Woman Plans Wedding in 3 Days After Mother Goes into Hospice. Then She Gets an Unexpected Surprise (Exclusive)

Friend Surprises Woman While Planning Fast-Tracked Wedding After Mother Enters Hospice

Stephanie Zimmerer and Kristen Butler. Credit: Kristen Butler; Jamie Cawood/Cawood Captures Photography LLC

Kristen Butler and her partner, Tyler, had always envisioned their wedding day, but with the demands of their careers and raising their children, the plans were consistently put on hold. However, when Butler’s mother’s health took a turn and she was admitted to hospice care, the couple realised that there was no better time than the present to finally say their vows.

Two years ago, Kristen Butler’s world was turned upside down when her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. The 37-year-old from Florida has been navigating a challenging journey ever since, with unwavering support from her partner of 13 years, Tyler, and their two children. “We thought we had at least another year or two of being loved by her, then at the drop of a dime, two years turned into less than two weeks,” Butler shared exclusively with PEOPLE.

As her mother’s health deteriorated and she entered hospice care in July 2025, she expressed her final wish for her daughter to marry the love of her life. Touched by her mother’s words, Butler and Tyler got engaged on July 23, 2025, and wasted no time in planning their wedding. Despite the challenge of organising a wedding in just three days, Butler was determined to make it happen, stating, “I was going to do anything in my power to make it work.”

In the midst of the whirlwind of emotions and last-minute preparations, Butler reached out to her best friend of over 20 years, Stephanie Zimmerer, to share the news and invite her to join the ceremony via FaceTime. Expecting that it would be too short notice for Zimmerer to physically attend, Butler was taken aback when her friend, known for her methodical approach, made a spontaneous decision to book a flight from Nebraska to Florida to be by her side on the special day.

The only person in the loop about Zimmerer’s surprise visit was Butler’s sister, who orchestrated the moment that brought the two friends to tears when they set eyes on each other at the airport. Zimmerer’s spontaneous act of love and support was a powerful demonstration of the enduring strength of their friendship, particularly during challenging times. “I just wanted to bring any bit of joy I could to a somber time,” Zimmerer expressed.

Throughout the wedding preparations, Zimmerer went above and beyond to ease the stress on Butler, assisting with decorations, running errands, and ensuring everything was in place for the ceremony. Her presence provided the comfort and support that Butler needed during such an emotionally charged period. Zimmerer not only acted as a helping hand but also played the role of the flower girl unexpectedly, adding a touch of joy and spontaneity to the intimate ceremony.

The wedding took place in Butler’s mother and stepfather’s backyard, with a minimalistic setup of chairs, tables, and a tent. Despite the short notice, the couple was surrounded by an outpouring of love and support from friends and family who came together to make the day meaningful. The bride, touched by the gestures of love, shared that even though she initially felt overwhelmed, the support of her loved ones helped everything fall into place.

Butler’s mother watched the ceremony from a spare bedroom with a view of the backyard, where she was immersed in the love and joy of the occasion. Reflecting on the bittersweet nature of the day, Butler described it as “the best, worst day of my life,” encompassing a mix of emotions ranging from happiness, grief, excitement, to guilt all at once. Despite the emotional rollercoaster, one sentiment prevailed—her mother’s tears of happiness.

Five days after the wedding, Kristen Butler’s mother passed away, leaving a poignant memory of witnessing her daughter’s marriage. The significance of having her closest friends and family by her side on that day remains a cherished memory for Butler. Through the challenges and sorrow, the love and support of her inner circle brought solace and strength during a deeply emotional time.

In conclusion, the unexpected turn of events that led to Kristen Butler and Tyler’s impromptu wedding showcased the power of love, friendship, and resilience in the face of adversity. The presence of Stephanie Zimmerer, the unwavering support of loved ones, and the heartfelt moments shared with family contributed to a day that will be etched in Butler’s memory forever, as a testament to the enduring bonds that sustain us through life’s challenges and triumphs.