My aunt planned a weekend get-together I’ll never forget.
By Erika Lynde
My singlehood went out with a big bang, and what was first unfortunate news turned into something I’ll remember for a lifetime.
It all started with a phone call from my Auntie Sheri. She called me in late October to let me know that her disease had taken a turn for the worse and preventative surgery had been scheduled in the near future…a.k.a. right before my wedding. I was a mess. She played such an important role in my childhood, and I basically consider her to be a second mother. Sheri is a kind soul and she has gotten me through so many of life’s challenges. Not having her at my wedding is a tragedy. Feeling a little guilty (which was totally unnecessary), she had an idea: She’d throw me a bachelorette weekend I’d never forget.
A few weeks later I got an invite in the mail with a list of activities and delicious food. The weekend was happening just before Thanksgiving with mostly family, a few close friends and, of course, me! When the 21st arrived I was off to Vermont for the ultimate girls’ weekend. The first sleepless night was spent drinking grapefruit and thyme mimosas while playing the funniest games ever. I’ll leave them to your imagination, but rest assured, they were hilarious (and I hope not caught on camera!).
The next day involved a tour of the ranch where we were staying and lots and lots of cooking. This was a must since the house we were renting belonged to none other than the author of the “America’s Test Kitchen Cookbook.” What better place to try out new recipes like strawberry cream cheese croissants and homemade chicken Marsala! Accompanying us that Saturday night was an amazing astrologer/tarot card reader. Not only did she bring me a gorgeous bouquet of flowers but had star charts for each girl loaded with secret information (my aunt knows me so well).
Last was Sunday brunch. Decked out in a sash, a pink cap and a veil, we went for breakfast in the tiny downtown of Manchester, Vermont. There’s nothing quite like small town New England to make you feel like everything is right in the world. You all know Rhode Islanders…nothing quite like home.
I’m not sure how I got so lucky, and I’m curious if I’ll ever have something this awesome happen again or if it’s just because I’m a bride-to-be. I really had such a beautiful time with all my family and friends. It’s still heartbreaking to know my aunt won’t be there watching us exchange our vows in person, but a Skype session will have to take place so she can watch me walk down the aisle. There’s no way I’m letting her miss out on my wedding — no way.