August 5, 2006
For Tanya Wolf, the surprise proposal from then-boyfriend, Matt Rodriguez, was a dream. Romantic flowers, an afternoon off work, an unexpected afternoon at the spa, upscale dinner, and intimate movie for two precluded the "pop." Tanya's family embraced Matt and reveled in the excitement of their daughter's engagement. A wedding was in the works and, thus, the planning began.
No amount of planning, however, could have ever prepared Tanya for the next surprise--the sudden death of her father. Two months following the engagement, smiles of celebration turned to tears of grief. Nonetheless, the Wolf family remained strong, relying on each other and their prayers to sustain and eventually lessen the heartache.
Coping with the loss of a father, caring for a three-year old son, working, and attending college was a demanding schedule, yet Tanya managed to plan the entire wedding in seven months. In retrospect, Tanya certainly agreed the planning period was stressful. Always focusing on the positive, Tanya was appreciative of how much her brothers and sister-in-laws came to her aid. "The family really pulled together and negotiated things well," she remarked. "Matt and I were abundantly blessed with what we were given!"
Surprisingly, Tanya learned her father, prior to his passing, had meticulously planned the honeymoon getaway and paid for all expenses. The generous gift was testimony to her father's abundant love and care for his daughter.
One night shortly before the wedding, Tanya had a dream. In it, she saw her father standing in their house, healthy and whole. In shock, Tanya asked him, "Can I touch you? Can I hug you?" Smiling, Mr. Wolf looked down to his daughter and took hold of her. At first, they danced back and forth in the familiar house. But before long, they were dancing on the clouds.
Tanya's father-daughter dance was not only a dream, it was closure. She no longer had fears of a wedding without him. She knew he would be there. The wedding day quickly approached and Tanya was at peace, willing and ready to embrace her "happily ever-after" with Matt.
On the "big day," Tanya's brothers devotedly took care of their sister, the blushing bride. One of the three brothers stepped in, walking her down the aisle. During the reception and prior to Matt dancing with his mother, all three joined their sister for the emotional song by Luther Vandross, "Dance With My Father Again."
With all eyes watching as the siblings smiled and wept, the dance became an emotional tribute to their father who was never to be forgotten.
It is said that Tanya's dad peacefully let go because he trusted Matt would take care of his "baby girl."
Matt vowed on August 5th, 2006, in sickness and in health, to look after his beautiful Tanya and embrace every opportunity to dance on the clouds.
Lake Michigan Christian Center
Bridgman, MI
Reception Location:
Lake Township Hall
Bridgman, MI
Photographer:
LaWanna's Photography
Elkhart, IN
Wedding Gown:
Memories Bridal & Evening Wear
Stevensville, MI
Bridesmaids Gowns:
Memories Bridal & Evening Wear
Stevensville, MI
Hair Salon:
Mandy Holden
Bridgman, MI
Nail Salon:
Nail Tech
St. Joseph, MI
Tuxedos:
Memories Bridal & Evening Wear
Stevensville, MI
Wedding Rings:
Kay's Jewelers
Kalamazoo, MI
Ceremony Flowers:
Tara Florist
St. Joseph, MI
Reception Flowers:
Enchanted Florist
Watervilet, MI
Ceremony Music:
Song during lighting of unity candle was recorded by Stones Design Productions
Stevensville, MI
Invitations:
Creative and Clever Design
Clinton Township, MI
Wedding Cake:
Sandie Lieberg
St. Joseph, MI
Reception DJ:
Noteworthy Entertainment
Bridgman, MI
First Dance Choreographer:
Rhonda Carter
Berrien Springs, MI
Transportation:
Fantasy Carriage
Stevensville, MI
Wedding Night:
Marina Grand Resort
New Buffalo, MI
Honeymoon:
Westgate Resorts
Orlando, FL