INGLEWOOD ESTATE

There are lots of things about Simon and Ally’s wedding day that stood out to me, but perhaps the moment that left the most lasting impression was when Ally’s father stood up to give his speech at the reception. Both Ally and Simon are rather private people (so big thanks to them for kindly allowing me to share their beautiful day with you), and Ally’s father acknowledged this as he stood to say a few words before their friends and family. He opened up by explaining that there were a lot of stories he could tell about Ally, and about her growing up, but then went on to share how he believed they were her stories and, therefore, hers alone to share. He didn’t feel it was his place to offer them up on her behalf. And in the twenty seconds or so it took to say those few words I saw a lifetime of love and respect. I was incredibly moved that this father took what is quite often an opportunity to have a bit of light-hearted fun with his daughter, sharing the odd embarrassing story or two, and chose to honour her instead.
And, as you know, us girls tend to fall for the kind of guys that remind us of our dads. And watching Simon throughout the course of their day, on top of what I already knew of him, I could see how much he not only loved and adored his new wife, but that he clearly honoured and respected her as well. And that’s a pretty empowering combination to carry in to a new life together. It was a wonderful thing to witness and, again, I felt incredibly grateful for these couples that allow me in to their lives and give me the chance to not only see love but to feel it as well.

Narrelle x