"So thankful:" Couple who lost nearly everything in arson fire share happily ever after
MILWAUKEE -- A few weeks ago, FOX6 News told you about an engaged couple who lost nearly everything in a house fire. Following an outpouring of community support, the happy couple was still able to tie the knot.
On a beautiful Friday afternoon, Janee and Dennis Taylor finally got their happy ending.
Planning a wedding is no small task, and this one in particular needed a community to come together to make it happen.
"I was going to do whatever I could to make it happen for her," said Debra Prusinski, American Red Cross volunteer.
A month ago, Debra Prusinski had never met the bride and groom. But on their wedding day, she was beaming like a proud family member.
"Everybody just did an amazing job and here we are, and they're married and it's great and I just love it," said Prusinski.
You see, Prusinski's friendship with the Taylors was quite literally forged by fire. On May 19th, the Taylor's home went up in flames, destroying many of their possessions -- including her wedding gown and his tux. Thankfully their wedding bands survived.
Fire at 34th and St. Paul
Prusinski was one of the Red Cross volunteers who responded to the scene that day.
"I actually had a handful of people that I've really connected with and these are two of them," said Prusinski.
Janee and Dennis Taylor
After the Taylors shared their story on FOX6, the community stepped up in a big way -- offering a new tux, replacement dress and chipping in to make their dream wedding still come true.
"It was unbelievable because I actually was offered five dresses, too many, like I had options. I'm like what! I went from one to having options and look at what I got now -- I am loving it," said Janee Taylor.
The Taylors were so thankful for the outpouring of support, they invited FOX6 to attend the wedding so we could share their special day with the community that helped make it happen.
"So happy and thankful to everybody that just came through and helped us get this together," said Janee.
Since the fire, the Taylor's neighbor has since been charged with arson for starting the blaze that destroyed their home.