Tying the Knot: Missing Family

One of the hardest parts about planning our wedding was thinking about those people who wouldn't be there to share in the day with us. And unfortunately for J and I there were quite a few very important, very special people on this list.

J has lost one set of Grandparents.
All of my Grandparents have passed away.
I also lost my Dad when I was in elementary school.

When starting to plan our wedding I immediately knew these losses would bring a challenge into how we approached certain aspects of the big day. I also knew that I wanted our wedding to be a time to cherish the memories we have with these amazing people so there were many ways they were incorporated into our wedding.

I'm choosing to share these very personal moments in hopes that other brides can use these ideas as inspiration for their own weddings. These are the types of situations no bride ever expects and quite frankly they are tough to manage. With the help from many other people with amazing ideas on how to remember these loved ones our wedding went off wonderfully even in their absence and I am so very thankful. 

I wanted something visual in memory of our loved ones so our In Memory table was displayed throughout the night. Pictures and candles and sweet words were included for each family member as well as a mention in our ceremony programs. J wore a yellow flower on the inside pocket of his jacket for his Grammy and I pinned my Dad's wedding band inside my dress near my heart. 

As a bride one of the toughest aspect for me was my walk down the aisle since that's a moment almost exclusively meant to include fathers. I considered many other options including walking alone or walking with my mom but neither of these ideas really fit. Then our wedding planner came up with a brilliant idea and I knew it was perfect right away.

When it was my turn I stepped out from my hiding spot in the bridal suite and stood at the far end of the aisle waiting for my groom to come and get me. J walked back down the aisle to meet me and we walked together, arm-and-arm to our wedding ceremony. J is my rock, my support and the number one man in my life so it just felt right to have him by my side as I walked down the aisle to be married. Is it traditional? No. Was it perfect for us? Yes, without question.

All photos courtesy of Ignite Images.

Next up: Husband & Wife Photos

Need to catch up?

First we got ready

Then it was time for The Dress

Lovely bridesmaid photos

Our sweet Ollie pup

Handsome groomsmen photos

The Bride & Groom portraits

Our First Touch before the ceremony

Small wedding details

The start of our Ceremony (Readings & Ring Warming)

We're finally Husband & Wife

Formal family & wedding party photos