Hey guys, welcome to this episode of Here Comes The Drama.

I'm your host, Krista Ennis, and it's actually my birthday today.

and so I wanted to do something special for this birthday episode, and that is share one of my all time favorite Patreon episodes.

Called the mother of the groom files.

You guys are always asking me to share more stories and more content, and this was a wild episode with a wild story, so I thought I would give back to you guys this week.

But first, just a couple of fun announcements.

We're gonna start with a podcast review.

This is from Monica.

Daniel, it says, I don't ever listen to podcasts, but when I saw your Facebook post that you started, one, I had to start.

Your skits are like crack.

You want more and more and more.

LOL.

Thank you so much for the kind review.

If you guys are loving the podcast, please help me out by leaving a review on iTunes, Spotify, wherever you listen.

It just really helps the show get out to more people.

Now one more extra bonus for this week is in case you missed it, my new book Here Comes The Drama is now officially an audio book, and I'm so, so excited.

I've talked about the process before, but I, worked directly with Tan Tour Media and I was able to listen to actual auditions from voice artists and Shiloh James just had the amazing voice.

That I thought would fit so well with these characters.

and so it's now officially out.

There's also an exclusive author's note that I was able to record myself and the little behind the scenes, note at the very end.

So as a little bonus to you guys, stick around at the very end of the episode, and I'm going to include a.

First look at the book.

You're gonna get chapter one, directly to you so you can enjoy that.

as a little bonus there.

I don't know how many times I just said bonus you guys.

Side note.

August has just been a wild month already.

I can hardly keep up.

I can't believe it's already, by the time you guys listen to this, it'll be almost over and I'm just like trying to catch up.

I feel like if anyone else is feeling that way, I'm right there with you.

anyways, I wanna remind you guys that I'm doing a big YouTube giveaway.

This is actually the last week to enter.

you got a few more days left actually.

so for my birthday month I did a YouTube giveaway.

All you have to do is subscribe to my channel and then comment entered on my video, and we will link that in the show notes so you can easily find it at the bottom.

we are doing a $75 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of my book for the grand prize winner.

And then every single week we've been picking winners for some smaller prizes as well.

just a way to say thank you for all you guys that listen and follow on YouTube.

Alright, so like I said, we are going to, Give you a special look at a Patreon episode.

This was my all time favorite one, the mother of the groom files.

This was a wild episode where I read, oh gosh, we do some hot takes and I gave you my takes on these mother of groom situations that were sent to me.

a mother of the groom, 9 1 1 advice call.

So someone sent me in something that happened to them and they're trying to deal with the.

Situation.

And then I read a couple of stories and one is probably top 10 wildest mother of the groom stories I've ever read.

So we're gonna go ahead and play that whole episode for you and I hope you guys enjoy it.

And don't forget to stick around to the very end of the episode for the first chapter of, here Comes the Drama.

today I've got two crazy ones and of course I've not read them, we got some good ones for you.

But I'll react, along with you.

So let's get started.

let's go right into the hot takes.

All right, The mother of the groom should have a special role, but it doesn't need to mirror the mother of the brides.

This is gonna depend in a relationship with each of them.

I mean, I do think.

In all the weddings I've been a part of, I should say most of them, they had a unique role.

but a lot of times both moms were there doing everything together, or just being a part of, the bride getting ready.

Right.

I.

so of course you're gonna have your special moment with your own mom versus your partner's mom, but I really feel like they have similar roles because it's both their kids' weddings.

I'm very anti, it's the bride and groom's day, or.

The bride and bride's day.

The groom and groom's day.

it's the couple's day.

Right.

So I feel like it's really important that depending on your relationship, whoever wants to be involved is involved the same way we're not leaving anybody out.

Of course, that's, again, depending on how your relationship is.

okay.

Two.

It's okay if the mother of the groom doesn't help with the planning.

Support.

Doesn't always mean involvement 100%.

I think sometimes I see stories where the bride gets so mad at the mother of the groom for not being involved, but.

They don't have to be, and that's not necessarily their wheelhouse.

there was one I read not that long ago where the bride was mad because she gave a task to the mother of the groom and it was basically to book the Airbnb for their wedding event and it was gonna be hosted in the backyard or something.

she kept saying like, oh, she was taking so long to do it.

And by the time, know, it was getting closer and closer, all the ones that I had really liked were booked.

And I was like.

If I were the bride, I would never just put that in the hands of someone else.

And I don't blame the mother of groom for that because she might have never had this kind of responsibility before.

She might not be into planning and then this was just kind of put on her lap.

Maybe she's never booked an Airbnb.

so when it comes to things like that, I don't think it's up to the mother of the groom to want to be involved.

She can support you guys in other ways and I think that's perfectly okay.

number three, mother-in-laws giving input on the guest list should only happen early, not the month before invitations go out.

So they could give input or tips anytime, I'm sure, again, depending on your relationship.

But yeah, we are not asking for.

And like guest list a month before, that's just too much.

there was another mother-in-law story where they asked her way in advance to send a guest list and she kept refusing because she didn't like that they were only gonna invite 100 people.

So she kept pushing back and saying like, no, I'm not sending you a list.

I'm not sending you a list.

then they went the extra mile and were looking in her address book to get.

Her friend's addresses to send an invite and I'm just like, if it's gonna be that difficult, why even try?

yes.

I think everybody, if you're gonna have your parents' friends be invited, reach out to them early enough, give them a deadline and be very clear.

okay.

I'm gonna do a couple more we've got a long story for you guys and I don't want, it to be like a two hour episode.

I'm sure you guys wouldn't complain, but Okay.

A neutral colored dress is totally fine as long as it's cleared with the couple first.

Uh, it's so hard because some of these things are gonna be really individual.

Some people might be like, no, absolutely not.

For me personally, I think neutral is totally fine.

what's wrong with neutral colored?

Yes, maybe avoid white.

but I think you can do other neutral colors in general.

I think if you're not sure, ask the bride groom, but.

I would never assume that white is okay.

Right.

Number five, it's not rude to set boundaries with your future mother-in-law.

It's healthy.

That goes with for anybody, even people that you have a great relationship with.

Boundaries are so good, I think so many times we think boundaries are a way of like shutting people out or being mean, especially if you're a people pleaser.

It's not like boundaries can be like, I

turn my phone off at 7:00 PM and I spend time with just my family right here.

I don't answer the phone even for my best friend, my boss, whoever it is.

And I think that's so important because so many times, like we think we can be at everyone's beck and call and that we're gonna be mean if we say no or don't answer.

But no, you gotta have boundaries.

Last one.

The best thing a mother of the groom can ask is, how can I support you instead of assuming what's helpful.

Yeah, I think that's great.

If you are in a wedding, if you are a mother of the groom, if you are the mother of the bride, if you're a father, like whatever your relationship is to them, how can I support you is a great way.

Instead of just jumping in and saying, I'm taking this task from you because nobody likes that.

Okay.

Next section.

We are gonna do some confessions.

I have a couple of confessions here that people sent me, and then the last one's gonna be more of like a 9 1 1.

What do I do in this situation?

Okay, first one, mother-in-law told my son she could help him come up with an escape plan.

What if the day of he gets cold feet?

So I'm guessing the son then told his partner.

It was like, my mom told me this.

That's insane.

That's insane.

we wanna encourage the couple.

I mean, unless it's completely toxic and, it's a bad relationship, which even then, like you gotta make sure like you really are protecting your son.

Otherwise, I'm not saying anything.

I said this a while back in an episode.

This girl was talking about her whole family didn't like the partner of her brother.

Right?

And they wanted to say something so bad.

And I was like, you can't, you can't say something if you just don't like somebody, because if something blows up, it's gonna go back into your face, right?

If you say like, oh, I don't like her, she's not right for you.

It's gonna come back to bite you.

It's better to just be supportive.

of course if there's certain things that they say that's going to, that are just like, down or rude, put you down, that kind of thing.

But if it's just like, I don't like them because of the way they talk, I don't like them because they don't seem right for you.

I'm just protecting you.

Like, no, we don't need to say that.

Okay.

Two.

My bridal shower, my mother-in-law gave me a cookbook and said, you'll need this more than anyone.

No.

Okay.

As someone that I am very insecure with my cooking.

Like I enjoy doing it when there's no pressure.

I like cooking for my family, but I feel like I'm surrounded by so many cooks that are like really good at what they do, that I'm just like, I just second guess everything.

that'd be a little insulting.

my husband and I buy cookbooks all the time 'cause we like try new recipes and stuff.

But to specifically say to someone, 'cause you need this more than anybody.

That's just a, we call that a backhanded compliment.

Actually, I'm not, that's not even a compliment.

That's just backhanded.

okay.

My mother-in-law kept calling it her son's wedding and didn't mention my name once in the entire engagement announcement.

Ooh, okay.

I catch myself when I'm like talking about someone's story or reading someone's story, I'll say like, bride this, and I'm like, no, I need to stop doing that.

The couple's day, the couple's wedding, it's so ingrained in us to talk a certain way.

Right.

But I feel like society says like it's the bride's day.

So when you say it's like your son's day and your leaving out his partner, that's intentional, right?

Yeah, that's pretty hard.

I had someone on my podcast, Janelle Riedel, was on my podcast a couple weeks back, and she, well, by the time this comes out, it'll be probably like two months back.

But, she had a very similar story sent to her where there was a, birth announcement.

So this woman was saying her and her partner, her and her husband decided they did not want their babies.

Face put anywhere, like on social media or anything like that, they made this very clear to the parents.

They go to the parents' house to go visit them when the baby was like a newborn and sitting right on the table, there was a newspaper clipping where they had a birth announcement.

The grandparents put in a birth announcement in the newspaper.

Not once did they mention the daughter-in-law's name.

It was just proud grandparents of said the baby's name and then said their son's name.

That was it.

So that is intentional, you are purposely leaving someone out when it took two people to make that baby.

So I don't know.

that's making a statement for sure.

okay.

Here is the 9 1 1 confession.

she's kind of more of like asking for help.

Right.

Okay.

My mother-in-law just told me she bought a white dress to wear to our wedding because it's the only color she looks good in.

I've gotten similar ones before.

I told her I wasn't comfortable with that and she said I was being territorial and should be honored that she's making an effort at all.

My fiance is trying to stay neutral.

The wedding is in three weeks.

What do I do?

first things first.

I'm only talking about this general situation right here because I don't want people coming back and being like, oh my gosh, I can't believe you care about people wearing white at your wedding.

I personally, I wouldn't care again.

It depends on the relationship because if you already have a rocky relationship and someone's like, I'm wearing white to your wedding, I'm getting a full gown.

Again, back to the intentional.

It's intentional and they want you to feel a certain way, So my guess is if she says, oh, I only look good in white, so I'm wearing a white dress to your wedding, it's because there's already some kind of rift there, right?

First things first, the fiance staying neutral is not okay.

He needs to make a choice of who he's backing up.

if he's choosing to marry you, he should be backing you up, right?

He needs to be the one to, communicate to his mother that this is not appropriate or okay.

Now again, I'm speaking for this couple because she has made it clear she is not okay with it.

If you're okay with white at your wedding, this is not.

Relating to you, right?

So he needs to be the one to communicate to his mom, Hey Sophie, whatever her name is, has said she's not okay with it.

And I would actually rather her be the only one in white as well, really make it more what he thinks and be that bridge, right?

Because if he's trying to stay neutral.

It's gonna make them bash even more, right?

Because they're both gonna try to get him on their side.

So he needs to make a clear standing point.

Being the wedding is only in three weeks, so she's gonna try to like push back and push back and say like, oh, well there's no time to get a new dress.

Oh, I can's, the only dress I have.

There's time.

There's time.

you've made it very clear that you're not comfortable with it, so.

All you can do is communicate and you need to let your partner know that he needs to communicate to her.

that being said, if she still chooses to show up that day in a white dress, you can.

There's different things you can do.

Talk to your vendors ahead of time, maybe your photographer and say like, Hey, my mother-in-law has told me he's gonna wear a white dress.

What do we do?

They might be able to situate her.

I mean, it's hard because she's the mom, so she's gonna be in the front pictures.

They might be able to like move her.

So someone's like standing in front of her.

I know this happened in one of the stories sent to me.

She said the photographer worked with her and like, it was like an aunt though, and they put someone directly in front of her.

So you couldn't really tell.

and then you have to decide how important it is to you and it's hard.

This is where you are like, you know what?

We've dealt with so much with her already.

This is it for me.

I'm done.

I'm done dealing with it.

Then you have to make that decision and tell your partner and try to get him on the same page.

If this is one little blip in the day and there's been no other issues, Just let it go.

Everyone's gonna know you're the bride and everyone's gonna look at her and be like, that's ridiculous.

So you kinda have to decide and make a decision on your own and with your partner to be like, how big of a deal do we wanna make this?

Not saying you're the one making a big deal, but like, do you wanna escalate it or just drop it?

Okay.

So you guys listening at home, what would you do?

Let her wear it.

And again, she would outshine nobody.

Right?

Would you ban her from photos?

Would you ask the photographer to gray scale her dress or like move her somehow or politely ask her to sit the wedding out.

These are like four different, complete different things.

Me, if I were in her situation where you already communicated and it was an issue.

I think I would just let her wear it, not I wouldn't shine anybody.

And then I would probably be like, okay, photographer, what can we do here?

And then I would just like not worry about it.

But again, I'm not in that situation.

It's very hard when you already have like a bad relationship.

Right.

Okay, here we go.

lemme get a drink of my energy drink here.

It's just to warm up my vocals because.

I'm telling you guys, these allergies are just like making my throat scratchy.

Okay, here we go.

Mother of the groom confessions.

These are stories from the vault.

So someone sent me these stories, okay?

It's finally my turn to share.

My husband and I had a set wedding date that was really meaningful to us, it also worked well with one of our closest friend's work schedules.

His mom had found a venue she thought would be perfect, but it wasn't available on the date we'd chosen.

She asked me what I thought about it, and if we'd consider switching dates.

I told her it was a beautiful venue, but I wanted to keep looking.

We really wanted that specific date and I was also considering something outdoors.

Then I went to work.

When I got home, my husband was buzzing with excitement saying how thrilled he was that we had a venue and locked in our date.

What?

I was totally confused.

Turns out my mother-in-law had gone ahead and booked the venue anyway without waiting for our answer, just assuming she knew best.

You are kidding me.

I take back everything I said about reading crazy stories.

This is the craziest mother of the groom story I've ever read.

Why would you take that into your own hands?

And then I'm also wondering, I know that's probably gonna come up, but I'm also wondering why the fiance heard it from his mom and was like, okay, this is awesome.

This is cool.

Wouldn't he go to his like fiance first and be like, Hey, this is weird.

Did you talk to my mom?

But he's like excited for it.

Come on.

Okay, because we had agreed that his family would be covering the costs for the venue, I felt cornered.

I ended up going along with a change and just tried to make it work.

No.

Oh my gosh.

I feel terrible for her because here's the thing, like, oh, I feel so bad for her because it's like the husband comes in or partner comes in he's like.

Oh, this is so great.

We got this venue.

So then she sees his excitement after already talking to the mom, the mother-in-law, and now she feels like she has to say yes because they're paying for the venue.

in reality she already told the mom like, no, I'm gonna keep looking.

And she was like, you know what?

Screw you.

I'm gonna do what I want anyways.

no, it's not your wedding.

Oh my gosh.

A few weeks later, I was talking about wedding dress in SPO during a family dinner with his side of the family.

That's when my father-in-law decided it was his job to take charge of my wedding dress, even though my family was paying for it.

Okay.

In general, it's weird that the family thinks that they have control over her wedding dress, but the father-in-law.

I wouldn't trust my own father to pick out my wedding dress.

I wouldn't trust my husband to pick out my wedding dress and he is got great style, but so it's nothing against that.

It's just that's such a personal, personal thing.

Oh my gosh.

He insisted I buy it on Amazon to save money.

But I had no problem spending $900 plus on my husband's suit.

That seems like a lot of money.

We spent, gosh, I think under 300 from my husband's suit.

this isn't sponsored or anything, but we used Modern Groom and it was like so easy.

They sent it to us at home.

My husband and I are very like, let's check the boxes.

Like we.

I don't need to go somewhere and see 10 suits and see which one looks best.

We pretty much were like, let's look at them online and do it like, I don't know.

I know everybody's different.

That was just us, $900 plus for a suit, but he wanted her to order her dress on Amazon.

I politely told him I'd figure the dress out with my mom.

He went ahead and ordered several dresses anyway was furious when I told him I'd already made a decision with my mom.

Ew, I'm sorry.

That is gross behavior.

They are to completely like pulling her out of her own wedding situation.

I need to talk to this person and get her on the podcast because this is like what?

That moment pretty much set the tone for the rest of the wedding planning.

Tense.

Okay.

So again, where's the fiance in all this?

Why is he not backing her up and be like, dad, that's fricking weird.

Why are you ordering wedding dresses for my fiance on Amazon?

What?

he should be standing in here saying like, no, this isn't okay.

I'm getting heated guys.

Okay.

My mother-in-law wanted to plan every little detail.

She constantly reminded me that I hadn't been married before, almost as if it was her way of justifying why she needed to take over.

Oh, I'm so mad for her.

Any bride, I mean I should say, majority of brides haven't been through that before, and even if they've been married before.

Typically I see like they do a different style, like they do something different.

Right.

But it's like even if she had been married before, I feel like this mother-in-law would've come in and been like, no, we need to do it my way.

Like, why is that any constellation to be able to go in?

She's probably been married 30 years, so things have changed a lot since she got married.

So she's trying to like redo her wedding through her son and daughter-in-law.

It's like, no, no, no, no.

She kept pushing for her daughter, my sister-in-law, who I'm not close with to be one of the bridesmaids.

Apparently she wasn't a bridesmaid in her other sister-in-law's wedding five years ago, and my mother-in-law wanted to fix that.

Oh my gosh.

This family, I explained kindly that I had a specific vision and that anyone who wanted to wear a specific color to the wedding was welcome to wear dark green, but it wasn't required.

Later I got a message from my sister-in-law, double checking the color she'd been told by my mother-in-law, and it was the exact color of my bridesmaid dresses.

Why am I not surprised?

Oh my gosh.

I talked to her directly.

She was super understanding, and from then on she came to me to confirm details.

Oh my gosh.

This mom was just like, Nope, it's my wedding.

Now I'm gonna do what I want.

But the craziest thing, it happened a couple months before the wedding when we were sending out invites.

I had a few friends come over to help address envelopes and had previously asked my mother-in-law for all of her addresses the day of, she told me to just drop off the invites and send them out herself.

No, I'm calling it now.

I dunno what's gonna happen.

Do not do that.

Do not do that.

Someone that's already ignoring your every wish.

your, every vision for the wedding is not gonna follow through with that simple task.

No.

Okay.

I don't like the next sentence.

I was rushing to work, so I dropped them off and said I'd come pick up whatever was left later.

No, But Why do we need the mother-in-law to send them out herself if they're already labeled and everything?

Ugh.

Biggest mistake she says.

After she mailed the invitations, she casually mentioned we might need to do a reprint.

I was confused.

I had like 59 extras.

Why would we need more later that week?

While checking over the shared guest list spreadsheet, which I finalized eight months ago and shared with both sets of parents and my husband, I found the issue.

She sent out over 100 extra invitations about a month and a half before the wedding.

My like planner self is getting so bent outta shape right now.

This is not, oh my gosh.

We need like a mean bridesmaid for every one of these nice brides because this is not okay.

And again, where is the husband?

Where is the fiance?

Also you don't need to share.

Your guest list with everyone.

I had no reason to be like protective of my stuff, but like I don't need to send my guest list to every single person, so just my husband and I had it like, why does everyone need to see every single person?

We reached out to all the parents and they sent us their list, and I took care of everything else.

Again, if someone's already showing you not to trust them, don't trust them with a new and important task.

Okay.

She says, my family was providing the food, so I was beyond frustrated.

I had always said they could invite as many people as they wanted, but it needed to be finalized months in advance.

I asked my husband if he recognized the names he didn't or they were distant cousins that he specifically said he didn't want there.

the worst part, because the invites were already sent, I had no way to contact these people and uninvite them.

I'm exhausted.

I am exhausted for this bride.

I cannot believe that this happened.

I am so sorry.

couple more things that happened behind my back too.

She tried to gather baby photos of me, even though I specifically said I did not want a slideshow or a wedding video.

She tried to invite her own guest list to a bridal shower that was being hosted by my aunt.

Why am I not surprised?

She did a hundred extra people to the wedding?

I didn't know what happened with this.

Okay, let's see.

Then came the wedding day.

People showed up late.

Two of my husband's groomsmen arrived an hour and a half after they were supposed to, and 30 minutes after the ceremony was scheduled to start.

What?

Oh my gosh.

People need to be reminded a hundred times.

Some people need to be reminded a hundred times.

Luckily we have no one late for our wedding, but I hear it happen all the time.

we asked everyone to arrive an hour early for photos.

Even my in-laws showed up 30 minutes late, adding to the chaos.

Luckily, once the ceremony started, everything turned out beautifully, but the lead up absolute hell.

I need to know how this ended.

I need to reach out to her and ask her what?

The heck happened after this.

Like, what is going on here?

Because this is literally insane.

The fact that a hundred x people were invited.

I need to know, like, did you need a bigger venue, a bigger room?

How much was the cost, like.

It was probably one of those where she was like, the mother-in-law was like, we're paying for it.

So if I wanna invite more people, I can.

It's my party now.

that's where I'm like, don't accept money from people.

They're gonna hold strings over your head and dangle it like a carrot.

Right.

if people want to help as a gift and you respect them and they respect you, then yes, let's do it.

If they wanna help, that's great.

If you already have a weird relationship, if they're trying to control things, no, we're not gonna ask for that.

We're not gonna accept the help.

again, where's the fiance?

Where's the fiance in all of this?

And why is he just on the Back burner or behind the scenes when his mom's taking the lead.

your wedding was hijacked.

They, they took it from you.

And I feel like those are the kind of weddings where people are most unhappy when they look back.

I'm glad she's able to say, you know what?

Everything turned out beautifully.

Maybe it's just me, but I would not be so, I wouldn't be so like, cheerful about that.

I'd be like, you know what, this was my, time to do my thing and it was taken from me, so I dunno.

Oh my gosh.

I feel like my blood pressure is up from that story.

All right, I got one more short, one short-ish, so let's get into it.

All right.

We almost canceled the wedding.

Everyone in our families was horrible to us.

My mom made a huge deal about my dad coming with his wife.

They've been married for 10 years.

My mother-in-law was against the whole thing because in her view, you're supposed to date for exactly five years first and already have bought a house.

Where do people come up with these things.

Some people get married after six months.

Some people get married after six years.

Some people get married for 20 years some people already have kids first.

why does it matter to you?

If two people decide together, Hey, let's get married.

Just let them, I can't imagine being so like stuck in my ways.

We were 33 and 36 and we didn't see the need to wait.

She didn't approve of my red inexpensive wedding shoes or my pre-ordered dress from Ali Express.

She didn't like that.

My venue only held 100 people, that we invited only close friends and immediate family, and that her cousins weren't invited, that we didn't have a formal dinner, and that we skipped a dance floor altogether.

What that sounds like to me is that it's just two people that were ready to get married and knew exactly what they wanted, and I think that's amazing.

All weddings don't have to be the same.

All weddings don't have to have a dance floor or an open bar or a formal dinner.

Do what makes sense for you if you just wanna party and have some cake, invite your favorite people more power to you.

I don't get why.

people get so like uptight about it.

We hosted a five hour gathering with an open bar and buffet full of food.

What more could you ask for?

You got a full buffet of food and you got an open bar.

that would make me happy.

you don't really need much else.

Right.

She even hated that.

My husband made my wedding bouquet himself.

He crafted it as a final gift.

I think that's amazing.

Wow.

I received before walking down the aisle.

He made it as a gift.

I received walk before walking down the aisle.

One of his close friends handed it to me right before I entered.

love that.

I've never heard of that before.

I actually laughed the whole way down the aisle because my mom didn't make it to the church on time.

Where is this Poor girl's family.

My mother-in-law shushed me for laughing.

She had already screamed at my husband the night before.

My mom wasn't at the church because she wasn't ready.

Oh my gosh.

I had gone to her house to have my makeup and hair done, but I was left alone while she and my younger sister disappeared to another part of the house to get themselves ready.

My older sister stayed with me for a bit, even though she was pregnant with twins.

She eventually left for the church.

Oh my gosh.

I just don't understand.

People just can't be there for someone else let them shine on their day.

It's so disappointing to hear these stories where they're like, yeah, I was alone, or My mom didn't come, or My maid of honor was late, or The groomsman never showed up.

It's like, come on.

It's not that hard.

Be on time or be where you need to be for people that you really care about.

It was so sad that even the photographer left quietly without saying anything.

I was ready to go, but my mom still wasn't, and she told me to wait because she needed more time.

I said, not my problem, and left.

She arrived 15 minutes later.

Okay.

That's crazy that the photographer left really though.

'cause that has a contract tied to it.

You shouldn't just leave your photographer.

My mother-in-law invited her cousins to the church anyway.

One of my husband's female cousins wore a white dress another white dress debacle.

I went out to the terrace with one of my best friends for a cigarette, one of my husband's other cousins followed me to see what I was doing and didn't leave until I did.

Weird.

Later.

One of my husband's brothers told me that now I was a part of the family.

He hated me and then punched my sister's husband in the face.

What?

Okay, this is weird.

So there's family drama, and with all of that, I was still so happy.

I honestly didn't care, but I cut them all off after that.

I don't know how people move forward after these crazy events take place.

I could not stand to be like at a holiday with someone that treated my family like that.

Sounds like she cut them off, but like that's hard 'cause it's your husband's family and if you have kids together or if you move, or all these other big life events like.

Where's the family now?

so that's terrible.

I'm props to you for having good boundaries and all that, but gosh, both these stories are wild, wild, wild.

You guys know, we have a lot of mother-in-law stories, and again, not all mothers, but these stories right here, were sent by two different, couples.

We get a lot of them just because I think a lot of brides follow me, but I do my best to go through different quote unquote problem.

People, right.

So, we just get a lot of mother of the groom stories, but I promise you there are crazy stories about every member I've seen.

Oh my gosh.

I think I need get my blood pressure checked.

That's that first story was wild, you guys.

Oh my gosh.

Okay.

Well that was a wild ride.

All right guys.

I hope you enjoyed that special.

Look at a Patreon episode at full disclosure.

We are currently pause on Patreon right now, so if you're looking to sign up, don't, 'cause it won't be there.

to be completely transparent, I just don't have the bandwidth right now, so I just didn't feel like it was right for me to.

Keep creating content over there when I just didn't feel like I could give all of myself to it.

So I'm putting more into the skits, more into my book, and then more into, of course, these podcast episodes here.

So I hope you guys enjoyed it again, that was such a fun episode for me to put together, and I'm glad more of you guys can listen to it.

Now as promised, here's the first chapter of my audiobook.

Here comes the drama.

Enjoy.

Part one, chapter one, Kate can't believe her ears.

She picks up her glass of wine, throws back what's left, then stands up and storms out of the living room with a loud huff.

Her daughter Jenny, watches her leave in pure confusion, then glances at everyone else before quickly jumping off the couch to follow her.

Mom, are you okay?

She yells after her hurrying closer.

She notices a drop of red wine has stained her mom's white blouse.

Ugh.

I just know she's doing this to get my son away from me.

Kate charges into the next room looking unsteady, like she's about to burst.

What are you talking about, Jenny?

Quickly, interjects Sloan isn't taking anyone away from you.

Her eyes drift toward the window where snow has just started falling.

At first it was light and quiet, barely noticeable, but now it's beginning to fall in thick clumps, sticking to the glass, like something trying to get in.

Kate pushes up her round brown glasses as a be of sweat drips from her forehead.

Did you not just hear them?

They come waltzing in here on Thanksgiving to tell us they're not going to be here on Christmas.

Her voice trembles with a mix of hurt and disbelief For a moment, she questions whether or not she's overreacting, but the thought vanishes as quickly as it came.

Her stance is firm now.

There's no going back.

Jenny looks at her mother dumbfounded.

She takes a deep breath to save herself from calling out her mother's ridiculousness right here, right now.

Yeah, they planned a vacation together.

I think it's perfectly acceptable.

She runs a hand through her long, dirty blonde hair, exhaling sharply.

You can't tell them not to go on vacation together.

The snow was falling harder Now.

Piling on the windowsill in soft, heavy heaps, like the weight of everything left unsaid in the room.

But on Christmas, there are 364 other days of the year.

Why'd they have to pick Christmas?

Kate's voice gets louder each time she talks and there is clear panic in her voice like she's been robbed.

My guess is because they wanted to spend the holidays together.

Jenny sarcastically replies, this isn't some weird thing for a boyfriend to do with his girlfriend.

Kate rolls her eyes before putting her head down and her hands and mumbling.

You just watch Jenny.

This is how it all starts.

Then soon they're just not going to show up for certain holidays.

She looks up staring off as if she just had an epiphany hearing her own words.

Mom.

You should be happy that Ferris found someone he loves and wants to spend his time with.

Jenny says, resting a hand on her mom's back.

Now can we go back out there, put on a happy face, and enjoy the rest of Thanksgiving?

She raises both point of fingers to the corners of her mouth, exaggerating a smile.

After a long pause, Kate pulls a tissue out of her pocket and dabs her face.

Although Jenny didn't see any tears.

Fine.

Kate stands tall, touches up her short brown hair, and forces a painful, wide smile.

How's this great?

Jenny gives her a swift thumbs up and gestures for her mother to follow her back out into the living room where the others are.

GI is the first to step back into her parents' living room.

Where she spots her brother, Ferris at the fridge, grabbing two beers, one for their dad, Ted, and one for himself.

The room is warm with the scent of Thanksgiving leftovers, and the muffled hum of conversation drifts in from the dining room.

You need more wine, babe.

Ferris calls out over his shoulder.

His voice casual but affectionate.

His short, faintly golden hair with brown undertones is slightly tussled.

A few strands falling in his face as he reaches for the fridge.

Sloan is curled up on the couch, legs crossed, swirling the last bit of red wine in her glass, her long, almost black hair drapes over one shoulder, catching the warm glow of the Christmas lights.

She's wearing a soft knit sweater, dress in a deep burgundy, paired with thick socks, comfortable yet casually stylish in a way that almost seems natural to her.

She looks over at him with a small knowing.

Smile.

No, I still have some left.

Thanks, Sloane.

Smirks and turns just a little as she notices.

Jenny walking back in.

Oh hey, everything okay?

Her eyes flick between Jenny and Kate searching for any sign of what just happened.

She knew Kate was upset about the trip.

But sometimes it was easier to pretend she didn't notice than to invite more drama.

Yeah.

Sorry about that.

Jenny says quickly, my mom thought she ate something bad.

Her voice is light, but there's a flicker of something else beneath it before Sloan can press GI shifts gears.

So anyway, tell us more about your trip.

Where are you guys going?

She walks right up to Sloan and sits down at the chair across from her.

Kate Reenters the room lingering near the doorway, arms crossed displeasure, practically radiating off her.

We're going to Santa Monica.

Sloan replies quietly combing her hair behind her ear.

I've never been before.

Ferris knows I hate the snow, so he planned for a warm vacation to get us out of here.

It was all his idea, so he'll have more of the details.

She looks over at Ferris now seated next to her on the couch, Ferris hands, beer to his dad.

Then takes a sip of his own and leans back.

Yeah, I mean, I don't have too much planned yet, but I thought we'd escape the dreaded Milwaukee winter and soak up some sun for once.

He nods toward the window where thick clumps of snow swirl in the wind.

Before reaching over and gently taking Sloan's hand Sloan glances down at their intertwined fingers, a soft smile forming as warmth blooms in her chest.

But even in the comfort of this moment, she can feel Kate's disapproval lingering like a heavy cloud that refuses to pass.

That sounds amazing.

Jenny jumps in quickly.

What do you think, mom?

Doesn't that sound fun?

Her voice is too chipper.

Eyes flicking toward Kate with the hope that a simple question might smooth over the crack in the room.

Ted shifts slightly in his chair.

His gaze fixed on his wife.

He raises his eyebrows just enough to signal, go easy, try to be happy, but it's clear he's bracing himself after almost 30 years of marriage.

He knows her moods, her tells he knows exactly where this could be headed.

When Kate answers, yeah, it sounds great.

With a snap of sarcasm.

Ted Exhales just barely for a split second.

It seems like that might be the end of it, but then he catches the sudden shift.

In her expression.

She gasps his shoulders, stiffen.

Here it comes.

Maybe we should all go.

Her somber mood instantly flips to excitement making her way to the front of the room.

Sloan tenses, every instinct screams at her to shut the idea down, but she hesitates.

It's not her place.

Kate has always been dismissive of her.

Why would this moment be any different?

Funny mom, Ferris cuts in forcing a chuckle, but there's an edge of unease in his voice.

No, I'm serious.

Wouldn't it be great?

Kate stands as if she's launching into a full blown presentation.

She turns to her husband, eyes bright with enthusiasm.

Ted, shouldn't we go?

Ted?

Takes a deep breath.

Kate.

We can go to Santa Monica any other time.

I don't think we need to hijack our son's vacation with his girlfriend.

He runs a hand across his forehead as if trying to smooth out the wrinkles.

He's certain are forming.

Oh, come on.

It'll be so much fun to spend Christmas together in California.

Kate is starting to act like this is the best idea she's ever had.

She turns back towards Ferris, gesturing to the Christmas tree already up in the living room, decorated with ornaments, with brief reminders of their childhood.

You know how much Christmas means to me.

Ferris opens his mouth like he's about to say something when a defeated look appears on his face, and he stops.

He knows his mom.

She doesn't take hearing no very well, and it would turn into a huge ordeal if he tries to push back Now.

He tries to figure out a way to get her to back off a bit and decides to change the subject.

Leaning forward and peeking around Sloan to catch his dad's eye.

Wow.

Dad, I am so full.

That Turkey you made was fantastic.

Way better than last year's.

Ted Beams about to respond.

When Kate jumps in.

It was, you really know how to make the holidays special around here.

All of you.

Her smile is a little too bright as she claps her hands together.

Now, who wants dessert?

She asks already pivoting toward the kitchen.

That sounds great.

I'll help you.

Jenny says, as she shakes her head behind her mom and disappointment, as Kate and Jenny disappear into the kitchen, Ted leans in lowering his voice for only Ferris and Sloan to hear.

Hey.

He says, offering a warm smile.

I think the trip sounds perfect.

You too deserve it.

He pauses his eyes flicking toward the kitchen, and you know how your mother is.

She just needs a minute to adjust.

Don't let it ruin your plans.

Ferris puts his arm around Sloan gently pulling her closer.

There was no doubt in his mind.

Sloan didn't want his mom on their couple's vacation and he wasn't going to let it happen.

It wasn't unusual for his mom to try to control new situations.

In the past, he might've let it slide, but not this time.

Sloan was different.

She was his person.

She was articulate, compassionate and beautiful, but not in a way that banked for attention.

More like the kind of beauty that you noticed slowly.

Then couldn't unsee.

Ferris used to tell his mom everything back when he was a kid.

It had felt natural, easy even.

She always knew what to say.

Always had a plan.

But then he remembered the summer after seventh grade.

He had been obsessed with skateboarding, saving up every dollar from mowing lawns to buy his first board.

He and his best friend Ben, would spend hours practicing tricks, wiping out on the pavement, laughing at their bruises until Kate decided it was dangerous.

He's a bad influence.

She had told him one night, arms crossed, lips pressed into a thin line.

Always pushing you to do reckless things.

You'll break an arm Ferris, and what about school?

You need to focus.

He had argued, of course he had, but then came the nagging, the disappointed size, the gentle, but firm reminders of all the things she had done for him.

I'm only trying to protect you, and so he quit.

He told Ben he was too busy and that his mom needed his help around the house.

It wasn't true, but it was easier than fighting about it or living with guilt.

Now, years later, Ferris knew better.

He saw the pattern, the way she packaged control as concern.

It wasn't just about skateboarding or friends or even his career.

It was everything, every choice, every step he took, which is why he barely told her anything anymore.

They enjoyed their dessert together.

Moving past the idea of them all, going to Santa Monica for Christmas.

Ferris did his best to get his mom talking about her new book club with the neighbor Ladies after dessert, he and Sloane start inching their way to the door, getting on their shoes and coats so they can head home.

Oh, leaving so soon.

Kate's voice carries a hint of surprise, though it's clear she's more focused on keeping them there than acknowledging how difficult she could be.

Sloan turns and smiles at Kate trying to keep things light.

Yeah, it's getting light.

I'm hoping to call my mom on the way home since we didn't get to see her this year for Thanksgiving.

Kate ignores Sloan's comment and turns towards Ferris.

Well, bye guys.

It was so great having you guys here for Thanksgiving, as you should be for all holidays.

Kate accentuates the all to make sure they remember where she stands.

Ferris forces a smile before placing his hand on Sloan's back as they turn to leave.

I'll meet you in the car in just a sec.

I forgot to grab some pie to take home.

Oh yeah, sure.

Bye Kate.

Bye, Ted.

Thanks again for having us.

The food was delicious.

Sloan says, wrapping her scarf around her neck as she stepped out of the house.

Okay, so there's pumpkin and apple pie left.

Which did you want?

You know what, I'll go grab you some of each.

Kate says as she hurs into the kitchen.

Um, I'll have some apple, but actually I don't really need any pie.

Ferris says, checking to make sure Sloan hasn't walked back into the house.

He looks directly at his mom.

Can I talk to you for a second?

Sure.

Of course.

Look, I'm really excited for this vacation.

I'm going to start planning tonight.

Kate interrupts a little too quickly.

Ted easing his way back into the living room, props his legs up in the recliner.

His eyes are tired and it's clear he's had enough for the night.

He knows exactly how his wife can be, so he shuts down, retreating into his own space.

No, mom, you can't come.

Ferris says his tone firmer this time.

What do you mean?

Why?

Oh wait.

You're breaking up with Sloan, aren't you?

I knew something was off tonight.

What?

No, nothing was off with us tonight.

I'd really like this trip to just be Sloan and me so we can have some time alone.

A long time.

Kate Scoffs.

What do you need alone time for?

You already live together.

I hardly see you anymore.

She pauses before adding.

I wouldn't want to intrude, but maybe I could just stay nearby.

Dad and I will get our own hotel room.

We'll have our own time, but we can meet up for dinners and stuff.

She continues rummaging through the kitchen cabinets.

Searching for a container bag big enough for the leftover pie.

No, I'm sorry.

I love you, but this trip is for Sloan in me.

I need you to respect that Ferris states for a moment.

Kate wonders if she's being too harsh, if maybe she's giving him a reason to pull away.

But the thought is bleeding.

She quickly reminds herself of everything she's done for him over the years.

He still needs her.

Well, what if something happens?

I could help you plan it.

It's already planned and paid for Ferris Exhales.

But look, I need to tell you why.

It just needs to be the two of us.

Okay?

Kate stops what she's doing and stands there wide-eyed, staring at her son.

Actually, I kind of want to tell Dad too really quickly.

Hey dad, can you come in here, Ted Hurries over from the other room to join them.

So really quick, I want to talk to you and mom to let you know why I want to take Sloan on vacation.

Just the two of us.

Oh man, I think I know where this is going.

Ted says, with a big smile on his face.

Ferris looks over at his mom.

Who looks like she's just seen a ghost.

I actually plan on surprising Sloan and proposing the first night we're there, the room goes silent and Ferris looks at both of his parents for any kind of approval.

Ted looks at Kate waiting for her reaction, proposing what?

She responds slowly.

Her voice tinged with uncertainty as she tries to piece it all together.

She knew exactly what he meant, but if he saw how confused she was, maybe he would take it as a sign that the timing wasn't right.

Come on, Kate.

Ted finally jumps in.

Oh my gosh, Ferris, this is so exciting.

He walks up and wraps his arms around his son.

Giving him a strong, reassuring pat on the back, the silent gesture filled with unspoken.

Congratulations.

Kate just stands there staring at the two of them, vowing her naivety.

Marriage Mom Ferris says, is he loosened his dad's grip on him and turns.

What else am I going to propose?

What, but you hardly know her.

Are you sure she's the right one for you?

She starts shuffling around the kitchen, cleaning up items from dinner, forgetting about the pie completely.

Ted is caught in the middle looking around like he's praying for an out.

I don't consider two and a half years together.

Hardly knowing each other.

Yes, I know she's the right one for me.

Ferris's voice is tight as he peers out the window behind him to make sure Sloan is okay in the car.

His mom isn't backing down, but you are so young.

Maybe just give it some more time.

Ted can't hold his tongue anymore.

I think what your mom is trying to say is congratulations, right to Kate, he says.

Looking over at her, giving her every opportunity to change her tune.

Congratulations.

It hasn't even happened yet.

He is just telling us his hypothetical plan.

He still has to really think about it.

She smiles.

I don't think you realize how big of a decision this truly is for her.

She says Condescendingly putting her hand on the counter to reach out and touches.

Ferris pulls his hand back and moves away from the counter.

Okay, well I can see where this conversation is going.

He takes a moment to take a breath and gather himself.

Thank you Dad for the congratulations.

Sloan's waiting in the car, so I gotta get going, but um, thanks.

I guess he hurries past his parents and out the door before he realizes he forgot the pie Shit.