Weddings are always thrilling, and when it comes to the union of Mariah and Tessa on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS, the line between fiction and reality starts to blur for the actors involved. Camryn Grimes and Cait Fairbanks, who portray the couple, recently shared their excitement and insights about filming the wedding. With genuine enthusiasm, Fairbanks remarked, "It's kind of starting to feel like a real wedding, like we're actually getting married."
The on-screen chemistry between Fairbanks and Grimes is undeniable, leading to a seamless portrayal of Mariah and Tessa. The duo couldn't help but laugh at the thought of Michael Mealor, who plays Kyle, serving as an officiant in real life, bringing humor to their behind-the-scenes conversations. Grimes humorously quipped, "He would have a lot of explaining to do to [my fiancé] Brock!"
Fortunately, the drama in this storyline is concentrated within the wedding ceremony itself, leaving fans satisfied with the episodes featuring Y&R's first same-sex wedding. Grimes expressed her gratitude for the tremendous support from the audience, acknowledging their loyalty throughout the journey. She stated, "Their eyes, we knew, were gonna be on us. So it just made everybody work that much harder."
Fairbanks concurred, emphasizing the significance of the "Teriah" fans. She revealed, "It feels kind of like a glittery microscope. It's not a scary microscope. For me, it's informed me so much about what being in a lesbian relationship is like." The actress acknowledged the critiques and feedback on Twitter, appreciating the valid perspectives shared by fans.
The wedding itself is a sight to behold, with stunning visuals and vibrant colors. As Fairbanks described it, "It's beautiful. There's amazing colors, the styling's incredible." The accompanying image captures the essence of this magical event, where Mariah and Tessa's love radiates with every frame.
The process of filming a soap opera wedding is not without its challenges, often stretching the cast and crew to their limits. Grimes admitted to a grueling 16-hour day during the taping of these wedding episodes. Despite the fatigue, the atmosphere remained jovial and enjoyable. Grimes attributed this to the wonderful camaraderie among the people involved, creating a fun and supportive environment.
Fairbanks also credited Y&R director Steven Williford for his role in making the day more manageable. She spoke fondly of his inspiring pep talks, saying, "And I really think that actually 100% got me through the day. We had these beautiful reminders throughout the day about how important this was. And that really changed the way I performed that day for sure."
While the experience of working with their co-stars was undoubtedly gratifying, Grimes highlighted the powerful impact of the vows. "The emotion hits you... and I think it makes for an incredibly - hopefully - authentic performance," she shared. The depth of their connection as actors and the genuine emotions they brought to the scenes created a memorable wedding for their characters.
As fans eagerly anticipate the heartfelt union of Mariah and Tessa, it's essential not to miss a single moment of this captivating celebration. The wedding episodes begin airing on Monday, May 20th. So, mark your calendars and get ready to witness the love and joy that transcends both on-screen and off.
