23 year old Meredith and 26 year old Joshua Diedrich were planning to be married at The Lodge at Three Notch’d Brewery in Charlottesville VA on Saturday November 16th. That morning Meredith received 2 calls. The first from the lady who was doing her hair and makeup for the wedding saying she had just been admitted to the hospital for pregnancy related issues. Wow! But not the end of the world. "We could get my best friend to do it I thought". But that call was quickly followed by another from the manager of the Lodge.
"I couldn't comprehend the words she was saying. Their was an electrical situation and the Lodge burned to the ground this morning. There's nothing left". The wedding is in 5 hours! "My bridesmaids had stayed overnight with me, so I called them into the room and told them what had happened. We all were in shock for a few minutes, then started to laugh. What else is there to do but laugh it off?'"
Meredith's sister Hannah recorded her calling her fiance to explain the situation and then posted that to TikTok. A lot of comments came in saying the Universe was sending her a sign! But Meredith ignored those and paid attention to those encouraging her and even some offering to help.
Someone suggested they could do a wedding today at Blue Cider Farm if the guests set everything up. They had to call all the guests and let them know the development and new location. That's when folks in the community started asking what they needed. Within an hour or so folks with chairs and tables began arriving. They dubbed this the beauty from ashes wedding!
Meredith says "Despite the challenges, it became a day that reflected who we are as a couple: adaptable, full of love, and surrounded by our amazing support system. The weather was absolutely beautiful, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting, where everyone felt at ease and connected. I felt the whole event brought everyone so much closer together, and this will be quite the story to tell our future kids one day."