Presence

Unlike most wedding photographers, I am not always privy to details. One of my venues often does not share the itinerary, number of guests or any of the brides coorespondance.  However, yesterday no conversation was necessary to understand who was in attendance to celebrate the couples union.  In the front row of chairs placed on the first seat was a triangle box holding an American flag and a beautiful orchid lei.  The procession included the couples little daughter and the beautiful bride entered escorted only by her mother.  I wanted to capture a moment for the bride that included her fathers memory.  This picture was take very quickly because I had to lay into the sisters' lap who was seated in the second row. Not until looking at the footage did I realize the couples daughter had danced into the frame.  As a hula dancer, the first thing I notice is the little girls hands.  They appear as if she is placing a lei on a loved one.  Mahalo to this sweet keiki who is teaching me that my work is to acknowledge presence, not document memories.  I don't know how long ago the brides father passed, or if he ever had the chance to hold his granddaughter..... but he did yesterday. The family showed him honor, and his presence was most certainly at his daughters wedding, holding the entire family.