02/02/2003

Talk about the power of love.

Susan Zawatsky and Chip Hawkins were determined to get married on Saturday, Feb. 11, despite the fact that the yacht club, the caterer, the florist and the tux shop were closed and the bridesmaids' dresses were not finished.

So the wedding went forward as planned.

Friends who owned a florist shop donated flowers and the parish priest rustled up an arrangement for the altar.

The bridesmaids walked down the aisle in borrowed gowns, prom dresses, even a wool skirt and turtleneck. Afterward, there was a reception at the bride's home. The menu included everything in the freezer that Susan's mom, Mrs. Mary Zawatsky of Cranston, and her friends could cook. Two friends made wedding cakes.

Today, Mrs. Zawatsky says that Susan and Chip are still amazed that "on Feb. 11, 1978, there was a wedding in St. Ann's Church for two people who loved each other and just wanted to be together as man and wife. And a blizzard couldn't stop them."