A Woman in Italy married herself in a small ceremony complete with bridesmaids and a wedding cake.
Laura Mesi, a 40-year-old fitness instructor and vlogger from a small town near Milan, is believed to be the first woman in the country to marry herself.
Mesi said she first considered the idea of a solo wedding after the end of a 12-year relationship two years ago.
"I told my relatives and friends that if I had not found my soul mate I would marry myself by my 40th birthday," she said.
A total of 70 guests attended the ceremony, which holds no legal weight, to join Mesi in celebrating self-love and acceptance as part of a trend known as "sologamy."
Mesi said she remains open to the idea of getting married in the future, but doesn't require the social affirmation typically associated with a traditional marriage.
"If one day I find a man with whom I can plan a future I'll be happy, but my happiness does not depend on him," she said.
