Krysia and Rusty Hooks (formerly of Springsure) had planned to be married in September, but when Krysia suffered heart failure and was transferred to Toowoomba Hospital on July 17, those plans were quickly forgotten. Instead, the pair made their vows in the critical care ward (CCW) on 19 July.

“I was really ill and we thought, well …we better bring the wedding forward!” Krysia said.

Originally from Hartford in England, Krysia first met Rusty in 2008 the new gen way – through the social networking site Facebook. And after months of 10-hour phone conversations and long emails, Krysia made the move to Australia. That was 22 months ago.

“When you fall in love … boy you fall in love. I’ve always thought you fall in love with the person, not with the face. It’s what’s inside that matters,” Krysia said.

“From the very first email I received from Rusty I fell in love. I know it sounds corny but everything we do, we have to do together.

Rusty said: “We can’t thank the staff in the CCW enough.

“Even though it wasn’t exactly the day we planned, they really did make it the best day of our lives.”

The wedding was officiated by Anglican priest Reverend Zoe Everingham from Goondiwindi and the hospital’s CCW staff arranged everything from the cake, music and flowers to the bride’s outfit.

Toowoomba CCW nurse unit manager Karen Gordon said it was a real privilege for staff to be involved in such a happy occasion.

“I’ve worked in this unit for 20 years and I have never been involved in something as special as this.

“It was such a lovely day for us as well as Krysia and Rusty. I am really grateful to our staff for making this happen for the happy couple,” she said.

ICU administration officer Laurel Selby said the ceremony was “a beautiful thing to witness”.

“Because the patients who come here are often seriously ill, the intensive care unit can be bleak and full of sadness,” Ms Selby said.

“This was so uplifting for us to witness and be part of. It was amazing.

“It didn’t matter that the bride did not have on make up or have her hair professionally done.

It was such a beautiful thing to witness and it brought tears to our eyes.”

Krysia and Rusty continue their “honeymoon” in Krysia’s hospital room.

“We just can’t wait to get back home!” they said.