It’s a couple’s worst nightmare, finding out their wedding venue has no power just days before the big day.
After destructive storms swept through the area, trees blocked roadways and side streets throughout the Frontier neighborhood, including the road leading to the Erie Yacht Club.
The Yacht Club was scheduled to host three weddings last weekend, but after the storm left the venue without power, the couples had to make other arrangements, including Melissa and Jared Gallagher.
The couple was still able to hold their wedding ceremony outdoors, but without power, they couldn’t have their reception inside the Erie Yacht Club.
The venue worked with other locations in the area to find new accommodations for the couples. For the Gallaghers, that meant moving their reception to the Lawrence Park Golf Club.
Despite the last-minute changes, the newlyweds said they were blown away by the support they received from the community.
“It definitely showed how much the Erie community can come together and how much everyone is willing to help,” Melissa Gallagher said.
She went onto say that the Erie Yacht Club went above and beyond to make sure their wedding could still happen.
“The Erie Yacht Club did a fantastic job moving everything. They had to get all new food, everything was spoiled. They even had to go down to taking their own glasses to Lawrence Park Golf Club, so basically it was all Yacht Club just in a different location,” said Melissa Gallagher.
For the newlyweds, the experience also showed them how well they can adapt when things don’t go according to plan.
“I feel like it showed we are able to adapt very easily because we have had issues in the past where we have had to change last minute and we have grown a lot together to be able to make those changes, and I feel like Melissa handled it very well and I was impressed,” Jared Gallagher said.
Melissa said the experience reminded her of what really matters on a wedding day.
“You know that there is a community who is willing to help you, whether it’s the actual Erie community or friends and family, just to know that everyone is there to help you and not stress about it and know whatever the situation is, it will still be beautiful no matter what and everyone is there to help you,” Melissa Gallagher said.
After weathering the storm and navigating a last-minute venue change, Melissa and Jared said they’re confident they can handle whatever comes their way.
Their biggest piece of advice for other couples getting married? Don’t sweat the small stuff.