This unlucky bride almost missed her own party after becoming stuck in an elevator for nearly an hour before being rescued by the fire service.
Melissa McNamara Rodger, was attending her wedding reception at The Providence Biltmore in Rhode Island, when she became trapped in a lift between the 17th and 18th floor.
Her bridesmaids – who were waiting for the 32-year-old – quickly realised something was wrong and discovered she had become stuck.
This unlucky bride (left) nearly missed her own party after being stuck in an elevator for nearly an hour before being rescued by the fire service (right)
Guests – including new husband Justin – soon rallied around and once the lift doors were opened by firefighters a glass of champagne was handed to the occupational therapist.
Melissa said: ‘It was quite boring for the first 30 minutes but once the doors opened it was a relief.
‘I could see Justin and my family up on the 18th floor and actually speak with the fire chief face to face about what was going on.
Melissa McNamara Rodger, was attending her wedding reception at The Providence Biltmore in Rhode Island, but became trapped between the 17th and 18th floor
‘And I was also able to crouch down on the floor to talk with the guests at the cocktail hour on the 17th floor.
‘One was able to pass me a glass of champagne to drink while in the elevator.’
While travelling with her two wedding coordinators, Melissa heard a loud noise as the lift shook and came to a standstill.
They acted quickly and contacted hotel reception who rang the local fire services to rescue the trapped trio.
Eventually the lift started to move again, and Melissa was freed and greeted by cheering guests and cocktails
The elevator company arrived to stabilise the lift, turn the whole system off and reboot it all.
Justin said: ‘I was shocked that an elevator got stuck going up one floor and worried about her safety.
‘I initially thought that the girls would be bustling her dress for a few minutes, take some pictures and be down in 15 minutes.
‘Then one of the bridesmaids whispered you need to come with me Melissa is stuck in the elevator.
‘As I saw a sea of firemen working I knew she would be safe, but my next thought was “how long will this take?”‘
Guests – including new husband Justin – soon rallied around and once the lift doors were open a glass of champagne was handed to the occupational therapist, so she could still enjoy her cocktail hour
New husband Justin (pictured left with Melissa) said: ‘I was shocked that an elevator got stuck going up one floor and worried about her safety’
Eventually the lift started to move again, and Melissa was freed and greeted by cheering guests and cocktails.
Melissa said: ‘It was a bit of a roller coaster. At first I was totally calm and fine.
‘After 20 minutes I was becoming a little anxious to get to my party and not miss my entire wedding.
‘Once they opened the doors I was elated but then I saw we were between floors and unable to escape so I quickly became down.
‘When the doors closed, and the lift started to move again I was nervous but so excited when I saw light coming through the opening doors on the 18th floor.’