Couple Rearranges Wedding Plans After Injury Sends Bride's Father To Hospital

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Brides and grooms often take months to plan a wedding, but a local couple's plans changed drastically after the bride's father fell 20 feet out of tree stand.

"My dad fell out of his tree stand, 20 feet on Friday," said Kaitlyn Learn, of Apollo, from her father's hospital room at Allegheny General Hospital.

Tom Learn suffered 10 broken ribs, a fractured hip and a lacerated liver and kidneys.

"I slipped and that's the last thing I remember," said Tom. "I don't even remember hitting the step. I think the good Lord said you don't need that."

Once it became clear her dad would recover, came the question of the upcoming wedding.

"As you can see, were going to be in here quite a while, and I absolutely could not do it without my dad," said Kaitlyn Learn.

So a hospital wedding it was.

Paul Allemeier, director of Patient Relations at the hospital, jumped in to coordinate the effort. Staff from various departments came together to make it happen.

Tom Learn, who was wheeled down in a bed, gave his daughter away in the hospital chapel as family and friends watched. Like any wedding, vows and rings were exchanged and some tears flowed.

Kailyn married Charlie Thompson, who admits: "Hospitals are actually my least favorite places to be. I've had anxiety about them my whole life."

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But he says getting married in one has changed his view.

And as for father and daughter, both say this wedding could not have been more perfect.

"I'm so thankful to be here with my dad and be able to do that," said Kaitlyn.

"Take all your dreams and put your best one in front," said Tom. "That's what it's like."

Kaitlyn and Charlie had planned on getting married this Saturday, and they'll still have a reception then.