I was nervous and excited for our first dance as newlyweds. Nervous, because neither of us is very good at dancing. Excited, because our chosen song is awesome. At least to us. Maybe to you too? Let’s put it on to set the mood:
The song speaks to us on multiple levels and never fails to make me feel incredibly alive and inspired. It’s not your typical first-dance song, and it’s not even much of a traditional love song, but it is ours and it was perfect for beginning the next step of our adventure.
As a side note, I completely forgot to tell our DJ and photographers that I wanted soft, colored lights to set the mood and a spotlight on us during the first dance so our photos would look dreamy and surreal. Instead, we had the full lights of the venue on. It was a slight mood-killer because really…how romantic is dancing in a fully lit room? Not very. But I say it was only slight because we JUST GOT MARRIED! Not much can kill that ecstasy, as is evident in our super-happy expressions.
Now, I mentioned that Mr. Bunting and I do not possess any moves like Jagger, so to help alleviate some of the crap-all-we-know-is-how-to-turn-in-circles pressure, we asked the rest of our bridal party to join in on the floor during a particular crescendo of the song.
Safety in numbers, right?
Yeah, I don’t think I even noticed. I had eyes only for Mr. Bunting.
After our first-dance song came to an end, I paired up with Daddy Bunting for our daddy-daughter dance. I was never one to plan out my dream wedding as a little girl, but this was one of the very few moments that I had played through over and over in my head. My father and I have always been extremely close, and before I was even engaged I would get misty-eyed thinking about this dance. I love the tradition, but it made me feel incredibly sad to think of this as a last dance with my father. I remember dancing in the living room with him as a little girl, when I would put my feet over his and hold on for dear life as he twirled us both around. The implications of this dance had me believing that those days of being daddy’s little girl were officially over, and now I couldn’t belong to him because I belonged entirely to Mr. Bunting. I was both anticipating and dreading the daddy-daughter dance. I wasn’t ready to let go, yet I was still so excited to have this special moment with my father.
But then I realized that, even as a married woman, my relationship with my father didn’t have to change. I could still be my daddy’s little girl, and I always will be. Nothing can change that, no matter where life takes me or how much I grow.
We both got misty-eyed, but we both knew we would. Our song selection, bittersweet with nostalgia both in lyrics and personal meaning, certainly didn’t help. It was an easy choice deciding on this particular song. When I was little my father introduced me to the music of Collin Raye, who easily became my favorite musician. Now, when I think of my childhood and my father, Collin Raye’s music is one key element that always comes to mind.
And when I first heard his song, “Wish I Could,” in 1998, I knew right away that it would be the song I danced to with my father on my wedding day. And so it was.
When the song ended, I got a big old daddy bear hug. The best kind, in my opinion.
Mr. Bunting then danced with his mother while the Beatles sang “In My Life.”
The floor was opened up to all couples, and we got our second dance with each other surrounded by loved ones and many happy couples.
That’s Mother Bunting peeking over Daddy Bunting’s shoulder, looked pleased as can be.
*Marked photos are copyright Bryan and Mae Photography. Unmarked photos are personal or guest photos.
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These are so sweet, the father daughter dance pictures get me every time 
This is a really random comment… I love your sentimental dances but I just want to say you and your dress look amazing in that profile pic of you and Mr Bunting dancing! HOTT.
We forgot to have them turn the lights down for our first dance too! I look back at the pictures and laugh because we’re in a fully lit room. But as you said…who really cares? we were married
You and Mr. Bunting are so sweet and obviously super duper in love in these photos. Who says your first dance can’t be simple and to a unique song? You did a great job of describing the emotion of the father-daughter dance!
Awww such beautiful photos! I love what you said about your father that is so very sweet!
@Mrs. Pony: Same here! I am such a daddy’s girl.
@Miss Sword: Haha! Thank you! That dress does wonders for my booty.
@MaggieL: Exactly! I was hoping to mimic some photographs I’d seen with colored lights playing across the floor and couple, but it didn’t really matter in the end. I’m glad you’re able to enjoy those moments despite the lack of ‘mood’ lighting, too!
@Mrs. Pain au Chocolat: Thanks PaC, you are so sweet!
@Jacofblues: Thank you!
Mrs. Bunting, Grand Rapids, MI Age and Occupation: 25, freelance illustrator Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, retail/graduate Engagement Date: December 3, 2009 Wedding Date: June 2011 Venue: Spring Grove Park & St. George Banquet Center About Me: I am a freelance illustrator and designer with a love of nature and a taste for adventure. Textures and color fuel my world, along with apple cider and noodles. I'll try anything once, especially if it involves heights or food. I've hiked the Grand Canyon, gone sky diving, cuddled a baby wolf, and now my latest venture consists of designing and planning a large wedding involving color, DIY details, love, and marrying my best friend.
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