Photographer captures amazing photos of huge fire near Arizona wedding reception
Apr 25, 2016, 4:45 PM | Updated: Apr 26, 2016, 9:50 am
(Eric Butler/Pixel Dust Photography)
PHOENIX — Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” took on a whole new meaning over the weekend for an Arizona couple and their wedding photographer.
Eric Butler with Pixel Dust Photography was snapping photos at Carly and J.T. Morrissey’s wedding in Gilbert on Saturday when a huge five-alarm fire broke out nearby.
“We didn’t know what was going on,” Butler told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mac & Gaydos on Monday. “The fire started right as they were getting on the dance floor for their first dance.”
As the flames and smoke plume grew, Butler said he told his assistant to try and leave the smoke out of the shots if possible. But he changed his tune when he noticed the other guests.
“I could see the parents getting their cameras out and starting to take photos and looking up,” he said.
The fire was hard to miss. The wedding at Shenandoah Mill was about a half-mile away from the burning construction project.
“We could see the flames through the trees just north of the venue,” Butler said.
When the smoke became too hard to ignore, Butler positioned the couple to get the shot above. It has since gone viral online.
“At one point, I actually ran onto the dance floor and said, ‘Hey guys. The next time you swing around, can you look at each other,'” he said.
While the news helicopters, flames and smoke may have provided a distraction, Butler said the DJ did his best to keep the mood light by cracking jokes and playing music to get a laugh.
It worked.
“We tried not to spend too much time talking about,” Butler said. “It was an awesome reception.”
The Morrisseys have since left for their honeymoon in Puerta Vallarta and Butler said he wishes them nothing but the best.