Love, resilience, and a second chance at a dream wedding – that’s the story of Dr. Erika Frances Amundson and Eli Brownlie Newell. What started as a beautiful celebration of their love quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency just minutes after they said “I do.”
On May 6, 2023, the newlyweds found themselves in the back of an ambulance rushing to Los Angeles General Medical Center, with Mr. Newell signing their marriage certificate from his gurney. Dr. Amundson, a resident in pediatrics, had to make major medical decisions for her husband just moments after their wedding ceremony.
It was during their wedding celebration at Millwick in Los Angeles that Dr. Amundson noticed something was seriously wrong with Mr. Newell. He was rushed into open-heart surgery for a tear in his aorta, a condition known as aortic dissection. The couple’s friends and family were shocked by the sudden turn of events, but they rallied around the couple in their time of need.
Despite the challenges they faced, Dr. Amundson and Mr. Newell’s love only grew stronger. They met in 2014 at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in Los Angeles and quickly fell in love. Their journey together has been filled with laughter, karaoke nights, and a deep connection that carried them through the toughest of times.
After months of recovery and rehab, the couple decided to have a second wedding ceremony on February 23, 2024, at the Grass Room in Los Angeles. Surrounded by their loved ones, they reaffirmed their commitment to each other and celebrated their resilience in the face of adversity.
Dr. Amundson and Mr. Newell’s story is a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and the unwavering support of those around them. As they continue their journey together, they serve as an inspiration to all who know them, showing that love can conquer even the most challenging of circumstances.
