The morning of a wedding is typically focused on the bride, but one groom flipped the script with a deeply personal gesture for her loved ones.
A viral TikTok video captured the tearful reactions as the bride, Mikayla Dunsmuir’s bridesmaids and parents opened heartfelt, handwritten letters penned by the groom, Austin, on the morning of their wedding. Dunsmuir, 25, told Newsweek that she and Austin wanted to find a special way to thank the people who had supported Dunsmuir throughout her life and their relationship.
Since she posted the video of her bridesmaids’ reactions, it has received 5.6 million views and one million likes.
@mikki_duns/TikTok
She said the idea for the letters came about as the couple planned wedding day gifts.
“During my whole bridal year, my best friends, that are more like my sisters, and my family, went absolutely above and beyond for me…they really made me feel so loved and so special,” Dunsmuir told Newsweek. “I wanted to do something special, unique and different for them on the morning of my wedding day.“
It was then that Austin suggested the perfect personal touch.
“He said to me, ‘I’ve noticed how amazing these friends and your family has been to you, and also to us as a couple. What if I handwrite them a letter? Just telling them how much we love them, how special they are and honestly…just to thank them for shaping you into who you are today,” Dunsmuir said.
Her reaction was instantaneous and emotional.
“I think it’s specifically because he’s seen some friends and people in my past hurt me so much,” she added. “He is so happy I found and have the village I do today.”
‘Thank You for Standing Beside Her’
Dunsmuir’s video shows her bridesmaids gathered, opening gift bags containing the letters. As they read Austin’s words, several women wiped away tears, clearly touched by the unexpected act.
Dunsmuir spoke about the specific relationships acknowledged in the letters. Her best friend, Alex, has been with her since day one of her and Austin’s relationship.
“She was with me the night I met Austin,” Dunsmuir said. “She was the one person who has really been there all along.” Austin’s letter to Alex reflected their shared history and his gratitude for her constant presence.
Bridesmaid Olivia, a college roommate who helped Dunsmuir pick her first date outfit with Austin, also received a deeply personal note. Austin acknowledged their close bond, writing, “before there was Mikayla and I’s love story, there was always you and hers…and that will never change.”
To Renata, Dunsmuir’s first best friend after moving to Charleston, Austin wrote, “Thank you for standing beside her, and thank you for being here today as she steps into this next beautiful chapter of her life—with me, but never without you.”
For Dunsmuir, the letters perfectly reflected Austin’s character and their relationship dynamic.
“Our love language together has always been words of affirmation, writing love notes to each other for the past five years,” Dunsmuir said. “So, it just made sense that this is how he chose to express his gratitude and love…His heart is made of gold.”
The thoughtfulness wasn’t one-sided, either; Dunsmuir recorded a pre-aisle message for Austin, and her mother wrote him a letter, creating a wedding atmosphere brimming with love and appreciation. Their gestures to one another offered a profound start to what would be an “absolutely beautiful” spring garden party wedding day, she said.
