Florida Hospital Organizes Wedding for Burn Victim

Arianna Esquiline, 34, tied the knot with fiancé Elvin just over a month after suffering severe third-degree burns in a BBQ accident.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A hospital in Kendall, Florida helped organize a wedding for Arianna Esquiline, 34, and her fiancé Elvin after Arianna suffered severe third-degree burns in a BBQ accident on January 3. Despite her injuries, Arianna was determined to marry Elvin and the hospital coordinated a wedding ceremony in their chapel, with Arianna's care team and family present.

Why it matters

This heartwarming story highlights the compassion of the hospital staff in supporting their patient's personal life milestones, even during a difficult medical recovery. It also demonstrates the resilience and determination of the couple to celebrate their love despite the challenges they are facing.

The details

Arianna suffered the severe burns on January 3 while on vacation in Miami. Despite her injuries, which covered 34% of her body, she was adamant about marrying Elvin, her fiancé of 9 months. The hospital staff worked quickly to organize a wedding ceremony in their chapel just 2 weeks later on February 12. With no officiant available, the hospital's COO stepped in to perform the ceremony, surrounded by Arianna's care team and family.

  • Arianna suffered third-degree burns on January 3 in a BBQ accident.
  • Arianna and Elvin got engaged in May of the previous year.
  • The hospital organized the wedding ceremony on February 12.

The players

Arianna Esquiline

A 34-year-old woman who suffered severe third-degree burns over 34% of her body in a BBQ accident and was recovering at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital.

Elvin

Arianna's fiancé who she married at the hospital ceremony.

Joe Britner

The COO of HCA Florida Kendall Hospital who officiated the wedding ceremony when no officiant was available.

Dr. Jonathan Freedman

A burn surgeon at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital who treated Arianna and praised her remarkable recovery.

HCA Florida Kendall Hospital

The hospital that organized the special wedding ceremony for Arianna and Elvin during Arianna's recovery from severe burns.

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What they’re saying

“As a hospital family, we are honored to support our patients not only in their healing, but in life's most meaningful moments. Today was a beautiful reminder of resilience, love, and the compassion of our care teams.”

— Joe Britner, COO, HCA Florida Kendall Hospital (Facebook)

“She has made an unbelievable turn and improved in her recovery, and we are all very proud of her.”

— Dr. Jonathan Freedman, Burn Surgeon, HCA Florida Kendall Hospital (NBC 6 South Florida)

“After the whole process here, I asked if she still wanted to get married to me, and she said yes. I said we will get married and she said now, right now in the hospital.”

— Elvin (NBC 6 South Florida)

“After this happened, it made me realize this is the man I want in my life. I am thankful for all the doctors and nurses that take care of me.”

— Arianna Esquiline (NBC 6 South Florida)

What’s next

Arianna faces multiple surgeries in the coming weeks as part of her rehabilitation, before she and Elvin plan to return to their home in Fort Myers.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story demonstrates the power of love and the compassion of healthcare providers to support their patients' personal milestones, even during the most challenging medical recoveries. Arianna and Elvin's determination to get married despite her severe injuries is an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit.