One of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines is on the brink of erupting and authorities have urged a “total evacuation” after volcanic ash spewed from Taal volcano on Sunday, January 12. One couple, however, went ahead with their wedding plans close by the volcano despite concerns.
Chino Vaflor and Kat Bautista Palomar had planned their wedding at a venue only 10km from Taal volcano long before threats were a reality. However, the day of their wedding, the volcano began spewing steam and ash into the air. The couple were unaware of the volcanic threat prior to the wedding.
“We noticed white smoke coming out of Taal during preparations around 2pm and from then on we knew something unusual was already going on with the volcano,” wedding photographer Randolf Evan told the BBC.
Later on Sunday, people within a 14km radius were told to evacuate the area as an explosive eruption was expected within a few hours. However, this couple chose not to evacuate their wedding, saying they were “definitely safe as the venue was on higher ground and not directly around the volcano’s vicinity”.
“Surprisingly everyone was calm and relaxed. It was an intimate wedding so guests were mostly the couple’s family and close friends, and thus nobody really left.”
“We could feel the ash raining on our clothes,” said Evan. “But it didn’t feel alarming until night time came when it became a bit heavier and mud-like.”
The wedding went ahead, and guests shared dramatic images of the wedding venue with a crowd of smoke hanging in the air behind them.
Despite this safety concern, Evans feels incredibly lucky to have experienced this moment.
“It’s a mixture of thrill and sheer amazement on how it has unfolded for us. In the end, I’m just grateful to have experienced such a unique moment in my career.”
Couples planning their wedding close to safety hazards such as active volcanoes are urged to exercise caution as ingesting volcanic ash is hazardous and can cause respiratory problems. Make sure to centre the health of your guests, your wedding vendors and yourself before going ahead with a wedding.
Feature image: Facebook / Randolf Evans
