Couple moves wedding to hospital for dying dad

A couple moved their wedding to a hospital room so the bride’s father could attend. (Credit: Julie York Schandolph)

A couple moved their wedding to a hospital room so the bride’s father could attend. (Credit: Julie York Schandolph)

Candice Hammonds only wanted what most brides want for their wedding day: her dad to be there.

But when doctors said on Tuesday that her father’s health was failing, family members and friends came together to move up Candice’s wedding to Thomas Burkett, which was set for Oct. 1.

Teresa Hammonds, Candice’s mother, told Channel 2 Action News people pulled everything together to have the wedding in 24 hours.

Photographer friend Julie York Schandolph posted on Facebook about her dear friend's request, describing how weddings are always emotional for her, but this one made he tear up just to think about.

“Every girl dreams of her daddy walking her down the isle and giving her hand away,” Schandolph posted, with prayers for Candice Hammonds’ father.

Because the hospital helped clear the room and cover necessary medical equipment with sheets, the wedding party fit in the room.

“I am so grateful and humbled that I was able to document such a special time in your lives,” Schandolph said.

PHOTOS: Thomas & Candice - The Wedding by Julie York Schandolph

Teresa Hammonds told Channel 2 that the doctor suspended Steve Hammonds’ sedation to allow him to be alert during the ceremony — explaining that when the pastor asked who gives this woman, he raised his hand.

“It was the last gift he could give his little girl,” Teresa Hammonds said.

Steve Hammonds passed away Saturday morning.