5 Heartwarming and Hilarious Observations from Watching My Son and Daughter-In-Law Plan Their Wedding

Weddings are magical, full of love, laughter, and sometimes, a little bit of chaos. As a mother, watching my son and daughter-in-law plan their big day was both heartwarming and hilarious. The journey highlighted their unique personalities and modern approach to traditions. From unconventional attire choices to eco-friendly elegance, they crafted a celebration that was indeed their own. Here are five of my favorite moments that made me laugh, smile, and appreciate their love even more.

1. True to Their Hearts: They planned a wedding that reflected their desires and personalities, not for Instagram optics. Everything was about what made them happy, not just what would look good online.

2. Unique Attire Choices: They decided against the traditional matchy-matchy dresses and suits for their wedding party. Instead, they provided a wildflower color palette and let everyone choose their attire. The result was a beautiful mosaic of individuality and style.

3. Eco-Friendly Elegance: My daughter-in-law chose a stunning, sustainable, and ethical wedding dress (think Meghan Markle style). This was the first time I'd heard of wedding attire designed with kindness to the planet in mind, and I was deeply impressed.

4. Modern Transportation: They kept things casual with their transportation to the wedding. Gone are the days of renting limos for the wedding party. This millennial couple was perfectly content and comfortable calling an Uber! Hilarious!

5. Festive Reception Vibes: Their top priority was creating a fun and festive atmosphere at the wedding reception. From the music choices to the curated cocktails, it was clear that the reception was designed for everyone to let their hair down, dance, and truly enjoy the celebration.

Emily & Domo are known for throwing epic parties since their college days...their wedding reception was no different!

One of the most profound lessons I learned from watching my son and daughter-in-law plan their wedding was the importance of allowing their special day to reflect their unique wants and desires. It's natural to want to offer your perspectives, especially when things seem to be going off the rails, but imposing your will on their vision can overshadow their joy.

My son used his carpentry skills to create the sign holders for their wedding day.

For example, you may have cherished wearing your great-grandmother's veil for your wedding day. However, you must realize that tradition doesn't always have to be carried forward in the same way.

Their wedding was a canvas for their love story, not a reenactment of the past. Instead of being the governor of their wedding day, I found it far more rewarding to serve as a consultant when needed. This approach not only respected their individuality but also allowed me to witness the pure happiness of a wedding truly made for and by the couple.

Embracing this mindset made the entire experience more enriching and heartfelt, reinforcing the beauty of love and the significance of personal expression on such a momentous occasion.

Kinyatta E. Gray is a Certified Master Coach, Grief Educator, Author, and Founder of The Heart of Miss Bee, Inc. Gray writes about grief and loss for women grieving the loss of their mothers. The Heart of Miss Bee, Inc. exists to honor the memory of the late Beverly E. Carroll, Kinyatta's Mother.