It’s been a long and emotional few months and I haven’t given myself the opportunity to kick back and relax. But I’ve been waiting for today for quite some time. Stephanie is getting married. Steph is the thirty-something daughter of my very close friends. She was there with her mom, dad, and sister when Mars and I got married on the beach in Hawaii at sunset 10 years ago. And if her sister’s wedding a few years back is any indication of what Stephanie’s wedding is going to be like, it’s going to be another great party.

The wedding is at a hotel about 30 miles away from our house, so we’ve decided to stay at the hotel for the night. It will be nice to be away from home and let ourselves have a nice evening together with our friends. So, we check in a little early and do what Mars and I do best, we hit up the bar for a few pre-pre-party cocktails. I haven’t had a drink in two months to try to lose a few pounds in time for the wedding. Not so successful, but the sentiment was in the right place. After the bar, we head back up to the room to get prettied up, or as pretty as Mars and I are capable of getting.

Mars is wearing his Kentucky Derby  suit! We have been together thirteen years and he owns exactly one suit. It’s his Kentucky Derby suit not because he’s worn it to the Kentucky Derby or that it’s particularly lucky, it’s because I dragged him shopping on Kentucky Derby day many years ago to buy that suit. Begrudgingly, I might add. When all was said and done, the suit was purchased and we missed our annual date at the track to bet on the race with my brother. I was never really good at betting on horses, anyhow.

I shopped a few weeks ago at King of Prussia. My intention was to buy a lace dress at Nordstrom. I ended up with short, deep v-neck, gold and sparkly sequined dress at Bloomingdales. When in doubt, gold and sparkly always wins. And it was on SALE! With my hair done, make-up done, I slip on my slinky new dress and heels. This girl is ready to party. Mars doesn’t look bad, either. I’ll keep him.

First, there’s the pre-party, a hospitality suite with a bar, drinks, and snacks. Yup, that’s how Steph’s parents roll. Then, we move on to the ceremony and as not to disappoint, Stephanie is a beautiful bride. I’ve been to many weddings in my 41 years and she might be the most beautiful. At the cocktail hour, we meet up with friends we haven’t seen in a while. It feels good to kick back and have a good time without dwelling on my upcoming surgery.

The reception was fun and Mars and I danced the night away, partially fueled by free-flowing cocktails. After the reception, Mars and I head back to the room to change into more casual attire for the after-party. That’s right, I said after-party. Once the after-party wraps up, the party people migrate to the parent’s suite for the after-after-party. At 2:30 am, I decide that I have been overserved and decide to call it a night. Mars is already asleep, he decided to skip the festivities after the ceremony.

Mars and I meet the bride’s family for brunch and head home. We talk about the great night we had and I intend to spend the rest of my Sunday in bed nursing my hangover. I still have a bit of time left before my surgery and it’s always on my mind. I know the next few weeks will be long but I also know everything is going to be ok. Oh, and I’m never drinking again….