On the afternoon of January 12, Taal Volcano, located on Luzon Island, about 60 km south of the capital Manila of the Philippines, erupted after a long period of dormancy. The local authorities issued a level 3 warning (the highest warning level is level 5), and about 8,000 people were asked to evacuate.
However, at the same time, the couple Chino and Kat Vaflor held their wedding ceremony at a location just over 10 km from the Taal Volcano (Philippines). Thanks to the couple's recklessness, photographer Randolf Evan captured impressive wedding images with the mountain blowing ash into the sky in the background.
A Filipino couple's wedding photo under a column of volcanic ash is a lifetime experience.
No one could have predicted this "incident". "During the preparation around 2pm, we noticed white smoke coming from Taal and that's when we knew something unusual was going on" - wedding photographer, Randolf Evan, said.
“We were really worried about holding the wedding in such conditions. The bride and groom, along with me, were constantly updated on social media, so we were aware of the warnings about the increasing danger level,” Evan shared. However, he said that the guests attending the wedding were calm when the couple exchanged rings and said their vows. After that, the wedding continued, despite all the warnings about the lava eruption.
The photos were then posted on social media, with the caption: “The wedding still went well” and immediately caused a stir. Many people expressed their delight, but many also condemned the couple’s madness, saying that they were endangering themselves, their guests, and even the staff involved in the wedding.
The guests were mostly family and close friends of the bride and groom, so no one left.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Taal Volcano is showing signs of renewed activity. The successive eruptions have produced ash clouds that extend 9-15 kilometers. The agency also warned that another eruption in the next few days could be accompanied by lava flows. People have also rushed to buy dust masks at stores. Authorities warn that ash from Taal can cause respiratory illnesses, especially in children and people with lung diseases.
Some videos also captured the moment lightning lit up the sky amid the billowing ash cloud from Taal volcano.
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