The day we had anticipated for just more than 10 months quickly approached as my boyfriend, Christian, and I headed to Sarasota, Florida, on an American Airlines’ flight to celebrate his sister’s wedding last week. Christian and I were both in the wedding party, so carrying our garment bag on the flight was necessary. Luckily, the flight attendant understood the importance of an unwrinkled outfit and kindly stored our outfits in the first-class cabin.

Upon landing at Sarasota’s airport, our wedding party duties began. We checked into Westin Sarasota and promptly headed to its rooftop pool and bar to join the soon-to-be bride and groom. Friday consisted of a workout at F45 Sarasota to get us in a good mindset for a weekend full of eating and drinking, followed by rehearsals at Saint Martha Catholic Church and a rehearsal dinner at a local steakhouse. Christian nailed the speech he made at the rehearsal dinner for about 50 close friends and family members. Happy tears were shed and many, many laughs were shared as the only brother of the bride shared memories, inside jokes and a couple of jabs at the bride and groom.

Wedding day call times for the bridesmaids started at 8 a.m. for hair and makeup. The bridesmaids were just an awesome group of Jackie’s (the bride’s) closest friends and family members. We all had a great time primping and prepping for the day with mimosas and coffee as the glam squad took care of our hair and makeup.

The ceremony was a beautiful celebration of the love and commitment between Jackie and Ryan. I felt really honored to witness the entire day by their side. After the ceremony, the bridal party piled onto a wedding-decorated trolley bus and headed to the beach for photos.

The reception was held at Sarasota Yacht Club. Cocktail hour was filled with fresh seafood and trays of charcuterie followed by dinner of fish or filet. The two maids of honor, along with the best man, Ryan’s brother Scott, made speeches followed by the father of the bride bringing the room to tears as he toasted his only daughter’s wedding day. We danced the night away to a 10-person band on an evening I will never forget.

Sunday was spent recovering from a full day of celebration. The rooftop pool was closed due to the wind in Sarasota, so Christian and I spent the day on our private balcony at the Westin. We got to have dinner with the newlyweds that night at a local Italian restaurant to wind down from the craziness and recap the wedding before they were off to Italy for their honeymoon. What a weekend! Congratulations, Jackie and Ryan!

— Haley Fogarty, advertising manager