Despite being nearly a quarter century ago, the impact of 9/11 and the lives lost in 2001 continues to ripple through American life. One bride, however, decided to overcome her own tragic connection to 9/11 in an emotional wedding tribute. Kristin Marino was just three years old when her father Kenneth, an FDNY firefighter was killed at Ground Zero on 9/11. Now 27, the content creator wed singer Noah Schnacky at Rockefeller Center’s 620 Loft & Garden in New York City on August 27. Despite her father being unable to attend her big day, Merino found a way to honor him by inviting some of his former colleagues as well as new firemen from Hell’s Kitchen’s Rescue Co. 1. “They’ll also stand in his place, representing his presence as we say ‘I do.’ It’s one of the most meaningful moments of our entire celebration,” Marino told People.

The firefighters appeared in uniform along with fire trucks outside the venue to receive Marino after her nuptials. “Having them there along with both of their trucks was so special, and it felt as though my dad was right there with me, walking me down the aisle. I am so grateful to the firefighters of FDNY for making my wedding day so meaningful and unforgettable,” Marino told The New York Post. Marino shared a video of the moment on her Instagram. She appears barely able to hold back tears as she walks amongst her father’s brothers. “My dad couldn’t show up to my wedding because he was taken from us on September 11th, so look who did. New and retired firefighters from my dad’s firehouse. I finally understand why they say, ‘It’s a brotherhood,’” she said in the video’s caption.

Marino shared that a fireman had been with her every step of her wedding, including one who escorted her from her hotel to her wedding venue. “They stopped their life to be apart of my special day to honor my dad. Walking out of the hotel to see all the firefighters with the 2 trucks instantly made me bawl my eyes out, it truly was symbolism of my dad walking me down the aisle & I know it’s exactly how he would of wanted it, this one is for you dad.” Marino’s mother, Katrina, and her brother Tyler can also seen clearly emotional as they take in the firefighters’ presence. Katrina shared how she felt her husband would respond to the moment. “All of us wishing and knowing he should have been with us. But so special to have his ‘brothers’ there with us,” she said. “Kenny would be so proud, knowing Rescue 1 were there for us.”