As I mentioned in yesterday’s post (GIVEAWAY), this past weekend was jam-packed as my best friend got married.  Here is a little blurb about Barbara (aka: Barbie) from Saturday, but I’m going to give you the rundown of what the weekend entailed.

Thursday:  Like the high-class gals we are, we rode around St. Louis limo-style.

We all had matching t-shirts that read Barbara’s Bachelorette Party with our names and titles on the back.  Mine naturally said Itz Linz.

First stop: Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour.  AB began in St. Louis in 1952; I’ve lived here all my life, but never toured the brewery!  While I’m not a beer drinker, it was still neat to learn some of the history and how beer is produced.  But in all honesty, my favorite part was seeing the Clydesdales!

There were photographers on site to take complimentary pictures, so we smiled for the camera.

We opted not to purchase the pictures as we all had cameras with us anyway.  However, there was a table of guys next to us at the end who graciously bought the pictures for us.    After the brewery, we drove around St. Louis and stopped at random places, including the Arch where Barbie was proposed to.

When we returned to Barbie’s home, we showered, scrubbed, and exfoliated in order to prep ourselves for our spray tans.  Luckily, none of us ended up orange.

Friday: In the morning, we got manicures and pedicures before attending a brunch hosted by my mother and one of Barbie’s aunts.

It was a lovely time for the bridesmaids, grandmothers, mothers, and close friends to get to know each other, visit, and eat tasty food.

After the luncheon, we had some downtime before the rehearsal at the church.  The rehearsal dinner was held at Kemoll’s - a banquet hall located on the 42nd floor with a grand view of the St. Louis Arch.

There was more good food, mingling of the bridal party, and speeches were given.  We went home when it ended in order to get a good night’s sleep before the big day!

Saturday:  I woke up earlier than the others and set out to do a short run.  When I came back, Barbie was just leaving the house for a quick run, too, so I joined her for another lap around the neighborhood.  A huge breakfast was delivered courtesy of Barbie’s matron of honor’s mom, and we feasted before our day of pampering.  Hair and make-up artists came to the home while we casually relaxed, drank mimosas, and got all done up!

I loved my updo!  I told the stylist that I wanted a side braid with my hair pulled up to the side.  I knew I wanted to see it from the front and have some body on top.  She was awesome and her skills were confirmed the next morning when my hair was still in tact.

Barbie looked absolutely radiant.  Her hair, make-up, dress, shoes, everything was totally and completely perfect.  It was her day to shine and she sure did!

The bridesmaids didn’t look too shabby either.

We set off for the church in a limo and tried to stay cool as it was 110 degrees outside!  I couldn’t believe my best friend was about to get married – a day we had dreamed of for the last twenty+ years.

The ceremony was lovely and it was obvious to all that Barbie and Chris were meant for each other.  After a few brief sessions of photos, we went to the Missouri History Museum where the reception was held.  It was an awesome venue and very fitting for the newlyweds.  Jonny and I sat with my parents.

I was honored to be a part of Barbie’s wedding weekend.  Just as she stood beside me in 2010 for my wedding, I got to witness my best friend get married.  I wish Barbie and Chris a lifetime full of health and happiness!

Do you have any good wedding stories?