Bride’s Dad Died on 9/11. 25 Years Later, She Honored Him at Her Wedding (Exclusive)

**A Love Story Remembered: Cordelia McGinn Honours Her Late Father on Wedding Day**

In a poignant tribute to her father, FDNY Captain William McGinn, Cordelia McGinn’s wedding integrated heartfelt remembrances of her dad, who tragically lost his life in the September 11 attacks 25 years ago. Cordelia, now 31, married Matthew Goodman on September 26, 2026, at Guastavino’s in New York City, a venue rich with personal significance tied to her father’s memory.

William McGinn was killed on that fateful day in 2001, leaving behind a young daughter. Reflecting on her loss, Cordelia recalled the first thing she uttered to her mother upon learning of her father’s passing: the realisation that he would not be there to walk her down the aisle. “My dad and I were incredibly close,” she remarked. “I was only six when he died, but I have vivid memories of the time we spent together. He made me feel deeply loved, protected, and understood; he was my person.”

Guastavino’s became a symbol of connection for Cordelia when her mother shared a cherished story about the venue. William McGinn had first taken her mother there years prior to showcase its renowned architectural arches, a moment that would unknowingly hold deeper meaning for Cordelia on her wedding day. “When we considered venues, my mother waited to reveal that story until we showed interest in Guastavino’s,” Cordelia explained. “Learning that it held a special connection to my dad felt like a sign.”

The emotional layers of that connection were not lost on Cordelia, who expressed comfort in knowing her father had once appreciated the architectural beauty of the very space where she was starting her new life. “A moment from their life together became part of the beginning of ours,” she said, highlighting the significance of having her father’s presence felt in the same arches he had once admired.

Throughout the day, Cordelia sought ways to pay tribute to her father, including carrying a small photograph of him attached to her bouquet. “The flowers were a tribute to him, as he grew up working at his uncle’s florist and had a love for wedding flower design,” she noted. Additionally, she and her mother danced to two of William McGinn’s favourite songs, both performed by Bruce Springsteen, adding a soundtrack of cherished memories to the day.

In a further tribute, Cordelia was surprised by the arrival of FDNY bagpipe players and a visit from her father’s old firehouse during the cocktail hour. “These details provided a meaningful way to honour him without overshadowing the joy of the celebration,” she shared, underscoring the balance between remembrance and celebration.

While no substitute could bring her father to her side on her wedding day, Cordelia found solace in the connections woven into the ceremony. “Knowing he had stood in that space made it feel extra special,” she said. “It was as if a part of his story was woven into the beginning of ours.”

The bride dazzled in a custom gown designed by Lihi Hod during the ceremony, later changing into dresses by Maëlle and Elizabeth Fillmore. One of her most cherished memories from the occasion was the moment she locked eyes with Matthew at the altar, filled with emotions ranging from excitement to nostalgia. “There was so much emotion in that moment—excitement for our future, gratitude for everyone there, and the feeling of being close to my dad,” she recounted.

The couple concluded the reception with Springsteen’s “Born to Run,” a song steeped in family history. “That song has been the soundtrack to my life. My parents played it at their wedding, and my dad and I would sing it together when I was little,” Cordelia said. “Ending the night with it was like bringing all those parts of my life together. It was pure joy.”

Cordelia described her wedding as a “dream come true” and the “happiest day” of her life, while acknowledging the emotional complexity of celebrating without her father. “Finding ways to feel connected to him was incredibly meaningful,” she explained, noting how she often seeks guidance from his memory in her life decisions.

The day was particularly poignant for her mother, who, decades earlier, had stood in the same venue with William McGinn. “A memory from their life together became part of the beginning of ours, and that’s something I’ll always treasure,” Cordelia reflected, capturing the essence of love that transcends time.

As the couple embarks on their shared journey, the cherished memories of a loving father remain a guiding light for Cordelia, reminding her of his enduring presence in her life.