When Alex Schilke proposed to Sarah Hipke in May 2022 under a tornado watch in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, little did they know that tornadoes would become a theme in their love story. Both Wisconsin natives with limited experience of severe weather, the couple found themselves facing another storm on their wedding day this June, creating a memorable tale that would capture many hearts.
Wedding Day Woes
When the Schilkes’ carefully planned outdoor ceremony at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa in Lake Geneva faced the looming threat of ominous weather predictions, Alex decided to stay optimistic. “Let’s risk it,” he told the staff. “I got a good feeling there’s gonna be a gap in the rain.” His intuition proved correct as the morning showers cleared just in time for the ceremony.
Interrupted Reception
But just as dinner was served at the reception, the storm returned with a vengeance. The DJ informed the couple of a tornado warning, prompting Sarah and Alex to usher their guests into the basement for safety. They were not alone; at least two other wedding parties also sought shelter there, adding to the chaos. The power had gone out, leaving the guests scattered and disoriented.
A Magical First Dance
Amid the confusion, a member of the Gordon family—another party of guests who were enjoying a family reunion—noticed Sarah in her wedding dress and inquired about their first dance. Then, singer Jack Jones, also attending the reunion, offered to play a song for the newlyweds. Alex and Sarah frantically gathered their guests in the dark basement lit only by emergency lights and flashlights.
Jones performed ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran as the crowd gathered around, illuminating the happy couple with their phone flashlights. “It was magical,” Alex recalled. The couple had originally planned to dance to ‘La Vie en Rose’ by Louis Armstrong and had rehearsed for weeks, but the spontaneous performance was nothing short of perfect.
A Moment Of Humanity
The kind singer later revealed that he chose the Ed Sheeran song for its fitting lyrics about dancing in the dark. “It was just a great moment of humanity,” Alex said. “It was very Midwestern—like that sense of everybody treats each other like family even when we’re not.”
The impromptu dance was captured on video and posted on TikTok by Jones, quickly amassing over one million views and 200,000 comments. “Well it looks like you’re all family now,” commented one viewer. Another remarked, “As an event planner for 30 years, I don’t think I could have made a more memorable moment.”
A Day To Remember
Reflecting on their wedding day, the Schilkes expressed no regrets. Despite the weather and the chaos, they cherished the unexpected turn of events. “Honestly, the song that Jack picked was, I mean—pun intended—perfect,” Alex said. Their story is one of love, resilience, and the power of community in the face of adversity.
References:
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Tornado can’t stop ‘perfect’ first dance at couple’s Lake Geneva wedding, thanks to family reunion
American Red Cross: Tornado Safety Tips
