Two generations of family and friends gathered in a Lower Garden District home to celebrate the upcoming wedding of one of their own in a bridesmaids’ luncheon. The bride-to-be, Sarah, and her bridesmaids grew up together, attending Mardi Gras parades, going to camp and even holding a “pink party” as young girls, forming friendships in the footsteps of their mothers, who also share a longstanding camaraderie. Now as members of a wedding party, they dined together and sipped iced tea on a sweltering New Orleans day. The bride gave her attendants elegant hand-made bracelets as a symbol of her appreciation. It was a testament to the way friends also can become family.