**Woodstock, Maine –** A seemingly joyous family wedding celebration in rural Maine took a decidedly chaotic turn earlier this evening following an unexpected and, frankly, explosive incident involving a multi-tiered Italian wedding cake. The event, hosted by patriarch Frank Pierce for his son, Fred, and his new bride, was abruptly interrupted when the elaborate confection, prepared by local baker Mrs. Higgins, detonated with considerable force, sending shards of cake and frosting across the outdoor reception area.

Initial reports suggest the explosion stemmed from a combination of factors. Witnesses describe a noticeable tension simmering within the Pierce family throughout the day, largely attributed to unresolved conflicts between Fred and his father. According to multiple sources, Frank had repeatedly voiced his disapproval of Fred’s marriage to the young, outspoken woman, Patricia. “He just kept saying she wasn’t ‘suitable’,” recounted neighbor Martha Peterson, who observed the event from her porch. “It was like a pressure cooker, you know? And then… well, you saw.”

The cake, a towering masterpiece featuring intricate sugar roses and a generous layer of pistachio cream, had been positioned prominently on a table near the buffet. The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, though speculation is rife. Some believe Frank may have deliberately tampered with the cake, while others suggest a structural failure due to the extreme heat of the day.

“It was… overwhelming,” stammered Patricia Pierce shortly after the incident, visibly shaken. “I just wanted everyone to be happy. I honestly thought we were making progress.”

Adding to the drama, a brief but heated exchange erupted between Frank and Fred immediately following the explosion. “He accused me of ruining everything!” Fred reportedly shouted, his voice strained. “Said I’d bring shame to the family!”

Local authorities have cordoned off the area and are currently interviewing witnesses. The wedding reception has been suspended indefinitely. The long-term implications for the Pierce family remain uncertain, but one thing is clear: the explosive event has undoubtedly exposed deep-seated resentments and unresolved issues that threaten to derail the family’s already fragile harmony.