I don't want to have a big wedding. I don't crave that ritual of

In these words, Jessica Barden speaks to the quiet yearning of the soul for simplicity amidst the noise of the world. She rejects the grandeur of a big wedding, turning away from the rituals of dress fittings, party planning, and the heavy burden of having all eyes fixed upon her. Her desire is not a denial of love or union, but a declaration that true commitment is found in the essence of connection, not in outward displays. This sentiment reflects an ancient truth: that what is sacred does not require spectacle, and that the deepest vows are often whispered rather than shouted before crowds.

The origin of this feeling stretches back to the tension between the public and private self. Across history, weddings have been grand affairs, often serving families, tribes, or even kingdoms as political symbols. In ancient Rome, marriages were celebrated with feasts and parades to display power and wealth. Yet even then, there were those who longed for simplicity, choosing intimate ceremonies where love could be honored away from the weight of societal expectation. Jessica’s words echo this timeless struggle, placing authenticity above tradition.

Consider the story of Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-emperor of Rome. Though he ruled over vast territories and could command great splendor, he valued simplicity and inward reflection. It is said that when he married, the ceremony was far more modest than expected of an emperor, reflecting his belief that virtue and devotion need no audience. Jessica’s wish to avoid being the center of spectacle follows this same noble path, reminding us that greatness is not always measured by grandeur.

Her rejection of these rituals also carries a deeper wisdom about self-knowledge. Many are swept up in expectations—of the perfect dress, the flawless celebration—only to lose sight of their true desires. By refusing the pressures of ritual, Jessica claims ownership of her life and her love. This courage mirrors the actions of countless individuals throughout history who dared to defy societal norms, from the lovers who eloped against their families' wishes to the reformers who challenged outdated traditions.

Ultimately, this quote is a lesson about freedom and intimacy. The sacred union of two souls does not need the validation of crowds or the trappings of wealth. Just as the ancient mystics believed that the most powerful prayers were spoken in silence, so too can the most meaningful vows be exchanged in private. Let this teaching endure: that love shines brightest not under the gaze of many, but in the quiet moments where two hearts speak only to each other, free from the weight of the world’s expectations.