A 2025 Broward County promenade celebration has captured the web’s consideration for all of the incorrect causes. A viral video that includes two highschool college students in an intimate ring and vow alternate second earlier than their promenade has sparked intense debate about whether or not mother and father are pushing teenage milestones too far into grownup territory.
The footage reveals the younger couple in lodge robes on a balcony, giving one another what seems to be diamond rings in a second full with spoken vows.
The younger man says, “I promise to make this evening particular,” as his date responds, “I promise to cherish this second.”
The farcical mise en scène continued with photos of the pair in a resort, a glimpse of a dwell cellist, photographs of luxurious automobiles that included a Rolls-Royce and Ferrari, and the pair later wearing formal put on — her in a diamond-appliqué gown and him in a customized tuxedo with designer sneakers.
When Its_Onsite posted the video on Instagram, the response was swift and polarizing.
One particular person wrote, “Yea the proms are getting actual outlandish.”
The criticism grew extra pointed, with one other commenter stating, “I’m not gonna to debate youngsters however the adults who funded this should be psychologically evaluated.”
The sentiment that the celebration crossed age-appropriate boundaries was echoed by one other person who wrote, “Wayyy too younger for such a heavy dedication. This isn’t the 40’s. Give it just a few years, go to varsity, work a bit of bit. What I wished at 17/18 modified drastically after just a few years away from house and experiencing life.”
Nevertheless, not everybody seen the frilly stage-managed tableau negatively.
Some supporters supplied totally different views, with one particular person commenting, “I’ll take an early marriage ceremony over a rushed child bathe.”
One other shared a private success story, writing, “My Sr promenade date is now my husband and the daddy of my youngsters. Now we have been collectively since 2008, and he nonetheless splashes water on me within the bathe! Typically, it’s actual, and it does final.”
Confronted with mounting criticism, a social media person claiming to be the younger man’s father, Samuel R. Mitchell Jr., stepped ahead within the remark part to defend his household’s decisions and make clear the intentions behind the celebration.
Mitchell Jr.’s response addressed the controversy head-on whereas offering vital context about his son and his girlfriend’s achievements.
“In mild of current unfavourable commentary relating to the extravagant celebration of my son and his girlfriend’s promenade, I felt it mandatory to handle some misconceptions and make clear their intentions,” Mitchell defined.
“The alternate of promise rings was a big gesture, symbolizing their dedication to one another as they transition into faculty,” he added. “This can be a significant second, particularly in a world that usually promotes informal relationships.”
Mitchell emphasised that the celebration was a deliberate alternative made by each households. He additionally addressed questions concerning the expense concerned.
“Each units of fogeys, together with my spouse and I, selected to speculate on this milestone. Now we have the means to take action, and for us, it was a small expense in comparison with the enjoyment it dropped at our kids,” he continued.
“It’s vital to notice that each my son and his girlfriend have obtained full-ride scholarships to Division 1 universities, pursuing levels in Nursing and Sports activities Drugs,” he stated. “This achievement displays their arduous work and dedication.”
Promenade 2025 they’re actually going all out! 👀🔥💰 👗 👔
— Rain Drops Media (@Raindropsmedia1) Might 21, 2025
In addressing his critics instantly, Mitchell inspired folks to deal with their very own journeys moderately than casting judgment on others.
“Whereas everyone seems to be entitled to their opinions, it’s essential to acknowledge that not all commentary is constructive. Some might mission their very own insecurities or dissatisfaction onto others,” he wrote earlier than saying that the mother and father “have fun” their youngsters’s love for one another and informing those that that is solely 50 seconds of a 2:50-minute video.
“Our household stands happy with our kids and their accomplishments, and we are going to proceed to help them as they navigate this thrilling new chapter of their lives,” he affirmed.
The controversy displays a broader development of more and more elaborate promenade preparations. This turned significantly notable after 2017, when enterprise proprietor Saudia Shuler spent $25,000, in accordance to Billy Penn, on her Dubai-themed promenade with three units that includes a Vary Rover, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, and a camel.
In the present day’s promenade celebrations may price as a lot as a marriage and mirror a mini-Met Gala, with households meting out tens of hundreds in promposals, luxurious transportation, designer outfits, {and professional} pictures. What was as soon as a easy college dance has grow to be a milestone occasion the place creativity and social media moments take middle stage.