COVID-19 has put on damper on many things, including weddings. But what happens when your soon-to-be husband gets sick and he needs to miss your big day? You could postpone, but what about all the vendors and guests? 

One bride and groom had to answer this very question. After postponing their wedding twice due to the pandemic, Christine and Gannon Karmire were hoping to finally say their “I dos” in November 2021. Unfortunately, the wedding couple had one more obstacle to overcome while attempting to make it down the aisle. 

As the big day rolled around, Gannon woke up feeling sick but was hoping that it would soon pass. Unfortunately, the groom was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with severe food poisoning, leading to a very important question – what happens now? 

“We hoped I would only be gone for a couple hours, as the ceremony was scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Ultimately we thought we could attempt to have the ceremony late evening if I was able to get back in time,” Gannon told TODAY.

Things didn‘t go as planned and the groom had to be sedated to help fight off his illness. With a quick-thinking bride at the helm, she opted to cancel the ceremony portion of the day, but with dinner already planned and paid for, the thought of letting things go to waste was not an option. 

Thankfully, the venue owner came to the rescue with a brilliant idea – continue with the festivities, but include Gannon in the most memorable way possible. The idea for “Stick Gannon” was born, put together by a rolling steamer with pool cues, dressed in his finest suit and an iPad with Gannon‘s picture displayed at the top – ah, perfection. 

“He thought it would be good comic relief for everyone in attendance if I made a traditional reception entrance with ‘Stick Gannon.’ It was meant to lighten the mood and encourage people to enjoy both the company gathered and the already prepared dinner,” Christine said.

As you can imagine, the guests loved stick Gannon and had tons of fun dancing and posing with him. While there was plenty of fun to be had, the bride received updates from her brother who was stationed outside of the hospital. 

Thankfully, Gannon made a minor recovery on the day, making his way from the hospital to be reunited with his bride with a brief 15- to 20-minute appearance. 

“I actually didn’t want anyone to see me as I was still very out it from the meds they gave me. When you arrive and start hearing your name chanted by 100-plus people, you can’t exactly not go see everyone,” he explained. “Once I was there, it was a great feeling seeing the love and support everyone has for us.

The couple eventually had the chance to finally say their “I dos” in an intimate ceremony. 

Pictures: Bri Hines Photography