Jess Redden and Rob Kearney celebrated their wedding recently, and Jess has shared how she felt her dad around her for the whole weekend.
Originally, Jess and Rob’s wedding date had been moved as her father was ill, but he, unfortunately, passed away in September 2020.
When asked for advice for brides on their wedding day who have lost a parent, Jess shared on Instagram: “It was the few weeks before that I found really difficult. Dad was my best friend and he would have absolutely loved our wedding.
“I truly believe he gave me the strength and courage to make it through, everything and I’m still smiling.
“Allow yourself to feel everything you need to in the lead-up but once you get there you’ll feel your parent shining through you. The ripple effect is when all the attributes your parent had rippled through their children and loved ones so I felt him around me all weekend.”
Before the wedding, Jess revealed that she had begun to feel ‘waves of panic’ and couldn’t help but be upset over the absence of her dad.
Opening up on Instagram, Jess wrote, “Although it’s the most exciting and happy day of your life I can’t help but stop the waves of panic and sadness that come – I just wanted to share this personal experience for any other brides in a similar position – it’s normal so don’t berate yourself – be gentle & kind to yourself no matter what you’re feeling.”
Before adding: “You’ll have your man or woman to lean on and help you.”