Groom gave handwritten notes to the bride's parents — and the entire wedding party was left in tears

People often focus on the couple when planning a wedding, but there are others who help shape the day long before it begins, and that includes friends and family, who stand by you through every heartbreak and milestone. For Mikayla Dunsmuir, her husband-to-be understood that and made sure her friends knew it, too. A video posted by Dunsmuir on her TikTok page @mikki_duns shows Dunsmuir’s bridesmaids opening gift bags on the morning of the wedding. Inside each one was a handwritten letter from the groom, Austin, addressed to the people who had supported Dunsmuir throughout her life and relationship.

As they opened the letters and began reading, they couldn't help but break down in tears and take long pauses before continuing. Each letter reflected personal memories, shared history, and emotional understanding. To her best friend Alex, Austin wrote, "Before there was Mikayla and I’s love story, there was always you and hers, and that will never change." Bridesmaid Olivia, who had once helped Mikayla pick out an outfit for her first date with Austin, received a letter that acknowledged their friendship’s place in the bigger story.

Dunsmuir later told Newsweek, "During my whole bridal year, my best friends, who are more like my sisters, and my family went absolutely above and beyond for me. They really made me feel so loved and so special. I wanted to do something special, unique, and different for them on the morning of my wedding day." That’s when Austin came up with the idea. "He said to me, 'I’ve noticed how amazing these friends and your family have been to you, and also to us as a couple. What if I handwrite them a letter? Just telling them how much we love them, how special they are, and honestly… just to thank them for shaping you into who you are today,'" she said.

For Dunsmuir, the gesture struck a deep chord. She said the reaction was immediate because of what Austin had witnessed over the years. "I think it’s specifically because he’s seen some friends and people in my past hurt me so much. He is so happy I found and have the village I do today," she said. To Renata, the first close friend Mikayla made after moving to Charleston, he wrote, "Thank you for standing beside her, and thank you for being here today as she steps into this next beautiful chapter of her life with me, but never without you." Dunsmuir said that words have always been at the heart of their relationship. She said, "So, it just made sense that this is how he chose to express his gratitude and love. His heart is made of gold."

The video resonated widely, drawing emotional responses from thousands of viewers. @randumbthings commented, "When the husband realizes that his wife’s friends/inner circle is not the enemy but an alliance. You’ve won. He knows how much they mean to you." @succubud said, "He loves them because you love them. TO BE LOVED IS TO BE SEEN." @sami_hiddenstar wrote, "I want to see what’s written for them." @samantha.barts added, "The way they were each personalized and still a full page...wow." @elfyeah said, "If this happened to us, that would be OUR groom now." @daniellebarrett7318 joked, "As a wedding photographer, thank you for reading those BEFORE makeup!! Great job, groom!!"

You can follow Mikayla Dunsmuir (@mikki_duns) for more of her wedding content.