Some days are meant to be filled with joy, but life can sometimes turn in heartbreaking ways. That’s what happened to a young couple in Iraq whose wedding day became a tragedy they will never forget. What should have been a celebration of love instead became a moment of deep loss.

Eighteen-year-old bride Haneen and her groom, 27-year-old Revan, had planned a beautiful evening surrounded by family and friends. More than 900 guests gathered to share their happiness. But within seconds, a fire swept through the wedding hall, turning the celebration into chaos and sorrow.

The turning point came just as the couple began their slow dance. Witnesses say fireworks or ceiling materials caught fire overhead, and flames spread with frightening speed. The hall’s decorations and panels were highly flammable, giving guests little time to react. Panic filled the room as people struggled to escape the smoke and heat.

By the end of the night, more than 100 loved ones were gone, including many of the couple’s closest relatives. Both the bride and groom survived, though Haneen suffered injuries while being pulled to safety. Revan later shared that seeing their families’ losses left them feeling “dead inside,” unable to understand why their happiest moment turned so dark.

Authorities later arrested several people connected to the hall and the fireworks, and safety concerns about the building were brought to light. Officials promised accountability, but no explanation could soften the couple’s grief. With their hometown now filled with painful memories, the newlyweds say they must leave to begin again.

Their story is a quiet reminder of how precious—and fragile—life can be, even in the moments we expect to shine the brightest.