Then it got worse. My seamstress called. “Ellie… your dad’s girlfriend wants me to make her dress using your pattern — just ‘more glamorous.’ Should I say yes?”
I hung up, furious. But Evan reminded me: Janine feeds on attention. Deny her the spotlight. So I smiled, waited, and quietly plotted.
A week before the wedding, I emailed all female guests — everyone but Janine.
“Hi, ladies! For photos, I’d love everyone in neutral shades — ivory, cream, beige, off-white. Flowy, soft tones, perfect for fall!”
Then I met with Mia. “I need a second dress,” I said. She blinked. “A week before your wedding?”
“Not changing,” I said, smiling. “Upgrading.”
We designed a flowing sunflower yellow gown with lace accents and a soft golden sash — radiant, bold, unforgettable.
The wedding day arrived. Crisp air, golden sunlight, string lights glowing, barbecue sizzling. Guests showed up in ivory, cream, beige. Then Janine appeared, full mermaid gown and sparkling beads. Heads turned — and then confusion spread. Everywhere she looked, women matched her color.
Then she saw me. Yellow, glowing, radiant. I was the sun, and she was lost in the shadows. Chloe whispered, “You outplayed her.”
The rest of the day? Janine tried to steal the spotlight. Interrupting toasts, forcing herself into photos, laughing too loud. Nobody cared. She shrank in her ivory gown, and even my dad looked uncomfortable.
During the speeches, my dad began with pride: “I’m so proud of Ellie…” Janine reached to co-star. But my mom’s best friend Lorena took the mic:
“Ellie reminds us grace isn’t weakness, and kindness isn’t passivity. Some wear white to steal attention. Ellie wears yellow to shine in her own light.”
The crowd erupted in applause. Janine froze, then quietly left.
Weeks later, Dad admitted, “She said you humiliated her.”
“She humiliated herself,” I said. “She wore a wedding dress to my wedding. I just let her show who she really is.”
A few months later, Dad laughed at coffee: “Your mom would’ve been proud. You didn’t fight dirty. You let her expose herself.”
And he was right. Some lessons don’t need shouting — just strategy… and a bright yellow dress.
Inspired by Ellie’s clever move? Share your own wedding triumphs and moments of triumph in the comments below!