- A Knysna couple got married at Melomed Tokai hospital.
- They decided to bring forward the date of their wedding to accommodate the father of the bride, who was recently diagnosed with leukaemia.
- The wedding was put together in just four days.
When Ashley Aucamp dreamed of her wedding day as a little girl, it didn't involve hospital wards or her father in a wheelchair. But even though the bride tied the knot in a hastily put together ceremony at Melomed Tokai hospital, she didn't hesitate to describe it as perfect.
Ashley, 25, and Louis Aucamp, 27, from Knysna, married on Tuesday in ceremony that was a first for the hospital.
The couple was supposed to have their wedding last year, but it was postponed due to the Covid-19 lockdown. They had been planning a ceremony for September, but when Ashley's father was diagnosed with leukaemia a few weeks ago, they decided to get married sooner.
Ashley wanted her father to walk her down the aisle before he started treatment and experienced side effects.
The newlywed said:
Melomed group marketing manager Shameema Adams said the hospital received the request from the family on Thursday and immediately reviewed it and considered whether they could assist.
"Once the treating doctor provided approval for the patient (who is the father of the bride) to attend, we then identified a suitable waiting area in the hospital to accommodate the ceremony – making sure all strict safety and precautionary measures were put in place."
And while it takes most brides months to plan a wedding, with the help of family, Ashley’s was arranged in just a few days.
'It was the best day'
"Our family helped us put the wedding together. They took over and I just had to arrive," she said.
The waiting area was converted into a beautifully decorated area with a wedding cake and snacks.
"It was certainly a very special day at Melomed Tokai hospital as we hosted our first wedding at this hospital, and we wanted to grant the couple their wish. The family were extremely overwhelmed by the gesture and for the hospital accommodating the request," said Adams.
"It was such a blessing and tribute to host the celebration of a union at a place of healing and hope. While we take care of the patient in hospital and offer the best medical care, we also wish the couple a blessed, happy marriage."
Ashley's father, who was initially apprehensive about the hospital wedding, soon got into the spirit of things and dressed up to escort his daughter down the aisle in her white ballgown.
Ashley said:
But even that did not put a damper on the festivities.
"It was everything we ever wanted. Everyone was amazing. It was the best day," she added.