Backstreet Boys' Kevin Richardson was thrilled his father could be at his wedding -- even though he died eight years ago.

Richardson, who lost his dad Jerald to cancer in 1992, married longtime girlfriend Kristin Willits last year in the mountain summer camp his father used to run.

And he says, not only did the secluded spot mean the press stayed away, it also meant his dad could watch his son wed.

Richardson says, "I got married in the mountains where my father runs a summer camp in an outside chapel.

"It was really cool, it was like my father was there. I lost him in 1992 but I felt like he really was there."

Richardson is also honoring his dad by forming an environmental charity in his honor.

Just Within Reach: An Earth Foundation will begin in Richardson's home state of Kentucky, America and expand globally next year. -- WENN