Mom planned her wedding around her autistic daughter's needs—and redefined what a meaningful celebration can be
On a warm, quiet morning in May, Jodie Bevan helped her teenage autistic daughter Sofia into a soft, simple dress—something she hadn't worn in more than 10 years. Nearby, a teddy bear dressed in a tiny suit waited on the seat reserved just for her.
Instead of shaping her wedding around tradition, Jodie shaped it around Sofia. She imagined a day where her daughter would feel calm, included, and loved.
Every detail—Sofia's outfit, the timing of the photos, the sensory toy bag at her place setting—was chosen with one purpose: to help her feel good in her body, in the room, in the moment.
When Jodie later shared a video of the day, it quickly went viral—garnering 2.6 million views and resonating with families around the world.
Every part of the day reflected the way Jodie shows up for Sofia daily—with care, clarity, and a willingness to meet her exactly where she is. She focused on what would help her daughter feel grounded and joyful, knowing that comfort would create space for connection.
She arranged for photos to happen early, before the noise and stimulation picked up—just one example of how she designed the day around her daughter's needs.
'Planning our wedding with Sofia's needs first,' Jodie explained in her video. 'We made all of our vendors aware of Sofia's needs beforehand, including the photographer.'
Related: Learning and growing alongside my child, a musician on the autism spectrum
For many moms of neurodivergent children, milestones like weddings or birthdays can carry a quiet weight. There's pressure to meet expectations or perform tradition—but often, those expectations aren't designed with every child in mind.
Jodie's wedding story is a quiet but powerful reminder that redefining milestones through inclusion and emotional safety doesn't lessen their meaning—it deepens it. She shaped the moment around what her daughter needed to feel safe, calm, and joyful. That shift created space for real connection, not in spite of who Sofia is, but in full celebration of it.
It's an approach that resonates deeply with so many parents who are trying to honor both the occasion and the child they love.
Jodie's video struck a chord with thousands of viewers—especially parents of neurodivergent children who saw themselves in her story.
Yazzy Ward:
'My sister has autism and she was my bridesmaid, she's 13 and it was first time she wore a dress in many years and to say she smashed it was a understatement '
Dramaswaff:
'What an angel. She reminds me of Wendy in Peter Pan '
Rjl89:
'You say weddings aren't about perfection but I think this is the most perfect expression of love for your family '
Lisa A: 'That's beautiful and now given me ideas for when my partner and I get married with his daughter being autistic so thank u so much for sharing xx'
Ford-MK3 ST:
'We just got married last Thursday. Both my children, ages seven and nine, have autism. We made it all about them, with music playing softly, and my son stood by my side, holding my hand during the ceremony made my day'
Related: My son has autism: Here are 5 things you can do to help families like ours thrive
Whether it's a wedding, birthday, or graduation, inclusion starts with presence. Jodie's story is a gentle reminder that we can design meaningful experiences by asking a simple question: What will help my child feel most supported in this moment?
For some families, that might mean adjusting the schedule. For others, it's choosing clothes that feel good or creating a quiet place to rest. Sometimes, it's as simple as letting go of how things are 'supposed' to look—and focusing instead on how they feel.
As Jodie beautifully puts it, 'Weddings aren't about perfection—they're about love. And for us, love meant creating a day that felt good for Sofia, too.'
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