Ever since Brittany Yost was a young girl, she had always imagined that her beloved grandfather, Reverend Ronald Adkins, would be the person officiating her wedding.
Although Brittany’s grandfather got the opportunity to officiate her sister’s ceremony in 2015, he passed away in 2016, never having the chance to attend her own.
She tells ABC Radio News, “From the time I was little, I knew I wanted him to officiate my wedding, and he always told me he would be honored to do so. Truthfully, I would’ve been honored to have him there.”
Although Brittany has heartbroken that her grandfather would not be able to attend the event, her relatives had a surprise up their sleeve, ensuring he would surely be there in spirit!
As Brittany and her soon-to-be-husband’s wedding ceremony was finishing up, the preacher asked that everyone bow their heads in prayer. Suddenly, a voice came over the speakers.
The hall echoed with Brittany’s beloved grandfather’s voice. He prayed over the newlyweds, pronounced them husband and wife, and told the groom he may now kiss the bride.
Brittany was completely shocked. She describes the experience to ABC Radio News, saying:
“When I first heard a voice over the speaker, I knew immediately who it was. My heart shattered, but I felt so much joy and happiness through all the tears.” She continues, “The emotions and chills that filled my body are indescribable. I was weak to my knees, but I felt his presence. A calming came over me and I felt a weight lift off because my dream came true. “
Brittany’s husband Jordan, who had gotten the opportunity to meet her grandfather before he passed, says the experience was “intense”, telling ABC Radio News:
“When she broke down, I tried everything that I could to support her and embrace her by grasping onto her arms […] We both cried like babies, as well as everyone in attendance.”
It turns out Brittany’s sister had known how much the occasion meant to Brittany and had used recordings of him officiating her wedding to play at Brittany’s.
As their grandfather’s voice flooded the wedding hall, Sarah Irvin Photography was there to capture the event.
The photo was then uploaded to Facebook in a post that has since gone viral.
Sarah managed to perfectly capture the overwhelming emotions of the bride, as the groom clutches her arms in support.
Since the event, Brittany has told ABC News, “Having him pray over our wedding was the most memorable moment and one I will cherish forever. Family is very important to me, and I could have not imagined anyone else pronouncing us husband and wife besides my pawpaw.
“All the dreams I had as a little girl came true.”
Sarah Irvin’s photo has garnered over 22,000 shares on Facebook to date.
Check out her post in its entirety below.
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