Heavily pregnant Jessica Simpson played bridesmaid to her former assistant Lauren Zelman

Jessica Simpson played bridesmaid to one of her closest friends and former assistant Lauren Zelman.

Jessica Simpson, 31, nearly upstaged the bride as all eyes were on her massive stomach as everyone waits with baited breath for her to finally have her baby.

She certainly looked radiant in her pink halterneck dress as she joined the ceremony at the Parker Palm Springs Resort in California.

Jessica Simpson was joined by her younger sister Ashlee at the sunset wedding of Lauren Zelman to Reaper actor Bret Harrison.

Ashlee Simpson’s three-year-old son Bronx acted as ring bearer and one eyewitness told People: “He broke down in tears several times, but Ashlee was great and kept making him smile again.”

And the source added that Jessica Simpson needed a helping hand down the aisle so there was no danger of her falling over.

They said: “It was difficult for her to get around, but she was a great sport and kept smiling.

“Everyone at the wedding was doting on Jessica and seemed very understanding. And Lauren seemed very happy that Jessica was able to be a part of her wedding.”

Other wedding guests included actors Adam Brody, best known from The O.C, and screen Josh Schwartz, who were groomsmen, plus Jessica Simpson’s best friend CaCee Cobb and her fiancé, Scrubs star Donald Faison.