Jessica Simpson Throws a Pre-Wedding Barbecue for July 4th!

Ashlee Simpson and her fiance Evan Ross carry their drinks while hitting the pool at the San Ysidro Ranch while lounging around on Friday (July 4) in Montecito, Calif.

The engaged couple is at the resort to attend her older sister Jessica Simpson‘s wedding to Eric Johnson, which was taking place later that night.

Before the wedding, Jessica hosted a big barbecue for all her guest so that they could celebrate the Fourth of July.

“We’re having a real Americana 4th of July party,” event planner Mindy Weiss told People. “It’s very down home. But it’s not a T-shirt and jeans Americana. Because Eric‘s from Boston, it’s more khakis and white shirts. Very Kennedy!”

“Jessica didn’t want her guests to miss out on the 4th of July,” she added. “That’s who they are. Their No. 1 concern is for their guests coming all this way for the wedding.”

20+ pictures inside of Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross by the pool…