A Wedding, a Storm, and a Coffee Shop Owner Who Showed Up When It Mattered Most

Two newlyweds caught in a storm, sought shelter in a coffee shop and got an unexpected surprise. The owner let them inside the yet-to-open shop and gave them their own little wedding reception–complete with heart-shaped lattes.

Jamie and Bekka Ham were married in a courthouse in Chandler, Arizona. After their “five-minute” ceremony, they popped outside for some quick photos. But they didn’t count on there being a huge dust storm.

Newlyweds Caught in Storm

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The couple and their photographer ran down the street seeking shelter when a nearby coffee shop owner, Paul Roupas, saw them.

“I could tell that they had just gotten married,” said Paul. “Especially in a storm, there’s no reason to be out in that. Come inside, get some shelter, have a coffee.”

Paul is Greek and goes by a certain philosophy, “Philoxenia,” which means to be a friend to strangers.

“I just wanted them to come in here just as a gesture of warmth and friendliness,” Paul said.

A Kind Gesture from a Stranger Goes a Long Way

While the storm brewed outside, Paul threw them a party, complete with a record player, ice cream, and lattes with hearts drawn in the foam. The couple had their first slow dance in the shop.

Paul “made it the best party that [we] could have ever imagined,” said Bekka. “It was just perfect.”

“Hopefully we’ll be lifelong friends. It’s exactly what supposed to happen,” said Bekka.

Their photographer, Madisen Ruehle, said, “I’ve done over a hundred weddings and I’ve never had a stranger go above and beyond to make somebody’s wedding day amazing.”

After the storm slowed down, the couple took happy photos with Paul outside the shop.

This just goes to show that a small act of kindness from a stranger can make someone’s day! The Ham family is sure to remember it forever.

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WATCH: A Wedding, a Storm, and a Coffee Shop Owner Who Showed Up When It Mattered Most

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h/t: Arizona’s Family

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Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.