To My Daugther on her Wedding Day
Lollie,
As I write this letter, I find it hard to believe how quickly time has flown by 26 years in the blink of an eye. It feels like only yesterday I held you in my arms for the first time, overwhelmed by the joy and responsibility of becoming your father. From that moment on, being your dad has been one of the greatest privileges and joys of my life, and I have cherished every single moment of it. As you stand on the threshold of this beautiful new chapter of your life, my heart is filled with pride, love, and an ocean of emotions.
Here is a short poem for you:
For Lauren, From Dad
A Father’s Greatest Gift
I give you her hand, my heart in tow,
It means more to me than words can show.
Her smile, bright as morning’s light,
Now leaves my care, my chest tight.
To my new son, I trust her care,
But heed this truth—beware, beware:
This father’s love is fierce and true,
Do her wrong, and you’ll answer too.
So cherish well this heart you take,
the choice is yours, the life you make.
together…
Even as we approach your wedding day, a day where traditionally a father “gives his daughter away,” I want you to know that I’ll never be able to fully give you away. You’ll always be the best part of me, no matter where life takes you, I’ll always be there. As you starting this beautiful new chapter with Steven, I couldn’t be prouder, my love and connection to you will always remain and grow. You’ll always be my daughter, and I’ll always be here for you —whether it’s to offer advice, share a laugh, or simply remind you how cherished you are. Today isn’t about giving you away; it’s about seeing you grow, while knowing that you will forever have a special place in my heart.
Watching you become into the remarkable woman you are today has been nothing short of incredible. I’ve seen your strength and weakness, your kindness and cruelty, your laughter and tears, and your unyielding determination and drive. From those days of building block castles and reading Harry Potter, to late-night Christmas Eve wrap sessions, and every milestone along the way, I’m proud of how hard you’ve worked and of the person you’ve become. You’ve always been a light in my life, and knowing that you’ve found someone who sees that same light in you fills my heart with happiness.
As you embark on this new journey with Steven, there are a few things I want to share with you. First, remember that love is not just about the good days—it’s about standing beside each other during the challenging ones (and there will be challenging days). It’s about patience, compromise, communications and always choosing to lift one another up. You’ve always shown such passion and resilience, now you’ll need to add empathy and compassion and I know you’ll bring all those qualities into your marriage.
Cherish each moment, both the big and the small. It’s the little things—the quiet conversations, the shared smiles, the moments of everyday life—that build the foundation of a strong relationship. And remember, it’s okay to be vulnerable and to lean on each other. You don’t have to have all the answers; the journey together is what matters most.
And while your new chapter begins, please know that you will always be my little girl. My love for you is constant, unwavering, and boundless. No matter where life takes you, I will always be here for you, cheering you on, offering a hand to hold, or just sitting quietly by your side. One of my greatest joys in life has been being your dad, and my greatest hope is that your life will be filled with love, joy, and endless happiness.
As you and Steven step forward into this exciting new chapter, know that you have my full support, my endless encouragement, and all the love in the world. Today, I am not just gaining a son/partner-in-law—I’m watching my beautiful daughter begin her greatest adventure yet, and my heart couldn’t be more full.
I love you beyond words, and I am so, so proud of you.
With all my love and blessings,
Dad
