A daddy-daughter dance can be just as memorable as a bride and groom’s first dance — especially when it’s one that guests talk about for years! I asked my dad even before I was engaged to take dance lessons with me and he gladly accepted and added dance to his typical pastimes of sports, fishing and hunting. Seven months, two dance styles and many weekly lessons later, we pulled off a flawless performance. His success was due in part to the stand-in partner he created for practice sessions: a basement pole with bungee cords attached to its sides, mimicking arms. Many guests asked my dad if he was a professional dancer, and to this day, he receives accolades for his moves. He continues to take lessons, but this time with his my mom, Jodi. She jokes that she will outdo us with an epic mommy-son dance (provided that my brother ties the knot one day)!
Caitlin Smith and Mike Surdock
Royal Oak