Hurricane Helene threw a wrench in the wedding plans of two couples scheduled to get married at Asheville’s historic Biltmore Estate on September 28, but the kindness of strangers saved the day.
It all started when people staying at the Inn on Biltmore Estate learned that fellow guests Jansen and Travis and Lori and Mitch were both there because they were supposed to be getting married that weekend.
As floodwaters rose Thursday into Friday, however, the inn was left without power, water, and cell service. It quickly became clear that family, guests, and vendors would not be able to reach the destination, and ultimately both weddings were canceled.
The heartbroken couples were part of a contingent of more than 100 guests told to shelter in place at the hotel. With nothing to do but play boardgames and chat, many guests began suggesting to the staff that they come together to plan back-to-back ceremonies for the couples.
“It wasn’t what they dreamed about, but after a few hours of thought, they both agreed,” one of the guests, Sarah McQuilkin, recalled to Southern Living.
Some guests set out to make wedding decorations, while others set up an aisle in the inn’s courtyard Saturday. McQuilkin said people picked flowers from the grounds for bouquets and the concierge even got ordained that very day to perform the nuptials.
Sarah McQuilkin/Moments by McQ
The couples walked down the impromptu aisle while McQuilkin, who happens to be a professional photographer, snapped photos on her phone. Another guest played the piano.
“We were running on generators,” McQuilkin said. “None of the rooms had power. They had extension cords to plug in curling irons. We were using the staff room to get ready. And nobody was showered…”
Sarah McQuilkin/Moments by McQ
But, all things considered, both ceremonies went off without a hitch.
“We were completely overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers, family, and friends,” Jansen, one of the brides, told Fox Carolina.
Sarah McQuilkin/Moments by McQ
The Biltmore remains closed due to the impact of the storm, which caused “significant flooding and damage.
“It’s heartbreaking,” McQuilkin said. “But seeing people do something like this in this situation… It’s just a beautiful coming together of strangers and community.”
