I messaged Kara and told her it just didn't feel right to not do anything. "Jennifer needs us to love on her", I said. Kara agreed. Being the amazing friend that Kara is to Jennifer she started making plans to ambush her anyway with a Bridal Blessing Ceremony which would be perfect and very Jennifer. We wouldn't take no for an answer.
Kara immediately started planning. She got with Jennifer and they set a date. Jennifer knew we were all getting together for lunch at Kara's but she didn't know what to expect. Kara sent out a message to me and the bridesmaids inviting us to lunch at her house. We were asked to bring a button for Jennifer and a description of why we chose it for her and our wishes for her marriage. We would also give her a hand written recipe for nights when she needs motivation for dinner. We could bring a gift or food as well. The reason we were told to bring a button as our token of intentions was because Jennifer liked buttons. It all sounded perfect to me. I love experiencing new things.
I knew I wanted a wooden button. Wood is natural and earthy. It represents stability and strength. All good wishes for a marriage. I didn't know where my button collection was but I knew I didn't have a wooden one so I got a new one. I didn't have a cool story for my new button but I could call it a fresh start button that Jen could put her own wear and tear on. I also found a poem inspired by the "Tree of life" to go with my button. I'm not very touchy-feely so I have to find the words to express myself. I was getting excited. So the morning of the lunch, June 13th 2015, I whipped up some sausage balls, gathered my button and recipe and set out for Kara's house.
Kara was the perfect hostess. We ate lunch. Most everyone brought a dish. The kids colored wedding cake print outs for Jen. Next, she had us all sit in a circle around Jennifer. Kara started our ceremony by burning fresh sage to set the tone for our blessing. A native ritual she told us. Kara explained why we were all here and that as married women we could offer Jennifer our words of wisdom. Charlotte and Jenna made a flowery crown with ribbon for our guest of honor to wear while we each took turns presenting Jen with our button. We got to tell her why we chose it for her and our hopes and wishes for her marriage with Courtney. Afterwards, she opened presents. Which we sent the kids outside for. I can't tell you what she got. It's a secret. Kara also gave Jennifer a keepsake box to keep her buttons and recipes in to call upon when she needs encouragement.
I think the afternoon was a success. A Bridal Blessing is a great way start the bride off with an optimistic attitude. It is a way to pamper her and shower her with love and wisdom. Family, friends, an and marriage are all blessing to recognize during this new chapter of the brides life. If you're not the traditional bachelorette party type this is a great ceremony to add to your wedding events. It's much like the native "Blessing Way" ritual that is becoming more popular with child birth. These are taking the place of baby showers. Except this was a bridal version of that. You can do it any way you want. Now, when Jennifer is feeling stressed or having trail-some times she can open her box remember that she is supported and not alone in her journey as a complete "Venus". (I'm using this word to represent all the roles of a women). When her schedule is tight and the family she is to feed is hungry, she can pull out her one recipe card with emergency take-out numbers (loved that!). We all wish the best for Jennifer and her marriage to Courtney and I hope that she left her circle of friends and love feeling empowered, rejuvenated, and ready to take on marriage head first.
We are two weeks away from the big day! I still have rehearsal dinner to help with. I will have to revisit that section of my officiant guide. Which I highly recommend by: Lisa Francesca. I will blog about how it goes.
Thank you for reading!
