April Kepner and Matthew Taylor finally tie the knot in Season 14, Episode 24, titled “All of Me.” This episode marks a significant moment in the complex relationship saga between April, Matthew, and Jackson Avery, ultimately leading to April’s departure from Grey Sloan Memorial.
The Long and Winding Road to the Altar (Again)
April Kepner’s romantic life on Grey’s Anatomy was anything but simple. From her initial awkwardness to her passionate but ill-fated marriage with Jackson Avery, her journey to finding lasting love was filled with heartbreak and unexpected turns. The episode where she remarries Matthew Taylor is the culmination of a long-running storyline that began with a dramatically interrupted wedding years prior.
Revisiting the First Wedding
Remember April and Matthew’s first planned wedding? In Season 10, Episode 12, “Get Up, Stand Up,” April was all set to marry Matthew, her fiancé at the time. However, Jackson Avery, realizing his deep feelings for April, declared his love for her in the middle of the ceremony, leading April to impulsively run off with him. This created significant tension and heartache, leaving Matthew heartbroken and April grappling with the consequences of her actions.
Rekindling the Flame
Years later, after her divorce from Jackson and facing a personal crisis, April reconnects with Matthew. This reunion allows them to address the past and for April to finally find peace and closure. The episode focuses on their reconciliation and rediscovering their feelings for one another, setting the stage for their eventual marriage. It demonstrates April’s personal growth and her understanding of what she truly values in a relationship.
“All of Me”: A Celebration of Second Chances
The episode “All of Me” is emotionally charged, celebrating themes of forgiveness, second chances, and finding happiness after heartbreak. While the focus is on April and Matthew’s wedding, the episode also includes the storylines of other characters facing their own personal challenges and milestones.
The Wedding Ceremony
The wedding itself is a beautiful and intimate affair, surrounded by friends and loved ones. Unlike her first attempt to marry Matthew, this time there are no dramatic interruptions or sudden confessions of love from Jackson. The ceremony is a testament to the genuine connection April and Matthew have rebuilt and symbolizes a fresh start for both of them.
Beyond the Wedding: April’s Departure
While the wedding signifies a happy ending for April and Matthew, it also marks actress Sarah Drew’s exit from the show. The storyline cleverly integrates her departure by allowing her to leave Grey Sloan Memorial to pursue a life with Matthew and dedicate herself to helping the homeless.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into April and Matthew’s Story
Here are frequently asked questions about April Kepner and Matthew Taylor’s marriage and their relationship dynamics.
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Why did April leave Jackson for Matthew? April didn’t initially leave Jackson for Matthew. They were divorced long before April and Matthew rekindled their relationship. April’s departure from the show and her reunion with Matthew were intertwined in the storyline, but the primary motivation was not leaving Jackson. It was a combination of April finding personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose with Matthew that led to her leaving Seattle.
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How did Matthew react to April running away with Jackson at their first wedding? Matthew was, understandably, devastated. The event left him heartbroken and questioning the nature of their relationship. It took him a long time to heal and move on.
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What were the circumstances of April and Matthew reconnecting? They reconnected when April was going through a personal crisis of faith and struggling after her divorce from Jackson. Matthew’s wife had tragically passed away, and they found solace and understanding in each other’s shared experiences of loss and pain.
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Did Jackson attend April and Matthew’s wedding? Yes, Jackson attended the wedding. He showed up to support April and witness her happiness. He accepted their relationship and understood that their journey together had ended.
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How did Jackson feel about April remarrying Matthew? Initially, Jackson had mixed feelings. He was still grappling with his own feelings for April, and seeing her move on with someone else was difficult. However, he ultimately came to terms with their new reality and supported her decision. He realized that April deserved to be happy, even if it wasn’t with him.
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Did April and Matthew have children together? The show doesn’t explicitly show them having children together. The focus is on April dedicating her life to helping the homeless and building a life with Matthew.
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Was April’s departure from the show related to the actors’ personal lives? Sarah Drew’s departure from Grey’s Anatomy was a creative decision made by the showrunners and was not related to any personal issues.
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Why did the writers choose to bring Matthew back into April’s life? Bringing Matthew back provided closure to a storyline that had been left unresolved for years. It also allowed April to find a sense of peace and happiness after a period of intense personal struggles. It offered a satisfying ending for her character arc.
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How did fans react to April and Matthew getting married? Fan reactions were mixed. Some viewers were happy to see April find happiness, while others were disappointed that she didn’t end up with Jackson. The strong emotional investment in the characters meant varied reactions to the storyline’s conclusion.
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What was the symbolism of April and Matthew’s wedding? The wedding symbolizes second chances, forgiveness, and the possibility of finding love and happiness after experiencing loss and heartbreak. It underscores the idea that people can learn from their past mistakes and build meaningful relationships.
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Does April ever reappear in later seasons of Grey’s Anatomy after her marriage to Matthew? Yes, April returns in Season 17 as a recurring guest star, showing that she and Jackson have remained connected.
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Does Jackson leave Seattle to be with April after her return in Season 17? Yes, the storyline in Season 17 concludes with Jackson deciding to move to Boston to be with April and their daughter Harriet, signifying a reconciliation and a new chapter in their lives together. This follows after Jackson leaves a letter to April that states “I realized I’m not in love with someone new. I’m in love with you. I’ve been in love with you for years.” However, she is still married to Matthew. Although not outright stated, it is implied she has divorced Matthew to be with Jackson.
A Final Look Back
April Kepner’s journey on Grey’s Anatomy was filled with ups and downs, but her marriage to Matthew Taylor in “All of Me” offered a sense of closure and hope. It demonstrated the possibility of finding happiness after heartbreak and the importance of forgiveness. While her departure from the show was bittersweet for many fans, her storyline ultimately provided a satisfying resolution to her character arc. Her relationship with Matthew, however convoluted, ultimately served as a catalyst for her personal growth and ultimately, seemingly, a reconciliation with Jackson.