Everything seemed perfect at my wedding until I realized my mom was missing. Moments later, she burst into the church, disheveled and furious, pointing a trembling finger at my soon-to-be mother-in-law, Grace. We were stunned to learn Mom had been locked in a closet by Grace over a dress dispute.

My wedding to Fabian was the culmination of years of planning, and Mom and I had shared countless moments preparing for this day. Her absence at the altar was unthinkable.

As I stood at the back of the church, heart racing, I asked my dad where Mom was. He didn’t know. Panic set in, and I asked my brothers to search for her. After an agonizing hour, Mom finally arrived, looking distressed but furious.

She revealed Grace had locked her in the closet to prevent her from outshining her in a golden dress. Fabian confronted Grace, and after a heated exchange, Grace was asked to leave. Despite the chaos, Fabian and I continued our ceremony, knowing that our love and support from family mattered most.