Pennsylvania couple marries in ER after groom suffers heart attack prior to wedding

NORTH HUNTINGDON , Pa., April 29 (UPI) -- A Pennsylvania groom almost had to cancel his wedding after experiencing a serious health problem prior to the ceremony -- and it wasn’t cold feet.

Robert Adams of North Huntingdon was preparing to go get married to fiancée Mary Pizzuto when he suffered what he thought was an anxiety attack.

As it turns out, it was something much more serious.

"I thought it was anxiety and the next thing I knew, I was having a medical problem," the 68-year-old told WTAE. "I was all dressed up in my suit and tie, which is a rarity, to get married. But it didn't work out that way."

Adams was brought to the Forbes Hospital emergency room to be treated for a heart attack and Pizzuto came along.

“The EMTs said I had to go to the hospital. I originally said, ‘Nope.' I wanted to go ahead with the ceremony first, but I asked Rev. (John) Gropp to come along, and he said that was no problem because it was on his way home to Duquesne,” Adams told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “I love her. I wanted to go ahead with it.”

Gropp performed the ceremony in the ER while Pizzuto (now Mrs. Adams) clutched a bridal bouquet made of rubber gloves, drink straws, cardboard and blue paper.

“I reminded the pastor we weren't there for last rites, but marriage vows,” Adams said. “I always like to have a little fun.”