We Called Off Our Wedding Three Weeks Before the Date, but My Loved Ones Still Traveled from Around the Globe
By Kelsey Murphy
I was never the girl who fantasized about her wedding day. My dreams were centered on moving to New York and building a career in TV, always focused on that goal. While I did imagine finding my partner and starting a family eventually, I was confident it would happen when the time was right.
He entered my life on a warm July evening in 2022—six feet tall, full of kindness and laughter, and an immediate connection. With his strong values, love for family, and shared passion for travel, he responded to my unexpected question, “Are you a happy person?” with an enthusiastic yes.
Our first journey together took us to Italy with his parents and a few friends. We were still in the early stages of our relationship, and the trip served as an intensive introduction to who he was with those he loved. On our way back, a friend remarked, “You’re going to marry that man.” I blushed at the comment but knew deep down it was true.
In April 2023, after an unforgettable proposal, I agreed to marry the only person I’ve ever truly loved. I envisioned our wedding filled with our favorite things: delicious food, great music, and most importantly, our nearest and dearest. It would mark the beginning of what promised to be a rich and loving life together.
We struggled to find the perfect location. Atlanta, his hometown, wasn’t appealing to him; my Massachusetts hometown didn’t seem right; and New York City, where we both lived, felt overwhelming with its guest list.
We chose to return to Italy for our wedding. As we finalized the venue, vendors, and guest list over the following year, our excitement grew.
However, life can be unpredictable. As June 2, 2024, approached, it became clear that marriage was no longer an option, and we decided to cancel our wedding.
The reasons for our split are personal to us—though I’m not delving into them here. What I can share is the profound heartbreak I experienced; it was a relentless, painful kind that made me believe I could never return to Italy, where we had made so many memories.
Yet, as I notified people of the change and received a flood of texts and voicemails, I learned that many family members and friends were still planning to come. Despite having canceled my flight, I was persuaded by lifelong friends to book another and to gather for a different kind of celebration.
I’ve always believed that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond, and this situation was no exception. Arriving at Milan’s airport, I encountered loved ones on both sides and felt a wave of emotion. The grief intensified when I reached the hotel alone, unable to sleep, plagued by thoughts of how I hadn’t seen this coming, and worried about the financial strain on my family and friends.
However, as loved ones from around the world began to arrive the next day, my intrusive thoughts began to fade, and I started to feel the love. The support was overwhelming.
The day that was supposed to be my wedding arrived, accompanied by rain. I reminded myself that this was a chance to reframe the situation. It was a new day in a stunning location, surrounded by wonderful people, and I needed to appreciate that. I donned a red gown instead of the wedding dress I had planned to wear. The rain cleared, the sky brightened, and I found myself in a fairy-tale setting, surrounded by so much love that it was hard to focus on anything else. Even though the person I had once hoped would be beside me was missing, I chose to focus on what I had rather than what I lacked.
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