My girls have all gotten their cards and have said "yes" or "I accept" or "Im honored" or "I do". Which makes me beyond happy. I knew they wouldn't miss it but I also know how life is these days. CRAZY and MONEY HUNGRY! So, I didnt want anyone feeling obligated.
I got some photos of their cards -- and a couple calls with excitement. I love my ladies and Im honestly so thrilled to have each of them by my side. Each of them have their own special history with me.
Ivanna Michelle Melendez - My little baby; well, only sister. I grew up being such a jerk to her - since I found her beyond bratty. However, she looked up to me like no other. Leaving me notes and even saying aloud - how much she wanted to be like me. I used to laugh it off -- because she basically sounded as if she was off the Full House series. As we grew up - we grew apart. She became a stunningly attractive teenager, with her own friends and crazy lifestyle. When we both hit college years - we slowly drifted back together with bumps along the way. She's seen every side of me, all my appearances, boyfriends, love lost and more. She's been there since the beginning. She means the world to me. I love seeing the Mom she's become and being the GodMother for my nephew is such an honor. I love her to pieces and I am so glad she'll be standing beside me as my Maid of Honor.
Jennifer Anne Pariseau Wilson - My soon-to-be Sister in Law. We met back in 2009 - as I began dating her brother. We bonded instantly, which was surprising. She lived out of state and we only saw each other a few times a year. In just these short years; she's seen EVERY up and down between Jimmy and I; and our own lives have been such a roller coaster. She actually reminds me a lot of my little sister; which shouldn't be surprising. I stood by her side as her Maid of Honor in Egypt as she married Peter. She's been a best friend and sister since 2009 -- and I am so happy it'll be official.
Natasha Paleau [Soon to Be Melendez!] - My soon-to-be Sister in Law. I met her before Jimmy was apart of my life. She fit right into our family; and took our family right into hers. Natasha has gone through such a personal journey and it's been amazing seeing every part of that. Natasha is one of the best people for me to confide into. She was among one of my first phone calls to tell about my pregnancy with Xavier. Knowing my brother is the happiest he's ever been - means beyond everything to me. To share that happiness by knowing and growing with Natasha -- is incredible. am truly blessed to have such a genuine friend.
Allison Jennifer Suarez [Soon to be Veraga] - My Best Cousin. Since she was born - we were closer than sisters. To the point where we shared all the same clothes; if we weren't already dressed alike by our mother's; and fought like cats and dogs. She's always been the strongheaded one out of the two of us. She knows what's best...and isn't afraid to say so. She's the Godmother to Xavier; and I am so honored to have her apart of his life the way she is. Allison and I have gone through a mess of stuff - even from the long distance of NYC and MD. I am so excited to be standing by her side next year as her Maid of Honor...excuse me...MATRON of Honor!!!
Cassandra Lee Dozier - Best Friends. THIS CHICK. My little sister from another mother. We've seen the Good, the Bad and the Ugly since 2005. The Klan. Enough said! No but in all seriousness; Cassandra has listened to me for hours upon end for the past few years. Traveling up here to visit and going down to SC/NC to see her has been so exciting. She might be younger than me...by nearly two years...but she's given me so much advice; she could write a book. I love knowing her daughters and only wish I could be closer. I even took her to Hooters for her first time when she turned 16! ha.
Shannon Grace McClanahan - Best Friends. We met in High School and the rest is honestly a huge blur of hair dye, boys boys boys and parties. We share a huge love of music; and men. Between dealing with crazy chicks and hunting down ex's...we've had our share of memories. But; with all the changes and moving - she's been there for me without hesitation. She was my first customer when I opened the Unknown Artist; one of the first models for my first Studio; my first friend to give Xavier a gift [before he was born]...and just one hell of a friend. I couldn't imagine my life without her.
Danielle Kimberly O'Connor - Best Friends. We met back in 2011. She came to our place in Arnold for a Wii party I was hosting. She was super quiet but beyond friendly. I pushed my way into her life and we hit it off right away. Danielle has been there for me beyond words. We lived together for a short while in another part of Arnold. We attempted a fun girls trip to OC - dang weather! She got Jimmy and I on horseback - which is something we definitely want to do again. She helped put together my Baby Shower for Xavier last year; and made my Breakfast at Tiffany's idea come to life. She's been a great Auntie for Xavier!!
Jennifer Aschliman - Best Friends. We met back in 2006 - at her Church. One of our friends attended there and took me along. I ended up hanging out at her old apartment and we hit a club in Baltimore. After that....it was YEARS until we saw each other again. She came to my studio/store in Annapolis to show me some pinup outfit ideas she had for our session together. We sat talking for HOURS in the lounge. She's taken me under her wing ever since. Looking out for me through all my personal struggles; even letting me sleep on her couch for a few weeks over the summer I ended up pregnant. I was honored to stand by her side as one of her Bridesmaids last summer. Missing her lots now that she's out in California.
Courtney Blaire Rowe - Best Friends. We've known each other since High School - although a grade level apart. We were in the same Dance Class. I didn't see her for over five years -- til she ended up coming over to party for Halloween when we were living in Edgewater. We rang in the New Year together -- and it all has been one big party since then. Between random roadtrips to Ocean City - to planning out my lovely pregnancies...she's been the one to witness both pregnancy tests turning positive. HA! It's great to know she's had my back ; as well as my relationships back....all this time.
All in all - I chose these nine ladies... because each of them means a lot to me, respects and honors my relationship with Jimmy, and in their own way has their OWN friendship with Jimmy. To me; thats what a true friend is. I love these girls; beyond words.
