I Kicked Two Bridesmaids Out of a Wedding Once — And I’d Do It Again

Story time. (no photos to maintain privacy)

It was the year 2022 of our lord and savior, and I photographed a backyard wedding that permanently changed how I show up for my couples.

All names have been changed — because obviously.

The Setup: A Perfectly Imperfect Wedding Day

The wedding took place at the bride’s grandmother’s house — the kind of intimate, cozy backyard that makes you forget big venues exist.

The bride was a baker. And I don’t mean “cute hobby baker.” I mean insanely talented, flour-in-her-veins, gifted-by-the-universe baker. She and her groom were wildly in love, deeply connected, and grounded in their faith. Strong religious undertones, lots of laughter, dirty jokes sprinkled in, and two young kids running around (both under four).

It was relaxed. Intentional. Full of love.

I was the only vendor. The officiant was the bride’s father — also a pastor. Dinner? Barro’s Pizza. Honestly? Iconic.

The groom took a lot of pride in his sobriety, so the wedding was dry. Lots of Dr Pepper and Diet Coke. Which is a vibe. I’m not a huge drinker myself, so I fully get it — cheaper, calmer, and supportive of people who are sober for real, valid reasons.

Everything was going perfectly.

The Bridesmaids (Except One)

The bridesmaids were all getting ready together… except Bridesmaid A.

She felt crowded and opted to get ready alone in another room. No red flags yet — weddings are overstimulating, and people cope differently.

The ceremony? Flawless.

Heartfelt, emotional, intimate. We jumped right into photos afterward, and despite being in a very typical Arizona HOA neighborhood, we nailed the vibe. Backyard weddings are tricky like that — but when they work, they work.

After portraits, we rolled into dances, and then the pizza arrived.

That’s when things started to feel… off.

When the Vibes Shifted

Bridesmaid A started slurring her words. Her behavior was noticeably different.

So was Bridesmaid B.

They kept disappearing for five to ten minutes at a time. Which, to be fair, isn’t abnormal — weddings can be a lot, and stepping away can help. I wasn’t alarmed yet.

Then the bride and groom pulled me aside while I was absolutely demolishing a slice of pepperoni pizza.

“We think Bridesmaid A is drunk, and we don’t know what to do.”

Earlier, they had found a massive bottle of wine in the room where Bridesmaid A had been getting ready… alone.

At a dry wedding.

When the Photographer Becomes the Adult in the Room

Maybe it’s my people-pleasing tendencies (okay — it definitely is), but as the only professional vendor present, I offered to discreetly handle it.

The bride and groom approved.

I pulled Bridesmaid A aside and calmly explained:

• This was a dry wedding

• Her behavior and drinking were inappropriate

• It was time for her to leave
  

She was receptive. Understanding. Cooperative.

She gathered her things and left without incident.

Problem solved, right?

Wrong.

Enter Bridesmaid B (The Bride’s Sister)

What I didn’t realize was that Bridesmaid B — the bride’s sister — had overheard the conversation.

She became irrationally furious.

Important context:

• Bridesmaid A and B had just met — like, at the wedding

• They had been sneaking off together all night to drink
  

Bridesmaid B began screaming at the bride, insisting Bridesmaid A needed access to the house because:

• She had traveled across the country

• She was supposed to babysit the kids later

The bride was in tears.

No one knew what to do.

No one was standing up for her.

The Moment Everything Changed

I stood up. Walked over to Bridesmaid B. And said:

“You’re done. You need to leave.”

She snapped back:

“This is my grandmother’s house. You can’t make me leave.”

And I replied:

“That’s true. But you’re making my bride cry on her wedding day, and I can call the police and have you removed.”

She left.

Slamming the door so hard that a clock fell off the wall and shattered.

I locked the door.

Aftermath (Because There’s Always More)

Once she was gone, the energy slowly came back.

The bride and groom were able to enjoy the rest of their evening — laughing, eating pizza, celebrating their marriage.

You’d think that would be the end.

It wasn’t.

The Reviews, The Phones, The Restraining Orders

The next day, Bridesmaid B left me bad reviews everywhere:

• Yelp (which I didn’t even know I had)

• Google

• Facebook

Meanwhile, the bride and groom were on their honeymoon.

They were also on a shared phone plan with Bridesmaid B.

She shut off their phones.

A few weeks later, she sent restraining orders to me and the newlyweds.

Mine was never properly served.

The bride and groom had to contest theirs in court.

They won.

Why I’d Do It Again

The wedding industry is wild.

It’s beautiful, emotional, unhinged, and full of moments you can’t prepare for.

But one thing has always been true for me:

I will advocate for my couples.

Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when it makes me the bad guy. Even when the bride’s sister is absolutely feral.

Because no one deserves to be bullied, screamed at, or emotionally wrecked on their wedding day.

And if standing up for my couple means kicking someone out of a wedding?

I’ll do it again. Every time.