A moving scene unfolded during Jasmine Fuller’s wedding when she walked down the aisle alone in memory of her son, who took his own life. On August 22, 2026, Fuller married in a scenic outdoor ceremony. Normally, weddings bring joy, but for Fuller from Rhode Island, it was a poignant day, marred by the events of 11 months earlier.
Her son, Gianni Anthony Perfetto, ended his life on September 22, 2025, at age 24. Until that moment, Fuller was unaware of her son’s struggles with mental health. The lack of awareness added to her grief.
“I didn’t know that my son was hurting or the extent of what he was carrying,” Fuller shared. “As a mother, that realization has been incredibly difficult. I’ve gone through memories and questioned myself so many times, wondering what I missed or what I could have done differently. But one of the things I’ve learned since Gianni’s death is that people can hide an enormous amount of pain, even from the people who love them most.”
Perfetto was meant to accompany Fuller down the aisle, a moment they both anticipated. His absence at the wedding was a heartwrenching truth for Fuller. Choosing to continue with the ceremony was challenging, yet it symbolized her commitment to carry her son with her in spirit.
“Walking the aisle alone was intentional as I wanted to acknowledge that my son should have been there. It represented the reality of having to take those steps forward without my son physically beside me. But emotionally, spiritually and in my heart, I was carrying him with me,” she said.
Fuller included a charm with Perfetto’s image in her bouquet, wore shoes with “Walk with me today, Gianni,” and had his birthstone in her wedding band. A memorial chair held special significance, with roses placed there by the wedding party. She honored her son with music he loved, ensuring his essence was present.
“He wasn’t simply the way he died. He was a son, friend, family member and a young man with an entire future ahead of him,” she expressed. “Since Gianni died, I’ve had to completely rebuild myself. I’ve educated myself, learned about mental health and suicide prevention, and started creating ideas for resources that could help others. I’ve also learned that you don’t stop loving your child because they’re gone. You simply have to find somewhere to put all that love, and I’m putting mine into helping others.”
Now, as a certified master grief coach, Fuller’s mission is to educate parents about open communication with their children. She emphasizes the importance of a non-judgmental environment. Fuller shares her journey on social media, reaching out to other grieving parents and spreading awareness about mental health.
“Sometimes you can love your child with everything you have and still not know how much pain they are carrying,” she noted. “If you are struggling, please know that your pain doesn’t make you a burden. There are people who would rather sit beside you through your darkest moment than have to live the rest of their lives without you.”
For support or if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “988” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org.