Metro Atlanta Mom's Wedding Photo Honors Angel Son

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A metro Atlanta mother's wedding photos have extra special meaning after losing her son to cancer six months ago.

In May, Anna Bozman Thompson had to say goodbye to her son, Lake, way too soon after a long battle with leukemia. He was just three weeks shy of his 9th birthday when he died. Lake’s story touched the hearts of many, including members of the Atlanta Hawks. In April, he became an honorary member of the team. 

Last month, Thompson tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend, Travis Thompson, in a beautiful outdoor ceremony in Colbert, Georgia. Their wedding had been put on hold for years as Lake battled cancer. They finally decided to get married in October because they knew it's what Lake always wanted.

"The thing I dreaded most was taking the pictures. I was sad because he wasn't going to be in the pictures and it's like you feel guilty taking photos without him," Thompson said.

On Sunday, Thompson shared an incredibly touching photo on Facebook from her big day. Her friend, and Georgia-based photographer, Brandy Angel snapped photos throughout the day. Thompson had told Angel she was not looking forward to taking the family photos because she knew Lake wouldn't be there.

"Although my family will never be complete here on Earth, we will be in Heaven. I do know that ️Lake has been watching over us especially when we got married. He made sure that it would be a day that none of us would forget. Although I felt his presence that day and I was actually happy, it was almost unbearable to take family pictures without him," she said. 

Angel said any comfort she can give the family is a gift within itself and that's exactly what she did. Thompson had asked her to include Lake in the family photos, which also included Thompson's two other children.

Angel said with the help of Jasper, Georgia resident Paul Woodward they photoshopped Lake into one of the pictures, and as she was editing them something else gave her chills. 

"When I got home there was this amazing light in so many of the family photos that moved around them," Angel said. "It never changed shape or color and it moved all around them. It even reflected off her dress in one! It had me covered in goose bumps."

Angel said Thompson told her she knew her baby would show up for the wedding.

"I needed this picture more than she or anyone could ever know. THIS is my family. And we will be together again," Thompson said on Facebook. 

Angel told FOX 5's Katie Muse she felt like she was part of a miracle and it's exactly what her friend needed. 

According to Angel, two days before the wedding was set Thompson was surprised by Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta at her mother's home. They gave her the dress of her dreams and Angel described it as a day full of love, sorrow, remembrance and new beginnings. 

"Anna was the picture perfect bride and I know Lake was shining down on all of us that day," said Angel. 

Learn more about Lake Bozman's battle with cancer here

Photos courtesy of Brandy Angel Photography

 

"When your child passes away, your biggest fear is that your child will be forgotten. This keeps him alive,"  Thompson said.