—by Emily Carpenter

A couple of years ago, I was hired to perform during a wedding ceremony. It was a stunning venue with elaborate flower arrangements and a beautiful candelabra hanging from the ceiling. There were flower petals and candles lining the aisle—it was altogether gorgeous. The red roses and the ambiance of the bright, glowing candles created the perfect romantic setting.

When it came time for the bridal procession, I played “Canon in D” (of course), and the bride entered. There were gasps and hushed whispers as she proceeded down the aisle. I remember smiling at the sweet thought of family and friends being awed at the sight of her. But as she reached the wedding arch, the gasps turned into shrieks and shouts. The bride’s dress had caught on fire from the candles in the aisle!

The best man took off his jacket and proceeded to hit the bride’s dress repeatedly, as she screamed. The bridesmaids tried frantically to help put out the fire, but kept their distance from the flames. The mother of the bride looked as if she might faint, while her husband suppressed his laughs. All the while I continued to play, a now very dramatic, “Canon in D.” (Maybe a more appropriate selection would have been Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire.”)

The flames were eventually put out, and thankfully no one was hurt. The ceremony continued shortly after the bride collected herself and her slightly singed dress. •