A wedding day is one of the most special days, a dream come true for many brides-to-be.
For Caitlynn Mores, July 29 was to have been her special day to remember, the day she was to marry the love of her life.
But the 25-year-old and her husband to be, Riley Westwick, were evacuated from their home in Williams Lake, along with thousands of others who had to leave everything behind because of spreading wildfire, making Prince George their temporary home.
"I remember sitting there on the couch listening to the radio and we heard the order to go. We had to leave," Mores said.
The couple grabbed what belongings they could but all their plans for a dream wedding at Elysia Resort on Quesnel Lake were left behind.
"We had everything planned and mostly paid for including vests for the groomsmen, bridesmaid dresses, flowers, cabins and tents. It was so unfortunate that we had to cancel," Mores said.
"When we were evacuated, my wedding didn't come to mind at first.
"It was all about my 10-year-old stepdaughter, Jennifer, and our three year old son, Cooper. I just wanted to bring their toys, the things that were special to them and hope for the best."
But there was one special item that Mores could not leave behind, something she held very close to her heart, just in case.
"I did bring my wedding dress. I figured it might still happen and if we couldn't get married, I would donate it to someone more in need. I wouldn't even think twice about it," Mores said.
But the couple decided to go ahead with a wedding in Prince George, despite what odds were against them.
"We thought we have our children and we will not let being evacuated stop us. So we figured we will make it happen one way or another," she said.
The couple, who are expecting their third child in December, will be celebrating their big day at Grace Anglican Church on their original planned date on July 29 with 25 close family members including parents, grandparents, great grand parents, uncles and friends.
"So far, nothing has been affected back home. That's all we know and we are always watching for updates," Mores said.
"We are just fortunate to have a place to stay. Everyone has been so wonderful," she said.
"The people in Prince George are so generous and have shown us such support."
To help make the couple's dream come true, various local businesses and organizations are thrilled to share in their special day.
The Coast Inn of the North is donating a suite with brunch, Princess Flowers is offering flowers for the wedding, the Ramada has donated the use of the Skylight Room for the reception and Tangena Edmunds is providing photography.
The Peppertree, Costo and the Spa of the North have also made donations and Darrel Hubbell is making a ring for the bride-to-be.
Her ring is currently locked at a local jeweller in Williams Lake.
"I think our wedding day will be three times as better because of all of this and we can show our kids that through the tough times, there is always a silver lining," Mores said.
"If a couple can make it through the hard times, it shows you can make it through anything."
For anyone wishing to donate to the couple's special day, email lauren aldred@northernhealth.ca.
