THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND
Dad, a son's first hero and a daughter's first love. The man you call when your kitchen has somehow turned into a fire hazard. The man you ask to kill pesky spiders and change your tires. And the man you trust to fiercely love and protect you, no matter what.
While we know that Father's Day is a day for dads and that it almost always includes a trip to Home Depot, have you ever wondered how it came to be?
Father's Day, celebrated on the third Sunday in June, was first conceptualized in Spokane, Wash. by Sonora Smart Dodd. While Mother's Day was already observed, Father's Day had yet to be recognized by the federal government. Because Dodd's mother died shortly after giving birth to her fifth brother, she held her father, American Civil War veteran, in great esteem. Following his wife's death, William Jackson Smart immediately stepped up to raise all six children. Inspired by how quickly he embraced the role of single-fatherhood, Dodd decided during a Mother's Day church service on June 20, 1909 there should be a day dedicated to our dear old dads as well.
As a result of successfully approaching the Spokane YMCA, local churches and government officials, the first Father’s Day was officially observed in the State of Washington on June 19, 1910. Other states followed suit, but it wasn't until 1972 that Father's Day was officially recognized as a nationwide holiday.
Fast forward to the present, and here we are! While there is no way to truly define how much a paternal bond can mean, we know that our dads have one of the most crucial roles to play when our time comes to tie the knot.
In celebration of our capeless superheroes, we've rounded up our favorite father daughter moments from our real weddings. We double-dog dare ya not to get a little teary-eyed.
1. Megan + Jacob
Megan and Jacob tied the knot with a stylish wedding on the rooftop at The Bridge Building. Here, Megan shared a beautiful moment with her father after seeing her as a bride for the first time.
Photography: Frame Visuals
2. Rachel + Nick
Rachel and Nick said "I do" with the sweetest rustic, Italian-inspired wedding at The Bridge Building. As the reception kicked off up on the rooftop, Rachel and her father showcased their killer dance moves with an adorable choreographed routine. Like father, like daughter!
Photography: Details Nashville
3. Melissa + Sutton
Melissa and Sutton celebrated with a festive, winter wedding at The Bell Tower. Melissa's father took his role very seriously, even wearing custom socks to commemorate the occasion! Here, he helped Melissa put on her something blue before the ceremony.
Photography: Kristin Vanzant Photography
4. Sloan + Josh
Sloan and Josh's wedding at The Bell Tower was romantic and stylish as all heck. Here, Sloan and her father shared the sweetest moment at the altar during their first look.
Photography: Courtney Davidson
5. Jordan + Jake
Jordan and Jake celebrated their marriage with an elegant yet modern reception at The Bridge Building. Here, Jordan and her father shared a sweet moment before the day's festivities began.
Photography: Laura K. Allen Photography & Design
6. Rebecca + Tyler
Rebecca and Tyler were married at The Bell Tower with a dreamy, spiritual wedding. Here, Rebecca and her father share an emotional embrace during their first dance.
Photography: Stephanie Sorenson
7. Jennie + Howard
Jennie and Howard exchanged vows on a rainy spring day at The Bridge Building. Here, Jennie's father just couldn't hold back his tears after seeing his daughter as a bride for the first time.
Photography: Anna Rebecca Weddings
8. Whitney + Ryan
Another first look we'll never forget! Whitney and Ryan exchanged vows on a bright summer day at The Bridge Building. Here, Whitney and her father share an emotional moment together after seeing her as a bride for the first time.
Photography: Abbey Hunter