Back Stage Pass

by Linda Mewok

The Invitation . . .

Prelude to:   My Best Friend's Wedding

It's not everyday that my husband and I are invited to attend several fabulous soiree's in Beverly Hills.  As it turns out, my longtime sister like best friend, Danielle announced she was getting married.  Danielle and I met at a recording studio in 1990 when I was in rehearsal with her 'then' legendary husband and my musician friend Gregg Allman.  Danielle and Gregg eventually

parted in 1991 and she moved to Los Angeles.  Living the single life once again, she became a known manager for actors and actresses and plunged back into the dating game.  Being the best of friends and single at the same time way back when, we had a lot of stories to share.  And besides, what are best friend's for if not to help you sort out all the frogs along the way to your prince!   She had somehow acquired the title of the "Runaway Bride" - evidently based on the assumption that she just couldn't quite make the marital leap (no frog pun intended) in the midst of many ardent suitors.   And, as if the single life isn't enough of a roller coaster for many the average girl, imagine the odds of finding marital bliss in Hollywood. 

Ah, but then along came Ernie.  Somehow you know when your best friend's conversation always manages it way back around to the topic of "him", that this guy must be very special if she is talking marriage. Not that she "needed a man" so to speak.   Danielle was an incredibly accomplished manager of actors and actresses,  a single working mother with a very full life.  Considering her environment, she's not overly impressed with herself, though she easily

could be.  A bright, caring, generous person, who isn't easily impressed by celebrity or it's attachments; in spite of the fact that so many people want to know her.  As my maid of honor when my husband and I married, she delayed an important trip out of the country, just to be part of our big day.   All the more reason to dedicate my next several columns to my dear friend and her great guy! 

Okay, so back to the story.   

Finally, the Prince had arrived!  Dani called and announced "Ernie and I are engaged and you have to come to the engagement party!"   Of course we wouldn't miss it. I've got to meet this guy and give him the "silent stamp of best friend approval".  Yet even as much as you want to be there and will be there for your best friend, etc., you can't help but be a little anxious about such a big event.  In Beverly Hills no less, which of course confirmed the idea that the hosts of the engagement party would undoubtedly have an impressive home.  Believe me, the word impressive doesn't quite describe what we were about to experience.  I've been privilege to a number of memorable entertainment industry events, yet somehow I knew this was going to be very, very special. 

First things first however, as we arrive the night before at the Century Plaza Hotel to a beautiful welcome basket and personal note sent over by the Bride and Groom-to-be.  A warm welcome to a busy travel day.  And now it's a good night's sleep, as tomorrow we celebrate the upcoming nuptials!

Next Week:   The Engagement Party . . .