The Hurricane Wedding

Abha and Pedro were living in different countries when they were planning their wedding, and had family flying in from all over the world. 

We spent months helping them plan their service— two ceremonies (one Catholic, one Buddhist), two cocktail receptions, dinner and dancing under a tent at Woodlawn Manor, in Sandy Spring, MD. Plans were finalized for their wedding day of August 28th, 2011.

The weather had been making plans, as well. It's said a little rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck.

Does the same apply to a hurricane?

Just days before the wedding, frantic emails were being exchanged discussing the path of Hurricane Irene, which was set to make landfall that weekend, and would be overhead on the day of the wedding.

photo: https://research.fit.edu/whirl/post-storm-damage

With months of planning and international travel plans made, the wedding could hardly be postponed. After serious discussion, the decision was made to proceed, and to make the best of the situation.

Rain fell throughout the morning and afternoon, as the couple said their vows under umbrellas.

As the party moved to the outdoor tent for dinner, the storm worsened.

Outside, the winds raged. Torrential rain pelted the walls, and mud caked the ground.

Inside the tent, lights flickered as the guests ate, and the happy couple sliced their cake. They knew the storm might overwhelm them, but still they celebrated.

When the lights went out and the music died, the family was not deterred. Rather than flee, they lit candles, raising their voices in song. 

Without power, there was no chance for cleanup that night. TWP staff returned the next day to find the heavy hotboxes in the kitchen tent pushed over by the winds, and mud and debris everywhere.

Fortunately, no staff or guests were hurt, and no equipment suffered significant damage. We cleaned up as with any party, and now, over a decade later, The Hurricane Wedding remains our proudest moment.