Weddings are as diverse as the couples that celebrate them. While traditions and customs often shape these special occasions, an increasing number of couples are putting their unique twist on these age-old practices.
Such is the story of Raymond and Bella, a couple whose unconventional wedding choice has gone viral and is reshaping the way we see wedding traditions.
Shared by Carla Wehbe on TikTok, a clip from her cousin Raymond's wedding showcases a refreshing divergence from the age-old roles of a maid of honor and a best man.
Instead of opting for the traditional setup, the bride and groom chose their siblings, their very best friends, to stand by their side during the ceremony. Raymond's sister gracefully donned a sleek black dress, a nod to the groomsmen's tuxedos, and was bestowed the title "maid of best man."
On the other side of the aisle, Bella's brother shone in a striking pink suit, complementing the bridesmaids' dresses, and proudly took on the role of "man of honor."
"The reason they did it was because their siblings were their best friends and they wanted them to stand by their side on their special day,” revealed Wehbe in a Newsweek interview. The sentiment struck a chord with many, as she expressed, "I loved the idea and thought it made the day really special.”
In an age of digital virality, it didn't take long for the video to make waves online. Raking in an impressive 65 million views since its October 4 upload, the TikTok clip has sparked conversations, stories, and admiration.
Many viewers commended the couple's heartwarming decision, echoing sentiments like, “This needs to be done more often,” while others shared personal anecdotes that paralleled Raymond and Bella's choice.
One of the many testimonies included a user who reminisced, "My dad’s wedding was similar. He had a best woman. His best friend and my big brother were his and his wife’s man of honour. I loved it." Such stories illuminate the diverse ways in which couples celebrate their unions, prioritizing personal relationships over traditional customs.
However, as with any trend or topic in the digital realm, not everyone was enamoured by the idea. A few critics voiced reservations about straying from traditional norms. Yet, the overarching sentiment was overwhelmingly positive.
Carla's message was clear: weddings are deeply personal and should be a reflection of the couple's unique story. "People should just do what makes them happy on their special day!" she offered as her final food for thought.
As more couples like Raymond and Bella choose to embrace what holds personal significance to them, we're reminded of the beauty and diversity of love stories and the myriad ways they can be celebrated.
