A blushing bride scored a sentimental touchdown, giving her football-loving father the surprise of his life when she ditched her classic ivory gown in favor of a Chicago Bears-themed dress.
Brittney Harmon, from Galena, Illinois, wore the more traditional white dress for her ceremony on July 22, however the newlywed quickly changed out of the beautiful gown and into her sports team dress, just in time for a father-daughter dance with her die-hard Chicago Bears fan dad.
And that wasn’t the only surprise that Brittney had in mind for her dear old dad Steve Benda; as the pair prepared to hit the dance floor, his requested tune Daddy’s Angel by T Carter Music was replaced with the Chicago Bears fight song, that blared from the speakers as guests clapped along.
Bear down! Bride Brittney Harmon (above) surprises football-loving dad Steve Benda in Chicago Bears themed dress for father-daughter dance during reception in Galena, Illinois
Daddy’s girl: Father Steve (above with daughter) had no idea what his daughter had planned and stood confused when his song choice never came on for the father-daughter dance
Touch down! The Chicago Bears fight song played as the bride entered the room and threw a mini football at her father in a massive surprise for the die-hard Bears fan dad
Then the double doors of the ballroom opened and bride Brittney ran through cheering in her surprise navy and orange dress and throwing a mini football towards her absolutely shocked father.
The dad caught the football and rushed, with arms open, to catch his daughter. He spun her around in a circle and opened his arms in glee to see her ensemble, a vision in customized Bears pride for her special day.
‘I was literally speechless, and I couldn’t hug her enough,’ Steve said to ABC.
The newlywed stunned in the navy strapless dress with ruching details, orange trimming, a lace-up back, and Bears logo embroidered at the heart.
Her outfit change was a strong contrast from the white frock she wore for her nuptial vows, which featured a sweetheart neckline, glittery waist detailing and a flattering mermaid cut.
The bride’s cousin Lauren Benda describes the family as serious Bears fans.
‘We all enjoyed [the surprise] and when we saw the look on her dad’s face, it was even better. He was so happy that she did that for him,’ Lauren said.
Belle of the ball! Although Brittney wore white for the ceremony, she still stunned in navy and orange Bears themed gown her dad couldn’t help but show her off
Pride and joy of Illinois! Dad and guests cheered bride Brittney on as she flaunted her new look
True Love’s Kiss: Brittney Benda wed groom Mike Harmon in a slim-fitting white gown (above)
A vision in white: She wore a white gown for the vows exchange that had a mermaid fit with a sweetheart neckline and sparkly waist details before she changed into the Bears gown
The bride did not even tell her groom Mike Harmon about her secret second dress that had been hiding in the closet.
‘Nobody knew a single thing! Only her maid of honor new before, and the bridesmaids found out when they were helping it all go down,’ Lauren said.
For the father and daughter, the gown was a long running joke when the two found it online back in 2012. Dad Steve jokingly said ‘You know what honey? This is your wedding gown and you’re getting married at Soldier Field. She said, “That’s not happening.”‘
It seemed like fate when Brittney stumbled upon the dress at the clearance rack when shopping for her white wedding dress. One single Bears dress hung on the rack and in her size.
She purchased the dress and kept it as a secret surprise. After the wedding ceremony the young bride quietly quick changed into the Bears gown and ran out in the dress that made all her father’s wishes come true.
‘My dad’s reaction was absolutely worth it all,’ Brittney said on her secret surprise.
The Chicago Bears football team have shared the sweet video on their social media pages to celebrate the father and daughter’s magic moment.