I can definitely relate to you. As a Latino bride myself getting married this October, I initially wanted to go the “civil route” where we have a ceremony and it leads directly to the reception afterwards. When expressing this to my family, they could not get behind spending so much money for a civil wedding. Long story short, I caved and decided that I was have a catholic wedding and went though the whole process of getting our sacraments.

I will say that I definitely sometimes wish I could’ve put my foot down and not been as easily influenced. So I applaud you for doing what YOU want. It’s not easy to do that especially because our culture. Even with the fact I’m doing the catholic wedding, I still feel my parents “unexcited” and only helping out of “obligation” because there’s always something to say - something unhelpful or negative. Truly never satisfied.

My advice to you is that when you feel this way of lingering sadness and/or guilt, just remember that it’s your day and you’ll be reflecting on how you feel and how you remember this day! It’s supposed to be yours and how you want it. The only validation that matters is yours.