Because my “taste is ridiculous,” my bridesmaid brought her own makeup artist to my wedding, but Karma didn’t put up with it.
“I do” became “oh no” as my closest friend’s undisclosed emotions resulted in a splash beside the pool! What should have been disastrous turned into a humorous (and memorable) watershed moment that revealed the meaning of genuine friendship and love.
Hello to all of you. My name is Sarah, and I’m a 26-year-old who just went through some unexpected turmoil on my wedding day. Allow me to bring you back to the start. Three years ago, I went to a nearby coffee shop and met John.
With the rain coming down outside, we both took cover inside the quaint little café. Grasping my coffee and umbrella, I unintentionally ran into him.
“Oh, I apologize so much!” I cried out, almost dropping my cappuccino.
He grinned broadly and added, “No worries at all.” Could I please join you? On this wet day, I believe we might both benefit from some companionship.
That day, we spoke for hours on end, and it seemed like I had known him for ages. John and I were inseparable after that. He fulfilled every desire I had ever had for a partner—he was nice and encouraging.
I assumed Emily, my closest friend from high school, was overjoyed for us. We spoke about everything, even foolish secrets, anxieties, and hopes.
She supported John and me at every turning point in our relationship. However, I was unaware that Emily was concealing her affections for John beneath her amiable exterior.
Emily and I got down to finish the planning as my wedding day drew near. In my living room, we were drinking tea and surrounded by planning notes and wedding magazines.
Emily said, sounding uncharacteristically serious, “Sarah, I’ve been meaning to ask.” “Do you want me to serve as your maid of honor?”
Naturally, Em! “I can’t imagine having anyone else by my side,” I answered with a kind grin. “It’s all fitting together so beautifully.”
Emily said, “Yeah, it really is,” but there was a tinge of something more in her eyes that I couldn’t quite identify.
We were going over last-minute arrangements a week before the wedding when Emily raised an issue.
With a little squirm, she continued, “Sarah, I need to talk to you about the makeup situation.”
Okay, what’s going on? I looked up from my to-do list and inquired.
She hesitated before saying, “I’ve developed severe allergies to most makeup products recently.” “I have to have my own makeup artist come here.”
I gave her a worried look. I’m very sad to hear that, Em. Are you alright?
“Yes, it has been difficult, but I’ll get by,” she said while attempting to grin. “On your big day, I just don’t want to risk any reactions.”
Naturally, Em! I told her, ‘I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable. “Bring your makeup artist with you. It’s not at all problematic.
Emily’s grin became more genuine as she relaxed considerably. “Many thanks, Sarah. Thank you very much.
“Anything for you, Em?” I said, a little relieved that things were starting to line up. However, there was a current that I couldn’t quite identify beneath the surface.
The wedding morning was a flurry of activity. I was getting dressed, joking, and telling tales with my wedding party. Marco, Emily’s makeup artist, was getting situated in the corner. His theatrical flare made everyone laugh, and he exuded flamboyance and enthusiasm.
“Ladies, get ready to look amazing!” Marco cried out and held out his makeup brush.
Emily appeared aloof as Marco was organizing his instruments. Emily, how are you doing? You look strange,” I inquired.
Oh no. She forced a grin in response, saying, “I’m terrific. I decided to go outside for some fresh air since I needed a minute to myself and thought I could be experiencing pre-wedding jitters.
I heard noises as I passed Emily’s dressing room. There was a tiny gap in the door.
“Her taste—can you believe it? Emily’s voice sounded shrill and foreign. “It’s ridiculous.” “I won’t dress like a clown the way she will. In addition, I’ll have John all to myself if she decides not to proceed.
With a sinking heart, I froze. My maid of honor, my closest friend, had been keeping her actual emotions hidden the entire time. The truth of what she had said struck me like a blow, and I felt deceived. I went back to my room, determined not to let her spoil my day, and tried to get over the shock.
The ceremony proceeded without a hitch, but I couldn’t help but think about Emily’s remarks. I decided to make the most of my big day and put on a brave face for the reception.
In front of our loved ones, John and I danced for the first time. He spoke in my ear while holding me tight. Sarah, you look amazing. The luckiest man alive is me.
With passion in my voice, I said, “Thank you, John.” “I’m overjoyed that we’re now married.”
Emily asked John to dance as the bridal party joined us on the dance floor.
Would you mind if I briefly took him? With a smile that stopped short of her eyes, Emily questioned.
Naturally, I said, attempting to maintain my composure.
With grief and rage in my heart, I watched them.
With a honey sweet voice, Emily exclaimed, “John, you’re such a great dancer.”
“Many thanks, Emily. Ignoring the strain, he answered, “You’re doing great too.”
Emily’s high heels brushed the edge of a tile as they danced close to the pool’s edge. She staggered and plummeted into the sea.
Everyone gasped together, and then there was uncomfortable laughing. Her makeup, which was not meant to withstand water resistance, ran in a rainbow of hues down her face.
Someone yelled, “Oh my God, Emily!” and ran to assist her.
I couldn’t resist grinning. It was as though karma had stepped in.
I laughed as the cool water around me as I threw off my shoes and dove into the pool without missing a beat. My bridesmaids were so excited that their squeals reverberated throughout the yard as they quickly followed suit. We were really meticulous with our planning since our waterproof cosmetics held up well.
John, hurry up! I waved him over and yelled out. “Avoid just standing there!”
With a smile, John removed his jacket. “Why not?” he said, dove right in. What should have been a disastrous event turned into an impromptu pool party as the remainder of the bridal party joined in.
We relished the surprising turn while laughing and making splashes. With her hair drenched with water, my cousin Mia said, “This is the best wedding ever!”
My companion Laura, floating on her back and gazing up at the sky, exclaimed, “Totally unforgettable!”
Emily’s once-perfect complexion was now a jumble of streaky makeup when she emerged from the water. She gave me a fierce look, but beyond the rage, I could see shame and remorse.
“Sarah, I…” she began, but her speech faltered.
I inhaled deeply and tried to find some empathy. “Emily, could you please just tell me how you really felt?”
Tears mixed with the wetness on her cheeks as she cast a downward glance. “Sarah, I felt afraid. I did not want to lose either John or you.
I said, “You never had to compete with me, Em.” “My best buddy is you. But above all, honesty is crucial.
She gave an embarrassed nod. Sarah, I’m very sorry.
Emily remained quiet for the remainder of the evening, hardly like the self-assured individual she once was. She saw our celebration from the sidelines, the happiness all around her a sharp contrast to her loneliness.
As the night went on, John and I managed to grab some alone time. With our feet hanging in the water, we were sitting at the side of the pool. With his arm around my shoulders, he said, “Can you believe tonight?”
“It’s certainly not what I had in mind,” I laughed in response. “But it’s ideal in a way.”
John gave me a loving gaze as he glanced at me. “You carried everything off so elegantly. Sarah, I’m proud of you.
I leaned up close to him, overwhelmed with thankfulness. “Tonight, I came to a realization. Genuine love and friendship cannot be coerced or controlled. There are sincere individuals all around me that sincerely care about me, and no amount of sabotage can alter that.
He kissed the top of my head and nodded. “And Emily?”
“Emily needs to take responsibility for her actions,” I stated in a tough yet compassionate tone. But I’m hoping this teaches her something. Maybe, in the end, we can figure out how to proceed.
More dancing and laughing marked the end of the evening. In spite of everything, there was happiness and love in the air. After toweling ourselves off and drying off, my bridesmaids and I spoke and shared memories of the big day.
Mia squeezed my hand and whispered, “Sarah, you were amazing out there.” “You created something lovely out of what could have been a catastrophe.”
“Mia, thank you,” I grinned. “Without all of you, I couldn’t have done it.”
I took in the sight as the last of the visitors left and the lights went down. Although it wasn’t the wedding I had imagined, it was a celebration of friendship, love, and resiliency.
John and I observed the stars together as we stood. I remarked, feeling a wave of calm sweep over me, “Karma, it seems, has a way of making sure everything falls into place just as it should.”
With a nod, he drew me in. “And it brought me to you, so I’m glad it did.”
We had a silent moment together, understanding that we were stronger as a team despite the highs and lows. Even though the future was unclear, I felt prepared to face whatever was ahead because I had John by my side and the support of loyal friends.
I turned to check over my shoulder and saw Emily standing by herself, lost in thought, as we made our way back inside. With a hopeless yet sorrowful heart, I approached her. “Emily, it will take time, but perhaps in the future we can mend our friendship.”
Startled but appreciative, she glanced up. Sarah, I’d enjoy that. Really, I would.
We had an unsaid agreement as we gave one other a quick embrace. Even if it was a tiny step, it was a move in the right direction. Though the evening had taken several unexpected turns, it ultimately provided resolution and clarity.
John and I said our goodbyes to the night sky and turned to face the future, eager for whatever experiences were ahead.