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A bridesmaid went into labour on her best friend's wedding day.

Of all the unexpected things that can happen on your wedding day, your bridesmaid going into labour isn’t one that immediately comes to mind. But that’s exactly what happened to new bride Bernadette Beahan on her big day on October 17.

Mrs Beahan, 24, from Ipswich in Queensland, was only hours away from marrying her partner Jamie when she got a call from her best friend, Melissa White.

Ms White, also 24, was in labour, even though she was still five weeks away from her due date. Within an hour of making that call, Ms White had given birth to her baby boy, Hunter Athol Kennith Anderson.

And even though the ceremony was looming, Mrs Beahan raced to the hospital to see the new mum and baby – with her bridal party in tow.

Bernadette and Melissa. Image courtesy of Talitha Rice Photography.

Luckily, photographer Talitha Rice was there to capture the special moment.

Mrs Beahan told The Motherish that it was an emotional experience for both young women, who have been friends since 2009.

“There were a lot of mixed emotions when it all happened on the morning. Obviously I was super happy for her but also sad she couldn’t be there,” she said.

“When she called me, I think we both sat on the phone crying to each other for five minutes. I had a lot of joy and happiness for her and her partner but again it was sad she couldn’t be there getting ready with us," Mrs Beahan added.

The wedding went ahead - minus one bridesmaid. Image courtesy of Talitha Rice Photography.

Mrs Beahan said she was determined to see her friend before tying the knot.

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“I rang my hair and makeup artist and said they had to push everything forward so I could squeeze in seeing her. It was amazing. The nursing staff were taking photos of us in our dresses. I took her bouquet in to her and gave her a bridesmaid’s badge,” she said.

Luckily, Mrs Beahan had her two sisters as fellow bridesmaids, and she said despite the initial hiccup, the rest of the day went smoothly.

She married Jamie at the McLeod Country Golf Club before the couple set off on their honeymoon.

Bernadette visited Hunter on her way to the ceremony. Image courtesy of Talitha Rice Photography.

“It was the perfect day, apart from that all went smoothly, and it was the best day life of our lives so far,” she said.

“[Melissa and Hunter] are doing well. We’ve been on our honeymoon for the past two weeks, but I got to see before we left, but Hunter is doing really well, and will still be in hospital for another week. We now share the best date ever and it’s brought us closer together," she continued.

Congratulations to Bernadette and Jamie, and new mum Melissa. That's one wedding day story we're sure the entire bridal party will never forget...

Did anything unexpected happen on your wedding day?

TAP on the image below and scroll through the gallery for more pictures of Bernadette and Jamie's big day...