Biltmore staff, guests throw impromptu wedding for couple stranded by Hurricane Helene
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WHNS/Gray News) - A couple had to cancel their dream wedding because of Hurricane Helene - but staff and guests at a famed North Carolina estate were still able to help them celebrate their special day.
For more than a year, Jansen and Travis Putnam planned to get married at the Biltmore Estates on Sept. 28. Over 170 of their loved ones across the U.S. booked tickets and planned trips to attend. But their plans took an unexpected turn.
Heavy rain from Helene began moving in on Sept. 26. No one could come in or out of the estate due to rising floodwater and downed trees. Travis and Jansen sheltered in place at their hotel, the Inn on Biltmore Estate.
On Friday, when they were supposed to be enjoying pre-wedding events, they lost power, cell reception and running water. Their guests who were staying in Biltmore Village were forced to evacuate.
With outages obstructing most forms of communication, Travis and Jansen spent Friday and Saturday trying to reach their loved ones to make sure they were safe and tell them their wedding events were canceled.
The hurricane didn’t stop them from getting married, though.
When other guests in the hotel heard about the canceled wedding, they made decorations and rearranged the inn’s courtyard to form an aisle. A staff member, who Jansen said went out of her way to get ordained in case the weather took a turn, got ready to perform the ceremony.
A professional photographer staying at the hotel used her iPhone to take pictures of the happy couple, and their first dance was to piano music played by another guest.
“We were completely overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers, family and friends,” Jansen Putnam said.
When they were able to safely leave the estate, the couple was devastated to see the destruction from Helene in the Asheville area.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Helene,” Jansen Putnam said. “Please consider supporting this area as they work to rebuild homes, businesses and life itself.”
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