fk-juliano/X17online.com/WireImageJessica Simpson will likely turn heads as a gorgeous bride at her upcoming wedding, but meanwhile, her and fiancé Eric Johnson's adorable kids are stealing the show this Fourth of July weekend!
As America celebrates Independence Day 2014, the two lovebirds are counting down the hours until they tie the knot. Their wedding is set to take place around the holiday, E! News has learned. The proud parents and about 70 family members and friends gathered for a rehearsal dinner on Thursday, July 3, at San Ysidro Ranch in the upscale community of Montecito, California.
(Pictured above: The two appear at the 2014 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington, DC. on May 3.)
Check out five things E! News has learned exclusively about the couple's wedding rehearsal dinner.
1. Everyone loves the kiddies
Simpson and Johnson's daughter Maxwell, 2, and son Ace, 1, were seen running around and the boy was the center of attention, a source told E! News. He wore a white shirt with a yellow bow tie, formal black trousers and sneakers. His sister wore a white dress adorned with a pale pink fabric rose and sat on guests' laps.
Simpson has often shared photos of her little ones on her Instagram page. (Pictured below, Maxwell and Ace are seen in a photo she posted on May 20.)
2. Simpson was sparkling and gorgeous
The 33-year-old pop star and fashion mogul rocked a low-cut, glittering, silver, beaded mini dress that showed off her toned and tanned legs and wore her long, blonde hair down. She paired the outfit with metallic Jimmy Choo heels. Many guests complimented her on her "amazing" look, a source told E! News. Johnson looked dapper in a black suit.
Simpson, who is also a Weight Watchers spokesmodel, has been losing weight gradually ahead of the wedding and has showcased amazing, slim looks in recent weeks.
3. Simpson picked the pescetarian menu
The dinner took place indoors, allowing for a romantic, intimate setting. Guests sat at two tables lined with beautiful arrangements of pink, purple, white and yellow flowers and enjoyed a meal of fish and vegetables, as selected by Simpson, plus wine, beer and cocktails.
4. Simpson got emotional
Several of the singer and Johnson's best friends stood up and gave speeches. Simpson was spotted getting teary-eyed several times. "It was very sweet!" the source told E! News.
5. Late-night celebration
The guests continued the celebration throughout the night and were seen still partying around 10 p.m.
The exact day or specific venue of Simpson's wedding has not been made public. Another source told E! news that on Friday morning, July 4, two huge party rental trucks, several white tents and about 50 flower arrangements containing hundreds of white blossoms were seen near the ranch's villas, which are rented to guests. Red, white and blue decor was seen as well (see photo below and also check out more pics).
This will mark the second marriage for Simpson, who was married to Nick Lachey for three years.
Many celebrities have gotten married at San Ysidro Ranch, which is located about five miles from Santa Barbara, in Southern California's wine country.
The list includes Melissa Etheridge and partner Linda Wallem, who wed on May 30, Gwyneth Paltrow and (now estranged husband) Chris Martin, Ricki Lake and Christian Evans, singer Beck and Marissa Ribisi and Little House on the Prairie alum Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield.
Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman had their wedding rehearsal dinner there as well, while late President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned there in 1953.