Because not all bridesmaids could make the Vegas trip, as some are with child, both inside and outside of their bodies, and also because I’m the luckiest girl in the world, Julien (my oldest friend in the world) threw me a beautiful bridal luncheon the day before the wedding. And because she is a genius person, it was a MAKE YOUR OWN TOAST PARTY, complete with a charming toast menu that matched our invitation, and specialty wine glasses with my friends’ nicknames for me all over them, and of course, buckets and buckets of rosé.

Wait, let’s take a closer look at that there menu:

It was only one of the greatest afternoons of my life. I got to sit around with six of my most world favorite gals, eating toast. I got to gift them all with flannel shirts and overly earnest love letters to our friendships. Most bestly, I asked them all to give me marriage advice, either based on their own marriages, or marriages they have witnessed, or just, you know, advice.

Some favorites: Give each other time and space, especially after having a baby. PATIENCE. Really, really don’t go to bed angry. And it’s gonna be hard sometimes, but it’s great. And don’t hide things from each other, but keep a few things just for yourself.  And Let him play video games. Bekah, just let him do it.

My advice to YOU: FIND AND BE FRIENDS WITH THESE EXACT WONDROUS WOMEN.

EXCEPT THAT SKETCHY CHARACTER IN THE OVERALLS. STAY AWAY. ONE MOMENT OF FRIENDSHIP WITH HER AND SHE WILL FILL YOUR APARTMENT WITH EARNEST NOTES.