.

My favorite part of the rehearsal dinner was when Juan’s parents got up and his dad gave a speech. It was short, but heartfelt and was very obvious to all of us how happy they were to adopt Jen into their family.

After stuffing our faces, we retreated to the hotel and proceeded to pass out until the next morning. The bridal party met up at Elva (the street that Jen grew up on is called Elva Ave. So they call the house itself, Elva) around 10AM to get the hair and make-up party started.

I got my make-up done first and absolutely loved how she did my eyes.

(I rarely wear make-up. So when I do, I take lots of awkward selfies and send them to ALL my family Whatsapp chats).

Jen’s bridesmaids were doing a real good job monitoring her and making sure she was hydrating and eating and charging her phone.

We had the diffuser going with lavender in the air, people were popping in to say hi throughout the morning and afternoon, and we were all ooh-ing and aah-ing over everyone’s hair and make-up as it got done.

But the most beautiful one of all, obviously, was the bride.

Everything – from her hair to her make-up to her flower crown to her dress to the coconut water she was drinking – was so perfectly Jen Merz.

Every single part of every single moment was so genuine to who she is.

It was absolutely amazing to be a part of it all while also observing everything around me. Watching Jen get ready in the house that she grew up in. With the people around her that love her most. With lavender oil diffusing in the air. Eating a Rojoz salad with peanut sauce. Drinking coconut water out of a coconut. Wearing a flower crown.

Everything about that morning had Jen Merz written all over it.

We took a few pictures before we left for the venue.

And, in true Jen Merz fashion, we also took tequila shots.

Then we all piled into Sam’s van, photographer included, and drove off to the venue.

(Note: Sam was driving. Sam is pregnant. Sam did not participate in tequila-shots.)

Again, in true Jen Merz fashion, goddess cards were picked on the way to the venue. And, as luck would have had it, she picked Lakshmi. Best. Goddess. Ever. To pick on your wedding day. And, you know, every other day in life.

When we got there, Cameron, the photographer, took advantage of all the beautiful areas to take pictures.

I’m sure it helped that the bride was absolutely gorgeous. I can’t wait to see how his pictures turn out!

After the bridal party finished taking pictures, we walked back over to the ceremony area so Jen and Juan could have their first look. Cameron set some boundaries so we weren’t in his space trying to ruin the bride and groom’s special moment. Which, let’s be honest, was likely to happen because we were all so giddy.

It was so fun to see Juan’s reaction and I kept asking him over and over again, “Are you just feeling SO lucky that you get to marry her?”

Before we knew it, it was almost time to walk down the aisle. So we rushed over to the wait room, poured some wine, had a mini dance party, and followed the wedding coordinator’s orders.

We walked down the aisle and nobody tripped so I’d consider that a pretty big success. As Jen walked down the aisle, I stood on my tiptoes and watched Juan’s face light up with every step that she took.

When Jen’s parents were handing her over to Juan, Jocelyn whispered, “Bye Felicia” which made everyone laugh and set the tone for the rest of the ceremony. Jen’s Uncle Mark was the officiant and he did an absolutely phenomenal job at being both emotional and funny, both heartfelt and uplifting.

They exchanged vows and I was a mix of laughter and tears for the rest of the ceremony.

Once we walked back down the aisle – after they were officially pronounced husband and wife – the bridal party huddled together at the end for a huge group hug.

That was not the last hug of the night. Hugs were shared all night long. Including the bathroom when all the bridesmaids crammed into one stall to help Jen lift up her dress to pee.

I had so much fun hanging with this bridal party. Jen’s got some pretty fantastic friends and family and I was so happy to dance the night away with them!

And take hundreds of Photo Booth pics.

Jen had both a DJ and a caller at her wedding to help nudge the crowd to dance. Andy, the caller, was phenomenal. Basically, his job is to tell dancers what to do in any given dance. He had us do-si-doing and line dancing and Sasha-ing. And he kept shouting out instructions because nobody knew what to do. But, by the end of the night, everyone felt like an expert. We also felt extremely sweaty.

In all seriousness, I have never seen so many people up and moving and dancing at a wedding before. It was such an incredible time and I’m not even sad that I lost my Fitbit during all the grab-your-partner-go-round-and-round-ing.

We ended the night with some [potentially illegal] sparklers on the bridge to send off the bride and groom.

But, we only sent them off for a little while because we all reunited in the hotel lobby to keep the party going.

Jen and Juan – thank you for letting us be a part of your special day. Everything was so perfectly Jen&Juan and we couldn’t be more excited that you are finally husband and wife! (Remember the time you got married in the woods?!) 

I love you both SO much. Congratulations!