I never thought my wedding would turn into a full-blown spectacle.

It all began even before the ceremony: my mother-in-law had decided that since she wasn’t married and was still “young and beautiful,” she deserved to be the maid of honor.

I tried to protest, but for my husband’s sake, I gave in. “What’s the worst that could happen?” I thought. “After all, it’s just a tradition.”

But the worst did happen.

For the ceremony, my mother-in-law showed up in a long white gown. White! A dress that would have been more fitting for the actual bride. At one point, she literally snatched the bouquet out of my hands and proudly stood next to me, as if the spotlight should have been on her. I struggled to hold back tears and absolutely refused to take pictures with her.

But the most shocking moment came later. When we were at the altar, reciting our vows, the priest asked the usual question: “Does anyone object to this union?”

That’s when my mother-in-law raised her hand.

“I object,” she said loudly. “This is my only son, and I’m not ready to give him up to another woman. Son, let’s just go home. What’s the point of this marriage?”