Chronicles of Runaway Brides

Chronicles of Runaway Brides

By: Camille Diomampo

Runaway Brides have been the stuff movies are made of. Julia Roberts has done a great job portraying this fearful character in her 1999 movie, Runaway Bride. But in reality, these circumstances are not really entertaining at all. Find out why runaway brides should be left in the big screen.

Picture Perfect

Noah* and Maggie* have been together since they were in high school. “It seemed like a dream come true, I was finally going to marry the girl I’ve loved since I was 15” said Noah. Everything was already set, everyone has already marched, but the bride never made it. “I didn’t understand why, 10 years just went down the drain” Noah claims. For Noah, what was supposed to be his happiest day of his life turned out to be a nightmare.

Broken

Annie* still recalls the day she lost her son. “That morning was supposed to be the happiest day of Troy’s life. I never knew that night would be his last” narrates Annie. After being left at the altar by his girlfriend of 4 years, Troy* decided to commit suicide.

The Aftermath

            Noah and Troy are just two of the victims of this inhumane act. Runaway brides cause much pain to their loved ones. “I don’t think I would be able to love again, or at least it would take me long to do so.” says Noah. On the other hand, Annie is still grieving for the loss of her son. “I miss Troy. I wish I could have done something to stop him then.” Runaway brides have completely changed the lives of not only their fiancées, but their families as well. These circumstances leave deep scars that will never be forgotten.

What are the reasons why brides run away?

According to Pamela Paul of Time Magazine, these are the reasons why most brides run away:

·Pressure from wedding planning.

·Fear of divorce.

·Too little planning for a life together.

·Fear of disappointing others by backing out of the wedding.

·Shame over postponing or cancelling a wedding at the last minute.

·Feeling out of control and overwhelmed.

·Undiscussed issues such as attitudes about money, dealing with problems, and an inability to argue fairly rise to the surface.

·Red flags, warning signs, and an admission to having "cold feet" are dismissed as just normal feelings by fiancée, family, or friends.

·Repressed feelings and issues.

·Fear of breaking an engagement.

·Expense, stress and complications of large weddings.

·Long engagements. (Time Magazine – Calling It Off, October 06,2003)

How to Prevent Runaway Brides:

·Use the time of preparing your wedding to make a stronger foundation for your relationship.

·Remember that your wedding is for the two of you. Not for your parents, relatives or friends.

·Share with one another about your impending wedding and life together.

·If you have doubts or problems in your relationship, don’t be afraid to postpone your wedding.