The Long Walk

I've talked a lot about wedding traditions, and I've even shared some with you. There is one tradition that I've known from the beginning I wouldn't be obeying. The father/ daughter traditions.

My dad died when I was 13. It hurt when I was younger to know that my father wouldn't be present at my wedding, but I've had a lot of time to come to terms with it.

Initially, I kind of assumed my Grandpa would walk me down the aisle. I even told my mom Grandpa would walk me when she offered. I'm scared to take my mom up on her offer because she will probably cry. I am trying to avoid crying at all costs. Which is why my Grandpa seemed like the best option. He's a great man who helped raise me. I also thought about having my Uncle walk me down the aisle, but he has two daughters of his own. I don't want to take away from his and his daughters special moments.

Recently I've been thinking about the option of walking myself. I watched a wedding video by William Gaff called 8 families, and it prompted me to think about the option. In the movie someone said, "We told her it was a tough walk to make by herself." I believe them, but I think it also might mean more to me to walk by myself.

I consider myself an independent person. Its harder for me in most cases to let myself lean on others rather than just deal with it myself. I'd love to be able to make this strength apart of my wedding. Weddings are all about making two lives one, but I think its important to trust yourself with your life before you can trust someone else with it.

I've displayed the ability to take care of myself emotionally and financially over the last few years to myself and those closest to me. This is way I'm thinking of walking myself.

Even though I consider myself independent, I still love and cherish those around me, and I really hope that no one takes offense to my decision to fly solo. I definitely still want to spotlight those who have been there for me and helped me grow-up. My family was my life through out high school. PERIOD. And I want them to give me away. I say family because I think they were all a major part of my growth as a person. This is why I'm considering having my whole family say, "We do," and stand after the pastor asks who is giving me away.

After they all stand, I would like my mom to lift my veil blusher. This would give her a chance to stand out from my mini-crowd. I would also like one of my family members to acknowledge my Father and Grandma who have past away while my mom is lifting my veil.

Does anyone think this is too much or too complicated? Did you have to stray from the normal father/daughter traditions? Or did you have the classic father/ daughter moments?