A special dance

   Nearly every wedding reception has that special moment when the newly wed bride takes a moment to dance with her father. Usually the dance is somewhat awkward, with both dad and daughter suffering shyness with so many eyes on them. Occasionally the father and daughter have developed a fun, choreographed dance, obviously rehearsed and practiced, and enjoyed by everyone. I love photographing the reactions of the guests as they watch the father-daughter moment: the tears,  poignant smiles, the glances at their little girls as they imagine that special dance in their own futures.
  Mr. S had cancer. He attended his daughter's wedding with oxygen tank in tow, and even mustered the strength to escort her down the aisle. At the reception I watched him take in every moment of the evening- smiling at his wife, grinning at his grandchildren, paying careful attention to his adult children and their spouses. Finally, it was his special time to dance with his daughter, the breathtaking bride.
   They danced, cried, and finally, embraced, as family and friends wiped away bittersweet tears. They left the dance floor, and the DJ called the groom and his mother to the floor for their notable dance. Again, hugs and tears between the groom and his mom, and smiles throughout the hall.




   Then the bride began a remarkable announcement. Through tears she explained that her dad had been valiantly battling cancer, and that everyone was praying for his recovery. However, her youngest sister-his youngest daughter was still in high school and "...who knows when she might get married..."
   This unselfish, loving bride, wanted her little sister to experience that once-in-a-lifetime father/daughter dance, and willingly shared her big day. Her dad smiled, took the hand of his youngest daughter, and began the most beautiful dance I've ever photographed.
   There was not a dry eye in the room.