I think a lot of dads can relate to George Banks in Father of the Bride. No matter how old I am, my dad still thinks I’m this little girl.
Father of the Bride 1991/Sand Dollar Productions/Touchstone Pictures
Over the course of planning, my dad brought up lots of old memories from my childhood and I could tell he really couldn’t believe his “baby” was getting married. I struggled with finding the perfect song for us.
I had been deciding between a few song choices, but we ended up picking something completely different. I had read a post by Mrs. Lamb and she mentioned how she and her dad were supposed to dance to Steve Kirwan’s My Little Girl. I had never heard it before and I fell in love. The lyrics were absolutely perfect, but I still wanted to give Starfish Dad a choice, so I played him a few options. I asked him which was his favorite, he said he liked Steve Kirwan’s My Little Girl, but I could pick whichever I like. I was excited and exclaimed, “that’s my favorite too!”
So on the wedding day, Starfish Dad and I had our dance.
We talked and laughed our way through the entire song.
Then it was time for my husband to dance with his mom. MIL Starfish told us what she wanted right from the beginning. She wanted to dance with Mr. Starfish to Rascall Flatts’ My Wish.
Seeing them was one of my favorite memories of the reception.
As I watched my new husband dance with his mother, all I could do was smile. The two of them were beaming with happiness.
FMIL Starfish sang the entire song to Mr. S, it was beautiful. They swayed, she sang, and Mr. Starfish was smiling the entire time.
There are some traditions that just never go out of style.
Do you plan on having parent dances? What have you chosen for your songs?
All photos by David Bibeault
This is so beautiful! The love of a family is so precious. Thanks for sharing.
I’m having a hard time finding the perfect song for my father and I. “My Little Girl” is BEAUTIFUL.
What were the other song choices you gave him?
So beautiful! I can’t believe MIL Starfish sang the whole song to Mr. Starfish, that is so adorable!
I think if my mom or my FI mom tried to sing a song to me or FI, they’d end up crying!
That is so sweet! I’m glad you all got to dance to that song!
My father and I danced to “Daughter” by Loundon Wainwright. My dad had never heard it until we danced and he really loved it.
My father and I danced to “Daughter” by Loudon Wainwright. My dad had never heard it until we danced and he really loved it.
It took us awhile to find the perfect fit for these dances. But for my dance with my dad we chose Daddy’s Angel by Anthony W. Carter, and for the mom/son dance he picked Never Alone by Jim Brickman and Sara Evans. We’ll see how they work next weekend!!
The father/daughter dance was one of the things my dad looked forward to the most after we announced our engagement.
mr. c is doing my wish w/ his mom and i am doing it won’t be like this for long by darius rucker w/ my dad. i tear up when i hear eaither one!
@Maureen: http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/04/14/dancing-with-dad/
Your photos are so sweet. 
Love this tradition, and I’m so looking forward to dancing with my Dad!
these are my favorite parent dance photos, by far. you and your family couldn’t glow any more than they do in these pictures.
Mrs. Starfish, Boston/Newport Age and Occupation: 25, Coordinator Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Sales Engagement Date: October 8, 2008 Wedding Date: October 2010 Venue: The Atlantic Beach Club About Me: I'm a perfectionist who is a planner at heart. I don't do well with surprises. I love planning, crafting, Newport RI, family and friends, and most importantly, Mr. Starfish---all of which will be big components in our October wedding in our favorite little city by the sea.
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