Footage captured a poignant moment as Jasmine Fuller, a grieving mother, walked alone down the aisle. Her son, Gianni Anthony Perfetto, who was meant to accompany her, had taken his own life before the ceremony. On August 22, 2026, Fuller, 48, got married during an emotional outdoor event. Despite the joyful occasion, Fuller described her wedding as one of the most challenging days of her life due to her son’s death on September 22, 2025.
Fuller had been unaware of her son’s mental health struggles, making the loss even more painful. She expressed the difficulty of not knowing the extent of Gianni’s pain. “I didn’t know that my son was hurting or the extent of what he was carrying,” she said. “As a mother, that realization has been incredibly difficult. I’ve gone through memories and questioned myself so many times, wondering what I missed or what I could have done differently. But one of the things I’ve learned since Gianni’s death is that people can hide an enormous amount of pain, even from the people who love them most.”
Knowing Gianni had been suffering quietly was devastating for Fuller. Initially, Perfetto was set to walk his mother down the aisle, creating a cherished moment between them that never happened. Proceeding with the wedding was a tough decision for Fuller, who longed for her son’s presence. She explained, “Part of me questioned how I could celebrate something so important when my son wasn’t there to experience it. But going through with my wedding wasn’t choosing life without Gianni—it was choosing to carry Gianni with me into the life I still have.”
Fuller walked the aisle alone, symbolizing her son’s absence while feeling his presence emotionally. Her bouquet contained a charm with Gianni’s portrait, and the soles of her shoes read, “Walk with me today, Gianni.” Her wedding band featured his birthstone, and a memorial chair with roses honored him at the ceremony. Music played a crucial role as Fuller selected songs that Perfetto loved.
In the aftermath of his death, Fuller educated herself on grief, trauma, and mental health. She completed a grief education course and trauma-informed care training, and now speaks publicly about suicide prevention. “I can’t change what happened to my son, but I can try to make sure something good comes from the life he lived,” Fuller shared. “He wasn’t simply the way he died. He was a son, friend, family member and a young man with an entire future ahead of him.”
Fuller became a certified master grief coach to support others. She advises parents to communicate openly with their children without judgment, fostering strong, supportive relationships. Fuller documents her journey on social media to educate and connect with other grieving parents.
Fuller emphasizes that struggling individuals should not feel like burdens. “Sometimes you can love your child with everything you have and still not know how much pain they are carrying,” she said. “If you are struggling, please know that your pain doesn’t make you a burden. There are people who would rather sit beside you through your darkest moment than have to live the rest of their lives without you.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “988” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org.