Traditionally, fathers walk their daughters down the aisle, a moment many brides cherish. However, sometimes circumstances prevent this, and their presence must be felt in other, equally meaningful ways. Amy Rose Perry, a 32-year-old bride from Andover, Massachusetts, recently shared a touching tribute she made to honor her late father on her wedding day.
A Butterfly’s Embrace
Amy planned to release monarch butterflies at the altar to include her father, Nathaniel, who passed away from cancer when he was only 36. But when she opened the glass container, the butterflies did not fly away. Instead, they attached themselves to her dress, her new husband’s suit, and her sister’s bouquet. Perry described the experience as “overwhelming with love,” feeling her father’s presence in the butterflies’ unexpected behavior.
“To see those butterflies landing on my dress, over my husband’s heart, and on my sister’s bouquet was a breathtaking reminder that my father is with us, watching over us, and blessing our union from above,” Amy added.
A Legacy Of Love
Amy explained why monarch butterflies hold a special place in her heart: A year after her father’s passing, on the anniversary of his death, a monarch butterfly visited her, her sister, and her mother during a hike. Since then, these butterflies have often appeared on important dates, such as her father’s birthday and Father’s Day.
This consistent presence made the choice to release these butterflies at her wedding the perfect homage. The bride shared, “I couldn’t envision a more fitting tribute than releasing monarch butterflies in his memory.”
The video of the butterfly release, shared by their wedding photographer, Brit Perkins, on Instagram, has garnered over 22.7 million views. Social media users were deeply moved by the scene. Commenters agreed that the butterflies seemed to symbolize her father’s presence. One user wrote, “It seems like her daddy just wanted to hold her one last time.”
Remembering A Vibrant Spirit
Amy’s father, who passed away in 1999, is remembered as a vibrant, selfless, and courageous man. Despite his bodily absence, Amy feels his presence constantly. “Though he is no longer physically with me, his spirit continues to inspire me every day. He taught me to embrace life fully, to cherish every moment, and to live with kindness and integrity,” she said.
This bride’s tribute to her father was not just a wedding highlight but a moving reminder of the enduring bond between father and daughter. It served as a symbol of love, remembrance, and the magical way lost loved ones can still be part of our most cherished moments, even if only in spirit.
References:
Newsweek: Bride’s Unique Way to Pay Tribute to Late Father During Wedding
People: Bride Honors Her Late Father by Releasing Butterflies at Her Wedding
Brit Perkins on Instagram
Monarch Watch: Monarch Butterfly Conservation