Singer-actress Jessica Simpson was extremely emotional at her rehearsal dinner ahead of her wedding to Eric Johnson and became teary-eyed when their friends gave heart warming speeches about them.

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

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.

"It was very sweet,` said the source.

The group, who partied until approximately 10 p.m., enjoyed a light meal of fish and vegetables, selected by Simpson, and sat at two large tables, lined with pink, purple, white and yellow 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.

Simpson, who announced she was engaged to Johnson in November 2010, was previously married to Nick Lachey, while the Yale graduate, 34, was married to Keri D'Angelo for five years before their divorce was finalised in October 2010.