This post is for every father of the bride who walks down the aisle with his daughter. Over the years, our Toronto wedding photographers have witnessed many tender moments between Brides and their Dads. Those few minutes before the ceremony are often the sweetest. Both Bride and Dad are nervous. Each offers up encouraging words to the other. Sometimes they’ll tease each other and laugh with nervous anticipation. When the walk starts down the aisle, some Dads fight back tears, others straighten up and honour their daughters by walking tall.
The other day we photographed a lovely winter wedding at the beautiful and historic St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Bloor Street just east of Yonge Street. A light dusting of snow started to fall just as the limo carrying Melinda and her attendants arrived at the church. Melinda had arranged to dress in her gown at the church. She stepped out of the limo wearing her regular clothes including a lovely white coat and a pair of saucy red leather gloves.
A half hour later she and the girls were ready for the ceremony. As you can see from the photos below, Melinda was beaming with excitement.
One of our photographers photographed Melinda as she made her way along the corridor and up the stairs to the church. Our other photographer was ready to photograph her Dad when he saw his daughter for the first time in her gown. Look at the love and pride in his expression in the moment we captured. Can you feel the joy? Only a few minutes passed before the large wooden doors opened. In that time we photographed several other touching moments – a private joke, a sweet kiss and holding hands. This father of the bride couldn’t stop smiling. We felt honoured to be included in these moments.
After the ceremony, everyone headed off to the Canadian Forces College. The reception was held in the Officers Mess, a stately mansion built in 1918 and designed by the architect who designed Casa Loma.
