CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Haydn Heck and Haley Furguson, who grew up In the Charlotte area, spent a year planning their dream wedding in the western North Carolina mountains near Asheville. It all fell apart in a matter of hours when Helene hit.
“It’s been pure chaos calling everyone," Furguson said. "We couldn’t even get in contact with our vendors. Our venue was ruined. There’s landslides happening at the venue.”
Furguson worried about all the people impacted by the catastrophic flooding and damaging winds while also trying to figure out how to salvage her wedding and care for all of the friends and family flying in for the big day.
Over the following days, they had to plan a whole new wedding in Charlotte, but it succeeded mostly to the generosity of strangers.
“Everyone’s been so helpful," Heck shared. "It’s crazy how nice people have been. They’ve been lovely and so helpful."
Lindsay Anvik owns Babe and Butcher, a popular cheese shop and catering company that often works on weddings and events. Anvik posted on Instagram, offering to help couples just like Haydn and Haley.
”We’ve all come together as vendors in Charlotte to try to help each other with whatever anyone else needs to help pull some of these weddings off," Anvik explained.
She heard from over 50 couples and is working with other area businesses doing what they all can to help them all.
“It’s the best part about Charlotte, when something goes wrong, everyone pulls together, especially small businesses to help," Anvik said.
Heck and Furguson have been stunned at the response.
“It’s been chaos and anxiety for sure, but now relieved and grateful so many people reached out to help us," Heck said.
“I feel very grateful and loved by strangers," Furguson added. "It just makes you feel very appreciative that, in the darkest times right now, it's nice to know people want to help.”
The couple said almost all of their guests are able to make the wedding on Saturday in Charlotte.
For those who want to help, WCNC Charlotte has partnered with the American Red Cross to help gather donations to go to efforts that will help people impacted by Helene and with the nonprofit Operation Airdrop to get much-needed supplies to the mountain counties. Here's how you can help people impacted by Helene.
Contact Michelle Boudin at mboudin@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.