Community Rallies to Save Couple’s Special Day Amidst Blizzard
A Hallmark Movie Come to Life
It was a winter wedding that will be remembered for a lifetime. The extreme snowfall almost wiped out the plans of a local couple, but dedicated vendors and community members of Ripley, New York, came together to save their special day.
The Wedding That Almost Didn’t Happen
Alli and Braden Hanlon had the perfect ceremony organized, but what wasn’t planned was multiple feet of lake-effect snow dropping into the region. This caused nearly all of their vendors to cancel, including the venue. The wedding party transformed their Airbnb into the perfect makeshift location for a wedding.
Community Steps In
The Hanlons’ groomsmen went door to door in Ripley, New York, to get a snow blower, while the couple’s brother, his wife, and brother-in-law happened to go to a diner in the morning. After a short conversation with the owners, the Hanlons had last-minute catering.
Diner Owners Step Up
The owners of Meeder’s Diner, Bob and Heila Bently, kept their dining room open as they prepared the roast ham, stuffed potatoes, salad bar, and more. "It was a lot of fun for the two of us because they needed the help. And at a certain point, it became about them, not about the food," said Bob Bently.
Florist Delivers
One of the vendors that did come through was the florist, Sara Szustak from Allburn Florist. Despite complications along the way, she was still able to make the couple’s day that much brighter. "We really care about our brides here at Allburns, and if we can make it, absolutely we’re going to try to," Szustak said.
Conclusion
The Hanlons are forever grateful to the community that came together to save their special day. "I think it goes to show that if you surround yourself with good people, some amazing things will happen," said Braden Hanlon. The couple’s winter wedding was a testament to the power of community and the importance of never giving up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did the couple’s wedding plans get affected by the blizzard?
A: The couple’s wedding plans were severely affected by the blizzard, with nearly all of their vendors canceling, including the venue.
Q: How did the community come together to help the couple?
A: The community came together to help the couple by providing last-minute catering, floristry, and other essential services.
Q: What was the reaction of the couple to the community’s efforts?
A: The couple was overwhelmed with gratitude for the community’s efforts, saying that they were "forever grateful" and that it was a "testament to the power of community."
