DHAKA: Jessica Simpson was extremely emotional at her rehearsal dinner.

The 33-year-old star and her fiancé, Eric Johnson, were joined by approximately 70 family members and friends at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California on Thursday night for their first pre-wedding celebration ahead of their lavish nuptials later Saturday.

A source told E! News that the singer, who wore a beaded silver mini dress, got teary-eyed several times when friends stood up and gave heart-warming speeches to toast the couple, reports contactmusic.com.

The insider said, ‘It was very sweet’.

The group, who partied until approximately 10:00pm enjoyed a light meal of fish and vegetables, selected by Jessica, and sat at two large tables, lined with pink, purple, white and yellows flowers.

The couple’s children, Maxwell, two, and Ace, 12 months, were the centre of attention at the bash, and were both dressed in formal attire, according to the source.

The group also held another party to celebrate America’s Independence Day on Friday, ahead of their ‘rustic chic’ ceremony.

BDST: 1549 HRS, JULY 05, 2014