In loving memory of my father, Mr. William Moses Kelly, Jr. (March 26, 1927 – May 6, 1974)
“Daddy, your commitment to God and family was clear to me at a young age. It was as if you continually “dreamed of a City called Heaven”, a song that I remember hearing every morning before you left for work. You had a calm peace, a warm smile, and always extended a helping hand. You were a good, noble, and humble man…never vain or bitter. You never exalted yourself above others. I was proud to be your little girl, anxiously waiting to be picked up when you returned from work.”
The death of a loved one hits hardest during one of the most significant events of your life…your wedding. The little girl in me dreamt of all the details, but NEVER in my wildest dreams did I think my father would not be here to walk me down the aisle and give me away.
I didn’t consider or know to honor his memory in a tangible way. Honestly, I don’t think it was a thing 37 years ago. If I could turn back the hands of time, I would share a few ideas with that 27-year-old bride. (Oops, I just gave by age away lol.)
Here are 5 ways to honor the memory of your loved ones on your wedding day.
1. Reserved Seating
Place a rose and framed photo on the seat where your loved ones would have sat during the ceremony, moving the items to the place setting at their table for the reception. This serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge their presence.
2. Photo Display
Create a photo display or memory table with framed photos and mementos of your loved ones. This allows everyone to reflect on their memories in a visual way.
3. Moment of Silence
During the ceremony or reception, have a moment of silence to honor and remember your loved ones. This is another way for everyone to reflect on their memories.
4. Inclusion in Speeches or Vows
Incorporate a tribute to your loved ones in your speeches or vows. Share stories, memories, or quotes that were meaningful to you and your relationship with them. This allows you to express your love and gratitude for their impact on your life.
5. Special Song or Dance
Choose a special song that reminds you of your loved ones and dedicate it to them during the reception. You can have a moment to dance or invite others to join in, creating a heartfelt tribute on the dance floor.
Your Turn
Honoring your loved ones is a beautiful way to include them in your wedding celebration. The beauty is, there is no right or wrong way. Choose the gesture that feels most meaningful and authentic to you and your unique relationship.
Connect with Marvalous Weddings https://marvalousweddings.com/work-with-us/ to implement your vision as you honor your loved ones on your special day.
Marva, this post is very close to my heart. I was at the beginning of planning all of the many details of my wedding when my father was killed in a car accident. He would walk me down the isle, then move to the pulpit to perform the ceremony, (pictures) race to the hotel for the reception, join me for the first dance (pictures), bless the meal, circulate the room to greet and thank my guests, dance the night away and be ready to delivery a good Word the next morning. I never doubted for an instant that he wouldn’t be able to do these things with the ease, grace and polish that was uniquely his. What was searing through my brain; a million little nails being hammered into my skull to penetrate all my defenses and challenge my sanity was the unthinkable; the unimaginable…he wouldn’t be there for any of it. He was gone.
Ed and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary this year. You were there at our ceremony and sang with VOC. It was you and so many others who got us to the alter that night in so many ways big and small. I just wanted to let you know that the work you are doing to help young brides make their dreams come true started many years ago. Thank you for being there for me.❤️
Awwwe Barbara, thank you for sharing. Never was a “daddy’s little girl” moment so painfully missed. While we both had others to stand in the gap to make our weddings a joyous occasion, there truly is no replacement (humanly speaking) for our fathers.
Thank you for your kind words. It’s amazing how God uses our experiences to shape our future passions.
Congratulations to you and Ed. It was a great honor to stand with you those 40 years ago. 🥰❤️!!