Such a wonderful, important thread, and so much thoughtful feedback to a thoughtful post! Having just moved a few weeks ago, I am starting over with work, neighborhood, and friendships. My kids are both 13 --- so I have even more concern about their connection than I do my own.
The last time I moved (18 years ago), we were relocating for DH's pastoral position. It's the best time to be in ministry -- everyone in the church wants to be (and generally is) helpful. They provided the moving, cleaning and painting crew, giving sacrificially of their time. They "pounded" me (giving a pound of butter, canned goods, etc, to restock the pantry), and invited me to functions (and sometimes lobbied me to support their causes within the church, lol). The loneliness would come later -- when I struggled with infertility in a church swarmed with babies!
This time, I know I will have to do most of the heavy lifting to establish good relationships. I resonate with Gaylene's comment that it is necessary to bring something to the table -- I am looking to be useful, along with friendly, if I can. I can already tell I have a long road ahead of me!
For me, friendship is a spiritual thing, not that all my friends are "churchy." Rather, I pray about and for relationships, following the tenet of "blessed to be a blessing," and believing that relationships are meant for comfort, enjoyment, and growth. This time, I will, as Joy suggested, look for friendships in a group that's meeting for a common interest or purpose --- a book club, a cycling group, a musical group or a Bible study. I've toyed with the idea of participating in a Goruck activity (http://www.goruck.com/rucking/c/62) or trying Orienteering http://www.us.orienteering.org/. It will be different than before, since I have children that require lots of time and energy, but are growing in independence. Lots of changes are ahead!
You can see from your thread responses that isolation is quite the cultural problem -- few are immune. Wouldn't it be lovely if we all tried to develop a new relationship or two every year? You know, put "relationship development and maintenance" on the calendar, just like we go to the dentist, or change the oil in the car?
Lastly, your wedding will be lovely. Plan something that will recharge your batteries when it's over. Also, I know you love animals, perhaps an interest group surrounding this interest might be feasible? Many people with deep attachments to animals are compassionate introverts.