Bride plays her late mom's voicemail at her wedding

On her wedding day, Aniyah Gordon felt the poignant absence of her late mother, Aichia Divine Stanislaus, who passed away in 2021. To honor her memory during her August 2024 ceremony, the 29-year-old from Northern Virginia played an old voicemail from her mother, creating a touching moment that resonated with the ceremony's attendees. The heartfelt clip was later shared on TikTok, amassing over 1.1 million views.

In the viral video, guests can be seen struggling to hold back tears as Stanislaus’s loving voice comes through, expressing her pride and affection for her daughter. Gordon revealed to "Good Morning America" that the decision to include the voicemail was spontaneous but felt incredibly right in that moment. "I really felt like her energy wrapped around me," she shared, highlighting the significance of the recording in making her day feel complete.

Stanislaus’s life ended abruptly at the young age of 41 due to a heart attack, but the bond she shared with Gordon remained profound. Gordon described their relationship as deeply connected, often featuring long phone calls and thoughtful messages, even in their absences. The voicemail was one of many she left for her daughter, encapsulating their close-knit bond.

The emotional impact of the voicemail reached beyond just the wedding guests; TikTok users also expressed how the recording comforted them in their own experiences of loss. Gordon noted the overwhelming response to her video, with people commenting on the "angelic" quality of her mother’s voice and how it brought them solace.

Despite her mother’s absence, Gordon cherished her wedding day and felt grateful for the opportunity to include Stanislaus in a meaningful way. "Even without her being here, she was still able to make that impact," Gordon reflected, emphasizing the love and support she continues to receive from her late mother and those around her. "I'm not in lack; I still have the love she shared and the warmth from others."