What should've been the happiest day in the life of one woman turned out to be a memorable one for those less fortunate.

After a groom-to-be called off his wedding in Sacramento at the city's hoity-toity Citizen Hotel about a week before the big day, the bride-to-be's family elected to hold the reception -- except, they invited the city's homeless to attend.

It made sense, since deposits for the $35,000 bash had already been paid.

Kari Duane, the mother of the jilted bride, managed to maintain a level head about the whole matter:

Even though my husband and I were feeling very sad for our daughter, it was heartwarming to see so many people be there and enjoy a meal."

About 120 people were invited to the wedding, so plenty of food was available for the homeless to enjoy.

They didn't only enjoy the meal, though -- they appreciated it, too. Erika Craycraft, who showed up with her husband and five kids, said, "To lose out on something so important to yourself and then give it to someone else is really giving, really kind."

The bride, still nursing plenty of heartache, elected not to attend the festivities. She'll have some time to heal the wounds, though. She's going on what would've been her honeymoon to Belize with her mother.

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