A Secret Life of Mom Highlight Story: Sometimes there are tales that are just too good, too beautiful, or too unbelievable to keep locked away. That’s why we scour the archives and bring some of them back to enjoy again. They may make you smile or shed a tear, but they’re always meant to add a little positivity to your day. Enjoy!
Weddings are supposed to be one of the most beautiful moments in a person’s life. But for one bride, it had to take place in the cemetery – a place one would hardly associate with joy. This story dates all the way back to 2018. However, it’s one of the most touching stories we’ve heard of.
Losing a loved one is devastating. One hopes that time heals all, but ultimately a piece of you will be changed forever. For Jessica Padgett, the situation was even harder. Her fiancée lost his life mere months before their wedding.
However, Padgett, with a little bit of encouragement from her loved ones, decided to confront her loss and acknowledge it. She decided to do a photo shoot to commemorate her late soon to be husband.
Jessica Was All Set To Have A Happy Life
Jessica Padgett’s fiancée 27-year-old Kendall James Murphy was one of his community’s most admired people. He was an insurance agent as well as a coach for a youth basketball team. Only a month before he passed away, he had begun as a volunteer firefighter. Murphy was following his grandfather and father’s footsteps.
On July 16th, 2016, Murphy proposed to Padgett at Notre Dame Stadium’s 50-yard line. It was their favorite college football team.
On the night of November 10th, 2017, Murphy was involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident in rural southern Indiana. He was getting his gear from his car when another firefighter, 26-year-old Colby Blake collided with his and two other vehicles. Murphy lost his life in the accident.[1]
Mere minutes earlier, Padgett and Murphy had been speaking on the phone. She had sent him a text that she had reached home safely. However, that night, she had not received any replies. Her parents informed her of the tragedy. Padgett had immediately fallen from her bed. As Padgett described it:
“I felt like I couldn’t breathe, like somebody was stabbing me in the heart a million times.”
According to the Police statement, Blake was driving under the influence during the accident. The authorities found that Blake’s blood had an alcohol level of 0.21 – twice the legal limit. Subsequently, Blake faced charges of driving under the influence.
Over 3000 people attended Murphy’s last rites at the cemetery. He was remembered as a man who loved making others laugh, and cared deeply for his family.
Read: These powerful photos prove feeding a baby is beautiful no matter how you do it
Jessica’s Tribute At The Cemetery
For Jessica, September 29th, 2018 became a day she dreaded for a long time. But, in an interview with TODAY, Jessica said that she still wanted to celebrate their wedding day. She looked at it as the tiny bit of closure that she needed. She felt that Murphy was with her in her heart.
So the 25-year-old contacted Loving Life Photography’s, Mandi Knepp. Knepp was the photographer for their engagement. So, who better than Knepp to document another extremely emotional day. Here is the complete album:
She recalled how it was tough for her to get up that morning. But she wore the dress that she had chosen for their wedding. Then she went to the cemetery where Murphy was buried – Providence Mennonite Church in Montgomery.
There she posed with Murphy’s framed photo and firefighter gear. The best man and maid of honor was also present. They read out their speeches beside the grave, weeping and smiling at the same time. Padgett’s experience was special, although heartbreaking. As she puts it:
“I woke up that morning and I did not want to get up. September 29th will forever be the worst day of my life, but my bridesmaids, family and friends, they made it a decent day. They made it special, but I was an emotional wreck. I just wanted to ball up and just cry.”
A Final Goodbye At The Cemetery
Jessica also held a ceremony in Glendale, which was near the cemetery. Her friends, family, and bridal party were in attendance. The couple’s engagement photos were taken there. Taking the photos was an ordeal by itself for Jessica. She said:
“It was very hard to take those photos, but I wanted them because I know later on in life I will look back and remember that was the day we were going to get married and celebrate our lives together”
Knepp, the photographer, described it as an emotional roller-coaster. They both cried and laughed together as much as they could. Jessica was filled with gratitude for her family, and especially her sister, for all the support she had received.
At the end of the day, the attendees released some sky lanterns, which were also captured in the series of photographs. Perhaps the most poignant photo of them all is this one:
Honoring a loved one is always going to be difficult. And stepping up to the cemetery where they lie to celebrate ‘what could have been’ is tremendously heartbreaking. However, Jessica’s way of paying her tribute was one of the most loving methods as well. It requires an immensely strong person to be able to go through with what Jessica did.
We wish Jessica the best in her life journey and hope she is doing well.
Keep Reading: Baby Girl Defies Expectations And Survives To Cuddle Her Twin Brother In Sweet Photo
Sources
- “BRIDE WEARS WEDDING DRESS TO FIANCE’S GRAVE ON THEIR WEDDING DAY.” Independent. Chelsea Ritschel. October 9, 2018.
- “Heartbreaking photos show grieving bride at fiance’s grave on day they were to wed.” Today. Scott Stump. October 10, 2018.