Newlyweds and their 200 guests don't stop partying even after reception dancefloor CAVES IN
BARNEGAT LIGHT, NEW JERSEY: A newly wedded couple dodged death when a dancefloor reportedly caved in during their reception. Cassidy and Brian Gagliardotto took the holy vows in a beachside ceremony with nearly 200 family members and close friends on September 17. However, the happy occasion nearly ended in tragedy after a second-story dancefloor at the Daymark Inn at Barnegat Light, NJ, collapsed during their reception. The couple said it had taken them years to plan the wedding and reception.
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Speaking to WABC, Brian recalled how everything was going according to plan and the night was just getting started. "Our DJ just kicked it off and we were like three songs in," he said. The reception, however, was quickly moved outside after guests started to feel the floor shaking just a few songs in. Witnesses said the second floor of the building was starting to collapse as the revelers danced and celebrated. "I felt it like drop, and I instantly got off the dance floor," Cassidy said.
The Barnegat Light Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene to assist with the evacuation and tend to any injuries. Taking to Facebook on Sunday, September 17, officials from the Barnegat Light Volunteer Fire Company explained that the floor, fortunately, did not fully collapse, but rather caved in. "The DJ did an excellent job of announcing to all patrons to safely exit the building after hearing the rumbling noise," the department added.
While no one was injured in the incident, the estimated cost of the damage is unknown at the time of publication and the restaurant will remain closed until deemed structurally secure. The life-threatening episode could have foiled all their plans for the night, but Cassidy, Brian, and their pals did not let the incident put the brakes on the wedding party. The celebrations initially moved outside the restaurant, before eventually moving on to another location. "We knew where my parents were staying and we moved to that location and the party just continued on," Brian said. He admitted that the incident was certainly disruptive but it also did not ruin the reception as a whole. "Luckily we were able to get all our first dances in, all our speeches in," he added.
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The volunteer fire department was hailed on social media for its heroic response. "So grateful for the BL first responder volunteers. They continue to amaze us every time!" one responded to the BLVFC's Facebook post. "From personal experience, I know that the emergency personnel on this island are second to none. God bless them all," another added. Someone else noted how the situation would make a great story for everyone involved to look back on and laugh at. "One day, like 5 years from now they can joke about how their wedding was so fun, they literally brought the house down," they wrote, adding, "But in all seriousness, my heart goes out to the bride and great news no one got hurt, including responders, that is all that truly matters. Best wishes to the newlyweds."