As Jessica glides down the aisle, she can’t help but feel like she’s stepping into her own fairytale wedding. The dress is absolutely perfect, just like the venue, music, and her groom. When the time comes for the vows, Daniel embarrasses her in front of everyone. However, he soon experiences the same treatment and regrets his behavior. 

This was the day I had been eagerly anticipating. After months of meticulously planning my wedding and diligently working towards my goal of fitting into my dream dress. This was the moment.

“Let’s go, sweetheart,” my father said, extending his hand, prepared to accompany me down the aisle towards Daniel.
“How are you feeling?” my dad asked, gently kissing my forehead.
I expressed my happiness with simplicity. “I’ve been eagerly awaiting this moment for years now, Dad.”
As we made our way down the aisle, the gentle melodies that I had carefully selected months in advance filled the air. The guitarist sat gracefully on a wooden stool.

“You look stunning, Jessica,” Daniel complimented, gently taking my hand away from my dad.

The ceremony started with the priest discussing love and commitment, just as he should. “It’s time for the vows,” the priest said, with a warm smile directed towards the two of us.

“Daniel, you are my closest friend, and I’ve always dreamt of spending my life with you. I assure you that I will be there for you, sharing laughter and growing together. I promise to remain loyal and treasure every precious moment we spend together. For eternity, in this life and beyond.”

My sister let out a heavy sigh as she sat beside me, gently wiping away the tears streaming down her face.

“Daniel,” the priest said. “It’s now your turn.”
Daniel glanced in my direction with a smile, before shifting his attention to his groomsmen, who couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Jessica, my love,” he whispered. “I promise you that I will always be by your side, even when you ask me to take out the trash because of your concern about the house’s smell.”  Daniel’s groomsmen let out a hearty laugh.
“And I’ll be there to hold your hand, especially when we’re walking through areas filled with spiders, knowing your fondness for those eight-legged critters.”
The guys laughed even more. Several of our guests decided to join in.

And yet, Daniel continued.
“I promise to gently remind you to lift your feet when you walk, so we can prevent any future mishaps like the time you stumbled over absolutely nothing. And to taste all the burnt lasagna in the world because that’s your signature dish.”
As Daniel kept talking, I felt worse and worse about myself.

I gave him a disapproving look, hoping to convey that his words lacked any sense of beauty or romance. However, he ignored my signs and carried on.
“Additionally, I am perfectly fine with your singing in the shower. It might resemble a cat in distress, but it helps me value good music! And most importantly, Jessica,” he said.

“I promise you that I will forgive you for the situation where I felt compelled to propose to you, given the presence of bridal magazines scattered around our apartment.”

I was unsure of how to respond. Daniel’s groomsmen were in stitches, laughing uncontrollably.

“Is that so?” I quietly spoke to him.

“Now, it’s time for the exchange of rings,” the priest announced.

At the altar, Daniel’s niece approached with the wedding rings delicately fastened to a small cushion, which she held onto tightly.

“Here you go, Aunt Jessica,” she said anxiously.

“Thank you,” I said, accepting the rings from her with gratitude.

As I held the rings, a sudden realization washed over me – I didn’t want to slip Daniel’s ring onto his finger. We were on the verge of becoming husband and wife, just one step away from officially sealing the deal.

However, upon listening to Daniel’s vows, I found myself questioning my desire to be with him.

“Can you please give me your hand?” Daniel asked, gently pulling my hand.
He gently placed the ring on my finger and extended his hand, waiting for me to return the favor.

I felt a wave of nausea in my stomach. All of a sudden, my hopes and aspirations came crashing down. Everything seemed to have changed in just a matter of moments.
“Daniel, you may now seal your love with a kiss,” the priest joyfully exclaimed.
Daniel gently placed his hand on my waist, drawing me nearer to him. His other hand tenderly held the back of my neck. He kissed me without passion or feeling.

“What in the world was that?” I asked with Daniel during our photo session prior to the reception.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“Your vows,” I replied. “They were insensitive and embarrassing.”
“Absolutely not! They were adorable!” he exclaimed. “I kept them true to us.”

“It seems that you’ve shared some not-so-flattering information about me to everyone. And that I forced you into marrying me.”

I folded my arms and patiently awaited an explanation.
“Oh, really, Jessica,” he said. “The room was filled with laughter.” It’s not as profound as you’re making it out to be. So let’s do this photo shoot and then go back to the party. I’m starving.
I bit my tongue. I didn’t have it in me to fight.

During the reception, Daniel completely let loose. He had way too many drinks and ate so much steak and potatoes that it would make anyone sick.
I knelt by my mother before the formalities started and whispered, “Mom, I’m not feeling well.”
“What do you mean, sweetheart?” my mom asked.
“Daniel…” I murmured, my voice fading as a sense of unease washed over me. “Those vows were quite embarrassing.”
“Perhaps it was simply nerves, Jessica,” my mother said. “You know how Daniel can be at times.”
“I’m not sure, Mom,” I replied. “I can’t help but feel that the magic has faded away.”

Shortly after, the emcee stood up and started the formalities. Daniel’s brother shared a heartfelt account of our first encounter and his initial thoughts about me.
“I never expected Jessica to stick around!” Jackson chuckled, holding his beer bottle. “But I guess she knows how to deal with my brother.”
It went on and on, and my husband laughed out loud as he listened to his brother talk.
Next up was my father-in-law’s speech.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take a moment to address my son and his new bride, the lovely Jessica,” he announced.

I held my breath, waiting in anticipation. Robert and I have always had a great relationship, with him treating me kindly. But I had thought the same of Daniel until his vows were said.

I wasn’t sure if I needed to brace myself for anything from Robert as well.
Truthfully, all I wanted was to escape. I didn’t feel like a bride at all. I didn’t really feel anything. I didn’t even recognize myself.
I was itching to shed my wedding dress and slip into my most comfortable pair of sweatpants. I wanted to cry.

“Daniel, do you know what makes a marriage work, son?” Robert asked.
“Um, love?” Attraction? “Chemistry?” Daniel hesitated, his voice wavering.
“Who on earth is this man?” I pondered in my thoughts.
“It’s respect,” Robert said, shaking his head. “It’s all about valuing your partner and ensuring they never feel embarrassed or humiliated. Today, you transformed your vows into a collection of humorous anecdotes at Jessica’s expense. That comment was not only inappropriate but also deeply hurtful.”

I looked around and noticed that some of the guests were shaking their heads.
“To teach you a lesson, Daniel,” Robert continued. “I have something to share with you that you might find equally embarrassing.”
“Huh? Dad! Stop!” Daniel stood up, saying.
“Daniel continues to sleep with a nightlight. He says that it’s because he likes to read in bed, but we all know that it’s because he’s afraid of the dark.”

The room was filled with laughter.

“And let’s not forget about the time when Daniel tried to cook for Jessica and set off the fire alarm because he didn’t know that normal people don’t put metal in microwaves.”

“Dad, please, enough,” Daniel hissed.

“Remember that one time when he got drunk after a party and absolutely insisted on sleeping on the floor in my bedroom?”

The laughter of the crowd grew even more loud.

“I shared these stories not to embarrass you, Daniel, but to let you know how it feels. Making jokes at the expense of others is not humorous, it is unkind. You need to understand the consequences of your actions.”

I smiled at Robert, finally feeling acknowledged.

“Jessica, I would like to extend my sincerest apologies on behalf of my son. It seems that Daniel has some room for growth when it comes to being a thoughtful and compassionate partner. “But I’m sure he can do better. Please give him the chance to show you.”

“I’m so sorry, Jessica,” Daniel said from beside me. “I thought I was being humorous, but upon reflection, I realize how absurd my behavior was. Can you please give me another chance?

“Okay,” I replied. “But it’s going to take more than just empty words to fix this.”
I want to give us another chance, but something still feels very off.