Perhaps it’s because I haven’t long been a dad myself that these moments have more affect upon me than they once might have done. But, of all the images from this recent North Norfolk wedding, there was one image that I kept going back to. It might not be the most artistic, nor, even the best image in the set but this photograph of the proud father, as he gave away his daughter on her wedding day, really touched me. The tradition of taking his hand and placing the groom’s on the bride’s is symbolic of the ‘passing’ of his property and duty, a rather outmoded concept now and a seemingly sexist one. But it doesn’t have to be; for me it symbolises how father’s figuratively and literally give their daughter to the love and care of another. One day, I hope to be in that position but moments like these remind me how much I should treasure the time I have with my little girl here and now. And to her future partner, whomever they may be, remember, I loved her first!
By Rob Dodsworth