To My Baby Girl on Her Wedding Day

It seems like yesterday, you came into this world At the sound of your first cry my heart melted My eyes filled with love and tears as I took you into my arms, my perfect baby girl.

It was in that moment when your perfect brown eyes looked into mine That I will protect you from all the monsters in this world I will catch you when you fall and I will help you navigate the mysteries of this world It was in that perfect moment, I vowed to be the best Daddy, that I can be.

As I watch you grew into the independent, self reliant teenager My heart swelled with pride and praise filled my mouth As I remembered when you took your first ride on your bike without your training wheels Joy took root as well as I celebrated each victory with you

I look at you my daughter, as the change that I dreamed of As you took each challenge life threw at you And you made each of them your stepping stone You proved to the world that you were a force to be reckoned with That you will stand up to do what is right That you will make your mark on this world As you believe you can be the difference in one person’s life.

As I stand in the middle of the room Watching you put the final touches of your make-up on As your mom fluff your veil My eyes are misty with fond memories, as I slid through the photo album of our lives together As you took your first walk, teetering and tottering towards me As I walked with you to school on your first day As you won your first ribbon at the Science Fair

Today I will give you away to the man who holds your heart in his hands As you pledge your life to him, becoming his wife. I am both proud and sad at the same time. But one thing I know for sure You will always and forever be, my baby girl.

— Peta-Gaye Campbell