Alyssa Stout from Columbus, Ohio, is set to wed in a non-traditional ceremony, honouring her late sister and best friend in a unique way that reflects their shared spirit. Stout plans to include life-size cardboard cutouts of Randi, her older sister, and Mallory, her best friend, both of whom had been slated to stand by her side as maid of honour. Tragically, both women passed away years before her engagement, leaving a profound gap in Stout’s life.
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In a recent TikTok video that has amassed 1.5 million views, Stout addresses the poignant absence of her maids of honour with a touch of humour, commenting that they “ghosted” her. The emotional reality behind her playful words struck a chord with viewers, who soon realised that “ghosting” took on a far deeper meaning. “Before you start asking why they ghosted me, I mean actually ghosted me — they’re no longer here,” she explains in the clip.
Stout’s connection with her sister Randi was a vital one, with the pair having dreamt together about their future weddings. Randi, who died unexpectedly in a car accident at the tender age of 24 in May 2018, was intended to be Stout’s maid of honour. Following Randi’s tragic death, a heartfelt message surfaced from Randi expressing that Alyssa was meant to fulfil that role, adding to Stout’s grief. “Knowing we would never be able to stand beside each other during those moments was heart-wrenching,” she recalled.
In the years that followed, Mallory stepped in to help Stout cope with her loss, offering support during her darkest hours. Stout recalls a significant interaction where she shared the mention of Randi’s text with Mallory, who vowed to be there for her on her wedding day as well. Tragically, just four years later, Mallory also lost her life in a car crash, repeating the cycle of grief that Stout thought she had begun to navigate.
As time went on, Stout found love again, leading to an engagement on Valentine’s Day this year. With her wedding planned for September 2027, she began considering ways to incorporate Randi and Mallory’s memories into her big day. Rather than opting for traditional tributes such as empty seats or simple photographs, which she respects but feels do not capture the sisters’ impact on her life, Stout wanted something more personalised and joyful.
In a moment of inspiration, she decided to create life-size cardboard cutouts of both her sister and friend, dressed in bridesmaid gowns, allowing them a presence at her wedding. “It started as a joke,” Stout admitted, “but the more I thought about it, the more it felt perfect.” The idea aligned with her unconventional vision for the wedding, which is anticipated to be a celebration of life filled with bold and vibrant energy.
Significantly, the cutouts already play a role in the wedding planning process itself. Stout has designed “prototype” versions of the cutouts, integrating them into the arrangements. “It has been a fun and meaningful way for me to visualise them being part of everything,” she stated, emphasising that the aim is to celebrate their lives rather than centre on loss.
By sharing her journey online, Stout has opened a dialogue not only about personal grief but also about how love and joy can emerge from it. “If anything, I hope people take away that there’s no ‘right’ way to grieve,” she shared. “It doesn’t have to look sad all the time. It can be joyful, weird, creative, even a little unhinged.”
Her TikTok posts have spurred conversations regarding unique wedding customs and the myriad ways people can honour their loved ones. Stout hopes that her experience encourages others to express their grief in ways that resonate with them. “You can honour the people you love in ways that feel true to you,” she affirmed.
As Alyssa Stout embarks on this exciting new chapter in her life, the memory of her sister and friend will remain a central part of her journey, woven through the fabric of a celebration that will reflect their lives and spirit in a truly unique manner.