Bride Stranded After Limo Breaks Down, Rescued By Westfield Police: Video

WESTFIELD, NJ — It was Rachel Harth's big day. She was on her way to take pictures and then wed the love of her life in the same chapel her parents exchanged vows 33 years ago.

That's when the unexpected happened. Her limousine broke down in the pouring rain.

Luckily, Westfield Police Officer Donald Perkins came to the rescue on Friday, June 16. (see video below)

"The police were just like lifesavers!" said Harth's mother Luanne to Patch.

Harth grew up in Westfield and was getting ready to wed her fiance Will Donaway. Harth, her mother and her four bridesmaids had just gotten their hair and makeup done and were on their way to The James Ward Mansion to take photos before heading to First Methodist Church for the ceremony.

"It was pouring rain and we were in a giant 18-person limo," said Luanne.

The driver went down Elm Street and tried to do a K-turn and back up into a side street.

"He went into reverse and that's when we heard a horrific metal noise. The drive shaft. It just broke in half," said Luanne.

The driver got out and was looking under the limo when Westfield Police came by because they were blocking traffic.

As they were talking with police, the groomsmen limo pulled up and they decided to pile into there to get to their destination.

Officer Perkins kindly held open an umbrella and escorted the bride, bride's mother and the bridesmaids into the new limo.

"We were able to keep dry while getting in," said Luanne.

In a video taken by bridesmaid Madde Cohen of Fanwood the bridal party can be heard singing the "Going To The Chapel Of Love" by The Dixie Cups.

Luanne described the series of events as "stressful" and "traumatic" at the time but said everything else turned out "perfect."

The bridal party wanted to extend a "huge" thank you to the police for helping to save their day.

"I always say the Westfield Police Department is much more than just a 'law enforcement' agency. Our officers assist people every day with all sorts of problems . . . and many of those problems have absolutely nothing at all to do with 'enforcing the law'," said Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro. "Officer Perkins's actions are demonstrative of what all our officers do on a daily basis here – and I am always gratified to see our officers are out there doing good in the community."

See the heartwarming video below taken by Cohen:

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