“This summer, we welcomed our baby girl through adoption,” the couple shared in a joint post on Thursday. “We are beyond excited to embark on this beautiful next chapter of parenthood in both peace and privacy. And then there were 3.”

 

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The sweet surprise comes just months after the pair tied the knot in May 2024. Brown was 20 at the time and Bongiovi was 22. The two first sparked romance rumors back in 2021 when Bongiovi posted a selfie with the actress. Later, Brown revealed they first connected online. “We met on Instagram,” she told Wired. “And we were friends for a bit, and then, what can I say?”

The couple’s romance quickly deepened. They made their red-carpet debut in March 2022 and got engaged in April 2023. Brown explained on the Call Her Daddy podcast how she knew Jake was the one:

“We’ve been together for four years. When we moved in together, we had dogs together, and we were taking care of our animals, and we started living this day-to-day life, I thought, ‘Oh, I really don’t think I could ever see you as anything else. I don’t want to be with anyone else ever again. I don’t want to date, I don’t want to meet anyone, I want you.’”

She added that the two grew closer as they discussed life’s bigger questions. “When we started talking about politics and how we want to raise our kids, we started talking about really, really big things that I’ve never spoken about, and I’m already very young, so I’ve never spoken about that with boys anyway. But to be able to even think about those things, I was like, ‘S---. Maybe I do want to be with him forever.’”

When Jake proposed, she said, “It made sense. Everything aligned.”

Brown has been open about wanting to start a family early, following in the footsteps of her own parents. “My mom actually had her first child at 21 and my dad was 19. This has been my thing since before I met Jake. I wanted to be a mom just like the way my mom was to me,” she said on the Smartless podcast.

She added, “Jake knows how important it is to me. Of course, I want to focus on really establishing myself as an actor and as a producer, but I also find it’s so important to start a family for me personally.”

Bongiovi, meanwhile, had his own boundary. “Jake was like, we cannot do that until we get married,” she revealed. “So that was his thing. And my thing was, I really want a family. I really want a big family. I’m one of four. He’s one of four. So, it is definitely in our future.”

Brown also shared her perspective on adoption, saying she doesn’t see it as any different than having a biological child.

The young couple’s love story has unfolded quickly, but with deep roots. From Instagram messages to a wedding in Italy, to now cradling their new baby girl, Brown and Bongiovi are embracing this next chapter wholeheartedly.

As Brown summed it up, the dream of becoming a mother was always part of her journey — and with Jake by her side, that dream is now a reality.

The post Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi Welcome First Baby Together Via Adoption appeared first on FamilyToday.

“I felt like it was the happiest day of my life, but I didn’t want people to think I looked miserable because I couldn’t smile on my wedding day,” Stech, 30, told Kennedy News. “It’s hard to believe this happened.”

In early October 2023, just days before tying the knot with her husband Benjamin, Stech began to feel unwell. “Exactly a week before the wedding, I was starting to feel under the weather. The following day, at work, I felt like I had an ear infection coming on,” she recalled. “It hurt to swallow, and I felt a popping sensation in my ear.”

Doctors initially told her everything looked fine, but her condition quickly worsened. “I woke up that Monday, and my ear was completely swollen and blistered. I went back to urgent care and they put me on a steroid and antibiotic for cellulitis,” she said. “I woke up the next day, and the pain was worse.”

“I was vomiting non-stop, I couldn’t keep anything down,” she remembered. “My whole body felt like it had been hit by a truck. Then I was lying on the couch later on and making silly faces on Snapchat and couldn’t feel the right side of my face moving.”

By the time of her rehearsal dinner, Stech was in the hospital. Doctors first thought she had Bell’s Palsy, but she was later diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome — the same rare condition pop star Justin Bieber battled in 2022. It’s a neurological disorder caused by shingles affecting the facial nerves, often leading to paralysis and hearing problems.

“My wedding stress definitely caused this,” she admitted. “The financial stress of it definitely takes a toll.”

Even with her health in crisis, Stech refused to cancel her wedding. She reduced her guest list from 200 to 50 and moved forward with her big day.

“I barely slept the whole night. There was barely any movement in my mouth,” she explained. “I could smile without teeth, but if I tried to smile with teeth, it was definitely crooked. I wanted to go ahead with the wedding either way.”

Her bridal party and makeup artist did their best to cover up the paralysis, but as the day wore on, things got worse. “I couldn’t go around taking photos anymore, my eyelid was paralysed, I couldn’t blink,” she said. “I was holding a handkerchief up to my eye to keep it shut. Everybody kept saying, ‘Sorry you’re going through this.’”

“I couldn’t drink any alcohol. I was in so much pain and so tired,” she added.

Thankfully, Stech has since regained full movement in her face, and now, eight months pregnant, she looks back with perspective. “We got to experience first-hand early on what ‘in sickness and health’ actually meant,” she said.

Now she’s urging other brides not to let stress ruin what should be a joyful occasion. “I tell friends stressed about wedding planning, be grateful you’re in this position and don’t let it stress you out, you don’t want to end up paralysed on your wedding day,” she warned. “Don’t stress about your shoes or the weather.”

For Stech and her husband, their love story proved that even in the hardest moments, commitment, support, and perspective matter more than perfection.

The post Bride’s Face Paralyzed on Wedding Day After Stress Triggers Rare Illness appeared first on FamilyToday.

Andrew and Rebecca Fildes were tying the knot in the English countryside in 2023 when Andrew made a mistake no groom ever wants to make. As he nervously repeated his vows, he accidentally called his bride by his ex-girlfriend’s name.

The viral moment, captured on TikTok and posted on July 28, shows the celebrant prompting, “I take you, Rebecca Sarah Joan Qureshi…” But instead of saying Rebecca’s full name, Andrew replied: “I take you, Sarah…”

Cue the gasps, followed quickly by giggles.

@scalesfeathersandfur Oh dear 🫣#weddingday #weddingvowsgonewrong #nohedidnt ♬ original sound - bec_Fildes

Rebecca, to her credit, didn’t storm off or burst into tears. She laughed. The guests laughed. Even Andrew laughed once he realized his blunder.

“His ex-girlfriend’s name is Sarah, [and] so is one of my middle names,” Rebecca explained to Newsweek. “I understood he was nervous and slipped up.”

She added that the mix-up was just part of their personalities: “I’m a lot more outgoing and sociable. Andi [short for Andrew] is more introverted and sensible.”

Andrew admitted he wasn’t even aware of what he had said. “I wasn’t even aware of it when I said it. Rebecca just looked at me and I thought ‘What have I said wrong’ and she corrected me. My brother put his hand on his face and my son shook his head and I thought, ‘I’ve clearly got something wrong.’”

Rebecca reminded him afterward that he had forgotten to say her name. “He didn’t even realize he’d left ‘Rebecca’ out,” she recalled. “I told him and he said, ‘I’m so sorry, I was so nervous that I’d do something wrong.’ We laughed about it.”

Though Andrew’s ex was named Sarah, he clarified that they had been separated for ten years. “It’s just one of those things but it’s quite a common name,” he said.

Rebecca has kept her sense of humor about the slip, even joking, “I keep saying he owes me a proper wedding now, where he gets my name right.”

The TikTok video — cheekily captioned “Oh dear” — has now been viewed more than 38,000 times, sparking a wide range of reactions online.

Some people were sympathetic: “To be fair I think he just got HER names in the wrong order due to anxiety. He looks besotted with her. Congratulations,” one viewer wrote. Another noted, “things like this happen when you are nervous…”

Others weren’t so forgiving: “Oh no, that’s awful. I would have been so upset.” One person even called it “instant romance cancellation,” while another admitted, “I’d be bringing this up for the next 50 years.”

The couple has even laughed about the comparisons to the infamous Friends scene where Ross accidentally says “Rachel” instead of “Emily.”

Despite critics saying the slip was a bad sign, Rebecca isn’t fazed. She’s even made follow-up TikToks poking fun at the situation, showing her wedding ring with the words, “It will or won’t.”

In the end, while Andrew may have flubbed his vows, it’s clear Rebecca said “I do” not just to the man she loves, but also to the humor and grace it takes to build a marriage that can weather a few mistakes — even big ones at the altar.

The post Groom Mistakenly Says Ex’s Name During Vows and the Bride’s Reaction Stuns Everyone appeared first on FamilyToday.

The shocking revelation didn’t just break Cara’s heart; it unfolded in front of their other three children, who watched as their father stormed out, shouting obscenities.

The reason for the split? Peter, also 40, admitted to an affair with the family’s former nanny, 27-year-old Annette Lombard. Annette wasn’t just a temporary hire. She joined the Goodwins in 2019 while still a college student and quickly became a part of the family. During the pandemic, she lived with them full-time, caring for the children and even being called their “sister” by the kids.

Eventually, Peter also brought her into his business, promoting her to vice president. By the time Cara raised concerns about their closeness in 2020, Peter allegedly brushed her off.

Fast-forward to 2023. Just weeks after Cara gave birth to their youngest child, Peter began asking for more “independence” and time for “self-care.” That “self-care” soon revealed itself as luxury trips with Annette — from five-star hotels in Florida to getaways in Wyoming. Court papers say the two were together within six days of Peter leaving his wife.

The scandal has captured attention not only because of its betrayal but also because of the striking contrasts between Peter and Cara.

Peter’s Instagram page, under the name “timetodrive5,” features sports cars, Rolex watches, and a tagline that reads, “just trying to keep the revs high.” He has thousands of followers who see him flaunting his fast-paced lifestyle.

Cara’s page, on the other hand, reflects her career as a respected child psychologist and founder of “Parenting Translator.” With over 135,000 followers, she shares parenting advice, research-based insights, and encouragement for families. While Peter showcased Ferraris, Cara was posting about how to raise children with patience, love, and resilience.

Peter filed for divorce in January 2025. The couple, who married in 2014, share four children ranging from 2 to 9 years old. Court documents reveal that they’ve worked out a shared custody agreement, but the legal battle over finances is far from over. Cara is seeking half of the marital assets, child support, and $500,000 to cover legal fees.

The case also shines a spotlight on Peter’s father, William Goodwin, one of Virginia’s most prominent businessmen and philanthropists. Known for his investments in luxury resorts and his $250 million donation to cancer research, William has long been a respected figure. Now, however, his family name is tied to a very public and painful scandal.

Behind all the headlines and luxury lifestyles lies the heartbreak of a family in turmoil. Four young children are now caught in the middle of a bitter divorce, watching their parents’ marriage unravel in the public eye.

It’s a sobering reminder that money and status can’t shield anyone from the pain of broken trust. At the end of the day, the most valuable things we can give our families aren’t Rolexes or lavish vacations — but faithfulness, respect, and love that lasts.

The post Son of Bowling Billionaire Cheats With Former Nanny, Shocks Wife With Divorce on Christmas Day appeared first on FamilyToday.

According to The Sun, the incident happened on a Wednesday when the family was preparing to board a flight to their home country. But when airport staff discovered that the boy’s passport had expired—and that he also required a visa—he was not allowed to board.

Rather than staying behind, the parents made the shocking decision to board the plane anyway with their younger child, leaving their 10-year-old son behind and calling a relative to pick him up later.

A terminal worker at the airport, who goes by Lilian and shared the story on TikTok, couldn’t believe what she saw.

“His passport in the country was expired, so the child was traveling with a Spanish passport but the Spanish passport needed a visa,” she explained. “As they did not have a visa, they left the child at the terminal and called a relative to come and pick him up.”

Lilian added, “How is it possible for parents to leave their ten-year-old son at the terminal because he cannot travel due to documentation issues? They call a relative but the relative may take half an hour, about an hour, about three hours—and they take the flight so calmly and leave the child behind!”

@limasin41 Historias de aeropuerto surrealistas!! #aeropuerto #abandono #historytime #flightdispatcher #viralvideos #paratiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii ♬ original sound - Limasin

Airport staff found the boy alone in the terminal and immediately alerted authorities. “He told them that his parents were on the plane on their way to their home country, going on vacation,” Lilian said.

Police then contacted the plane's pilot, who confirmed that he had been told there was “a minor in the car park.” He asked passengers "if someone had left a child in the terminal, and no one had answered." The parents, who were accompanied by another younger child, were eventually located. They were then taken to a police station to get their son.

Spain’s national police, Guardia Civil, and the local Catalonia police, Mossos d’Esquadra, were both involved. The child was taken to safety while his parents were questioned at the police station. Authorities have confirmed the couple is being reported for child abandonment.

The post Parents Leave 10-Year-Old Son Behind at Barcelona Airport So They Wouldn’t Miss Their Flight appeared first on FamilyToday.

According to a new survey by Resume Genius, 23 percent of full-time Gen Z workers regret attending college, and 19 percent say their degree didn't contribute to their career.

Why it Matters

The data reveals a generation at a crossroads, questioning not only whether college was the right choice, but also what careers will remain stable in a rapidly evolving economy.

Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, is entering one of the toughest job markets in history. A different report from Kickresume showed that 58 percent of recent grads were still looking for a job, compared to just 25 percent of the older generations (millennials, Gen Xers, and baby boomers).

What to Know

The top reasons for Gen Z's regret likely stem from overwhelming student loan debt, a lack of job opportunities in their chosen fields, and the perception of a poor return on investment for certain degrees. According to Resume Genius, only 32 percent said they're content with their education path and wouldn't change it.

A different report by The HR Digest highlights that many Gen Zers, facing mounting debt and stagnant job prospects, would opt for higher-paying industries or skilled trades if given another chance. Thirteen percent say they would prefer a path without a traditional degree, evidence of a growing interest in trade schools, apprenticeships, and non-traditional career routes.

"Gen Z is carrying debt that either personally weighs them down or is tied to a company benefit that only kicks in if they stay loyal to the firm," Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. "It's a new kind of indentured servitude. And to make matters worse, many of them are in roles they probably could've landed without the degree in the first place."

Generative AI is also drastically reshaping the value of a college degree. A recent Indeed report cited by the New York Post shows that nearly 50 percent of Gen Z job hunters feel their education is already obsolete due to AI's impact.

As companies increasingly drop degree requirements and prioritize AI literacy and digital upskilling, many college graduates view their expensive diplomas as less relevant in the modern job market.

"These kids got sold a bag of goods. College became this magical ticket that supposedly guaranteed success. But nobody mentioned the $60,000 a year price tag or the fact that your communications degree might qualify you to manage a Starbucks," Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com, told Newsweek.

"I've had parents sobbing in my office because their kid's drowning in debt for a degree that's essentially expensive toilet paper in today's job market. The math hasn't worked since 2008, but we kept pretending it did."

Online learning and AI skills are in high demand, with upskilling programs rapidly expanding as employers need their teams to adapt.

"Every job currently posted on Indeed's job board will likely experience some level of exposure to generative AI and the changes it represents," said Linsey Fagan, senior Talent Strategy advisor at Indeed, in a statement to CIO Dive.

Gen Z workers are already responding to economic pressures and shifting values by diversifying their income streams.

The Resume Genius survey found that 58 percent of Gen Z employees have a side hustle, with another 25 percent considering one, primarily to supplement their income, pursue their interests, acquire new skills, or plan for entrepreneurship. This could also reflect a larger sense of regret about pursuing a degree, rather than investing in more lucrative skills or trades.

"Absolutely they regret it," HR consultant Bryan Driscoll told Newsweek. "Society told Gen Z college was the only path to a stable future, then handed them record tuition, predatory debt, and a job market that barely values degrees anymore, while still demanding five years of experience for entry level roles. That math doesn't add up."

"This isn't a Gen Z problem. It's a broken promise, a societal lie," Driscoll said.

What People Are Saying

Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "More and more are questioning whether the degree was worth it, and it shows. Enrollment is falling, and in the short term, this could move the price of college tuition down.

"Longer term, I think we'll see a divide. Fewer college grads could mean higher wages for those with degrees, simply because there's less supply. On the other hand, wages for lower-skilled jobs may stay flat or even decline due to oversupply. It's a shift in the labor market that's already playing out."

Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com, told Newsweek: "[Gen Z is] the first to call BS on the whole system. They see their friends who skipped college making bank in trades or starting businesses while they're making lattes with a bachelor's degree.

"The job market's dirty secret? Companies started demanding degrees for jobs that didn't need them. Pure laziness. I've watched electricians out-earn lawyers and plumbers retire at 50 while college grads move back in with mom and dad. We convinced an entire generation that working with your hands was beneath them. Meanwhile, skilled trades are desperate for workers, and the pay reflects it."

What Happens Next

As college degrees lose luster and AI reshapes the job market, Gen Z is recalibrating its approach to education and careers.

Whether through trade school, entrepreneurship, or acquiring digital skills, many are actively seeking alternatives to the traditional college route in pursuit of job security and personal fulfillment.

"Gen Z is forcing the conversation we should've had decades ago. They're realizing college isn't magic, it's just expensive. And sometimes the smartest thing you can do is admit you made a mistake and pivot," Ryan said.

"The kids who figure this out early? They'll be the ones retiring young, healthy, and wealthy while their debt-laden classmates are still trying to justify their degrees."

This article was originally published on NewsWeek.com.

The post 1 in 4 Gen Z Workers Regret Going to College appeared first on FamilyToday.

Brinkley, now 71, is back in the spotlight thanks to her memoir Uptown Girl, which dives deep into both the highs and lows of her life. While recording the audiobook version, she found herself reliving painful memories. “There were parts where I thought, ‘Please don’t cry,’” she shared. “I tried to keep [my voice] level, but [the publisher] let me be. Let my voice crack. Let it show.”

One of the most emotional chapters describes how she learned about her fourth husband, Peter Cook’s, infidelity. In 2006, Brinkley was giving a commencement speech when a man approached her with news that hit her “with the weight of a wrecking ball, delivered in barely a whisper.” At first, she didn’t believe it. But as she looked at her husband—and then at her son Jack’s panicked face—she knew something was terribly wrong.

“I looked out into the crowd,” she said. “I saw mouths agape. They all knew... I felt faint, exposed… like the floor might drop beneath me.”

The man didn’t have a business card but told her, “I’m a cop at the Southampton station.” Later, Brinkley would discover that the officer was the father of the 18-year-old girl involved with her husband.

Back home, friends encouraged her to search the family computer. “It was like something out of Charlie’s Angels,” she wrote. What they found shocked her: “A creepy labyrinth of files and photos,” and emails that revealed even more betrayal. “It was so insane that it was almost funny,” she added. “Soon enough, the three of us were doubled over in laughter, as printouts... piled up on the floor faster than trash outside a greasy takeaway.”

Brinkley and Cook’s divorce turned into a six-year media circus. But for her, it was about one thing—protecting her kids. “A mother fighting to protect her cubs,” Social Life described it.

Today, Christie finds peace in her garden. “We’re not salon blondes. We’re hands-in-the-dirt women. We bloom in the garden,” she said, comparing herself to Pamela Anderson, who also found new strength in recent years.

And yes, Christie still believes in love. “I find that love is the strongest thing in the whole world,” she told Fox News Digital. “I love love – I feel like my life is so full of love.”

Whether or not romantic love finds her again, she says she’s content. “I consider my life to be very full of love.”

The post Christie Brinkley Recounts Devastating Moment She Learned About Ex-Husband’s Affair With a Teen: ‘It Nearly Broke Me’ appeared first on FamilyToday.

According to a 40-year-old woman who shared her story on Reddit, her mom is planning and paying for a family vacation. Everything sounded great—until her mom requested that one dinner during the trip be just for her and her adult children, with no grandchildren or spouses invited.

“It’s not a fancy restaurant, but she isn’t confident the kids can behave up to her standards … I am not either,” the woman admitted in her Reddit post.

While the woman said she understood the idea of a simple “sibs only” dinner with their mom, she felt torn about leaving her husband and children behind—especially since her husband has always felt excluded by her mother.

“He was noticeably let down,” she wrote. “I feel like I should just go and enjoy it, but now I'm thinking of 20 years of him being excluded and feeling sad and disloyal.”

That’s where the internet stepped in. Thousands of Reddit users shared their thoughts—and let’s just say, opinions were strong.

“YTA for allowing your mom to treat your husband as [an] other for decades, especially when he has lost both of his parents,” one user wrote, highlighting that the issue isn’t just about one dinner—it’s about a pattern of exclusion.

Others felt sympathy for the mom’s request, noting that it’s only one meal out of an entire vacation. “Give her this one evening,” one person suggested. “You’re taking this woman’s [money] in the form of a vacation, so if she wants one dinner with her kids, then why not?”

Some people encouraged compromise, like going to the restaurant as couples on another night and letting grandma babysit the grandkids.

Experts also weighed in. Randi Crawford, a life coach from San Diego, said this situation is really about recognizing life’s changing seasons. “Excluding spouses on a group trip is tone-deaf, and it puts everyone in an awkward position,” she told Fox News Digital. “This isn't about one dinner. It's about recognizing that your children are no longer solo acts. They come as a team.”

Psychotherapist Melanie Williams added that there may be deeper issues at play. “The mother is trying to relive a fantasy of her kids still being young,” she said. She encouraged the adult children to speak up and set healthier boundaries while also being mindful of how financial dynamics can complicate things.

Ultimately, the Reddit poster admitted she’d love an uncomplicated dinner with just her mom and siblings—but given the history, it’s hard to ignore how her husband might feel.

It’s a story many families can relate to: the delicate balance between honoring parents, including spouses, and keeping the peace. Maybe the best vacations are the ones where everyone gets a little of what they need—even if it means having a tough conversation or two before the trip.

The post Family Vacation Drama Erupts Over Grandma’s Request For Grown-Kids-Only Dinner appeared first on FamilyToday.

Eliotte, a student in the mental health counseling program at Viterbo University, disappeared early Sunday morning after leaving Broncos Bar around 2:30 a.m. Surveillance footage later captured her walking along the riverfront and heading in the direction of her apartment, which was less than a mile away. But she never made it home.

On Wednesday, authorities confirmed that her body was discovered in the Mississippi River near Brownsville, Minnesota, more than 12 miles from where she was last seen. Police are still investigating and waiting for autopsy results to determine the official cause of death.

“This was not the outcome we had hoped for,” La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Eliotte’s family, friends, and all those who knew Eliotte.”

Eliotte’s mother, Amber Heinz, described her daughter as “beautiful inside and out,” adding, “She has got the biggest heart and unending kindness for everyone.” She also noted the overwhelming community response during the search. “I think that is noted by how many people have showed up for her,” she said.

Her disappearance sent shockwaves through the La Crosse area, prompting a multi-day search involving family, friends, volunteers, and law enforcement. Her phone was later discovered by friends, helping narrow the search efforts.

In a heartfelt message shared by Viterbo University, the Heinz family thanked the community: “The outpouring of support in the search for Eliotte has been overwhelming, and we are deeply grateful for the kindness, prayers, and encouragement from the community and beyond.”

Viterbo University President Rick Trietley expressed sorrow on behalf of the campus. “We are heartbroken by this loss and extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends. There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so young, with so much life ahead of her.”

The university plans to hold a memorial service in Eliotte’s honor this fall, once students have returned to campus.

Questions remain surrounding the circumstances of Eliotte’s death. FBI investigators have been reviewing surveillance footage, speaking with witnesses, and checking for any phone or financial activity to determine what happened and whether she was alone.

The tragedy has also renewed concern about river safety in La Crosse, especially for students. Since 2006, a volunteer-based “River Watch” program has patrolled the area near the river during the academic year to prevent accidents. It’s unclear whether the program was operating the night Eliotte went missing, as the school year had not yet begun.

Eliotte’s loss is being deeply felt by her family, her university, and the wider La Crosse community. She was a bright, caring young woman with a future dedicated to helping others—and her memory will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.

The post Wisconsin Graduate Student Eliotte Heinz Found Dead in Mississippi River After Disappearing From Waterfront appeared first on FamilyToday.

The moment was captured by wedding photographer Emad Joe in Egypt. What was supposed to be a romantic photo of the groom holding his bride as they leaned over a pool ended in disaster when the groom appeared to intentionally let her go. The bride plunged into the water, her dress soaking and heavy, while her husband threw his hands up in what looked like celebration.

“A look of sheer horror could be seen across her face as she emerged from the water,” the article described. Meanwhile, her groom seemed to cheer “with delight at her suffering.”

Unsurprisingly, the internet exploded with outrage. Social media users, especially women, were quick to call out the groom’s behavior. One commenter wrote, “This is grounds for an annulment.” Another pointed out, “She could have drowned; all that fabric from the wedding dress in the water is no joke.”

Experts are weighing in, too. Psychologist Carly Dober didn’t mince words. “Unless this has been specifically spoken about beforehand, and she’s given her consent to be in on the joke, this behavior is disrespectful and alarming,” she told news.com.au.

Dober emphasized that weddings are often a lifelong dream for many brides. “Ideally, all parties involved look back on the day with good feelings and good memories,” she said. “Behavior such as this can highlight the disparities in some heterosexual relationships where women’s feelings aren’t valued.”

Others see the incident as part of a troubling trend. From smashing cake in a bride’s face to making crude jokes during vows, more and more grooms are turning their weddings into stages for public humiliation. “Why do men constantly want to embarrass their wives?” one woman asked online.

Psychosexual therapist Lauren Muratore echoed these concerns. “Embarrassing any human being is bullying,” she said. “There’s no place for degradation ever between couples.” She added, “It’s showing a power balance and that there is a massive lack of respect in the relationship.”

Dober also warned that viral stunts like this can set a bad example. “This is not something that we want to encourage more people to do,” she stressed. “If this isn’t a joke between them, and this is something that he’s done without her consent, there can be pretty catastrophic emotional consequences.”

Trust, as Muratore pointed out, is fragile. “It takes a long time to build back up and a willingness of two partners,” she said. And when someone “purposely erodes trust to make other people laugh,” it sends a clear message about how they value their partner.

In the end, love should lift us up—not drag us down. Especially not into a pool on what’s supposed to be one of the happiest days of our lives.

The post Groom’s ‘Humiliating’ Wedding Day Prank on Bride Sparks Fierce Backlash appeared first on FamilyToday.