The Big Wedding

The Big Wedding

Year: 2013

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Director: Justin Zackham

Comedy

As the wedding bells chime, long-divorced Don and Ellie must fake it 'til they make it, reuniting as the perfect couple to appease their son's conservative bride. Amidst a cast of quirky friends and family members, these former lovers face off against their own complicated past, navigating love, laughter, and the pursuit of happiness in this heartwarming comedy.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Big Wedding (2013)
Trace every key event in The Big Wedding (2013) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Don and Ellie's Past

Don and Ellie, played by Robert De Niro and Diane Keaton, enjoyed a devoted marriage in New England that lasted twenty years. Together, they raised three children, Lyla, Jared, and Alejandro, creating a life filled with shared memories and challenges.

New England
2

Alejandro's Wedding Approaches

As Alejandro's wedding day nears, the family's dynamic begins to shift. With excitement in the air, Ellie revisits Don's house, leading to unexpected encounters that stir up past feelings.

Don's House
3

Ellie's Surprise Encounter

While at Don's house, Ellie unexpectedly meets Bebe, Don's girlfriend for the past eight years and a former close friend. This awkward reunion is marked by tension and surprise as Ellie is shocked by Bebe's presence and advances.

Don's House
4

Alejandro's Family Dynamics

Alejandro learns that his biological mother, Madonna, plans to attend his wedding, causing him significant turmoil. With his family's unconventional dynamics at stake, his mother’s Catholic beliefs add more pressure to the situation.

5

Siblings Confide

Lyla confides in her brother Jared about her struggles with motherhood, shedding light on her own separation. Meanwhile, Jared wrestles with his virginity, waiting for the right partner, as family expectations loom over both siblings.

6

Request for Pretend Reunion

Feeling the weight of family expectations, Alejandro requests his parents, Ellie and Don, to pose as a couple for three days leading up to the wedding. This decision complicates relationships, especially regarding Bebe's frustrations.

7

Nuria Joins the Family

Alejandro's mother arrives with his biological sister, Nuria, stirring up familial tensions. Nuria expresses a romantic interest in Jared, adding layers of complexity to the family dynamics.

8

Chaotic Dinner

A chaotic family dinner unfolds, filled with awkward situations and humorous moments as Bebe unexpectedly serves as the waitress. Tensions and secrets bubble to the surface, creating a mix of laughter and discomfort.

9

Walk Through the Woods

As secrets continue to unfold, Ellie reflects on her past with Madonna during a contemplative walk through the woods. This moment allows her to confront unresolved feelings and the nature of their evolving relationship.

Woods
10

Wedding Day Drama

On the wedding day, a series of explosive revelations lead to heightened tensions, culminating in a physical confrontation between Don and Bebe. The chaos reaches a peak as Alejandro and Missy decide to elope to escape the familial pressures confronting them.

Wedding Venue
11

Reception Revelations

The wedding reception becomes a theatrical display of reconciliations and unexpected relationships. Jared and Nuria share a passionate encounter, while Ellie and Bebe manage to mend their friendship amidst the ongoing chaos.

Reception Venue
12

Don Proposes to Bebe

As the night unfolds, Don surprises everyone by proposing to Bebe in the midst of the reception festivities. This unplanned moment adds an unexpected twist to the already intricate family drama.

Reception Venue
13

Final Family Dynamics

In the aftermath of the wedding, family dynamics shift significantly as Lyla reconciles with her husband, Andrew. Additionally, Alejandro's mother finds forgiveness when confronted with her own past, highlighting the themes of love and acceptance.

14

The Arrival of Jane

In a humorous twist, it is revealed that Lyla has named her daughter Jane, further complicating their vibrant family tree. The eccentricity of both grandmothers brings a light-hearted touch to the narrative as the story closes.

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 16:22