The Professional Bridesmaid

Maggie Bailey operates a unique business as a 'professional bridesmaid,' providing logistical and emotional support to brides while remaining anonymous. Seeking a bank loan to expand her business, she accepts a high-stakes job from Mayor Shepard of Columbus, Ohio. She is tasked with assisting his daughter, Alexis, for her upcoming wedding to a pro hockey player. Because the Mayor is facing a special election, Maggie must use the alias 'Maisie Ryder' and pretend to be a wine distributor to avoid any 'bad press' or accusations of the Mayor hiring help. While 'forest bathing' to de-stress, Maggie literally crashes her bike into Henry Whittington, a serious investigative reporter who has been begrudgingly assigned to cover the wedding for a local website. The Mayor's campaign manager, Thomas, realizes Henry is trying to corner the Mayor about a controversial rezoning project in Evergreen Park and orders Maggie to act as Henry's handler to keep him distracted. Maggie helps Alexis manage her bridesmaids, including the influencer Shannon and the disorganized Maid of Honor, Chloe. Maggie secretly fixes Chloe's errors, such as booking the wrong venue and ordering too many gift bags, to ensure Alexis has a perfect experience. Throughout the process, Maggie and Henry bond over wedding traditions and a dance lesson, leading to a romantic date where Maggie struggles to maintain her cover. The tension peaks at the bridal shower when a name mix-up leads to Alexis's mother's best friend, Darlene, being excluded. Maggie saves the day by flying the real Darlene in for a surprise tea party. However, at the rehearsal dinner, the Mayor accidentally reveals Maggie's true name and profession to Henry. Henry, who has a history of being lied to by sources, feels betrayed and ends the relationship. Alexis eventually intervenes, explaining to Henry that Maggie's secrecy was a professional requirement to protect the bride, not a personal deception. Henry realizes Maggie's feelings were genuine and reconciles with her at the wedding reception. The film concludes with the Mayor agreeing to protect Evergreen Park, Maggie receiving her business loan, and the couple beginning a real relationship without secrets.