On her big day in 2004, this bride got the shock of a lifetime when her future mother-in-law walked into the event. And she told the entire internet the story.
Taking to Twitter in response to Jimmy Fallon’s request for people to share their stories of wedding fails, she shared a photo that was snapped that day when she approached her mother-in-law about a mix up that could have any bride fuming with anger.
“My mother-in-law wore a wedding dress to my wedding. So, yeah, top that one, Twitter.”
My mother-in-law wore a wedding dress to my wedding. So, yeah, top that one, Twitter. #weddingfail @jimmyfallon pic.twitter.com/IjqvnXT6Ps
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 19, 2019
The bride, Amy Pennza, shared the photo on Wednesday, June 19th, 2019 – and it went viral within just 24 hours of her posting it.
Quickly, she was swarmed with questions about the encounter and what happened when she approached her mother-in-law, Terri. But this photo speaks a thousand words.
If you look closely, you can see my clenched fist…
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 19, 2019
Pennza told the story in a series of tweets that not only explain how this big faux pas actually came about but also how great and wonderful her mother-in-law has always been. In a few short sentences, she explains their loving relationship.
“Sure, she wore a wedding dress to my wedding. But she has more than made up for it since. When I told her about this getting a lot of attention, and said I worried it might hurt her feelings, she waved it off. “Whatever makes me famous.”
But in the end, Pennza laughed it all off and played up the humor saying “I’m wearing crocs and socks to her funeral.”
Read the tweets below for the full story – as told by Amy! And let us know what you would do in her situation.
So, a couple people have asked for the story behind The Dress. Sorry for the delay! I have four kids (yes, I married him) on summer break, so my permanent state of being is "frazzled." I called my daughter "mom" the other day.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
I didn’t know what my mother-in-law planned to wear. I didn’t think to ask. pic.twitter.com/Gq6p2E50Gx
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
The morning of the wedding, all the women in the bridal party cram into a tiny room in the church. You know, body glitter and hairspray everywhere. Fifteen coats of mascara. Putting napkins under your pits so you don’t sweat on your dress.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
She walks in. I see it. pic.twitter.com/avuU12yjuq
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
I don’t remember much about the day. Most people say their wedding is a blur, and that’s true for me, too. But I know I said this: “You… You could be the bride…”
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
Later, my sister (matron of honor) said she didn’t pull me aside and talk about it because she hoped I was too distracted to notice. My college roommate (bridesmaid) said the same thing.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
But secretly, they both spent the reception looking at me, then each other, then MIL, then me, then the cop the venue made us hire—hoping I didn’t go for his taser.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
I’m happy to report the wedding unfolded without bloodshed, or anyone being shoved into the champagne fountain.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
Here’s the thing: My mother-in-law is extremely frugal. And I don’t mean she just enjoys a good bargain. To understand her, you have to know where she comes from.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
She grew up in extreme poverty. As a child, she used to sneak into the kitchen and eat match heads. That’s a pica craving, and kids do it when they’re malnourished.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
When you grow up with nothing, it stays with you. Forever, I think. No matter how much money you earn, there’s always that little fear in the back of your mind that someone might take it all away.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
But her upbringing didn’t make her hard. Or cruel. Or selfish.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
However, she’s a bargain hunter to the bone. Her money saving strategies are legend—and often hilarious. At family gatherings, we amuse ourselves telling stories of crazy shit she’s done to save money.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
When Sally Jesse Raphael was popular, she didn’t have the money to buy red glasses, so she painted hers with red nail polish.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
She’s frugal. But she’s also incredibly generous. When my twins were newborns, she drove across town every night, slept on the sofa, and did three feedings. For two babies. Every night for months.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019
So, yeah, the wedding dress was a shock. But it gave me a pretty funny memory. No one who attended has ever forgotten it. And, you have to admit, weddings can be forgettable.
— Amy Pennza (@AmyPennza) June 20, 2019