Planning a wedding often means navigating tough choices, especially when it comes to deciding who will stand beside you on your big day. For fifth-grade teacher Alexandra Stamps, the solution came from the people who filled her life with joy every day — her students. Instead of choosing traditional bridesmaids and groomsmen, she decided to invite her class to take part in one of the most meaningful moments of her life.
Alexandra, who teaches at the Science and Technology Elementary School in Wichita, Kansas, married fellow educator Mason McDowell after nearly a year of dating. Mason, a third-grade teacher, loved the idea just as much. Together, they agreed that their students played a big enough role in their lives that they deserved a special place in the celebration. Not only did they welcome the children to attend, but they asked them to serve as junior bridesmaids and groomsmen.
The heartwarming moment was captured on video and later shared on TikTok, where it quickly went viral. Standing in her classroom, Alexandra announced the news to her students one group at a time. The girls erupted into cheers when asked to be junior bridesmaids, and the boys shouted “Yes!” the moment she invited them to be junior groomsmen. According to Alexandra, the excitement was so overwhelming that several students burst into tears — a reaction that reflected the deep bond formed in their classroom.
Before extending the invitations, Alexandra made sure to speak with parents, ensuring every child could participate. To make the moment even more special, she gifted the girls faux pearl necklaces and the boys colorful sunglasses, followed by rainbow-striped lollipops to celebrate. For Alexandra and Mason, involving their students wasn’t just about creating a memorable wedding — it was a way to honor the young people who had worked hard, grown resilient through the pandemic, and become a cherished part of their everyday lives.