Bride Who Went Viral For Having Empty Ceremony Defends From Speculation That She’s A ‘Horrible Person’
TikTok | @kalina_marie_23
Kalina Marie, a bride who went viral after her TikTok showed her entering an almost empty wedding venue, has defended herself against criticism, saying that the experience was incredibly painful. Kalina, who had planned a masquerade-themed wedding with 40 RSVPs, was shocked when only five people arrived. Despite this, she tried to make the best of the situation with those who did attend. In a follow-up post, she explained, “I dreamed that I would walk in to a bunch of people cheering us on,” sharing her sadness over the unexpected lack of support from friends and family.
This is our entrance to our Masqurade ball. The Masqurade ball that I have talked EXCESSIVELY about for the last 10 months. The same ball that I not only digitally invited over 75 people to. But ALSO spent money to send 25 beautiful invitations out to. FIVE PEOPLE SHOWED UP!!!!!!! Like, are you kidding me!?!? As you see in the video, we enter the venue. And no one is there. The invite said 1pm. My mom messaged me at 1:15 that no one was there. My husband and I finally showed up at 2oclock, to 5 people. In a venue planned for 40. I dreamed that I would walk in to a bunch of people cheering us on. Hooting and hollering for us in celebration……but all you see is a woman trying to hold herself together because she had NO idea how to deal with her venue being almost completely empty. All the wasted food and drinks. All the empty tables and chairs. Every moment of my reception changed to adapt. Did we still make the most of it?? You bet your SWEET @$$ we did. But did this video just take all the good moments and shoot them out of the water for a second, F$&K yea it did ? It just makes me think, like, why? What did we do? Am I that bad of a person? What did my husband ever do to deserve any of this? Why couldn’t we matter enough for people to show up? I still have “friends” that haven’t even messaged me to congratulate me or tell me why they didn’t come. It truly makes me sick. I honestly can’t wrap my head around this yet. But all I know is, I have my man. My baby. And family that shows up when I need them. And for that, I will be thankful ?? #FAIL#fyp#whereisthelove
Following the video’s massive reaction, Kalina found herself under scrutiny, with some commenters speculating that her relationships must have been strained. She responded to the backlash, explaining that she had no idea why so many guests didn’t show up and that she has since been re-evaluating her friendships. The ordeal, she said, prompted her to delete people from her life who she feels weren’t supportive.
Kalina expressed gratitude for the love she’s received online, mentioning how TikTok users suggested hosting a “do-over” wedding with an open invitation. She noted that while she appreciated the support, she’s chosen to focus on her husband, close family, and the friends who were there for her. The original video, which garnered nearly 9 million views, has brought her new followers, and she says she is thankful for the positive messages she’s received.
Replying to @ophelia ? dont worry mama tot, I still made the most of my night ? With my mama, my cousin and my best friend (fun fact: this is the song playing in the original vidoe. Just didnt want tt to take it down ??)
Addressing critics who speculated she must be a “horrible person,” Kalina firmly replied, “Imagine hating on someone you don’t even know.” She thanked her supporters for the encouraging comments, saying she would carry them forward as she moves past the hurtful experience. Kalina also offered a PO box address for those who wanted to send wedding cards, adding a heartfelt touch for fans looking to show their support.
