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Dress by Kyumi, belt by BCBG Maxazria, heels (not pictured) by Cole Haan.

Photo Credit: Josh Newton

Waking up this morning, I had no idea the turn of events that was to come later that day. What started out as a relaxing day in the sun ended up bringing excitement, heartbreak, joy, and laughter.

Laying out in the sun with DJ's mom, we played catch up while DJ washed his mom's car. It was a beautiful clear day, the blue jays chirping from a nearby bush, the three of us soaking up the vitamin D, and each sipping on a glass of rose wine. Amidst our time of leisure DJ noticed smoke in the far off distance, surprised there was a forest fire this early in the year. We shrugged it off, proceeded to get ready for Mike and April's wedding and headed out the door. As we were driving we realized we were driving directly towards the fire, getting closer and closer to the billowing smoke. As we drove by cows and horses in the fields - oblivious of the fire - towards the ranch, our level of worry increased by the minute. When we arrived, things seemed to be going smoothly and moving forward though the clouds of smoke were too close for comfort and were beginning to barricade the sun from our view.

After grabbing a fresh glass of lemonade, we all got seated, anxiously awaiting the ceremony to begin. The music began to play softly in the background while family was ushered in, and finally Mike, the groom, stepped on stage with his groomsman close behind. Soon to follow were each of the bridesmaids, each in a unique gold dress. The aisle lined with flower-filled mason jars and just previously sprinkled with rose petals, the only person still to come was one of the most important; the bride. Just at that moment, we heard the evacuation sirens indicating that because of the forest fire, everyone had to evacuate. With April, the bride, standing just outside of the ranch house, the fire marshall pulled up and approached her in his yellow fire suit. (I had to pinch myself - this felt like a movie...)

The whole congregation held their breath as well as held back tears in fear of what was about to come. This was Mike and April's biggest day of their lives, and it was about to be cut short due to an unexplained forest fire. Soon after, April's dad stepped on the stage to deliver the news, but too heartbroken and choked up to do it, the wedding coordinator was able to run down to explain that we would be evacuating the wedding and relocating to a local park in Bend. Every little detail of this wedding was perfect from decor to the view, and it was devastating to hear those words...until...another woman who was assisting with the wedding yelled from up the hill in thrilled excitement, "He's going to let us do the wedding!!" All of the attendees erupted in cheers of relief, took a deep breath, and we stood to see the beautiful, composed bride walk down the aisle, soaking in what precious time she had at her dream venue marrying the man she loves with her closest family and friends by her side.

Though this was not the most leisurely wedding ceremony (maybe a good thing!), it was still one of the most beautiful, authentic ceremonies I've ever been to. After announcing them husband and wife, and sending them down the aisle, the pastor announced that it was time to evacuate. It was then a team effort to grab whatever we could - flowers, lanterns, drinks, food, picture frames, centerpieces - shove it in any vehicle and relocate to Bend's Drake Park.

Upon arrival, the amphitheater was unoccupied, ready to use, the electrical outlet was on and accessible, ready for the DJ to mix it up, and one hundred pairs of hands began frantically reassembling and decorating the new reception space to the best of their ability. Instead of using our streamers to send Mike and April off, we passed them out to make a welcoming tunnel into their 'new & improved' reception space as they arrived.

After indulging in food and drink, attempting a pathetic game of corn hole, dancing like crazy on the amphitheater stage, and pictures galore, the sun finally set behind the clouds of smoke. Though they started as the enemy, the smoke and forest fire ended up turning a great wedding into the most epic wedding of the century. If anyone can keep their composure during an emotional roller coaster on a day like today, it's Mike and April. And I think that's a testament to their relationship and the success they will have for years to come.

Cheers to Mike and April - May your life bring you joy and may your marriage bring you closer than you already are, and may each year become that much sweeter.

~Jennica