Jen

I have no idea when or where this was taken, but I love it and wish we were more in focus!

Tomorrow is my wedding day, and I've come to my last post about my Bridesmaids. Now, Jen comes last in the list not because she is the least in any way, but because she was the last to come into my life!

When I moved back to the South Bay after college and working at a couple of theatre gigs, I came back to direct and choreograph a monster musical - SEUSSICAL - for Starlight. Jen was my stage manager on that show (through TWO productions of it), and not only did she save my bacon time and time again and keep me totally (or mostly!) sane, but she became my dear, dear friend.

That SEUSSICAL wrap party - July, 2007. L to R: Me, Nancy Gomez (in the front), Debbie Zaldivar (now Debbie Bowler), Nicole Anton (now Nicole Folger) and Jen.

At an age where most of my friends were already married or no longer in the area, I desperately needed a fun friend - someone I could go out with on a Friday or Saturday night and have a BLAST. A friend that wasn't just a "going out" friend, but someone who was in the same place as I was - dating in LA and trying to figure out all of the pieces of my life!

We've worked on so many shows and projects together since SEUSSICAL, and each one has been a blast because she was part of it. Jen has stood by me through some crazy times, and I've listened and been staunchly on her side through her own tough times.

Jen is sassy, sexy, hilarious, tells it like it is, is confident in her own skin and completely has my back. I have her back, too, but I don't know that I'd be any good in a fight!!!!! I'd try though, for her!

At Debbie's wedding, November 2009.

I have so many fun memories with Jen from the last few years, but two memories come to mind right away.

The first is from our Seussical wrap party - drinking margaritas, dancing and flirting with the camera - we absolutely had a blast!!!!!! The second is so recent - from my Bachelorette weekend, of spending hours at the Spa, just the two of us, talking a million miles an hour and realizing how far we've both come in the last few years! From dating crazy, bad-for-us men to finding the good ones - the men who stand by you and think you're gorgeous when you look (and smell!) like a dirtball.

Jen and I last year - November, 2009 I think - with Jason in the background!

Jen, I love you so much, my friend! THANK YOU for being a part of this adventure, and for welcoming me into your life at a time when I so badly needed a friend! I am so excited for you as you and Chris begin your journey together, building your first home together - and am thrilled to be sharing this special time with you! Here's to many more years of laughter, margaritas and Spa Days!!!!!!!

Karenanna

On an island of the Coast of France, collecting Sea Glass -

one of the best days of my life so far! 2007.

We're almost to the wedding, and Karenanna is the next of my bridesmaids to hit the spotlight!

I transferred to the University of Michigan in Fall of 2003, and was placed in the Sophomore Class. At this time I technically should have been a Senior, and was a couple of years older than the rest of the students in my "BFA in Theatre Performance" Class. The class sizes are small at Michigan, one of the reasons I chose to go there, so you take every class with the people in your year all the way through your degree program. While everyone was very polite to me when I transferred, it's very difficult to stroll into an innately competitive environment where everyone else has had a full year to bond and find their "place". Being the one to upset the apple cart is difficult, no matter how nice everyone is!

Karenanna was the first real friend I had in my acting program - she sincerely approached me that first day, and I instantly fell in love with her sparkling personality and her red, red hair that is just like mine. Like me, she was also older than the students in our class - only 2 months younger than me - and when she turned 21 that December, we started going out for drinks occasionally just to download on everything that was going on.

Karenanna and I after our Graduation from the University of Michigan, 2006.

Karenanna was one of my biggest support posts during my three years at Michigan, one of those people who would sit and listen, cry with me, laugh with me, and celebrate with me too. I like to think that I supported and encouraged her just as much, but I also think that she was in a more stable place during that time. I think about Karenanna during that time of my life, and I think of a rock - never budging, staying solid in the storm. I don't think I ever told her just how much she rescued me during that time, knowing that she would stop and listen when I felt that life was spinning out of control or that I was drowning in my depression.

Since graduation, I have seen Karenanna once a year. First, my visit to Karenanna in Cognac, France in 2007. In 2008 we met in Barcelona for a magical week of art, adventures and Sangria. In 2009, in Vermont as I attended my leader training for World Learning. And for 2010 - well, that visit is days away! Every time I see her, it's like the years fall away - and we laugh, eat, cry, get real, and laugh some more...

K-nans and I on the harbor in Barcelona, 2008.

I have three favorite memories of Karenanna - the first one is from an Island off the coast of France - of eating chocolate crepes in an outdoor cafe then strolling and hunting for sea glass on the beach while we talked forever. The next is from our visit to a mountain top monastery just outside of Barcelona - of the cold, the mist, and the majesty. Of attending their mid-day prayer service and being surrounded by every language under the sun as we found ourselves in a Catholic Pilgrimage Site. Of the amazing conversation that came out of that visit. Then the most recent - a delicious outdoor dinner on the river in Vermont - amazing burgers, and some serious downloading time after a crazy, crazy week for both of us.

I love you, K-nans! I am so excited and honored that you are flying across the country and taking a few days from Grad School to be a part of this special day! I cannot WAIT to see you at the rehearsal on Friday and squeeze you to death!!!!!!!!!

Karenanna and I in Vermont during training for the

Experiment in International Living, 2009.

Nancy

Nancy and I at my birthday celebration, October 17, 2010.

Nancy is a rare bird in photos, and this is one of the few I have of us together!

In the order that I met them, Nancy is next.

The story of how I met Nancy is very much wrapped up in the story of how I fell into teaching, choreography and ultimately directing. I'll try to give you the short version.

In the Spring of 2001, I was teaching two acting classes at the City of Torrance for a Company called Pizzazz Productions. The owner, Laura, was so happy with the work I was doing in my classes, that she was going to hire me to run drama camp for the summer. I remember sitting in this pre-camp meeting with Laura and my friend Kasey (who was going to work with me that Summer), when suddenly the door of the tiny office opens, and in bursts one of the most outrageous women I have ever met. She was wrapped in a velvet shawl (with tassels), and she was furious because Laura still hadn't found her a choreographer for the summer musical she was directing, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS. Kasey opened his big mouth and said, "Erin's a choreographer!", (which I still am not sure I was at that age - I'd done some choreography and I had a big dance background - but a choreographer? not yet) and I was hired. The rest is history.

Nancy ended up taking over the company and transforming it into Starlight Productions, and I have been working with and for her for nine and a half years. Along the way, she has become one of my nearest and dearest friends. Although we sometimes make each other absolutely nuts, we come around, apologize, and treat each other with love.

Nancy has the best, most generous heart, and she really has the ability to see people and their circumstances with a clear, compassionate eye. She also has a very good sense of perspective about life's ups and downs, and she is never afraid to talk me down when I get over-stressed or out of control. Truth be told, she's also sweet talked me into a number of crazy ideas over the years, just as I have done to her!

I have learned SOOO much from Nancy over the years, and feel like I am an adopted member of the Gomez family - almost like the fourth child!

Nancy, I am so honored to have you as a friend and part of my bridal party. Thank you so much for seeing something in a little 18 year old and for supporting me 100% along the way. Thank you for all of the opportunities, for humoring my crazy ideas, and for loving me even when I'm a little bit nuts. I look forward to many more years of margaritas and late nights up talking!

Solange

Solange and I at Disney's California Adventure, about to ride Toy Story Midway Mania, July 2010!

This week, it's Solange's turn!!!

I first met Solange my freshman year, though she doesn't remember it. We had Freshman English together, and it was her first year in Public school after a lifetime in Catholic school.

We didn't become good friends until our Sophomore year. We both ended up in Advanced Dance that year, and when the Advanced team was "required" to be a part of the Spring Musical, Solange and I were two of only THREE members who remained in Advanced for the Spring Semester. That musical was "Once Upon a Mattress", and if you want to read about how that period of time changed my life, you can click here!

What's important is that Solange became my dear friend, my best friend, during that important time in my life. It was also a major time in Solange's life, because it was during that show that she met the young man she would one day marry, Nik.

The three Advanced Dance Students who stuck it out at the Music Center, about to see CHICAGO at the Ahmanson Theatre. L to R: Connie, Me, Solange. May, 1998. We look very "Clueless" here.

Throughout high school, college and beyond we maintained our friendship, and it grew just as we did. I remember all the moments, watching her struggle through the many break-ups and get-togethers with Nik, and her joy when they were both on the other side of the growing - ready to make the next step - marriage.

Solangey and I at Trinity Lake, sometime in College. I think this is August 2002 or 2003.

She has stood by my side through some really tough times, always in my corner, always telling it exactly like it is. Solange says what she thinks and lives by what she believes.

Solange is a mom now - an incredible mother to her gorgeous daughter, Caitlin Erin Rohde. My incredible god-daughter has my name as her middle name, and I am so honored and humbled by that gesture. In fact, when Nik and Solange told me what her name would be, I cried.

That's me with Solange's daughter (and my god-daughter), Caitlin Erin Rohde.

Christmas Day, 2009.

Solangey, I love you. Thank you for being a better friend to me than I am to you - for being a ferocious friend and an inspiring mother. You are hilarious, kind, honest, loyal, patient (SOOO patient) and my family. You are the BEST.

If you want to check out the goings on of the Rohde Family, check out Solange's blog, here!

Solange and I on the way to her wedding ceremony, July 2006.

Akiko

Feb 2, 1990 - Akiko's 8th Birthday! Unfortunately the photo was damaged, so I touched it up as

best as I could once I scanned it. I have so many memories at that dining room table!

From L to R: Kelli, Tomoko, Yoriko, Akiko, Me

Continuing on with my bridesmaids in the order that I met them, Akiko is next. My family moved in across the street from Akiko's house when I was six years old. We met at the bus stop on the first day of 2nd Grade, and from my recollection we didn't actually like each other initially.

That certainly didn't last long! We became fast friends - best friends - and spent nine years riding the bus and then walking to and from middle and high school together. Sleepovers, torturing our younger sisters (who also became close friends), learning the ins and outs of how to eat with chopsticks, and cooking up one wild scheme after the other... We were inseparable for nine years until her dad's job caused their whole family to move back to Japan.

I will never forget how lonely I was when Akiko left. As I moved into my Junior year of high school without her - getting my drivers license, going to dances and Proms - all the things we'd always talked about doing together, I was doing alone. It broke my little heart - and still makes me sad when I think about it today.

But... she came back! College brought Akiko back to California, and for one awesome Christmas, she was back on Ingrum Way with my family and I.

Akiko and I during that special Christmas when she stayed with us - New Years Eve 2000/2001.

Over the years, the gaps between our visits have gotten larger - mostly due to geography. When Akiko was in California, I was in Michigan. When I was back in California, she moved to New York for work.

Still though, every time I see her the years disappear, and we are the same old friends. The time and life experiences just enhance our friendship, not detract from it. Akiko is so genuine. She is accepting and loving, honest, and sooooo intelligent. Oh man! She was always super intelligent - match that with a kind and generous heart, well it's no wonder she has gone into a career where she can help students!

The biggest memory that comes to my mind right now is from 6th Grade. For her birthday, Akiko FINALLY got to have her very own bedroom - no more sharing with her two sisters! And to celebrate, I got to spend the night. Of course, that meant that Kelli got to spend the night with Yoriko and Tomoko as well. So there I was, sleeping on the floor while Akiko slept her first night in her own room. I woke up in the middle of the night with my head rolling side to side - it was the night of the Northridge Earthquake. It woke Akiko up, too. AND Kelli, Yoriko and Tomoko, all of whom ended up in Akiko's new bedroom - where she did NOT spend her first night in her own room without her sisters.

One more story - I was always so envious that Akiko could play piano. That's one skill that has escaped me no matter how many times I have tried to learn. I can read music, but I just can't PLAY. Akiko could, though. So, in one of my crazy, harebrained schemes I decided that I could cheat and learn to play a song - I just had Akiko color code the stickers that I put on the keys of my family piano. YEP. Stickers on the keys - sacrilege - but I talked her into it. I still have no idea how.

I love you, my friend. Thank you for being willing to cross the continent to be a part of this special, special day. I am SOOOOO looking forward to giving you a huge hug!

Halloween, 1994 - We both didn't have a costume so we went as crazy tourists!

Kelli

Kelli and Jeff's Wedding - May, 2007

L to R: Me, Kelli, Jeff, Jeff's Best Man Jordan

About a week ago, I had a conversation with a friend who's also planning a wedding. The conversation turned to bridesmaids, and she was saying that she has a friend who had all of her college friends in her bridal party, and now - three years later - that friend never even speaks to her Bridesmaids since they've drifted apart.

The conversation drifted to my bridal party, and I realized how blessed I am to have a woman representing each stage of my life in my Bridal Party. Women that I talk to regularly, who I have maintained relationships with throughout the years. These are INCREDIBLE women, so I decided to write about each of them over the next couple of weeks!

I'll start with my Maid of Honor - my sister Kelli. Kelli is three years younger than I am, and we are as different as night and day, at least as far as our interests go. The older we get, the more our similarities have come to light - the way we speak, communicate, eat, clean, likes/dislikes. As adults, we've become more than sisters but great friends!

Kelli has the kindest heart of anyone I have every met. She is empathetic to a fault, and soooo generous with her time, resources and creativity. SHE IS SO TALENTED!

It's been incredible watching Kelli grow from a little dirt-ball tomboy into the sophisticated, beautiful and glamorous woman that she is today. She is a woman from a different era - always polished and effortless - gorgeous and glowing even in her work clothes. And let me just say that she is NOT afraid to get dirty!

Yes... I'm very white. Yes, Kelli is covered in mud - I told you she was a dirtball!

Trinity Lake, Circa 2003

Kelli has a wonderful husband, Jeff, and it has been such a blessing watching Jeff and my fiancee Jason bond and become fast friends. My hope is that someday we'll have our kids at close to the same time and they can grow up together - playing together and vacationing together just like we were able to do with our cousins.

I have a lifetime of memories with Kelli in them, but the ones that come to the forefront of my mind right now are of countless Christmas Mornings - of racing Kelli down the hallway to the living room, ready to see the tree and the treasures that lay below it. Every year she would beat me, every year one of us would get shoved into the wall heater as we wrestled for the doorway.

I am so grateful and humbled to have a sister like Kelli. I love you so much, sissy! Thank you for being my maid of honor and my dear friend!

No date, No location, but we're probably at a lake somewhere, camping. I LOVE this picture. I love our faces!