In just a few minutes, I’m putting my baby blue suitcase in the back of my car and heading to North Carolina for several days of wedding “festivities” for my Allie. For those of you who are new to the blog, Allie is a friend of mine from college who helps me run Starlite. We lived either on the same hallway as each other or in back-to-back apartments for three years of college; she was also one of the original seven girls who helped me get Starlite up and running all those years ago. I was so happy when she got engaged that, naturally, I had to throw a little party to celebrate it only a few nights later. To say that she has significance in my life would be quite the understatement. Simply put, I love her.

Coming along for the trip is Cousin Cate (oh yes she is!) and one of my best friends from college, Kelly. I can’t believe I’ve never really written about Kelly before! Kelly was one of our first Starlite volunteers and, by the time of her senior year, was actually running Starlite (along with some other lovely girls) while I spent four months working in Nashville (it’s a long story). She and the other girls actually ran Starlite far more efficiently than I ever had so you can imagine how hard it was to lose her to Memphis when she graduated. I’m glad she’s riding in my car because my sweet Jesus knows we need her to keep Cousin Cate in line while I’m driving.

We’re heading there a couple of days early because I’m helping out with the pictures, Kelly’s going to tackle anything left on the wedding to-do list and Cousin Cate… well, Cousin Cate is going to keep the groomsmen in line (a job for which she is particularly gifted). A few other Starlite girlies — both past and present — will head our way on Friday and Saturday, with a chosen few remaining in Cleveland to keep Starlite on track. I can’t believe both Allie and I are going to be out of town during one of the busiest times in Starlite, but how are you going to hold processed nacho cheese higher than true love?

Exactly.

When I was over at Allie’s house the other night to drop off a few things, I asked her if it would be okay for me to tell you how she met Ryan, the man she’ll marry this Saturday, from my point of view (oh yes, I was involved). She immediately said yes because girl knows ya’ll like a good love story.

And let me just tell you… you will love this one.

Tomorrow.

‘Cause, yep, I’m gonna make you wait ’til then.