Wildfire scuttles wedding

Photo: Madison Erhardt

Tyler Balaban and his fiance Ronny spent eight months looking for the perfect venue for their special day.

Now, the Mount Eneas wildfire burning south of Peachland has forced them to scramble for a new location.

The couple were supposed to be married in front of about 50 family and friends Saturday at Fitzpatrick Family Winery at Greta Ranch.

The winery was evacuated Wednesday.

"My dad gave me a call midday yesterday and said there was a lightning strike that hit right above the Fitzpatrick Winery, the hill is on fire," he told Castanet.

"I went on to Castanet and, low and behold, I saw the fire above Fitzpatrick. I kind of went into a state of shock, I didn't know what to do."

Balaban says most of the people planning to attend the wedding are flying in from out of town, some from as far away as Europe and Australia.

Since taking to Twitter Thursday morning, Balaban says several local wineries have extended their support.

"Right now, we have a thread going on with a couple of them who are trying to see what they can do," he said. 

"We obviously are not being picky, but at the same time, we spent eight months looking for a venue, and we are very familiar with the Okanagan. This was the place, this was our dream spot to get married."

If you can help. you can contact him via email at [email protected], or through Twitter at @tylerbalaban.

Was gonna marry girl of my dreams in dream vineyard @FitzWine Saturday. Its been evacuated. Wedding is <2 days away I just want to marry the love of my life. If you could retweet, we need a venue or suggestions from anyone in #okanagan #peachland #bcfires #okanaganfire #wildfires pic.twitter.com/rugd7w4Ldw

— Tyler Balaban (@tylerbalaban) July 19, 2018