Bride Walks Down Aisle With 15 Important Men To ‘Honor’ Them For ‘Protecting’ Her

Aug 04, 2023

Trigger Warning: This article contains mentions of sexual violence that may be troubling for some readers.

For many brides, walking down the aisle to their future partner is one of the most memorable moments of their wedding day. They’re embarking on a long-term commitment to share their love with the person that means the most to them. This is just one of the many reasons why brides cherish whoever walks them down the aisle.

Traditionally in the United States, brides are walked down the aisle by their parents, in most cases, only the father. However, for Ivy Jurgensen’s wedding in Washington state, she had to think of a way how she could honor all the “father figures” in her life in her once-in-a-lifetime wedding. 

Jurgensen shared her story to Good Morning America on Aug. 1, 2023, and revealed that her father was convicted and was sentenced to prison in 2013. 

Because of this, Jurgensen pretty much banished her biological father into oblivion and sought the absent father figure from other men in her life. On her wedding day, she decided to have them all attend it and walk her down the aisle. She said that because of these 15 men, she was "never alone" during her tumultuous childhood.

"They've played huge roles in my life, in protecting and providing for me when I didn't ask them to," the bride told the outlet. "So for me to honor them and for everyone to see them and who they are to me was very special for me."

Keep on reading to learn more about what happened at Jurgensen’s wedding ceremony and to know who walked her down the aisle on her special day. 

According to Good Morning America, Jurgensen was walked down the aisle by 15 of her “father figures.” The men who took turns were her biological brother, uncles, brother-in-law, coaches from youth sports, and the police officer who arrested her father.

Among the 15 people was her high school resource officer, whom Jurgensen credited to have helped her life as a child. The bride said that after her biological father was imprisoned, it was the resource officer whom she had confided in, telling everything about the abuse she had suffered in her own home. 

"I started to trust my school resource officer and I realized that he had a big heart and he loved his job and that he really he did care about his students in his school and his community he served," she recalled. "That fostered friendship with my school resource officer was vital in me in starting to escape and and find justice."

Her resource officer even inspired her to pursue a similar career; now, she’s doing the same thing for many students. For Jurgensen, choosing the 15 men to walk her down the aisle was not just about honoring them, but it was significant for her that they’d be there when she took her husband’s hand. 

"Without them, I don’t think I’d be where I’m at today in my life. It was very heartwarming and just a special moment that I’m very grateful I got to share with them,” she said. 

The intimate moment from July 2023 went viral on social media, with people praising Jurgensen for her courage and strength. 

"I hope that what people take away from my story is strength. That they are able to gain courage to get and receive help that they deserve and to no longer be voiceless," she added.

Wasn’t the bride’s story amazing? What can you say about her story? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends and other loved ones!

If you or anybody you know is affected by sexual violence, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673). The Hotline provides 24/7, confidential support for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.