Springfield, Illinois Wedding & Family Photographer’s Spotlight On Dads

Father’s Day is almost upon us and I wanted to take a second to give a shout out to those men in our lives with one of the best titles. The dads that never missed a game, school event, or those precious moments you can never get back. Who’s advice you, at times, may have resisted. Yet, always held up to the test as being correct. Fathers who make sacrifices so their children can have the best and what they need in every stage of life. In my case, my dad is one of a kind. He always went out of his way to ensure myself, brother, and sister were his first priority. He lead by example to show us what it meant to work hard, build character, love deeply, and live in the moment. He taught us a good old fashion food fight during dinner, which he started with the first fling of peas, was perfectly acceptable to keep things light. In certain situations of course. He taught us how to be a good loser, pick our heads up, and learn from mistakes. Even when I was on winning teams, his big “L” for Loser he placed on his head with his fingers let me know he had arrived at my game to lend his support. An inside joke to keep the smallest moments something to remember. He shared the love of travel with us including his beloved beaches of Jersey. Making sure we knew where he and our mother’s history and love story. His devotion to music, especially the Oldies is infections! Which explains how he received the nickname Bebop as his term of endearment for his grandchild to use. And of course how to make and keep quality friends that you will hold dear for the rest of your life.

I will not to leave the father of my daughter and my wonderful husband out of the spotlight either on this special day. Josh is and will always be the most amazing dad to our Harper. He tells me all the time how much he loves this little girl. The smile that comes across his face when she walks into the room is a gift to witness. He knows how to be calm with her when she is losing her cool (as toddlers do.) He values the special times he spends with her when I have to work, especially on “Dadurdays” as we lovingly call them if I’m photographing a wedding. Her giggles evoke his biggest giggles. He makes sure she is using her manners when she forgets. He doesn’t always get her outfits coordinating, but he’s getting better. In short, I wouldn’t want anyone else to have the title of father to our beautiful daughter. She loves her daddy as do I! 

A small paragraph will never capture what my dad and husband personally means to me. Neither will the small hugs, kisses, or looks that I try and document for each and every one of my clients with their fathers. However, it is a tiny insight into that meaningful relationship that can mean the most. Whether it’s at a wedding or a portrait client, the deeper sense of love between a father and his child is worth so much to me and therefore I want this to show through my work. Once again squeeze those dads in your life long and tight. Happy Father’s Day! 

Warm Regards, 
Lauren

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