Yay for Bridesmaids!

So... It turns out I actually have friends (other than Ryan). I asked all my bridesmaids and believe it or not, they all said yes! :) Asking my girls has actually been one of my favorite things I have done so far. So, to pop the question to the bridesmaids, I had love2bcreative make some bridesmaids "invitations" for me (See the picture to the left). At the top it said "Will you be my bridesmaid?" and then under the dress (yes, you have to lift the dress up to see it - get your mind out of the gutter, Jordan!), they said "Hard to believe that in just a little while, Ryan and I will be walking down the aisle. And nothing would give me such joy and pride Then to have you there by my side!". I also gave them all a framed picture of us together. Although it was fun, asking my bridesmaids was more nerve-wracking than I thought it would be, but it got easier as I went along. I was so nervous when I asked Crystal (she was the first to be officially asked) that I kind of felt like I was proposing. Even though I thought she'd say yes, a part of me still was a little worried... Guess now I understand how Ryan felt when he had to propose. In addition to the "invitation", I gave them all a Bridesmaid's Contract which I have included below. When I decided to ask everyone in the way that I did, I really thought that I'd be able to keep a straight face and give them the contract and make them all sign it (as a joke of course). But... I guess I didn't do a very good job with that, because each time I gave the 'maids the contract, they all just laughed in my face, most of the time while I was trying to hold in my laughter. At the very least, the contract was good for a laugh - I'm glad they know that I'm trying not to take this wedding thing that seriously!!

*Bridesmaid’s Contract*
Let me just say again how happy I am that you are going to be a part of my special day! Below are just a few guidelines for the wedding that I’d like you to review. Please initial by each point and sign at the end. Just want to make sure they’re aren’t any surprises! Thanks so much! Love ya!
-Wendy
______ My hair will remain at the length it is now or longer.

______ I will not change my hair color without first consulting Wendy and providing a sample photo or hair swatch for consideration.

______ I will use Sally Hansen’s “Maximum Growth-Daily Nail Growth program” every day for the 4 months before the wedding day.

______ I will not gain more than 5 lbs from the weight I was when I was asked to be a bridesmaid.

______ I swear to attend all showers, (bridal & bachelorette), to arrive in a timely manner and do everything in my power to support and “be there” for the bride.

______ I will purchase the bridesmaid dress selected by Wendy within 6 months of the date of the wedding (and not complain about the style or the color selected).

______ I will NOT knowingly get pregnant without notifying Wendy at least 4 months prior to the wedding so a suitable alternate can be found. I will also give my purchased bridesmaid dress to the alternate bridesmaid selected.

I do hereby swear that I will adhere to all of the above & other understood bridesmaid duties for the wedding on September 20, 2008
X_________________________
(sign, print and date)

The 'Maids are as follows:

Becky - the MOH (my best friend from middle/high school)

Crystal - my sister (who will keep me in line and not let me make any ugly decisions!) :)

Stacey - my niece (who is all grown up now!!)

Val - my best friend from E&Y (even though she left me)

Alexis - my soon to be sister-in-law

Melissa - my friend since kindergarten

So, to my bridesmaids... I want you all to know how thankful I am that you are a part of mine and Ryan's lives. You mean so much to us, and we are very excited that you will be a part of the big day!!

As for the groomsmen, Ryan is slowly asking - I think he's about halfway through, but he isn't doing anything as fun as I did... Boys will be boys.