A woman who got in a car crash on the way to her friend’s wedding rehearsal dinner was determined to be there for the bride no matter what.
Anna Southerland, 34, lives in California, and in June was traveling in a vehicle with a group of friends, in preparation to celebrate a wedding rehearsal dinner before the big day.
But disaster struck when they got into a road traffic accident on the journey.
As Southerland told Newsweek: “We were turning left and we had the green light when another car blew through their red light, probably going 60 or more, and hit us on the driver’s side.
“We were really lucky because our driver was paying attention and slowed down, so they mainly hit the front end of the driver’s side and not directly where we were sitting.”
While the passengers were in shock, “bruised” and “beat up and sore”, miraculously there were no major injuries or broken bones—and as soon as they were given the all clear, they left the hospital to go to the rehearsal dinner.
There was a slight issue, however—in Southerland’s case, her dress had ripped in the accident. And so, with no extra clothes, she showed up to the rehearsal dinner in a hospital gown.
A video of the moment the women arrived to the venue, delayed and shaken but with no major injuries, was posted to Southerland’s TikTok account @annababy2323 on June 6, where it has been viewed close to 4 million times.
As they walk into the room, Southerland in the hospital gown and holding her bag and phone to her chest, the guests clap and cheer.
“The bride already knew I was coming in a hospital gown because we had been giving her updates,” Southerland told Newsweek.
“She was so great about it,” she said. “She just wanted her friends to be ok. She stood up and cheered for us when we walked in.”
Southerland captioned the video: “Not the best start but we are gonna kill this wedding,” and confirmed to Newsweek that when the big day came, it was “amazing.”
“No issues and a beautiful celebration of love!”
TikTok users had a huge reaction to the video, awarding it close to 230,000 likes, as one user commented: “You’re wearing the most expensive dress in that room! Don’t be self conscious!”
Others worried about Southerland and the other passengers, one writing: “I’m glad you’re ok and everyone was so supportive when you walked in,” as another called them a “true friend.”
And as some asked why Southerland didn’t skip the rehearsal dinner, or stop somewhere to buy a new dress first, she explained in a comment that the bride had requested them to come straight there if they were up for it, and there was only a few minutes left in the rehearsal by the time they arrived.
Rehearsal dinners are traditionally held shortly before the wedding, and gives the couple quality time with their loved ones, as well as introduce friends and family who may not have met before. Guests are generally the people closest to the bride and groom, who traditionally make a speech on the evening, according to The Knot.
As one person commented: “That’s a dedicated friend. Hats off to you sis. We all need a friend like that.
“It’s not always about how you show up, but that you did. Even with multiple very valid reasons too. May your luck return to you ten fold.”
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