Disaster Turned Fairytale Wedding Event

The Wilshire Grand Hotel and Anderson Cooper show helped Matthew and Shea Bailey celebrate the wedding of their dreams, after Hurricane Irene abruptly cancelled their original plans to be married last year.

The Baileys were scheduled to have their Asbury Park, NJ beach wedding on August 27, 2011 when New Jersey Governor Chris Christie advised the community to get off the beach because of the oncoming storm. The sudden cancellation urged the couple to marry at their rehearsal wedding dinner with the few guests that could attend, instead of the originally planned 200.

The couple was invited on the Anderson show, for what they thought was a wedding disaster segment to share their dreadful experience and the importance of protecting yourself with wedding insurance, something they were previously unaware of. To their surprise, the show teamed up with The Wilshire Grand Hotel to give the Baileys a second chance at having the weddingthey deserve.

“We thought we were going on the show to explain to other brides that although you can’t predict something like this, there are ways you can prepare by reading through your contracts and getting wedding insurance,” said Shea Bailey.

The Bailey’s wedding party From left: Ryan Braswell (groomsmen), Ryan Brown (ring bearer), Jason Cardamoni (groomsmen), Rich Ashkar (best man), Matt Bailey (groom), Shea Bailey (bride), Sarah Cestero (Maid of Honor), Nicole Bailey (bridesmaid), Ashtyn Ackermann (flower girl), Tierney Brown (bridesmaid)

One year later, The Wilshire Grand Hotel worked with Shea and Matt to re-plan their wedding and make it the magical evening they imagined. The bridal party re-wore their original attire and stuck with their beach-inspired theme. The hotel decorated the rooms with lavish floral arrangements, ice sculptures and tropical drinks while their 150 guests enjoyed a lush cocktail hour and music from steel drum player, Mustafa Alexander. Following was a three-course dinner, DJ and dancing. With fake sounds of thunder and flashes of lighting, the Baileys were re-introduced to the party as man and wife as friends and family playfully held up umbrellas to celebrate the deserving couple. The hotel also accommodated the couple with 10 rooms for their family and friends.

Matthew and Shea Bailey being announced as husband and wife

The Bailey’s and The Wilshire Grand Hotel General Manager, Ed Reagoso (center)

Our heart just went out to the couple whose day was clearly ruined by extreme unexpected weather.” said hotel manager Ed Reagoso. “I personally felt the need to do the right thing in an effort to give back. This great couple whose planned event became a weather related catastrophe prevented any hope for a great wedding memory.  I believe we have recreated that memory with a new one for the couple, their family and their friends!”

Shea and Matthew Bailey thanking The Anderson Cooper Show and The Wilshire Grand Hotel

After suffering through a bride’s worst nightmare, the Baileys finally got their chance at a fairytale wedding. “We can’t believe this is our life,” said the Baileys. “It was so nice to be able to celebrate with everyone that was supposed to come.”