A wedding in Oregon took an unexpected turn recently when the groom’s best man tackled him and his bride during the couple’s exit from their ceremony. Austin Spaulding, 23, and his wife Paige, 22, had just celebrated their marriage at Shepherdsfield in Sisters, Oregon, on August 23, 2025, when the playful incident occurred, capturing the attention of thousands online.
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The unexpected moment gained traction when photographer Stevie Murdock shared a video of the incident on TikTok on March 22. The clip, set to the amusing audio “Oh no, oh no, oh no no no,” showcases the moment when the best man, Zach Murdock, charged through the crowd and tackled the groom to the ground, inadvertently pulling Paige down with him. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and both the bride and groom took the mishap in good spirits, with Paige reportedly sharing a laugh in the aftermath.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Austin explained how the incident unfolded. During the bubble exit celebration, in which guests blow bubbles to bid farewell, Zach ran full speed towards him and tackled him onto the grass while he was still holding onto Paige’s hand. This unforeseen tumble resulted in Paige’s dress being slightly damaged but left the entire group in fits of laughter. Austin recounted his shock, but noted the laughter from the crowd—including Paige—made the moment memorable.
Although the couple found humour in the situation, the reaction on social media was mixed. Many TikTok users expressed disapproval, with some branding Zach’s actions as inappropriate and attention-seeking. Comments flooded in with some users suggesting that he should have been removed from the wedding. However, Austin was quick to dispel any notion of discord between the friends, stating that the moment ended up being a positive highlight of their wedding celebration.
The joyous moment provided a stark contrast to the tense backdrop of events leading up to the ceremony. A major wildfire had been raging nearby, prompting local authorities to evacuate guests from the rehearsal dinner just a day prior. Fire and smoke were visible throughout the wedding weekend, leading to a significantly reduced guest list as some attendees opted not to come. Only around 90 guests attended the wedding, down from the expected 150, due to concerns about safety.
Austin highlighted the kind of atmosphere the wildfire created, explaining that flames could be seen from the venue, with ash falling around them as they celebrated their special day. The presence of smoke and fire over the weekend added a layer of tension that was somewhat alleviated by the tackle, which Austin described as a “huge morale boost” amidst the chaotic circumstances.
The incident may have been spurred on by the revelry of the day, with many attendees indulging in drinks, including Zach, who was photographed holding a beverage during the tackle. Despite the initial shock, Austin remarked that the happy chaos brought everyone closer together, and they couldn’t bear to be upset about it. “Everyone got a good laugh, including Paige,” he added.
Austin and Paige’s relationship blossomed at Boise State University, where they met in 2022. Following a series of weekend outings and social events, they quickly became inseparable, especially after the pet dog, Elvis, became part of their story. After a brief stint apart when Austin relocated for work, he returned to Boise to complete his studies, and they soon found themselves engaged, marrying just months later.
Zach held a significant role throughout their relationship, and his inclusion in the wedding party was a natural choice. Austin described his friend as a “reckless” yet humorous person who often brings joy to situations. The events of their wedding encapsulated both the laughter and the chaos of their personalities, ultimately serving as a reminder of the couple’s bond and the joy of their special day.
As the laughter from the incident reverberates online, the couple looks back fondly on their wedding day, showcasing that even unexpected moments can yield cherished memories worth keeping for a lifetime.