Couple’s First Dance Turns Into Magical Moment In Basement After Power Goes Out
Wedding took a wild turn when a tornado struck.
Weddings are meant to be unique, and couples usually spend a lot of time planning every detail. But sometimes, things happen that no one can predict. This was precisely what happened to Sarah and Alex Schilke on their wedding day in June 2024 when a tornado hit the area.
The couple, both 26 years old, had just married outdoors in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. They managed to take some family photos before the sky started to look threatening.
Soon after, the DJ at their reception announced that a tornado watch was in effect. At first, no one seemed too worried, but then an emergency alert on their phones confirmed that a tornado had touched down nearby.
The staff at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, where the wedding was held, quickly directed everyone to the basement for safety. At first, people were still in good spirits, chatting and trying to make the best of the situation. But when the power went out, things got a bit chaotic. Even in the dark, Sarah and Alex tried to keep everyone calm and entertained.
While in the basement, a group of strangers there for a family reunion noticed that Sarah and Alex hadn’t had their first dance yet. They offered to help make it happen.
One of the reunion guests, Jack Jones, was a talented musician who offered to sing and play guitar for them. Despite the unusual circumstances, Sarah and Alex had their first dance to Ed Sheeran’s song "Perfect," surrounded by the soft glow of their guests' phone lights.
The scene was beautiful, almost like they were dancing under the stars. Sarah later said it felt like they were in their little world, just the two of them, even though the room was full of people. It was a moment of pure emotion, and she was grateful for everyone’s kindness.
After the dance, the tornado warning was lifted, and everyone could go back upstairs. However, the power was still out. But that didn’t stop the celebration.
The DJ set up 35 battery-powered lights, and the music continued through a Bluetooth speaker. It wasn’t the reception anyone had planned for, but it was a night to remember.
Sarah reflected on the experience, saying that what mattered was having her husband, family, and friends by her side. The unexpected twist made their wedding even more memorable. Instead of worrying about what went wrong, they embraced the moment and ended up with a story they’ll never forget.
Sarah and Alex Schilke shared their first dance as a married couple in the basement of their wedding venue, finding a memorable moment amid a tornado warning.
Sarah Schilke[ADVERTISEMENT]
The couple initially worried about their guests but soon found a way to make the most of the situation.
Sarah Schilke[ADVERTISEMENT]
A guest attending a family reunion in a nearby ballroom sang for the couple in the basement.
Sarah Schilke[ADVERTISEMENT]
Watch the video
[ADVERTISEMENT]
A tornado warning issued in the Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, area forced a couple to take shelter during their wedding reception.
Sarah Schilke; iStock[ADVERTISEMENT]
Sarah and Alex’s wedding shows how sometimes the best memories come from unexpected moments. While they didn’t plan for a tornado or losing power, those surprises turned their day into something special.
Instead of a perfect, traditional wedding, they had a unique experience filled with love and support from everyone around them. Their first dance, lit by phone lights and accompanied by a stranger’s guitar, became the night's highlight.
Damjan
