My Husband's Ex Was My Bridesmaid

Would you pick the most unlikely woman for such a vital role on your wedding day? Katie Hannah explains why she’s never regretted her decision…

- Bess Browning

When it comes to choosing bridesmaids for your wedding, it’s tradition to select your most trusted and loyal friends. when I married my partner, Graham, in June 2017, my two bridesmaids were made up of just that. There was no question that they would support me on the biggest day of my life. Except, many guests were surprised that one of them, Gemma, had been invited to the wedding at all. Because although she’s my best friend, she’s also my husband’s ex.

Graham and I met in April 2007 on my first day at my new job in my local supermarket. He was the store manager and after showing me around, he guided me to the deli counter where I’d be working. There were a couple of other women there, and one of them was Gemma, then 20.

She was really kind, telling me about all of the other staff and what the job would be like day-to-day. When she spoke about Graham, she confessed they had been a couple for two years and had broken up amicably a year ago. ‘Some things just aren’t meant to be,’ she shrugged.

Luckily, they’d remained friends so there was no awkwardness at work. Still, I was amazed. I couldn’t imagine having to spend so much time with an ex. But watching them together at work, I could see they got on well.

A few months after my first shift, Graham was looking for a plus-one for his football presentation dinner. I was free and keen to make a good impression on the boss, so I said I could go along. A few weeks later, we went – as friends – to the event.