When two teachers tie the knot, you can expect their students to play a special role—and that’s exactly what happened at Halle Strieter and Thomas Randles’ wedding. The couple’s big day went viral after guests discovered heartfelt and hilarious centerpieces featuring sweet notes written by Randles’ fourth-grade students. From adorable answers about love to cheeky explanations of marriage, the sweet touch captured hearts far beyond the wedding.
The now-viral TikTok post, shared by Lindsey Monte, a bridesmaid and cousin of the bride, amassed over 1.8 million views—and for good reason. “These are so cute,” Monte said after reading the notes, capturing what so many viewers felt.
Students Share Their Thoughts on Love and Marriage
Ahead of the wedding, Randles invited his fourth-grade class to help make the day extra special. When he shared the news, the students were thrilled. “They got very excited … so I was like, ‘This is your way of helping me,’” Randles explained. He asked them to respond to two questions: What is love? and Why do people get married?
What came back were responses that were as funny as they were heartwarming. One student wrote, “When you look at a person and your heart goes fast and you’re in love.” Another added a more playful note: “So they can get smoochey smoochey with each other.”
Randles chose not to read the answers ahead of time, allowing the children to write freely. “It was just a very cute, simple moment. And they were just so innocent writing it,” he shared.
The Guests—and the Internet—Loved It
The centerpieces quickly became a highlight of the wedding. Guests couldn’t get enough of the notes, wandering from table to table to read what the students had written. Monte, struck by how adorable they were, took photos of the centerpieces and shared them on TikTok the next day.
“POV: 2 teachers get married & the groom’s 4th-grade class helps with the centerpieces,” Monte captioned the post. The response was immediate and overwhelming.
“People loved it,” Monte said, describing the viral attention. From viewers commenting on the innocence of the answers to others reminiscing about their own experiences with kids, the post struck a universal chord. “Definitely the cutest wedding idea I’ve seen in a long time,” one commenter wrote.
A Moment of Connection Between Teacher and Students
When the TikTok post started gaining traction, Randles couldn’t wait to share it with his class. “I’m like, ‘Look, we’re going viral,’” he said. “And they all got up [and said], ‘We’re gonna be famous!’”
For Randles, involving his students wasn’t just about adding a sweet touch to the wedding—it was about creating a connection. “They just want to feel loved and a part of your life,” he explained. “By doing this, they felt like they were a part of something really special.”
Strieter echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the deeper meaning behind the students’ answers. “Children know a lot more than what you think they know,” she shared. “They may not have the perfect words, but they feel love, and they understand it in their own way. That’s what made their notes so meaningful.”
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Teaching: The Path Neither Expected but Both Love
Interestingly, neither Strieter nor Randles originally planned on becoming teachers. Strieter studied marketing in college but was inspired by her sister with disabilities to pursue a career in special education. “The care and support she received really pushed me to want to make a difference,” Strieter explained.
Randles, on the other hand, started out studying sports medicine. His path shifted when he worked as a one-on-one aide for a child with disabilities. “I fell in love with the fulfillment of just, like, every day putting a smile on a student’s face,” he said. “Whether it’s teaching them how to tie their shoe or zip their jacket, it’s so rewarding.”
It’s no surprise, then, that their wedding reflected their shared passion for teaching. “The kids were such a perfect fit for our day,” Strieter said. “They brought so much joy, and everyone loved it.”
A Viral Moment That Highlights Love in Its Purest Form
The couple’s viral wedding moment is more than just adorable—it’s a reminder of how insightful and loving children can be. Through their simple words, Randles’ students captured what adults often forget: that love can be pure, funny, and innocent all at once.
“Seeing those notes reminded me that love is universal,” Strieter said. “These kids know what it means, even if they say it in the funniest ways.”
Randles added, “This was such a special moment for us as teachers. It was amazing to see their words make such an impact, not just on our wedding but now on so many people online.”
The sweet notes have warmed the hearts of millions, proving that sometimes the smallest voices have the most meaningful things to say.
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