A Special Father Daughter Ceremony | Fox Valley Photographer
Imagine not being able to scratch your nose. Imagine not being able to take a drink unless someone is holding a straw to your mouth for you to sip. Imagine not being able to swat a pesky mosquito from your hand. Imagine not being able to move or sit and stand on your own. These are just simple things that all of us take for granted on a day to day basis. Now imagine being the father to an amazing and beautiful daughter and knowing that you won’t be there for her wedding or to hold her hand, waiting for the the music to start as your queue to walk her down the aisle. This is one thing that no one can imagine or wants to know is their reality. For the Niemuth family this became their reality when Scott was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) in April of 2012.
Scott may not be able to move on his own or be able to give you a hug back when you walk into their home, but he is still able to love his family and he is still able to have an amazing attitude and outlook on his days ahead. The spunk and humor he has inside of him has amazed me the few times I have been able to spend with him and his family. His speech may be slurred, but he’s still has jokes to brighten your day. Jo, his wife, is by his side day and night, selflessly caring and tending to his needs and loving on him every chance she has.
Jo contacted me saying that they wanted to do a special father-daughter ceremony so that Scott could see Kayla in a wedding dress and to share wishes and exchange rings with her before it is his time to go. A small gathering of family surrounded them as Scott’s son-in-law read letters out loud that Kayla and Scott had written to each other. Scott recalled when she was first born and how time has gone too quickly, he is amazed at the young, beautiful woman she has become. They then exchanged rings to signify that Scott will always be there, even on her wedding day when he won’t be able to share in the celebration or be there to give her hand in marriage.
Thank you to the Niemuth Family for allowing me to be part of such a special time! This is why I do what I do, to capture moments and stories like this. I hope that the days ahead bring much peace and love your way while allowing you to enjoy the time God had given you together.
Would you like to donate the ALS Foundation and help find a cure? Click here.
Leave the Niemuth family some love and kind words during this time! For every 25 comments on this blog post below they will receive a professionally printed 8×10 of their choice (and some more extra goodies)!
One of the nicest stories and things I have ever seen done.
An amazing day!! Blessed to have everyday count with many memories . If your family has ever had to walk threw an terminally illness I pray it isn’t ALS. Scott has since 2012 with an amazing outlook on life ,loving his 3 women in his life the whole way just always thinking of them and doing for them. Knowing he has done the very best for them and that they are taken care of when the time comes and we have to say see you in are next journey .Scott is my hubby’s little brother and his best friend. He is one amazing man!!!!!!! Love!!!!!!!!!
Beautiful! Simply beautiful!
What a special day!
This will always be my favorite wedding ceremony 🙂 It could not have been morr perfect! I am so grateful I was able to be there. You all are the most incredible, generous, caring, positive, and loving people I have ever met. I’m so blessed to have you in my life. I love you all <3
These are such amazing pictures from an amazing day for the Niemuth family. Scott and Jo are wonderfully kind people that I have the pleasure of knowing. The story breaks my heart, but it was wonderful that Kayla was able to have her special day with her dad while she was still able to. She looked beautiful in her dress and I’m sure the memories of that special day will remain with her and Jo forever.
And also Emily, you did an amazing job on the photos as well.
U guys killed the photo shoot
Hello Niemuth family I’m Jordan’s friend. I got to know Scotty a little bit and have to say I laughed my butt off every time! Never a dull moment. Even tho the jet ski didn’t start it was still a good time! My strength to you Scotty!
What a beautiful day! This is something special that all of us will remember! 🙂
What a truly inspirational story! I wish you all the best! How wonderful to be able to share in your joy!
PRICELESS! You are all very inspiring and I could not ask for more beautiful friends, inside and out!
Scott and Jo I love you both so much!
Absolutely beautiful!
So amazing and touching! Such wonderful pictures to cherish forever! Kayla you look so beautiful! This brought tears to my eyes. I love you all!!!
WOW !! I am speechless. What a wonderful idea..I send my blessings to you and the rest of the family…A moment that will never be forgotten. And a treaser you will have forever in your hearts…
God Bless You,
Scott & Jo and family.
Connie Mauritz, Tigertin
I was at a loss for words. I know this family personally and it touched my heart in many ways! Your photography is incredible. What a special thing to do between a father and a daughter. She is stunning in her wedding dress. God Bless you and your ability to capture such beautiful moments.
I love the photos, great job you all look so beautiful!
What a wonderful and touching idea, the pictures were beautiful and I am sure the day was amazing. May your love and faith give you strength. God’s blessings to all of you.
This is what life is all about……giving back when it it least expected. God’s rich blessings to this family. I am touched beyond words that your family made this happen.
Words cannot express the beauty and emotions held inside these photographs! People often become preoccupied trying to have the most beautiful dress or perfect makeup when this family clearly understands it is the people that share your life that matter the most. That is evident in these most precious, beautiful photos showing true enduring and everlasting love. My prayers are with this family always.
Jo, I met you when I brought the prom dress you needed from Shawano and got the Blu Ray from you. I could tell just from that meeting you have an amazing heart. God bless you and your family. This was truly a beautiful ceremony for your husband and daughter.
What an amazing story. My heart goes out to you and your family. Our family has been praying for you and yours and we will continue to pray for Peace, Strength, Courage and Joy. God Bless!
What a beautiful memory for everyone!! These pictures radiate the love this family has for one another. Simply a beautiful family!!
Such a wonderful expression of love. the pictures are beautiful and they will be truly treasured by you all. God bless you and Jo you Always have such an upbeat attitude. People can learn alot by how you live your lives.
WOW! Time stopped for all of you to enjoy this special day. Beautiful and tearful memories.
Incredible photos of a treasured memory. This truly amazing,loving family is in my prayers!
Gorgeous photos of such an amazing family! Very touching and inspiring!!
I am Berg’s partner. I attended Tegan’s wedding where I met you and your family. You are brave and show the rest of us how to live. My father said shortly before he died, ” Every day you wake up you have a choise to make whether it’s a good day or bad. It’s all about attitude. Make your days good days. Best wishes, Dennis
Jo is my sister. My beautiful, brave sister. Her husband is a charm. I have laughed with her and cried with her throughout her days with Scott.I relish every moment we have the pleasure of sharing.I relish Scott. He made her happy, he makes her happy!! I wish you could be with us forever, Scott!! I’ll always be here for her so we can continue to relish the memories. You have given her so many, and us too. Thanks for the beautiful pictures, especially the ones that radiate the beautiful young lady that they produced together. They are all so awesome!
Beautiful pictures to capture these cherished memories!!! God’s blessings for this dear family <3 I feel honored to call you friends.
Thanks so much for sharing! I am not sure how this got past me, but glad I finally got to see it. Absolutely beautiful!
Absolutely beautiful.
You all are such amazing people. This is such a beautiful idea. I’m so happy that you all were able to have this time together it truly is a blessing. Thank you for sharing. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt story, beautiful pictures, and such an awesome ceremony! Much love and prayers for your family.
What a story and such beautiful pictures to have for such wonderful memories!!! Keep praying for God’s Kingdom to come on earth as it is in Heaven so there will be no more sickness or pain or death. Revelation 21:3,4!
Absolutely beautiful..I teared up looking through the photos!