Dads at weddings

I’ve been thinking a lot about dads at weddings ever since one threatened to floor me for suggesting he could be present at his son’s ceremony instead of photographing it.

I remember when Luna and Goldie were born I was so grateful that our friend Bec was capturing everything and I could just be present for the whole process.

I didn’t have to worry about what my role was in the birthing process. I didn’t have to be the midwife, the doula, the doctor, the cook or barista, the cleaner or the nurse.

My only job was to be husband and father.

I think about Britt’s dad, Dave, who I never saw pick up a phone or a camera our whole wedding day. He just loved us, hugged us, shook my hand and joked ‘no returns’ at the end of the aisle.

Are you a dad?

If you’re a dad attending your child’s wedding, they might not be bold enough to tell you, so I will: they don’t want your photos, videos, or your facilitation of a Skype call.

They want you to be present at their marriage ceremony. When they turn and look at you they want to see your face, not a lens. When they exchange vows they want to hear your applause and excitement.

They're dying for you to say loving and encouraging words in your speech.

They just want a dad.

They just want to know you're proud of them.

Heck, I’m a 42 year old man and that’s all I want. Just to know that someone here can say ‘I see you, and I love you.’

💍 Josh Withers is an Australian wedding celebrant based in Hobart who travels the world every week creating meaningful, fun, and honest marriage ceremonies for adventurous couples just like you.

📱 Follow Josh on Instagram, Threads, Facebook, Mastodon, Micro.Blog, or in a Qantas airport lounge somewhere.