Maine couple celebrates wedding days before bride dies from cancer

Brittney and Jared Brewer wed at the MMC chapel on Valentine's Day. Clare Norton Photography.

Brittney and Jared Brewer wed at the MMC chapel on Valentine’s Day. Clare Norton Photography.

A Maine woman who battled cancer died on Sunday, but not before marrying her beloved and celebrating with friends and family.

Brittney Brewer fought for her life after doctors diagnosed her in May 2014 with small cell cervical cancer. She and her fiance, Jared Brewer, of Windham, planned to wed in August, but her poor prognosis prompted the couple to move up the date, she wrote on her blog. They tied the knot on Valentine’s Day in the chapel of Maine Medical Center in Portland. On Feb. 27, the Brewers celebrated with a reception, WCSH 6 reported.

“The cancer only opened our eyes to how short life can be and how we shouldn’t waste any moments,” Brittney wrote. “So we decided not to.”

The Brewers exchanging rings. Clare Norton Photography.

The Brewers exchanging rings. Clare Norton Photography.

The Brewers at their wedding reception on Feb. 27. Clare Norton Photography.

The Brewers at their wedding reception on Feb. 27. Clare Norton Photography.

Brittney and Jared let loose with 200 guests, including co-workers in local law enforcement and the firefighting community who donated their sick time to the couple so they could spend as many days together as possible. At the hoedown-themed event, Britney’s bridesmaids surprised her by performing a line dance, the news station reported, and Brittney hit the dance floor in her wheelchair.

“It’s been such a true blessing these past few days to see my friends and family coming together this past week for me,” she wrote on her blog on Feb. 16. “Making sure I got to marry my best friend and spend time with everyone I can. Makes a girl appreciate how truly loved she is.”

Just two days after the reception, on Sunday, Brittney died in her husband’s arms as they watched their wedding video. She was 28 years old.

Clare Norton Photography

Clare Norton Photography

“While Brittney may not have won her battle with cancer she will live on forever within our hearts!” wrote Jared’s sister, Janessa Brewer, on Facebook. “Jared was able to give her the wedding of her dreams and she enjoyed every minute of it! Brittney was a living, breathing angel… who now has her wings! We love you sweet girl!”

Clare Norton Photography

Clare Norton Photography

 

Jackie Farwell

About Jackie Farwell

I'm the health editor for the Bangor Daily News, a Bangor native, a UMaine grad, and a weekend crossword warrior. I never get sick of writing about Maine people, geeking out over health care data, and finding new ways to help you stay well. I live in Gorham with my husband Nick and our hound dog Riley.