Fourteenth: The Father of the Bride
So much attention is placed on the bride during the wedding planning stages and on her actual wedding day. There is so much more to a bride's wedding day than the exchanging of her vows with her husband-to-be; perhaps another love in her life.
Brielle and her father, Jeff, at St. Mary's Church for her First Holy Communion in 1997.
You might be surprised at how many brides walk into Headpiece.com with their father by their side. When a dad accompanies his daughter for her design consultation we often witness a love story. Brielle has chosen to surprise her dad on her wedding day with a special moment just between the two of them before they walk down the aisle. While their father/daughter love story is still in the making there are a few decisions yet to be made that are very important to both Brielle and her dad. Jeff offered to help us out with this post by giving us some insight into the thoughts and heart of "The Father of the Bride".
While there are many stories and myths as to the origin of the wedding blusher, many of our bridal clients are loving the blusher because of the ethereal beauty it provides when walking down the aisle---and because of the emotional once in a lifetime moment captured when it is lifted.
At Headpiece.com we have had brides that come in and tell us that no one does a blusher anymore...or that it's old fashioned. Not so! About fifty percent of our clients choose to wear a blusher. When a bride comes in we ask her about her style, where she is getting married, who is walking her down the aisle, and her feelings about a blusher. The advice I give to my clients is that the decision of whether or not to wear a blusher should be "a conversation".
When Annaliza came in with her dad I asked her if she wanted to wear a blusher. She said she wasn't thinking of wearing a blusher...until I put one on her. What took place next was absolutely beautiful. Her dad practiced lifting the blusher. The moment was quite emotional. It ended with a kiss and Annaliza's decision to wear a blusher. Some of our most beautiful blusher moments are seen below.
Kerri, my assistant of seven years, is getting ready to walk down the aisle while her parents lay the blusher over her. I have always loved the expression on Kerri's face in this photo.
We designed a short, stylish blusher for Angela. It went perfectly with her wedding day look. Photo by MPW Media Group.
The only word to describe this picture of Jenelle is "gorgeous!" Our blusher photographed like glass. Photo by The Bleu Studio.
An incredible picture of Annaliza taken by Images by Berit. As you can see...Headpiece.com's blushers are not old fashioned...and our headpieces are equally on the forefront of wedding fashion!
I will forever love this picture of Dana under her blusher. Oh...those blue eyes! Photo by Clair Pruett Photography.
One of the most breathtaking shots in my design career taken at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart by The Bleu Studio.
Teresa and her dad are a true love story. Teresa said, "He's one of a kind. Lucky to call him my dad!"
We can all write our own caption for this photo...... Teresa's photos by John O'Boyle Photography
Thoughts from our guest blogger Jeff Hunt...Father of the Bride.
The Blusher...Two words come to my mind when I think of Brielle walking down the aisle in her wedding dress and veil; classic and romantic.
As the father of the bride, the moment of folding back the blusher to kiss my princess as she takes this next step in life would be the picture I have always envisioned. However, the moment and the day would be no less special without it. Lifting the blusher is like opening a treasure chest of memories which are too rich to describe. I don't think of this moment as giving my daughter away but rather Alex joining her to become a part of our family. I can't envision what Brielle will wear or how I will feel when I see her on her wedding day...but the thought of the beautiful and elegant Grace Kelly comes to mind.
Our Walk Down the Aisle...I have no doubt that Brielle will be the most beautiful bride ever! I get emotional just thinking about it, and it is nine months away.
At the many weddings we have attended, I've often thought about what's going through the father's mind as he takes those few steps. I say "few" because no matter how long the walk, that short walk represents the journey that Brielle and I have taken together for the past twenty eight years. I have enjoyed every step, and when we reach Alex I am going to ask him to take her the rest of the way. That's the way it should be...it's tradition...it's commitment. I am going to walk very slowly, very purposefully, very reverently...and I am going to love her and think about every step we have taken together.
A proud father is happy to be with Brielle before the Barristers' Ball at University of Richmond School of Law.
Jeff's final moments with Brielle before she boarded a plane to study abroad in Copenhagen for a semester.
Our Dance...Brielle and I have had many opportunities to dance through life. We danced when she was a little girl twirling in the living room, at her dance recital, at weddings, her Sweet Sixteen, Richmond Ring Dance, and now our most special dance of all...at her wedding. What shall we dance to?
I have many favorites but I think it is Brielle's choice. She wants to dance to a song that is unique but represents the special relationship we share. Brielle has played a few choices for me. The wedding is still nine months away and I can't get through any of them without crying. Oh well, I have some time to learn how to keep my emotions in check on her wedding day (not)! We have had many dances together before and every one has had special meaning including our song... Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle. I look forward to our dance on October the fourteenth more than ever!
Dancing to "Butterfly Kisses" at Brielle's Sweet Sixteen while a video of their dance recital debut, dancing to that same exact song, plays simultaneously in the background.
Dance fever began at a young age. Brielle as a little flowergirl dancing with her dad in 1993.
The dip is a common dance move for the Hunts, especially at weddings.
RIng Dance is a Black Tie tradition at the University of Richmond. In 2010, Jeff escorted Brielle, in her beautiful white gown, down the historical staircase of the Jefferson Hotel. Then they danced the night away.
Dancing until your feet hurt is the sign of a great evening. It is nice to know your dad will always be there to carry you to the next step!
Where did the years go by? Brielle and Jeff dance to Butterfly Kisses in 1998....
A Final Thought...
Any dad reading this knows it is very difficult for any young man to measure up to the gift that is his wonderful daughter. Brielle managed to find that young man. Sometimes... smart, strong, athletic, and handsome are more than you can hope for. When you add in loving, personable, helpful, and driven...you have Alex. He is going to be a most welcomed addition to our family!
Next month on the Fourteenth:
In search of Wedding Eats!