In the beginning …
In the heart of a whirlwind of excitement, joy, and love, I have been immersed in the intricate details of preparing for my daughter Chelsea’s & Carter’s wedding, a union that has come to be after having known each other for seven years.
A year of big emotions, meticulous planning, countless fittings, and rigorous training has led to the momentous occasion set to take place in the beautiful destination of Los Cabo. The whole family is looking forward to the wedding event, with quite a few members participating in the ceremony.
The Dress Hunt:
The journey for a bride always begins with the search for the perfect wedding gown. Chelsea tried on 43 gowns before finding the right one, a gown that suited her to a T. She chose a beautiful draped gown, light and airy and just right for her elegant beach vibe wedding.
We then spent countless hours trying on dresses, gowns, shoes, and accessories to ensure the entire wedding party would feel and look their best on the big day.
The fittings became more than just a quest for the right attire; they transformed into bonding experiences filled with laughter, shared stories, and the anticipation of the magical day to come. Grayson, who is also in the wedding party as a flower girl, brought her seven year old enthusiasm to some of the fittings, where she too was allowed to try on a veil and pretend to be a bride. It was a very special moment.
My Role:
In December of 2022, Chelsea took me aside during the Christmas festivities to ask me if I would agree to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day. This is a moment of great honor for me. So great, that of course when Chel asked me, I burst into tears, and then happily agreed. I still get emotional all these months later, thinking about that moment and me walking my beautiful girl down the aisle.
The significance of this role is not lost on me. Chelsea’s biological mother is in heaven, having passed when Chelsea was only four years old. I pledged to be this beautiful girl’s mother here on earth, while still respecting her heavenly mother. I became her step mom first and then her adoptive mom. The bond between us has deepened with each passing day, and never more than during these wedding preparations. We both eagerly anticipate the future, making this journey not just about the wedding itself but about the beautiful relationship that is unfolding.
Physical Preparation:
In addition to finding the perfect outfit, The Crew – myself, Chelsea, Kelsey, Kiersten and Rachel – have dedicated themselves to physical fitness. The road to looking and feeling as healthy and fit as possible involved rigorous training sessions at F45, early morning runs, Cellercise sessions, kettlebell workouts and many intense rides on the Peloton. Our commitment to fitness lives in our DNA, having had one of the foremost icons in the bodybuilding world lead by example. My late husband, Chelsea’s father, Robert Kennedy inspires us, even now, to live a healthy lifestyle using exercise and eating clean as the foundation to achieve it.
Sisterly Support:
Rachel, Kiersten, and Kelsey, Chelsea’s sisters, have played and continue to play vital roles in the wedding preparation process. From organizing bridal showers to coordinating bachelorette parties, the sisters bring an extra layer of joy and excitement to the festivities. New York City has not been the same since the Kennedy Bachelorette! Their shared enthusiasm and sisterly bond add a special touch to the entire wedding preparation journey. Sisters forever!
Countdown to the Big Day:
As the days draw nearer to December 9th, I find myself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. How will it all unfold? Will our suitcases make it? What surprises await us? I am learning to trust the Universe and simply allow what is, to be. I’m reveling in the excitement, nervousness, and overwhelming joy as my family and I anticipate the magical moment when Chelsea and Carter exchange vows in the breathtaking backdrop of a mango orchard under a starry Mexican sky.
The destination for this wedding was chosen for its extreme significance to the entire family. Hotel Paradisus was the last place we traveled together as an entire family, just three months before Bob died. It will, no doubt, fill our souls with memories of that happy time, tinged by the sadness we feel that Bob is no longer with us. Holding the wedding here will be, for all of us, an opportunity to reconnect with these memories and make new ones all at once.
In The End:
The journey of preparing for Chelsea and Carter’s wedding has been a year filled with love, laughter, and shared moments, some deeply emotional, as we had to say goodbye to my precious mother this year. From dress fittings to physical training, every step has been taken with care and dedication and above all, love.
As the countdown to December 9th continues, I look forward to not just witnessing Chelsea’s union but also celebrating the culmination of a year filled with love and preparation for a dream wedding.
Happiness in marriage!
Tosca
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