Maybe it’s because Sara is starting to grow up.
Maybe it’s because I’ve seen too many weddings where brides rush through the day.
I’m not sure what it is, but lately brides and fathers have been on my mind at weddings.
I have a fantastic tip for you brides on your wedding day: Spend time with your dad.
This is the thing with most dads, they are kinda numb to the whole wedding thing. You and your mom or friends have planned the day. As guys, we clearly have little or no opinion on the colors you choose or the type of flowers you use in your bouquet. The whole process is by women and for women. There is one part of the day however that Dads are very, very clued into. The part where they “give you away”.
Some dads joke about it, others cry through it, but all of them have a feeling about it. Here is my tip to you: find a way to honor and thank your dad sometime the week you get married. Maybe it’s by having that super traditional Father-Daughter dance. But guess what, some dad’s don’t like to dance. Especially with 283 people watching them. Some dads like iHop. How about taking him to breakfast the day of your wedding. That’s right. The morning you get married you CAN spend 30 minutes with your dad. Trust me when I say that nothing will make him feel more honored and loved than you spending a few moments alone with him.
Here are a few things I’ve seen brides do.
It’s amazing how a simple 3 minute chat at the candy table before the day gets going can mean so much.
Lauren’s dad kicked everyone out of the bride’s room to spend a few moments alone with her and give her a gift.
I loved this moment between Amy and her dad.
Erika actually called her dad and talked to him for about 5 minutes before he came to walk her down the aisle.
And, if the only thing you can do with your dad is the Father/Daughter dance, dancing to “Thriller” is the way to go. (Happy Anniversary Kim & Josh)
Here’s the deal, I WANT Sara to get married. I’m sure that I’ll love the guy she is choosing and be thrilled to see her find happiness in him. My “fear” is that I’ll be forgotten. I see this in dads in many of the weddings I shoot. They don’t want to take over the day. They just want 10 minutes with their daughter to hug them and tell them how proud they are. Give your dad time on your wedding day. Even though he’s not your number 1 man anymore, he desperately needs to be reminded that he’s number 2.
7 comments
Wow. Great insight Alex, thanks
Oh my gosh I was seriously crying (at my desk…at work…) as I read this post! My dad and I are very close and so even though my mom planned a bridal brunch for me on my wedding day, I still woke up early to have breakfast in bed with my dad (waffles to be exact) and hang out with him. He gave me a card and letter that he wrote for me and sealed when I was 16! It was the best way to start that special day and it was a moment with him that I will forever cherish! GREAT reminder to your brides, Alex!
Um yeah, that one made me cry too Alex. I still remember my Dad’s look when he “gave me away” – very proud, a little sad… Oh man there I go again! Where’s the tissue?
You’re quite the tearjerker, Alex.
I still get choked up thinking about the phone call with my dad…and the first moment he saw me all dressed in white with no one else around and we both stood there and cried…and the drive down to the ceremony site…those were some of my favorite moments of the whole experience.
Thanks for all of your great advice to brides.
And have a happy Father’s Day.
Grrrr……you made me tear up when reading this post.
But a HUGE smile came across my face when I saw the pic of my Dad and I doing our father/daughter dance to Thriller!!
Thanks for the anniversary shout out. =)
GIG ‘EM!!!
Yes, Alex, I still occasionally stalk your blog. You pictures are always amazing…Although, marriage has made me content and I not longer look at your pictures and wish. I look at your pictures and thing wow, how nice.
Yes, I really love that picture with my Dad as well. I was (and still am) thrilled you took it.
My ‘sage’ advice to any bride would be to listen to all the advice you offer. You do this all the time and are excellent. Spend time with parents, and really special people on that day. Those are the memories you will be glad you have.
What a GREAT blog! Being a total daddy’s girl myself I always love shooting the father daughter moments. And my biggest fear of getting married is watching my dad have that proud/hurt moment when he gives me away (dang monologue in Father of the Bride).