Even though we had taken dance lessons and practiced a lot for our first dance, the dances our guests were really talking about were the ones we shared with our parents. First up, Papa Jelly and I did the father-daughter dance to Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful.”
Now, if I learned anything from my wedding, it’s that when your dad has a specific song request in mind for the father-daughter dance, you should just let him have his song. When my dad told me that “You Are So Beautiful” was his song choice, I cringed. It’s a beautiful song (no pun intended), but I felt weird about it. Almost like it would be embarrassing or something, the same way you’re embarrassed when your mom kisses you in front of all your friends when you’re in seventh grade. I tried to convince my dad that we should go for another song, but he wouldn’t budge on this one. And now, with the benefit of hindsight, I have to say: he was right.
Guest photo by A. Barsan.
Twenty seconds into the song, Papa Jelly’s choice finally made sense to me. What dad wouldn’t find truth in these lyrics on his daughter’s wedding day: “You are so beautiful to me / Can’t you see / You’re everything I hoped for / You’re everything I need.” (Ok, maybe not the last stanza. But the rest of the lyrics are perfect.)
Guest photo by A. Barsan.
As we swayed on the dance floor, another realization struck me: my dad was vulnerable. This man, who I’d never seen lose his composure in all the years I’ve known him, felt as fragile as a 13-year-old boy at a middle school dance. All at once, I could feel what he was feeling – the emotions associated with knowing that your little girl is all grown up. Those feelings I’d discounted in the past as macho and paternalistic were all too real and the thought out it all overcame me. I lost it.
Following our emotional father-daughter dance, Mr. Jelly and his mom made their way to the dance floor. They danced to Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me,” and their dance was just as emotional! What can I say – we’re really close to our parents.
Love.
Next up, we get the dance party started – Romanian style!
*Photos in this post are courtesy of Cliff Brunk Photography, except where otherwise noted.
Missed a post? Catch up here:
- It’s Pinot Butter Jellies Time!: Week Before the Wedding
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: Practice Makes Perfect
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: Making a Splash
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: Bocce e Abbracci
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: The Night Before
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: Getting Dolled Up
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: Putting on the Dress
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: Our First Look
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: Bridal Party Portraits
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: Setting the Scene, Part 1
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: The Ceremony Begins
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: Here Comes the Bride
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: The Ceremony, Part 1
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: The Ceremony, Part 2
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: Mr. & Mrs.
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: Cocktail Hour and Vineyard Portraits
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: Setting the Scene, Part 2
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: Tonight’s Gonna Be a Good Good Night
- Pinot Butter & Jellies: Lucky
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