In 829, Theophilos succeeded to the throne. He was sixteen years old and unmarried. The following year his stepmother, Euphrosyne, proclaimed a bride-show. Potential brides from every theme travelled from their homelands to Constantinople, Theodora among them. The poet Kassia was said to have taken part. The bride-show took place in May 830, and Theodora was chosen to become empress, probably by Euphrosyne. The marriage took place on 5 June 830, in Hagia Sophia. Empress Euphrosyne soon retired to a convent and Theodora remained the only augusta.