Ramon and Martina Adazzi have tied the knot in Acquasanta Terme, a town near the epicenter of a devastating earthquake in Central Italy. For more than a year, preparations for the marriage have been underway. But four days before their lives' biggest event, a quake shattered the church where they are supposed to wed.
Nearly 300 people were killed when a 6.2 magnitude tremor hit Italy's Central region last Aug. 24. Five days later, rescuers continue to find bodies underneath the rubbles of the ruined town of Amatrice. Deputy Mayor Gianluca Carloni, whose uncle's body is yet to be recovered from the destroyed Hotel Roma, has said that it is important that the initial phase of the search be finished as soon as possible.
In a move towards solidarity, ticket proceeds from museums across Italy have been donated to assist the rebuilding process. Out of respect for those who perished, soccer teams have held moments of silence prior to their matches. Meanwhile, Pope Francis has expressed his desire to visit the earthquake zone in order to comfort all victims.
Although the church in Acquasanta has been covered in debris, the Adazzis has reiterated their desire to marry there. According to the groom, he has told his bride that he wanted to celebrate their wedding at the place because people need a moment to think of things other than the recent tragedy. Dozens from as far away as Canada and Brazil celebrated with the couple to revel with them despite the grim incident.
On Sunday, a local official has pointed out that buildings constructed cheaply may have significantly increased the number of deaths in the tragedy. Prosecutor Giuseppe Saieva declared that property owners who pursued sloppy contracts must be held accountable for the damages.
