I was in the backseat of the TramCam on Sunday, December 08 when my phone rang and a cutie pic of me and Kenz popped up. Em and B had gotten married the night before and we were driving through the frozen tundra from Springfield to St. Louis because I had to fly home. It had been a whirlwind trip and emotions were high - I had been Emily’s Maid of Honor and the moments we shared together over the 5-day-wedding-weekend will forever be some of the most significant in my heart. I knew it was suspicious that Kenz was calling when I was out of town for Emy’s wedding (she definitely knew where I was, we were roommates at the time) so I opted to answer and Kenz told me the big news - Jason had proposed and she was officially engaged.
A few weeks later I got the most darling rifle paper co. card that read “will you be my bridesmaid” and OF COURSE I said yes and all things bridal shower and bachelorette and wedding planning began. Gan was also a bridesmaid which made the whole process especially fun as it meant she had to come visit several times and we got to do all of it together. I had the honor of designing the invite for Kenzie’s bridal shower as well as some darling little buttons for the bachelorette. Gan and I hosted a little day-before pedicure and lunch extravaganza for the bridal party and also an after-the-rehearsal final hoorah before the big day. We had “party posse” hats and truly just wanted to be sure that Kenz and Jason felt overly celebrated and ridiculously loved. They surely are!
Truly Kenz was a super laid-back and easy bride so nothing ever felt overly stressful or chaotic. It was a little dream. The day of the wedding we got to her bridal suite armed with plenty of coffee and other beverages as needed, fake eyelashes, copious amounts of bobby pins, and hearts bursting with excitement for our dear sweet friend. We spent several hours under the haze of hairspray and self tanner (that might have been just me, and yes it is a necessary evil when you’re THIS white) and eventually we were ready to put Kenz in her dress and head to the venue. She literally took my breathe away with her beauty that day, she was stunning and radiant and glowing and it was a wonderful sight to behold. When we got to the venue we were supposed to “hide” while they did their first look but we weren’t really all about that, so we stood far enough away that they could have their moment but we could still all watch it. I might have had a tear. Jason is undoubtedly in love with Kenz and there is something really wonderful about knowing your friend is deeply loved and wholly cherished. What felt like only moments later the pictures had all been taken and we were hustling inside to steal away for a few moments of prayer before lining up to formally begin the ceremony. Wedding days tend to be like that - a total blur - a day so full of love you almost can’t even contain it in memory. The ceremony was wonderful and the officiant forgot I was supposed to pray so I totally got let off the hook, which was AWESOME, thanks for the total relief of nerves Pastor Coulombe!
With the first kiss and recessional complete, it was time for the party. We watched the sunset radiate the beautiful skyline and laughed and danced and had some more coffee (it had been a long day) and just took time to celebrate together, to honor the gift of marriage and the wonderful adventure that was ahead for Jason and Kenz. I really do love being a bridesmaid. I love standing beside my dearest friends and sharing in their big moments. Getting to be close as they get ready and hearing so much heart throughout the day. Friendships change post-wedding, but it is a beautiful close to the chapter before to share in the celebration and journey to “I do”. I will forever be grateful for the memories and moments we shared that day, and look forward to living lots more life not just with Kenz, but with the Madsens.
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