Nearly fifteen years ago on my wedding day, my dad and I stood behind the doors to my childhood church’s sanctuary. Just before the pastor’s wife opened the doors for our grand entrance, Dad raced into the nursery for a tissue. He wiped his eyes, and chuckled as he asked, “Does my hair look ok?” (My dad is bald.) We walked down the aisle, arm-in-arm, a happy mess. Dad surprised me that day by writing up a precious handout, about the size of a business card, that he gave to all of our guests as they walked into the church that day.
It’s my privilege to tell the story “Dad’s Handout” in the new Chicken Soup for the Soul book, Here Comes the Bride. This story is extra special, for a variety of reasons – 1) My dad is quite amazing and it’s a joy to honor him this way, 2) In a few weeks Kedron and I will celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary, 3) This is the first story I’ve had published!
Also, I’ve re-created the handout that my dad made for my wedding, it is available for download either in Word format or as a PDF here. If you know someone who is getting married, please feel free to pass this little handout along!
In honor of my first publication, and 15 years of marriage, I’m giving away two copies of the book here on my blog! PLUS! I’m holding an extra give away for new friends on Facebook. To be eligible for the contest on Facebook, press the like button that appears in the right hand column of my website, or visit my page here.
To enter the contest on my blog, fill out the Rafflecopter widget below. Winners will be announced next Monday!
Wow a young looking Dad in that photo!
Aw, he still looks young now too 🙂 (insert brownie points for me!)
i see these comments.
Hello there handsome Father! 😉
So proud of you! Love the picture too!
Oops! I was supposed to leave a favorite wedding memory, wasn’t it? We recited the passage from Ruth “your people will be my people…your God will be my God” Loved that, especially since I was leaving my home and all I knew to move to Florida to be with Bobby. And here we are, almost 11 years later…
Oh that is so precious!! Love it!!
Ah. My Mom gave me away. When we neared the front of the sanctuary, Jeff came to meet us and escort us to the stage. It was so sweet. 🙂
I love hearing about other weddings! What a sweet moment Susie!
MY own wedding was fabulous. I just felt so special and happy, though we did almost burn down the church!
Jessie you can’t just say that and not tell the story!! The suspense!!
As a newlywed myself, celebrating just 6 months of marriage, I have SO many fond memories of our big day. I loved my dress, the flowers [and the adorb flower girl!], our TOMS, but most of all, the look on my new husband’s face as I walked down the aisle. Priceless.
My favourite wedding memory was when I asked by my aunt to read scripture at her wedding (a whole chapter!). I was 17 years old I believe. I’m not sure I’d do that now as I’d get too nervous in front of a crowd.