I love this pic of us.

I am- unashamedly- a “daddy’s girl”.  I like to think we share the same brain (which means he’s actually thinking the same thing…right…NOW).  I mean seriously, it’s creepy.  He doesn’t have to finish his sentences, I intrinsically know where he’s going in any given conversation.

My sisters got married when they were younger & with or near my parents.  So my dad had the opportunity to plan first hand.  And he took great pride in it.  When I was a kid, he ran hotels and restaurants across the country and had access to hook ups on the best of the best for their weddings.  He still tells me about the extravagant champagne & caviar brands served to the guests and I methodically ooh & aah (despite the fact that I secretly have no clue what he’s talking about).

But alas, as a grown up, I’m living in the big apple while my pops’ is in…THE BIG ORANGE (aka Florida!  OMG, I’m totally a genius right now.  I can’t believe I just stumbled on that one!  Although, of course, my dad just thought of it too).  It’s killing him not to be here throwing the party of a lifetime for the baby of the family.   Not only is he geographically distant, I’m an adult now.  I have a highly developed sense of personal style that I want reflected in the wedding.  My sisters we’re just north of 20 when they got hitched.  At that age, I would have needed my dad to handle the details or the pink sparkly feather covered lunch box I was using as a purse would have expanded into a horrendous wedding theme.  I’m almost 30 now- I got a handle on what it is I want in the world (and the venue.  and the dress.  and the chocolate fountain of my dreams).

But I do want his help.  And I trust that words like “warming kitchen” and “sterno” actually mean something to him, whereas I tend to just nod knowingly and let my mind wander to Jersey Shore when confronted with vendors pontificating on these topics.

So I need ideas.  How can I involve my dad from a distance? Anyone been in a similar position with their parents & have any advice?

Here’s one thing I’m working on- he’ll be in town in a couple weeks & I’m planning The Official Engagement Party- which, I’ve been told, is a thing we’re supposed to do.  Do not get me started on the process of running around town to pull off an obligatory and affordable party on short notice with snotty event planners who scoff (and charge like their FAR from scoffing) at my little 40-person soiree.  Gigantic sigh.

xoxo,

R