Jim Zetz, 62, from Murrieta, California, walked his 11 year old down the 'aisle' years early with the pastor sweetly pronouncing them 'daddy and daughter'.
The father who is terminally ill with stage 4 pancreatic cancer knew that he wouldn't be there for her wedding, and so decided to do something out of the ordinary in the ceremony that took place on the 14th March.
The tear-jerking event was captured by photographer Lindsey Villatoro, who heard about the Zetz's heartbreaking story and decided to be part of the memorable experience.
The event was organised in just 72 hours as Lindsey went about getting financial contributions from the local community, and secured a wedding cake, dress, catering, flowers and even hair and make-up free-of-charge.
Speaking about the touching encounter, photographer Lindsey Villatoro said, "One day you wake up and realize you’re given the opportunity to change someone’s life for the better. You get an idea, don’t think twice and run with it."
In one of Ms Villatoro’s photographs Josie is seen being kissed on her cheeks by her mother and father with tears streaming down. But along with tears there were also lots of smiles, as the pictures show.
'Down the road, this will mean a lot to Josie,' Mr Zetz said. 'She will always remember it.'
Mr Villatoro said that it was an 'honor' helping the Zetzes.
'Josie, you will forever have a video of you and your dad walking you down the aisle to play at your wedding in years to come, as if he was physically there,' she wrote.
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