In an event that has shocked thousands of people in Mexico and beyond, a woman from Oaxaca decided to continue her wedding to the love of her life, even though he was no longer alive.
María del Carmen Juárez, 40, starred in one of the most moving ceremonies in the country by symbolically marrying her late fiancé, Luis Fernando Martínez, 33, who died of a sudden heart attack on the very day they were to celebrate their fifth anniversary as a couple.

Love Beyond Life
María del Carmen and Luis Fernando shared five years full of dreams, struggle, and hope. They both worked in the education sector and had met at a conference in the city of Puebla. Love blossomed quickly, and after years of mutual understanding, they decided to marry in June 2025, exactly five years after their first kiss.

But fate had a tragedy in store for them: days before the long-awaited wedding, Luis Fernando suffered a massive heart attack while sleeping at his parents’ home in the municipality of Santa María Atzompa, Oaxaca. Despite attempts to revive him, he arrived at the hospital with no vital signs.

The news paralyzed everyone. But above all, it broke María del Carmen’s heart. Even so, she decided to do the unthinkable: not cancel the wedding. Instead, she transformed the pain into a final tribute of love.

A tearful ceremony
On June 14, 2025, the church of San Sebastián Mártir was filled with respectful silence. María del Carmen arrived dressed in white, holding a bouquet and her heart in pieces. In front of her, Luis Fernando’s open coffin rested on the altar, dressed in the wedding suit he had chosen months before.

The ceremony was brief but heartbreaking. With a broken voice, María del Carmen said her vows. “We promised to love each other until death… and beyond. Today I give you my soul as I always wanted, even though you’re not here to hold my hand,” she said as she gently caressed her beloved’s face for the last time.

Those in attendance—friends, family, and neighbors—burst into tears. Some couldn’t believe what they were seeing: a woman of faith and immense strength, marrying the man who was no longer breathing, but who remained alive in her heart.

All of Mexico moved
The story was shared by a cousin of the groom, Alejandra Martínez, on social media, accompanied by heartbreaking photos of the ceremony. Within hours, the post went viral.

Thousands of internet users reacted with condolences and words of encouragement.
“This is true love, not like the one in the movies,” commented one user.
“I cried with this story. May God give strength to such a brave woman,” wrote another.
“Luis Fernando, may your soul rest in peace. Amen.”

A love that defies all logic
In times when many doubt the depth of love, the story of María del Carmen and Luis Fernando reminds us that true bonds don’t end with death. Sometimes, love finds unexpected ways to manifest itself, even in the most painful moments.

The wedding that took place in Oaxaca will not be remembered only for the tragedy, but for the heroic act of pure love it represents. An example of fidelity that will remain engraved in the hearts of those who witnessed this final goodbye.

Rest in peace, Luis Fernando Martínez.
Your love story will live forever.
🙏 Amen.