Here’s why a woman decided to marry ’50’ instead of a man on her 50th birthday
TheGrio...
After a wedding-style ceremony went viral, Tracy explained why she chose to celebrate her milestone birthday by “marrying” the decade ahead.
Birthdays are major milestones that deserve celebrating. From birthday dinners and parties to activities and trips, there are many ways to celebrate another year of life. However, this week, one woman went viral for hosting what may have been the first nuptial-style birthday celebration. And no, I don’t mean a wedding theme, think a full-on ceremony with an aisle, an altar, bridesmaids, the whole shebang.
To celebrate her 50th birthday, Tracy (@ms_sexytrey_) decided to marry ’50.’ “I didn’t marry a man… I married 50,” she wrote on social media.
Now, the video making its rounds on social media has ignited a succotash of emotions amongst users as they try to piece together what is going on. From the all-black attire to the bridesmaids walking down the aisle to a remix of Marvin Sapp’s “Never Would Have Made It,” to the praise dancer and ultimately the bride two-stepping down the aisle to stand solo at the alter, social media users were left wondering if they should express their congratulations, condolences or laugh at what many thought was a social media skit.
“Condolences. Congratulations. Happy Birthday,” a TikTok user commented.
Another wrote: “the birthday masquerade ball, praise and worship, quantum leap funeral wedding jubilee extravaganza.”
“So, I went from thinking hood funeral to hood wedding to lesbian wedding,” one user wrote on Threads. “Went to the IG comments and she had a 50th birthday/ wedding to herself?! “
“I’m not mad at that woman marrying herself on her 50th birthday because with the way this world is, I’m probably gonna do the same. Her dress was gorgeous too idc enjoy your new era sis,” another Threads user added.
While social media struggled to piece together what the event was, for Tracy and the team who helped bring it to life, the intention was very clear.
“I didn’t marry a man… I married 50. This was more than a birthday celebration,” Tracy wrote. “It was a celebration of growth, grace, strength, love, legacy, and every lesson that led me to this moment. To everyone who laughed with me, cried with me, celebrated with me, and poured so much love into this unforgettable experience thank you. Every hug, every smile, and every kind word made this chapter even more meaningful.”
“We are gathered here today in the sight of God and in the presence of this wonderful company to join this woman, Tracy, and this formidable, timeless, mathematical perfect partner, the number 50,” the ceremony’s officiant is heard saying in the video. “Now I know some of you may be asking. How can a person marry a number? She’s given her heart to so many people over the years. It’s only fitting that she finally commits to a decade that promises to give back to her as much as she has [to others]…I now pronounce you Tracy, Fully & Fabulous at 50.”
Regardless of whether the wedding-ceremony-style birthday celebration is your cup of tea, the underlying message resonates with many, particularly Black women. Almost everyone can relate to the experience of giving so much of ourselves to others—be it as a people pleaser, an eldest child, a primary caretaker, or a parent—that we often forget to take care of ourselves. But there is real power in recommitting to oneself. Now, whether or not you need to walk down the aisle to do so is your prerogative, but it’s important to consider saying “I do” to yourself every now and then.