I love to capture moments filled with emotion. Weddings are the perfect avenue to do just that. Can you think of a life event that has so many different emotions attached to it? A bride looking in the mirror, ready. Anticipating the event she has waited for most of her life. The look on a groom’s face as he sees his bride walk down the aisle. A father about to walk his daughter down the aisle,proud of his little girl and wondering how she grew up so fast. A couple just married, having a quick second alone before going off to meet their guests. I love freezing these moments for people, the moments they will want to remember for a lifetime.
But of all memorable moments, father/daughter dances are probably my favorite. (Being wrapped tightly around the finger of my own little girl may have something to do with that.)
And of all father/daughter dances, this one may be my favorite. The reason…THIS dance was never supposed to happen.
Two days before their wedding last summer, I sat down with Andrew and Kristen to go over the day-of itinerary with them. It was then I learned that there would be no father/daughter dance. Instead, during the ceremony, Jeff (Kristen’s dad) would play a song on the piano that he wrote for her. Yes, he wrote his daughter a song. Stud, right? So while I was bummed I’d miss out on my favorite photo-moment with no father/daughter dance, I was excited for a different kind of special moment.
It wasn’t until part way through the reception that I learned that Jeff was going to surprise Kristen with a dance. I was pumped! Not only was I going to get to photograph my favorite moment, but in this one, the daughter was going to be completely surprised! **Cue tissues and throat lump. For me, I mean.**
The moment was just as awesome as you would imagine. Kristen was surprised and smiling ear to ear while Jeff was beaming with pride. Perfect. I was honored to get to witness it.
I can’t wait for more special moments this summer. I love this job!
Let’s just title this next one PROUD DADDY!
P.S. Jeff, I think you have sufficiently raised the bar. I will be spending the next 37+ years trying to figure out how to meet it.
