A grieving bride whose husband-to-be died before their wedding has been photographed in a poignant shoot, which has now gone viral for its heartbreaking message.
Kendall James Murphy was a firefighter from Montgomery, Indiana, who was tragically killed in a car accident in November 2017, aged 27.
His fiance, Jessica Padgett, bravely decided to mark the day that they were due to get married by wearing her wedding dress and visiting his grave, enlisting Loving Life Photography to document the bittersweet occasion.
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The photos were posted to the Loving Life Photography Facebook page, with the photographer captioning them: "She made broken look beautiful and strong look invincible. She walked with the Universe on her shoulders and made it look like a pair of wings."
Padgett posed for several photos alongside Murphy's grave and firefighting gear, in one photo holding up Murphy's old boots next to his image, Photoshopped in and smiling down at her.
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Padgett's maid of honour and Murphy's best man also both gave speeches, before guests lit paper sky lanterns.
Murphy died after he was struck by his colleague Colby Blake - who allegedly had a blood alcohol level over double the legal limit.
They had been responding to a call about a driver stuck inside his vehicle, but Murphy had already arrived on the scene in his own car. He had stepped out of the vehicle to retrieve his protective clothing, which was when Blake rear-ended another truck with his own, which eventually kept moving forward and hit Murphy.
Blake was arrested and charged with causing death while operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .15 or more, but the case is still not set for trial.
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According to the National Fallen Firefighters Association, Murphy was a 'selfless man of God who loved spending time with family and friends'.
The association also said: "He had a true servant's heart and captivating personality that would light up any room. His wittiness would make anyone laugh and have him making friends in no time. He didn't know a stranger."
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Padgett and her family - along with Murphy's - attended the National Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland, on 7 October to honour her late partner.
"What a emotional, amazing weekend this was! This foundation not only honored my Kendall, but also took us in as family," she wrote on Facebook afterwards.
"This wasn't what we wanted in the end, but at least we know we will never be alone, we have all become one big supporting family [sic]. You will forever be in our hearts #616."
Featured Image Credit: Loving Life Photography