photo courtesy of zazzle.com
My dear Uncle Rich (whose daughter, Kimmi, was previously featured on the blog) is a wonderful, wonderful man. Next in line after my dad in the army of Kidwell siblings, he was born with a smile on his face and a jive in his step. He always has a funny joke to tell, a humorous story to recount or a helping hand to offer, and every now again, he even likes to provide us with an infinite word of wisdom.
So, shortly after the eldest of his three daughters got married and I got engaged, Uncle Rich offered some of this infamous wisdom to my Papa. “Bill,” he said. “In regards to your daughter’s upcoming nuptials, there’s only one thing as the Father of the Bride you need to know… Just Shut Up and Pay!“ Haha!
Obviously, albeit humorous and good spirited advice, this is hopefully not the only advice or role brides-to-be want for their fathers. But sadly, despite our greatest efforts and intentions, many will inevitably end up feeling just like that… Hence, why it’s so important to make sure all FOBs feel like an essential part of the team and not just a piggy bank.
Give your daddios a job / a task / a duty – no matter how big or small – to make sure he knows he’s needed :) If he has a sweet tooth, why not let him pick out a cake flavor? Or, if you have a papa who’s particularly picky about his wardrobe, how about letting him offer advice on the tuxes? Why not let him be a part of the excursions that interest him? Choosing a band. Or a mode of transportation, etc. One of the many tasks I asked of my dad was to pick out the song we danced too. He loved it!
Of course, for any FOBs out there who happen to read this and mayhaps start to feel a little overwhelmed, might I offer a bit of cheer? I’ve been married for well over a year, but it wasn’t until a couple months back that my mom told me a story…
After all the months of preparation, paying, checking in, paying, scheduling, PAYING, my Papa and I still had the long 125 foot aisle journey surrounded by teary eyed friends and family to walk down before he could give me away. Once we reached the end – fully aware of all the dollars he spent – and he gave me away, my Papa quietly took his place in the pew alongside my mom. She reached out for his hand and looking up proudly heard him whisper, “Worth every penny.”
January 26, 2011
Photo Courtesy of banquetevent.com
Who doesn’t love a romantic comedy? Even my Mister has to admit despite all the “man laws” telling him not to… that romantic comedies are the ultimate in “feel good” fun! I like to compare being a bride to being like a little kid on Christmas Eve… the anticipation is half the fun!
I say relish in watching movies and letting people ooh and aww over you. After all, you’re only a bride once! And watching romantic comedies will easily help you stay in that wedding spirit and maybe even give you some ideas! Below are 15 of romantic comedy’s finest plotted around (drum roll please)… WEDDINGS! Enjoy!
Okay, seriously, this one’s the BEST! Humorously combining the outrageous nature of bringing two families together as well as the joy true love can bring, My Big Fat Greek Wedding is a movie that is fun for all!
A college favorite, this special treat was a go-to feature for my best friend (waddd up, Bre!) and me our freshman year of college. Men can love it because of Jennifer Lopez; while us ladies can feast on some serious man candy in Matthew McConaughey. Delight!
This is one movie that I could watch from beginning to end, over and over again and never get tired of it. From the goofball characters to the heart-tugging plot, this is one wedding movie that will never go out of style!
And speaking of classics, this is one of the greatest! I can remember seeing this film as a kid and laughing my head off… but what was even more wonderful was watching it again as an adult and repeating the laughter all over again. The funny thing is, as I know my humor has changed through the years, I know I wasn’t laughing at the same things. There’s no way I could’ve understood all the funny parts :)
Fair warning, you have to get through some serious rough patches before you can get to the happy ending, but like all good things in life, it just takes time. Be sure to watch this one with girlfriends!
Anyone care for a sing-a-long? Is so, look no further than this Oscar winning classic! Set in rural Oregon in 1850, this feature film has it all! From singing and dancing to adventure and comedy, you’ll be glad to watch this one again and again!
If raunchy humor doesn’t bother you, then you should most def check out this treat! As the third film in the American Pie series, this crazed wedding film may contain a bit more bawdy one liners, but it still deals with the concerns that stress every bride… and who can’t appreciate that?
Love love love this one! I know it’s hard for some to see Julia Roberts lose, but what person can’t relate to the tagline of the film: Julianne fell in love with her best friend the he decided to marry someone else?? I mean, come on! We all want what we can’t have!
Here we go again!! My My! (Yeah, yeah… don’t act like you don’t sing it every time you hear it too! Hehe!) For cereal, while I can’t help but LOOOVE musicals, I will say that anyone who’s not a fan of ABBA should probably stay away from this treat… everyone else… join in the chorus!
Talk about bridal insanity! This kitschy number has more plot twists, dips and funness than you’ll know what to do with! So, sit back, relax and enjoy!
Okay, I’ll admit it… I love love love Audrey Hepburn! Arguably one of the most pristine faces ever to grave the silver screen, this drop dead gorgeous lady is ahhhhmazing in Funny Face! Not only is it a love story for the ages, but part of the movie is set in Paris!! Ooh la la! Za City of Lights!
While this is not your typical fall in love / happy ending romantic comedy, it does focus on one of the greatest bonds a bride will ever have… the one to her maid of honor! So, grab your BFF and enjoy!
What can I say? I’m a sucker for old movies… and this one is no different! This double Oscar winner features two of Western’s favorite people: John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. The chemistry these two have is undeniable, and anyone on looking is sure to enjoy it!
Yep, yet another classic tale of a “always a bridesmaid, never a bride” getting her shot at love… and who could ever resist an underdog story??
I still can’t believe the first time I saw this movie, I was still in high school. Siiiighhhh, memories. This super fun film has all the ingredients for greatness with an overbearing father, obsessed wedding planner, a bride with a secret and families coming together from across the world… love it!
March 8, 2010
Me and my dad at Aunt Anna's wedding - June 6, 1987
Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad. ~Anne Geddes
There’s a special bond between fathers and daughters that is unlike any other. A father is the first man a girl ever loves. He’s the strong shoulder she leans on and the warm heart she trusts. He’s her ride to dance class and the toughest coach she’ll ever have. He’s her biggest fan and most loyal supporter. He’s the replacement hair dresser when Mom’s gone and the grill master for all backyard barbeques. He’s a protector, provider, medicine giver, piggy back transporter and teacher… and while he’s the first man to ever own his daughter’s heart, he’s also the one expected to give it away.
Which is why, when I think of my wedding day, there’s only one part that I’m utterly terrified to do…
Walk down the aisle with him. Like so many other girls all over the world, my father is Superman. He has done more for me and my family than could ever be expected. He worked long hours and still managed to make it to all my games. He was always my first phone call whenever I was in trouble. Even in my horrifying Junior High years – don’t act like you don’t remember what you were like at 13 – he never stopped making me feel like it was a privilege to be my dad. He was (and still is) constantly doing without in order to provide more than we need.
He’s the most dependable, loyal, hard working and generous person I’ve ever had the honor to know. My grandmother once told me that he was the strongest of her children… hard headed and stubborn… but strong. That has always stuck with me, and I know they say you can’t pick your family, but even if you could, I wouldn’t change him in for anyone else. I’m hoping, as I age, that I will reflect more than just my father’s Charlie Brown cheeks…. because to be completely honest, we could all be a little more like Bill :)
Happy Father’s Day, Papa! I love love love you! And no matter what, you’ll always be Superman.
And for all you bride’s out there looking for the perfect Father/Daughter dance song, here are some of today’s most popular choices:
- I Loved Her First – Heartland
- My Little Girl – Tim McGraw
- What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
- Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
- My Girl – Temptations
- The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
- Unfogettable - Natalie and Nat King Cole
- Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
- Daughters – John Mayer
- Have I Told You Lately – Rod Stewart
June 19, 2009
