I do a first look for the bride and groom at the majority of the weddings I photograph, but have you thought about doing a first look with your dad on your wedding day?
I’ve seen so many wonderful, emotional moments between a dad and his daughter, and this allows you dad a chance to let his guard down since it’s just the two of you. A great time to do this is before the first look with your groom. Set aside a few moments so your dad can see his little girl all grown and in her wedding day attire. You give him a chance to get sentimental and teary-eyed without everyone watching. I can help you coordinate a low-key, private and special reveal. Giving yourself a few moments with your dad can also help you feel calmer for when he walks you down the aisle.
A few tips: It’s a good idea for your dad to be dressed for the wedding day when he sees you. I can help pin on his boutonniere. This can be arranged in the room you are getting ready in, or I actually prefer a private spot that I can help you pick out. This way we can limit the number of people observing to keep it more private for you. Having the bridal party in your room, for instance, could hamper how your dad reacts when he sees you. You want the moment to be 100% natural and comfortable for each of you.
Here are just a few of my favorite Father-Bride special moments I was privileged to witness and photograph:
This sequence says it all. This dad just stood there a few moments when he first saw his daughter, unable to move.
The bride was quite emotional as well, as she is very close to her dad.
This photo had me teary-eyed as well. It turned out to be a favorite of the brides as the captured moment meant so much to them.
A special moment during their special dance.
This dad relished his moment to walk his daughter down the aisle!
This father of the bride got pretty emotional during the father-daughter dance.
And let’s give mothers of the bride their moment too, as in this special mother-daughter relationship.