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