How fast can you wedding?

[bhskittykatt]

I was looking for just a normally crazy day on Friday since it was before a wedding, and was having such a day, when suddenly we had another wedding this weekend.

Due to wildfires out on the east side, a couple needed a sudden change in venue. Another hotel down in the city called us that couldn't accommodate them but was trying to help.

Fortunately it was a fairly small wedding (group of about 40) When I left, I had gotten them the last few guest rooms we had for the weekend, we had two spaces for them to check out when they come up Saturday to host their reception in and had booked their ceremony space, our Chef had their menu and was accommodating it pretty close to what they originally had planned, and we had found a baker for their cake and an officiant who cut them a pretty sweet last-minute deal when he heard their story. They were trying to figure out florists and music when I called it a night.

Not sure how grand they were originally planning, but I think it's still gonna work out to be a pretty nice wedding even though it's all last-minute! I won't be there this weekend but everything was falling into place and coming together when I left so I think we can pull it off.

(Though part of me still thinks they should have stuck it out and just pushed up their timeline to get some epic photos like this couple did.)

[KatherineB]

Yup, I was attending a wedding on Black Saturday in 2009 (the wedding is the one featured in the top photos in this article). The bad part was we couldn't escape because the roads were being closed behind them as the last few guests arrived. More dramatic photos here. Fully expected to die that day.

[Seshat]

Oh my god. Black Saturday was awful enough in Melbourne - and yes, I remember watching the CFA website and seeing the Kilmore fires marked there.

I'm glad you and the others got out. So many people did die that day. The fires moved so FAST!

[KatherineB]

Thanks. Yes, it was horrendous enough and yet we weren't in anything like the danger that other people were. I could at least go home once we were finally allowed out (and after we drove back from Healesville the day after the wedding) which so many people could never do again.

[dawnfire]

Oh my god. Black Saturday was awful enough in Melbourne - and yes, I remember watching the CFA website and seeing the Kilmore fires marked there.

I'm glad you and the others got out. So many people did die that day. The fires moved so FAST!

you know the fire was fast, when the CFA crew roared past our house say eff that we're out of here. hubby and the boys ( I was in a nearby town working) left there on their heels.

[KatherineB]

BTW, apologies to bhskitty for bringing the mood of your thread down! Not what I intended to do!

[Seshat]

you know the fire was fast, when the CFA crew roared past our house say eff that we're out of here.

Note for non-Aussies: CFA is Country Fire Authority. Volunteer firefighters who handle the firefighting duties for all parts of Victoria outside Metropolitan Melbourne (the only part of my state which has paid firefighters).
I was about to say 'professional' firefighters, but given what the CFA volunteers endure every few years, that would be an insult. The CFA is volunteer, but every bit as skilled in their vocation as the paid firefighters.
For the few of you who are curious enough to want more info, Country Fire Authority website.

[mhkohne]

Note for non-Aussies: CFA is Country Fire Authority. Volunteer firefighters who handle the firefighting duties for all parts of Victoria outside Metropolitan Melbourne (the only part of my state which has paid firefighters).
I was about to say 'professional' firefighters, but given what the CFA volunteers endure every few years, that would be an insult. The CFA is volunteer, but every bit as skilled in their vocation as the paid firefighters.
For the few of you who are curious enough to want more info, Country Fire Authority website.

In most places, 'volunteer' fire companies just means 'unpaid'. Almost no one is willing to let the untrained masses be their primary line of defense against fire and other destruction.