Daddy's Little Girl
I was lucky enough in 1998 to have my Father/Daughter dance with my Daddy. Seems like so long ago, and my how weddings have changed! We did an all-inclusive wedding/reception combo in a converted church just outside of Fort Worth, TX for under $3,500. That included everything – the wedding ceremony, the suite to get ready, the flowers, the officiant, reception (cake, punch, room). It was great for such a small budget.
Like many girls, my Daddy was my hero, and is the reason I am a photographer today. I was referred to his "shadow" and I was with him everywhere he went. I picked up on photography as soon as I could stand up, and he is the reason I have the passion for telling stories though the lens.
My dad passed away 6 years ago, and I recently started running into couples (mostly the brides) who have lost a loved one. I gently broach the subject each time, asking if they have a plan in mind of how they want to honor him or her during the ceremony or reception. I cannot begin to imagine not having my father walk me down the aisle, or share our special dance together, so it breaks my heart every time as they try to find a way to express what they intend to do on their wedding day to honor them.
My Daddy and I on a photo shoot circa 1981
Below are just a few of the ideas that that my couples have shared with me, and I thought I would share with you, if you are in need of a way to honor someone who cannot be there on your wedding day.
1) Sew a patch – one bride had a piece of her father's favorite "working in the yard" shirt sewn on the inside of her gown. It happened to be blue, so it also symbolized the "something blue" tradition.
2) Chair – one bride had dedicated a seat not only at the ceremony, but at the reception as well, with a photo of her father, making sure he had a great view of all the festivities.
3) Remembrance locket – one bride has a locket with a photo of her and her dad before he passed. She's tying it to her bouquet for the ceremony and pictures, but will move it to a necklace for the reception.
4) Light a candle – if you are doing a unity candle, consider also having a candle just for a loved one. Ask your officiant to say a small prayer and ask for a moment of silence.
5) Holding picture of loved one – if you are the bride or groom, you can take a nice framed photo of the person who passed, and have your photographer take a formal solo portrait.
These are just a few simple ideas of honoring a loved one on your wedding day. Do you have ideas that you've seen and want to share? Comment below and we'll post them to our Insta account in the future!
~Deb
Remembrance Charm Set by CharmingleeCharms
