Last weekend our huge family gathered together as the first of our children, got married. Hunter and Sarah Ann are very young but have been together for 6 years. We have watched them mature in their relationship and have all the tools for a happy marriage. There was no stopping this wedding and their happiness was contagious.

Tim and I hosted the rehearsal and granted my son his wish for a nice sit-down dinner so that our families could meet. It was a challenge because with blended families we had a huge crowd of 100. We decided to have everyone wear name tags so that it would make it easier to figure out who is who.

We complimented it with a very detailed speech to introduce everyone. I first started by introducing our son, to the bride’s family. I started by explaining why I named him John Hunter: John after my dad, grandfather, and Hunter after my great uncle.

My grandfather, Jack and my great Uncles Hunter & Bevan have all passed. However, as adults, they were legendary for setting off firecrackers such as M80s at weddings and funerals. Perhaps at that moment I unknowingly called them down for the weekend and I will paint the picture of what happened the next day.

I wake up to get my hair done, everything was on schedule and my makeup person had a freak accident, and she had to go to the emergency room. I immediately called the bride and she was able to fit me in to have my makeup done with the bridal party.

I rushed over to the venue and waited patiently for my turn. As I sat there I remembered that at one time this was a funeral home and when the lights kept flickering I joked about the family that had passed were sending us a signal.

The time flew by and we had to relocate so that the bride could get ready. I was finally getting my turn with the makeup artist and she did an amazing job, everything was perfect!

Tim arrived and we pinned on flowers. Some guests sneaked in to get a reprieve from the heat and enjoy the AC. The bride was in the back, and the groom was in the ballroom. It was very hustle and bustle as we tried to sneak in a few photos.

10 minutes before we were to line up for our wedding processional, we heard a loud explosion. I looked outside and saw smoke as well as paper particles floating above the garden seats. The fans stopped working and the power was off. Someone ran out of the kitchen in search of a fire extinguisher.

Suddenly fire trucks showed up! The wedding director said there was no fire and they had to come out of precaution. Since my oldest son Michael is a Fire Chief, some thought he was pulling a prank. However, in contrast he knew enough to be concerned for Sarah Ann’s safety as she was in a room with no windows.

Meanwhile, we now have a problem as there is no power. The DJ was very inventive, found 14 extension cords and connected to the neighbor’s house. He was able to play the music for the wedding ceremony. The only thing we were missing was the fans.

Next up we get the kids married as planned, have our photos done and it’s time for the reception. The DJ relocated to the ballroom where he introduces the wedding party and we roll into the first dances.

During the day the venue had dropped the temperature to ballroom very low to accommodate the 200 people. As a result, there was a condensation puddle on the floor. Michael hit that puddle and knocked a glass of red wine as well as a bottle of beer near the bride. He came up with ninja moves and diverted the huge splash of liquid on to his dad who was standing nearby. The bride was saved! This act of heroism reminded her she better locate her wine glass with a lid if she continued to drink red wine!

Next up they had the traditional bouquet and garter toss. The sun was slowly starting to set and we were still praying for the power to be restored. We were called for the cutting of the cake and as we gathered to the interior room everyone grabbed their cell phones to shine the light for the photographer to get some good photos.

Just as the bride and groom were cutting into the cake, a miracle happened, the POWER WAS RESTORED! The celebration could continue, we had AC we had dancing we had light!

Not everyone believes in the afterlife, and that’s okay. I miss my loved ones and it comforts me to think they were with us in spirit. As much as they tried to derail us with their pranks, the love was so strong there was nothing that would stop this wedding!

Congratulations to Hunter and Sarah Ann Bunch June 16, 2018. A wedding to always be remembered and a wink from the Hogan boys!