The Vampire Diaries Review: We’re Planning a June Wedding (Season 8 Episode 15)

Caroline and Stefan’s wedding day has arrived, but some unexpected guests decide to make an appearance.

On the penultimate episode of The Vampire Diaries, “We’re Planning a June Wedding,” Caroline and Stefan get married sooner rather than later as a way to lure Katherine out of the shadows. Yes, the one and only Katherine is now in charge of hell, but not for long if Damon has anything to say about it.

If you recall, when the Salvatore brothers first came back to Mystic Falls, Caroline saw Stefan at school and declared they were planning a June wedding. Caroline may not get an actual June wedding, but this version is certainly memorable.

Yes, Caroline and Stefan actually get through the wedding without Katherine objecting. There’s no denying that Caroline would have planned the ceremony differently had she had more time to prepare. But for preparing a wedding on such short notice, the whole thing sure looks beautiful.

Despite her initial declaration that she won’t come, Bonnie shows up just before Caroline walks down the aisle. We can have Enzo to thank for this. It’s amazing that he holds no resentment toward Stefan for his death.

He also knows that Bonnie needs to be there for her best friend and support her happiness. Without her mom or Elena there, Caroline needs Bonnie by her side.

Caroline looks absolutely gorgeous. This dress is EVERYTHING!

Since they didn’t think they would even make it to the vows portion without Katherine showing up, Caroline and Stefan are forced to wing their vows on the spot. They don’t have to dig down deep for heartfelt words.

Both of their declarations of love are emotional, lovely, and also act as reassurance.

Stefan: You told me once that I would fall madly in love without realizing it. And that’s what happened day by day, bit by bit, year by year… with you.

Caroline: I will always remember this moment. A hundred years from now, I will remember this moment for the both of us.

I know not everyone is a Steroline shipper, but you have to admit it’s nice to see those two smile. I, for one, love that this relationship was such a slow burn.

I remember watching Stefan help Caroline when she was transitioning into a vampire. There was a palpable tenderness that I found intriguing.

Damon acting as their officiant brings such a smile to my face. There’s no one more fitting.

While having a drink with Caroline the night before, Damon honors her mother in the most touching way. Also, watching Damon embrace Caroline as part of his family shows how far their relationship has come.

His conversation with Stefan before the ceremony highlights how, now more than ever, Damon needs to be a proper big brother. Stefan is human, and he won’t let Katherine hurt him.

Unfortunately, Alaric leaves after dropping off the twins. His lack of attendance makes sense. Even though he’s made peace with the fact that he won’t share his life with Caroline as a romantic partner, it still hurts too much to watch her marry Stefan.

His little monologue to Dorian about the relationship he has with everyone is highly accurate and incredibly nostalgic somehow.

Alaric: We’ve all made terrible mistakes in our lives, done things that no apology can heal. But you just have to keep going, trying to find some new happiness… no matter how much you’ve lost. The strange thing is, losing those people is what brought us together. It’s how we found each other. It’s what made us family.

It’s easy to forget just how many lives these people have ruined over the years. But there’s something about them we still root for.

I’m fine with old characters showing up, but Kelly Donovan’s return just feels really random. Instead of Katherine showing up to cause wedding mayhem, she sends Kelly in her place.

Turns out Kelly died a few years prior, and no one even knew… not even Matt. I can barely remember what her relationship with her son was like. I get that she’s been in literal hell since she died, but does she really have no love or care for her son?

The entire scenario of having Kelly and Vicki show up instead of Katherine just feels like the writers filling up time before the finale. It’s a let down when the audience thinks they’re about to see Katherine return, and then she doesn’t show up at all!

Oh yeah, and Vicki’s return makes zero sense. Why would she be vindictive? She wasn’t a bad person when she died. Her friends loved her. If she’s going to be mad at anyone, she should be mad at Damon and Stefan.

It sure does suck to be a Donovan. By ringing to bell, Matt created an opening for his mom and sister to push through, and now they may burn Mystic Falls to the ground.

Another person having a terrible day is Bonnie. The writers fool us by having Bonnie and the twins survive the mansion fire, only for Bonnie to collapse when Vicki rings the bell.

If this is how Bonnie dies, I will be really disappointed. She deserves better than this. I understand Elena needs to return, but Bonnie shouldn’t have to go out in such a mediocre way.

At least we get some lovely scenes from Bonnie. Her dance with Damon and then into Enzo’s arms is an emotional moment.

Unfortunately, when the twins siphon Bonnie’s stored magic to protect themselves from the flames, Bonnie must say goodbye to Enzo.

Her magic has linked them together since his death, but that link will be broken. Their farewell exchange is heartbreaking, but oddly hopeful.

Enzo: I believe we’ll be together again. When I see you again there’ll be only peace, and no one will ever part us.

Enzo: Live your life, Bonnie Bennett. All of it. Promise me.

Bonnie: Promise. I love you.

Enzo: I love you.

Enzo is certain they will meet again, and I really hope he’s right. They deserve their happy ending, even if it’s in the afterlife.

So here we are. The final episode of The Vampire Diaries is upon us, and there’s no telling how this saga will end.  No matter how this series ends, it’s been a crazy journey full of twists and turns.

What did you think of this episode of The Vampire Diaries? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Vampire Diaries airs Fridays at 8/7c on The CW.

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