Two weeks after their apartment was destroyed by fire, Dean Junck and Kritika Singh have exchanged vows thanks in part to the kindness of strangers.
“Today’s a really happy day and we’re really excited to be starting our life together,” said newlyweds Dean and Kritika. “We’re trying to look at it as we have a brand new fresh start, there’s nothing holding us back from doing whatever life has in store for us.”
The April 10, 2014 apartment fire in the town of Penhold, south of Red Deer, destroyed the three story building and the contents inside. Among the possessions claimed by the blaze were Kritika’s wedding dress and Dean’s suit.
Following the fire, the couple decided not to postpone their wedding ceremony despite the fact they would struggle to get back on their feet. The pair did not have tenant insurance.
Word of the couple’s predicament made its way through the community and Good Samaritans went out of their way to assist the future bride and groom.
A group located a new wedding dress for Kritika and Moores Clothing For Men offered Dean a free tuxedo rental.
“It’s appreciated and it’s heartwarming,” said Dean Junck. “We’re really grateful for everything people have done for us and we’re still a little shocked by what happened.”
Dean and Kritika were wed on Saturday evening at a Calgary hotel, surrounded by their loved ones.
Fire investigators have determined the Penhold blaze was ignited by a barbecue.
