What would you do if your fiancé disappeared on your wedding morning? For Kayleigh Stead, the answer wasn't to cancel—it was to celebrate anyway. 

Kayleigh joins Louise to share her breathtaking story of resilience that captivated the world. After two years planning her dream wedding, Kayleigh was sipping mimosas with her bridesmaids when she received the devastating news: her groom had vanished without explanation. Rather than surrendering to heartbreak, she made an extraordinary choice that would later earn admiration from millions, including Kelly Clarkson.

"I'm going to be crying either on my own or surrounded by people I love," Kayleigh explains of her pivotal decision to continue with the wedding reception. What unfolded was a powerful demonstration of choosing joy amid devastation—walking into her reception to Lizzo's "Good As Hell," smashing her wedding cake in a therapeutic release, and being surrounded by unexpected support, even from her ex's groomsmen.

Perhaps most powerful is Kayleigh's journey to acceptance without conventional closure. Never receiving an explanation from her ex-partner, she's embraced the understanding that "no closure is closure"—finding peace in moving forward on her own terms. Her story isn't just about surviving abandonment; it's about transforming rejection into an opportunity for authentic connection and self-discovery.

This first installment of "Bitches Owning Breakups" sets the stage for a powerful conversation about resilience, community support, and finding strength when you least expect it. Don't miss part two next week where Kayleigh unpacks the aftermath of her viral heartbreak and the lessons she's carried forward.

Got a breakup story, feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? send us a text!

Support the show

If you enjoyed todays episode make sure to share & if youre feeling generous you can buy me a coffee!

buymeacoffee.com/howtohackyourheartbreak

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howtohackyourheartbreak
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtohackyourheartbreak/
Follow on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtohackyourheartbreak