Couple Braves the Floods for Love

OTTAWA, Ohio, Aug. 25, 2007 — -- Three days after floodwaters consumed it, much of this small town remains under water. It's a place where time seems to stand still.

But today, this community took a small step forward beyond the fear and heartbreak of an ugly week.

"The whole day is about her and them getting married," said Rick Barteck of his daughter Jenny and son-in-law Craig, who tied the knot in a church ceremony attended by relatives, close friends and fellow flood victims.

ABC News first met Barteck and his wife Vickie on Thursday. Enlisting the help of a neighbor with a boat, the couple that afternoon cruised through the flood-ravaged streets of Ottawa to their home.

Amid the chaos and anxiety of the moment, they had a single focus -- to save their daughter's wedding, which was two days away.

"We want to go back to the house to try to get some of the things for the wedding out," Vickie told us that day, not knowing if those items would be dry. "You have 500 people coming to a wedding. You've got to feed them. You're responsible. My mother is making the cake."

They soon arrived to find their home inundated with water. But luckily, much of what they needed for the big day was safe, including the reception favors, the bride's shoes, and the couple's ceremonial unity candle.

But several items needed for the wedding remained in harm's way. The bride's makeup, wedding dress, and the couple's rings were sitting in flooded buildings around town.