VIRAL: Couple spends under $500 on wedding day; exchanges their 'I do's' on the side of a freeway

A couple from California went viral on TikTok for keeping their wedding ceremony and reception at a cost-friendly budget at just $500 or P26,200.

In an interveiw with Good Morning America (GMA), bride Kiara Brokenbrough said she only had one goal when she and her now husband, Joel, were planning the wedding: to not go into debt.

"Our goal was to just be as minimal as possible and to spend the least amount of money as possible," Kiara said.

From the venue to the dress, the couple was able to sustain a cost-friendly marriage. The couple got married off the Angeles Crest Highway and put up a simple backdrop.

As for her dress, Kiara revealed that she got it from Shein for just $47 (P2,460).

"I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a dress because I had the mindset I'm gonna wear this one time for a few hours," she told GMA.

@kiarabrk Reply to @maalikaelise dress included! $47 on @SHEIN 🤩🤩 #weddingtiktok #weddingdress #cheapwedding #blackbride ♬ audio credit is rennyxaudios - 70s80s90s00s

She continued to share that the guests "undestood the assignment" and "supported" them by covering some items from their wedding checklist such as the cake, runner, and flowers. The guests even bought their own meals and drinks at the reception in Misty's Lounge.

Kiara said she's sharing their story because she wants to inspire other couples. For them, you don't need to break the bank for a wedding, what matters most is they're celebrating their union surrounded by their loved ones.

"You have a wedding, with witnesses there to witness you bowing to your spouse, bowing to God that you guys are going to stay together for life. And then you celebrate with food, drink and dance. And that's exactly what we did," she added.

In an Instagram post, Kiara said while it was not the wedding of her dreams, she "did make the best of the resources we had."

"I wasn't going into debt or prolonging this day to save up to pay for strangers/ppl who know nothing about our relationship to dine & drink on our dime. We weren't tryna impress anybody but honor God. & I believe this is what the origin of what a wedding ceremony is—you, your partner, witnesses & God."

She also thanked her friends and family for being very suppotive of their relationship.

The bride said in another post: "It felt so good to be around people who genuinely supported us & weren't looking to be entertained. We couldn't have been able to pull this off itf it wasn't for the contributions of our families and close friends!"