Father of the Bride Sparked Brad Paisley’s Heartbreak and the Love Story That Followed

Kimberly Williams-Paisley shared a light-hearted story on the Sibling Revelry podcast, revealing how Father of the Bride played an unexpected role in bringing her and country music star Brad Paisley together. Brad had watched the film multiple times with a girlfriend back in 1991, and it had become “their movie.” After moving to Nashville, the relationship ended, leaving Brad heartbroken but still emotionally tied to the film.

A Sequel, a Missed Reunion, and the Spark That Launched His Music Career

When Father of the Bride II came out, Brad entertained a romantic and slightly naïve hope that seeing the sequel on the same date and at the same theater as their first date might bring his ex back. He even watched the film and waited, but she never showed. Thinking he may have gotten the time wrong, he bought a second ticket for the later show, just in case — but still, she didn’t appear.

Despite the disappointment, the night proved to be a creative spark. Brad returned to Nashville and channeled the emotions into his music, which helped launch his career. Kimberly noted that the ticket stub from that evening ended up in the album art for Part II, Brad’s second studio album, further underlining how significant the moment was in his journey.

A Movie, a Call, a Music Video — and a Lifelong Love Story Began

Years later, in 2001, Brad felt inspired to reach out to Kimberly, the actress from Father of the Bride — possibly reigniting the magic he once associated with the film. Coincidentally, Kimberly had just mentioned to her agents that she wanted to try a music video role. When Brad called shortly after, she agreed, though she later joked it was probably just a clever pick-up line rather than a serious casting call.

That music video connection led to dating, and by 2003, the couple tied the knot. Though Kimberly didn’t appear in a video right away, she eventually starred in one for Brad’s hit “I’m Gonna Miss Her.” Today, the couple shares two sons and has celebrated over two decades of marriage. As Kimberly quipped, the whole story might have started with heartbreak, but it led to a very happy ending — one that even George Banks would approve of.