Only On 2: Video Shows Wildfire Interrupting Couple's Wedding Reception
CALABASAS (CBSLA.com) — The vows talk about sickness and health and richer or poorer -- they don't say anything about what to do when you're in the middle of your wedding reception and the entire party is told to evacuate.
That very thing happened to a couple married Saturday. And during their reception, the Old Fire literally got in the way.
It's a story that is Only On 2.
It's suppose to be the most magical day. But after this couple from Long Beach said their "I do's" the next thing they literally heard was "get out."
Cellphone video captured the chaotic scene when Saturday's Calabasas wildfire was coming straight into their path.
"We're trying to get out," said one guest.
"At first we kind of went into a panic and chaos....everyone, of course, was fearful right away about a fire and what that implication was for that," said wedding coordinator Kelly Hancock.
The wedding was held at the Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga.
Ffty guests were told to evacuate. No real time to pack up the decorations, food, or DJ.
The bride and groom had to leave their wedding as the fire neared.
"I saw it up on the hillside and I could see the smoke and it was heading our direction and I mostly just cared about helping everybody evacuate," said DJ and emcee Scott Christopher of Good Times Entertainment.
Christopher said he tried to keep everyone calm.
The wedding coordinator sprung into action and had everyone from guests to the restaurant staff pack their cars and head about 15 minutes away to Topanga Beach.
The wedding party continued on -- in the parking lot.
The couple did get to have their first dance and later they got to cut their cake.
The bride -- Laura Ullmer -- sent Hopper a statement saying, "It was so crazy but so moving to have everybody we love help us still make it happen."
"Their friends and family will remember this for the rest of their lives. This is one that's going down in the history books," said Hancock.