Weddings are truly magical occasions. The room is filled with love as you watch two people come together and say their lifelong vows to one another — it really doesn’t get any better than that. It’s every couple’s dream to have the people they love the most, their family and friends, witness the special event.
Brittany’s grandma, Ellen, had been battling stage 4 breast cancer for months when it suddenly took a turn. She was afraid she’d miss seeing her granddaughter in her wedding dress. Brittany, however, had an incredible surprise up her sleeve.
Last year, before Christmas, Brittany’s grandma, Ellen, had received a breast cancer diagnosis in her left breast; it had also spread to the bones of her back. Brittany said that the cancer was causing her grandma insurmountable pain — it would even cause the bones in her back to break easily.
After chemo and radiation, Ellen had to wear a special brace that would keep her spine straight. Everything seemed to be looking optimistic until it was recently found out that her grandma would need more radiation; it appeared the cancer was spreading to her arm.
Brittany came up with a brilliant idea to have a photoshoot with her grandma before the wedding. She wanted to give her Ellen the “first look” that is normally reserved for the groom.
The grandmother and granddaughter met in a field near Brittany’s home along with a photographer named Mikayla. They sat down, chatted, and exchanged letters they had written to one another — they both had giant smiles on their faces.
Then — it was time for the “first look.” Both Brittany and Ellen changed into their wedding clothes; Brittany was making sure to keep her beautiful gown hidden until the big reveal. Mikayla, the photographer, was so excited to capture this moment.
Brittany taps her grandma on the shoulder; as Ellen turns around and sees her granddaughter in her wedding gown, she loses it.
After sharing their beautiful letters and revealing the gorgeous gown — it was time for their dance. They danced together to ‘I’m Gonna Love You Through It’ by Martina McBride. Both of them had broken down in tears at this point.
Brittany submitted the photos to Copper + Pine and ended up winning a photo contest for this beautiful moment. Love What Matters then shared the touching story and pictures on Facebook where they have been shared over 15,000 times.
The entire heart-melting Facebook post is below — it’s a moment that Brittany and her grandmother will never forget.
https://www.facebook.com/691679627521105/posts/1699952016693856
