Young girl gets her dream to have her terminally ill father walk her down the aisle

Thursday, 10 April 2014 01:03

Young girl gets her dream to have her terminally ill father walk her down the aisle

Lindsey Villatoro is a professional photographer and the owner of Love Song Events and Photography located in Menifee. Her client base ranges from UFC fighters, Celebrity families, as well as your everyday photography requests. She is a photographer that also works with terminally ill clients that hire her to photograph and document their last memories. She works with organizations like Michelle’s Place in Temecula, Or N.E.G.U., giving back to these people by her photography. About two weeks ago she met Jim and Grace Zetz. Jim has terminal stomach cancer and was given weeks to live at the end of October. Jim did 3 months of Chemo so it would “buy him time” with his loved ones but at the end of January he decided he would rather have quality time with them and not be laid up in a bed. Lindsey met up with couple and photographed them together throughout their beautiful home. She thought this would be the last time meeting with these clients but was taken to this family because they had a little girl who was about to turn 11.

Jim and Grace have 5 children, all but two live out of state. Josie is the youngest and the only child in their home. Having an 11 year old daughter herself, Lindsey couldn’t imagine what their children feel suffering this loss, so she wanted to make Josie's last birthday with her dad the very best. A few days after their session Lindsey posted something on her business website saying if anyone wished to donate a birthday gift for “Josie’s last birthday” with her father you could drop the gifts off at her studio or mail them. The following day Lindsey called Grace, Josie's mom and said, "I know Josie is very sad about her dad not being there for memories when she is older. So what if we do a little wedding for her? I will bring a dress, do her makeup and we will photograph them together. I will bring food for 15 to 20 people so you could invite anyone you’d like to come."

Grace thought that it was a wonderful idea and was so grateful. Lindsey got off the phone and had something even more fantastic in mind. She contacted her local vendors and explained to them her plan to make this little girls last birthday and Jim’s last memories her on earth the greatest. Lindsey was going to plan a "FULL ON WEDDING". It took 3 days to put everything together but she managed to pull it off. Even a former client of hers, Oscar winner Viola Davis joined in the fun. Lindsey had a pastor, a tux from Friar Tux shop, a wedding cake from Nothing Bundt cake, a promise ring from Sears, a wedding dress from Fashion Designer Jamie at Elyse Bridal Couture, flowers from VIP Florist and Finicky Flowers, food catered from The Mill in Murrieta, a vintage set delivered from a Touch by Time Rentals, hair and makeup done by a team from Salon O in Murrieta, custom signs made from Art by Kelly & Craftolious, and all of the finishing to make it a party from Allie’s party rental. Grace and Jim had NO idea this was all going to happen to this extent until Lindsey showed up with 3 truckloads and her team Friday the 14^th of March. Josie was overwhelmed with excitement when she walked into her house and a team was ready to make her over for her “wedding day.” Lindsey said, "the goal of this was to photograph and record Jim and Josie walking down the aisle, so that in 15 years when she does get married that clip can be played on her wedding day as if her father never left". The pastor did a beautiful service for the two of them and spoke of the love that a father has for his daughter. Jim gave his daughter Josie, a promise ring, vowing to watch over her when he is gone. "It was an amazing tribute to them both. An absolute honor to be a part of. I was blessed to be able to do this for this family and the best thing was they had NO CLUE!!!" Josie told her mom the following day, "it was the best day of my life". How special was it to allow this family to share these memories before Jim is no longer with us. Lindsey said she could not have done it without the help of her team of vendors, Stadium Pizza and her clients that donated over $700.00 in gifts. "They were so happy to give and so excited to hear about my surprise! It was a wedding day to remember, the most memorable one I've ever attended".

If you wish to contact Lindsey Villatoro about a terminal session you may do so at www.lovesongphotography.com.