Welcome to a new series about my story as an Alabama Wedding Photographer.

Ten years ago this Daddy’s girl unexpectedly lost her father. It was the hardest season I’ve had to walk through & for the longest time I hated that his death was a part of my story. It wasn’t until I starting building relationships with other girls that I realized that I can use this hurt, this pain for His glory.

I would not wish this upon anyone, but being able to connect with my brides who also lost their fathers is such a God thing. I know how hard it is to not have him there & in that moment standing in your dress of white, I know exactly how you feel.

Today, I want to tell you how I honored my father at my wedding day & give you ways that you can honor yours as well.

1. Wear his shirt while you get ready.

2. Place a charm with his picture or special token or bouquet so that he’s with you every step of the way. Family handkerchiefs come in handy too!

*I had saved several of my dad’s shirts that I remember him wearing. There was this one blue stripe that was special, so I wrapped it around my bouquet. My sweet mother-in-law also made ring barrier pillows for my nephews to carry out of the same material.

3. Sing a special hymn or song during your ceremony.

*A family member of Callie’s saved these petals from her dad’s funeral. The flower girl sprinkled them down the aisle, so Callie’s dad was in a way walking her down the aisle. How so very special!

4. Create a photo display at your reception.

*Photos mean the world to me. So I sprinkled in photos of grandparents’ on their wedding days, along with memories of other family weddings like my brother’s.

5. Share a dance with your brother, father-in-law or father-like figure.

*When I was a little girl, I remember twirling around the dance floor to “My Girl”. So to honor him at our reception, I chose to invite all girls & their dads out onto the dance floor. I began dancing with my step-dad, then concluded with my brother. Both wore two of my dad’s ties; it was extra special & a memory I will treasure forever.

Sweet Girl,

Whatever you do to honor your dad on your wedding day, just know that he is there in the sunshine, in your smile & in the joy of the day! I’ll be right there by your side, holding your hand & cheering you on (with a bunch of tissues too)!

Happy Father’s Day

…to all the dads who have kissed every booboo, embraced all the pink & lace & been our biggest cheerleaders since day one. Happy Father’s Day to those who stepped in when you didn’t have to, you loved us as your own & we can never express how thankful we are. And Happy Father’s Day to those rough & tough brothers that we’ve watched grow into the best of dads.