When I was eight, I came down with the flu. Coincidentally, it was about the same time my Twilight DVD was delivered so, for two and a half weeks, I watched that movie obsessively – the deleted scenes, the commentary, every little detail. It was my first real introduction to the idea of love as an unwavering, never-ending commitment. And when I got engaged in August last year, Bella and Edward’s wedding became my inspiration. From the flowers to the music to the idea that love can be an intentional, loving choice between two people.
Throughout my life, I’ve been incredibly independent. I was the only girl among my brothers, watched my mum work on her own organisation, and shared so many similarities with my dad. Growing up, I learned the value of self-reliance, hard work, and carving my own path, and these lessons have guided me to finish college early, work at UNICEF, build trauma-informed programs, and even modelling in campaigns – all on my own terms. Those experiences taught me that independence and partnership can coexist; I can pursue my passions while also sharing a deep, intentional connection with someone I love. And now, they guide me into this next chapter of becoming a bride.
Being a feminist and a bride sometimes surprises people. When I shared my excitement online, I heard everything from “choice feminist” to “fake feminist.” Some suggested that wanting a wedding somehow negates the work I do every day. But feminism has always been about choice. It’s about the freedom to decide what’s right for you while advocating for the rights of others. Loving my fiancé, planning this wedding, and celebrating this new life doesn’t conflict with my values. In fact, it reinforces them.
For me, planning a wedding is about more than fabrics and frosting flavours, it’s about reimagining the institution itself as something that reflects choice, partnership, and agency. I want every part of the day to feel intentional and authentic. For example, my dad isn’t “giving me away”. Instead, I’ll walk down the aisle to meet my partner, where we both stand as equals. We’re also writing our own vows, selecting music and flowers that resonate with us, and exploring fashion that expresses who we are. Even the decision about changing my last name was mutual – a meaningful compromise rather than an obligation.
Ultimately, weddings don’t have to follow a one-size-fits-all script. They should be a celebration of personal values, shared decisions, and the freedom to create traditions that actually reflect the people at their centre. For me, celebrating love and partnership in my own life reminds me how vital it is to fight for that same freedom for girls everywhere. According to UNICEF, 720 million women alive today were married as children (compared with 156 million men), and every year, 12 million girls are married before their 18th birthday. That’s a girl every three seconds who is forced into a life she didn’t choose. Child marriage steals education, health, and economic opportunity, leaving girls without the chance to determine their own futures. That’s why we’re including VOW for Girls in our registry, to ensure girls have access to education, leadership training, and most importantly, choice. It’s a reminder that joy can coexist with responsibility.
For me, feminism has always been about autonomy. Whether that’s choosing how to express myself, whom to love, or how to live my life, it’s the power to make decisions without being confined to someone else’s idea of what’s “appropriate.” And it’s important to me that other women know being excited about your wedding doesn’t make you any less of a feminist. It makes you human.
So yes, I’m a feminist. And yes, I’m a bride, too. I love planning this wedding, I love the chance to celebrate our partnership, and I love that I can use this moment to shine a light on girls who don’t yet have the same freedom. Feminism isn’t about rejecting weddings, or tradition, or partnership. It’s about ensuring that every girl, everywhere, has the power to say yes (or no!) to the life she wants.
About the Author
Synclaire Alexandria Warren is a dynamic Gender Equity Leader, Communications Strategist, Certified Full Spectrum Doula, and United Nations Foundation Keynote Speaker dedicated to advancing intersectional feminist principles.
With a Master’s in Humanitarian Studies specialising in Gender Equity, she combines academic rigor with professional experience and lived insights to develop impactful initiatives and shape public discourse. Synclaire’s approach is rooted in storytelling, using her platform to challenge outdated narratives, spark advocacy, and create lasting change. She is passionate about normalising conversations around girlhood, positive masculinity, reproductive rights, and gender-based violence, fostering understanding and empathy through nonviolent communication. Synclaire’s unique “feminist fairy brand” aesthetic and genuine connection with her audience have made her a trusted voice in the space.