While in movies we typically see a group of men getting wasted at fancy clubs and watching strippers, this isn’t exactly for everyone. There are a lot of different ways the groom and his best buds can celebrate his “last night of freedom,” and it should be something the groom actually wants to do—it’s his party! Think of something that he’s going to enjoy and remember, not what you or your other friends want. … read more

In many cases we often hear of the bride taking charge of the wedding. She makes the decisions, gets her female friends and family members involved, and has a pretty clear vision for her special day. While this might be common, it doesn’t mean a groom can’t plan his own wedding or that his only job is to show up on time. A lot of men actually enjoy being involved in the planning process, and pitching in when and where they can. And they should. It’s their special day, too! … read more

For some, being fashionable is easy. They seem to always know just the right outfit to wear to any occasion. We may have a friend like this or we might be the friend. Then there’s those who aren’t super fashion savvy. But hey, it’s okay if you don’t always know what look to go for or how to go about putting it together. Not everyone attends fancy parties all the time or has a personal seamstress. Speaking of fancy, what about your wedding? Are you unsure of what look is appropriate for the groom or what you should even be looking for? … read more

Have you ever attended a wedding and seen a smaller, whimsical cake sitting in the shadow of the traditional three-tiered variety you’ve come to expect? It was likely a groom’s cake. … read more

When it comes to LGBTQ weddings, the options are endless when it comes to the attire. This is great news for those who are comfortable with mixing patterns and coordinating outfits seamlessly. However, for those of us who need a little help, the endless options may actually feel more overwhelming. … read more

Previously on Friends Eels…

Episode 1: The One Where We Kick Off Our Wedding Weekend
Episode 2: The One Where We Get Ready

Meanwhile at the guys’ house…

Since Mr. Eel and his groomsmen didn’t have to start getting ready until a little later in the day, they spent their morning doing what I can only assume is normal male getting-ready behavior.

Horseplaying…

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All photos in this post are from the incredibly talented and ridiculously funny Kelly Phillips. / Kelly Phillips Photography

I’d sent out a loose timeline to our wedding party so they’d know where and when we’d have to be the day of the wedding. Apparently, no one paid much attention to it (including me) except for my brother, Bridesbro C, who was dressed and ready with plenty of time to spare.

And who was pretty annoyed to discover that Mr. Puffer and his groomsmen hadn’t even started to dress when he stopped by their suite.

Bridesbro C hiding his annoyance as he posed with the groom and groomsmen

But eventually, someone in their room glanced at the clock and decided it was about time they fancied up themselves.

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All photos in this post are from the incredibly talented and ridiculously funny Kelly Phillips/Kelly Phillips Photography.

Downstairs in the guys’ suite, it was less about makeup and hair (obviously, for Mr. Puffer, LOL) and more about taking some really goofy photos.

Seriously, the guys seem to have it a whole lot easier. While we were upstairs trying our best not to screw up our freshly applied makeup, they were entertaining photographer Kelly Phillips. While it took us several hours to get ready, they didn’t start dressing until 30 minutes before we had to leave. But hey, they had a blast, and that’s what’s most important.

When I asked Puff to describe his time with his friends, he summed it up as “cards, food, and goofing off.” So beyond photos, that’s all I’ve got for you.

(And yes, Puff decided to wear his “I Pooped Today” T-shirt the day of the wedding because, well, he’s Puffer, and I wouldn’t have him any other way.)

Puff with GM B and L, relaxing

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I was dead set on not seeing Mr. S the day of the wedding until our first look, but things changed a bit once we saw how the resort was actually laid out. It would have been nearly impossible since we were all staying at the same small resort. We thought planning on seeing one another in the morning, then staying put at our “getting ready” spots would be better than randomly running into one another trying to do just the opposite. It was just what worked for us at our location. I woke up before the sun. I could not sleep because I was so freakin’ excited.

Watching the sunrise over the ocean on our wedding day!

We met up with some people at breakfast and then had a relaxing, low key morning enjoying coffee, sunshine, and the beach.

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You know, sometimes grooms get a really bad rap. I mean, with pictures like this circulating, how can we not think grooms do nothing but hand us credit cards and roll their eyes about how much money we’re spending?

Image via Reddit / Photography from BellaLuz

Well, what if your groom does sort of do that? OK, not exactly that (he hasn’t rolled his eyes at me…in my presence at least). I’m just gonna come out and say it…my groom is EXTREMELY uninvolved with our wedding planning. But you know what? That is 154% OK with me…I have more than enough opinions for the both of us. Simply put, it just isn’t something he’s particularly interested in. Not the being married part—he tells me almost daily how much he can’t wait to be my husband. The means to the end just isn’t as important to him to as it is to me. Unlike me, he has not spent years imagining what our amazing day will look like. And honestly, not having to worry about making two visions coming to life makes it infinitely much easier.

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