On our wedding day, I was overwhelmed by emotions I hadn’t quite expected. Leading up to it, I kept hearing advice like, “This is your day, enjoy every moment,” and “Don’t stress about the weather.” Kel and I just laughed and thought, How hard can it be? We had been together for nearly eleven years, after all.
James Day – Wedding Photographer
But everything shifted just one week before the ceremony.
My oldest sister called me. I could tell right away from her voice that something was wrong—it was about Dad. For nearly sixteen years, Dad had been battling multiple myeloma cancer. We thought he was getting better, even though the past year had been tough. Then she said the words no one ever wants to hear: “It’s not looking good, Ty.” New tumors had shown up.
James Day – Wedding Photographer
She told me they found growths in his hip, shoulder, behind his eye, and cheek. My heart sank. I was stunned to learn about this new spread of cancer. Our conversation was filled with words like palliative care and radiation treatment. I kept wondering, Is this actually happening?
James Day – Wedding Photographer
Kel was immediately by my side, comforting me. All the plans and details for the wedding suddenly didn’t matter. The only thing that felt important was having the people we loved most there with us when I married Kel, the love of my life. Dad, with his usual strength, told the doctors, “Do whatever it takes to get me to my son’s wedding—quickly!”
James Day – Wedding Photographer
When the day finally arrived, emotions flooded in. After all those years, I was about to marry my best friend and soulmate. That morning, I spent some quiet moments thinking about everything we had shared—from being school sweethearts to moving to new cities, adopting our rescue dog, and traveling the world. Having Kel beside me made me feel truly lucky.
James Day – Wedding Photographer
Seeing her walk down the aisle, I was completely awestruck. How amazing is this? I thought. I have the chance to share my life with you. Tears came without warning as I realized how precious and brief these moments really are.
James Day – Wedding Photographer
Seeing Kel’s dad smiling proudly helped ease my nerves. During the speeches, vows, and moments with family and friends, tears kept streaming down my face.
James Day – Wedding Photographer
Our photographer, James Day, shared that he had lost his own father to cancer. He encouraged me to take a moment just to be with Dad. Later that evening, Dad and I had a conversation I will hold close forever.
James Day – Wedding Photographer
Kel had quietly arranged for James to capture that moment between Dad and me. Those photos are priceless reminders of the love and strength surrounding us.
James Day – Wedding Photographer
James Day – Wedding Photographer
I don’t know what lies ahead for Dad, but I’m certain that with Kel’s love and support, we can face whatever comes together.
