This story was originally published by Augusta Good News.
With white fluffy clouds dotting a bright, blue sunshine-filled sky and a light breeze blowing on the Crowne Plaza North Augusta’s rooftop, it was the perfect setting for a fall wedding.
In a bilingual afternoon ceremony on Sept. 28, Alexandra Sotelo and Jack Fair promised to love and honor each other during “whatever life may throw at you both.” Before they said “I do” in Spanish and English, the couple had already overcome multiple challenges just to have a wedding – thanks to Hurricane Helene.
Fair said he didn’t think much about the predictions of a hurricane hitting the area and potentially disrupting their wedding plans.
“I never imagined this. Every time a hurricane comes, it’s like my patio chair falls over, but this — not so much,” he said.
About 10 members of the bride’s family traveled from Peru, and a tree fell on the Airbnb where they were staying. Other friends drove 15 hours from Texas to witness the wedding. Postponing it was not an option.
But their original venue was impacted by the hurricane.
“We were trying to get it to work, still trying to get it to work [the night before],” he said.
They had to cancel the rehearsal dinner and even took to social media to find suggestions for a venue. Fair’s sister and brother-in-law were staying at the Crowne Plaza and asked about the possibility of using it for the wedding.
“We were sold out in anticipation of Ironman,” said Jeannine Steinkuhl, director of sales and marketing. The annual triathlon was ultimately canceled.
Friday was crazy as phone calls came in one after the other, she said. The hotel was without power.
But Steinkuhl said the staff wanted to make the wedding happen for the happy couple. Around 8:30 Saturday morning, power was restored bringing a ray of sunshine early in the day. Everything else fell together.
Charmain Z. Brackett/Augusta Good News
Charmain Z. Brackett/Augusta Good News
“Wife Saver agreed to do the catering. We had a DJ agree. We’re just winging everything,” said Fair.
The local Publix couldn’t make the cake so the groom’s 82-year-old aunt brought one from Athens.
“Yesterday was very, very stressful. I’m just thrilled this is happening,” said Fair.
Augusta Good News
Augusta Good News
MEET OUR PARTNER
Today’s story comes from Augusta Good News, which highlights good things nonprofits are doing in Augusta, Georgia. Visit them at AugustaGoodNews.com and sign up for their newsletter.
If you have any feedback or questions about our partnerships, you can contact Senior Manager of Partnerships Nicole Williams via email at nicole.williams@ajc.com.
About the Author
