I grew up in a home where my parents’ goal was to raise my two sisters (Lisa and Laura) and me to be the epitome of best friends. Those of you with children or siblings of your own know full well that this isn’t always an easy task.
(I'm pictured in the middle, with Laura on my left and Lisa to my right)
In spite of our age differences (Lisa is ten years older than me; Laura is two years my senior) and varying personalities and temperaments, we’ve developed a bond that grows even stronger over the years. It was only natural that my reaction to my sister Laura’s engagement was pure bliss and extreme excitement. (Seriously —I couldn’t stop screaming and jumping around my parents’ kitchen!)
Due to our closeness in age, Laura and I have shared almost everything since birth. Toys, clothing, schools, interests…the list goes on and on. It makes perfect sense that Laura and I share this next stage of our lives together.
(That's me on the left and Laura on my right!)
For those of you wondering if my reaction is just a façade, I don’t necessarily blame you: We've all met bridezillas who don’t enjoy sharing the spotlight. In my case, I can honestly say that I see the glass as half full. Here are my top three reasons why two brides are better than one:
1. You Too? When wedding mode strikes, it's wonderful to know that my sister/best friend/Maid of Honor can relate to my never-ending thoughts, like "How many place settings should I put on my registry?" and "When's my next deposit due?" Best of all, she can chime in as a fellow bride with feedback and concerns.
2. Seeing Double: In spite of visiting 13 different venues with my fiancé Michael, I’m thrilled that in less than a week I will be accompanying Laura and my future brother-in-law, Kevin, to scout locations. I seriously feel as if I am seeing a hall for the first time. Once the future bride and groom set the date, I look forward to attending dress fittings and cake tastings (and all of the other events in between). After all, not many brides get to revisit the wedding-planning journey (a process I truly enjoy) before their own wedding has even taken place!
3. Giving Back: Being the youngest of three, I’ve turned to my sisters on countless occasions for advice. Since Mike and I have been planning since 2010, it’s wonderful to be in a situation where I can provide my sister and Kevin with guidance. With their engagement party quickly approaching, I can't help but smile when I see party-related emails from Laura inquiring which escort cards to order or which shoes to wear with her engagement dress.
I love being able to share the great bridal resources I’ve discovered along the way (Etsy, and of course, BridalGuide.com, just to name a few); and give advice about which questions she should ask when visiting various vendors. Most importantly, I’m overjoyed that I am able to help Laura and Kevin create a wedding day that is as unique and wonderful as the love they share for one another.
Congratulations to Laura and Kevin! May health, happiness, and love be with you always…
Crista Asks: How do you feel about sharing your bridal spotlight?
—Crista Camerlengo
Crista Camerlengo is a real bride and the co-founder of Style She Wrote, who will tie the knot in July 2012 with Michael, her fiancé of six years. This chic NYC couple describes their wedding style as “modern romance"—fitting for a pair who had their first date at a quaint seaport and became engaged in the same spot, overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. This fashion-forward blogger loves to infuse her traditional taste with unexpected contemporary accents.
