Unusually, an eight-year-old girl did not want the traditional “birthday candles” style of party. A day where she could fulfill her mermaid fantasy was what she really wanted, something more imaginative.
Aspen was photographed by Desirae Deal, proprietor of Lamar, Arkansas-based Desirae Deal Photography, who helped Aspen in her journey into a magnificent creature. When the girl’s father, Michael, showed up at the end of the session, everything was going swimmingly.
Desirae claimed that Michael did not hesitate «in the least» when asked if he was willing to go all girly-girl and wear a shell bra and fishtail, despite the fact that it was unplanned. The father wore his mermaid costume with assurance and struck every pose his daughter asked him to.
It’s understandable why Desirae said the session was the “most fun” she’s ever had. For Aspen, the mermaid experience was far more enjoyable than simply blowing out her candles.
Desirae posted the mermaid photos of the nautical duo on her photography Facebook page, and they quickly went viral. The adorable photo series has received 28K likes and 158K shares so far.
“I had the honor of doing a mermaid session for this sweet girl’s 8th birthday, and all she wanted was for her Dad to join in on the fun,” she wrote in the caption. “Let me tell you he did NOT disappoint! The laughs, the joy, and the memories they created were the absolute best gift he could’ve given her.”
She concluded the post with a beautiful reminder to all parents.
“Take the pictures. Play with them every chance you get, for they are only little for so long.”
By the look on Aspen’s face, you can tell she was having the time of her life. She will undoubtedly treasure this priceless memory with her hilarious father for the rest of her life.
«The reactions have been overwhelmingly positive,» Desirae said of the reaction to the photo series on the internet. «I believe that playing with our children is something that everyone around the world can relate to on some level, whether it’s thinking of our own children or recalling childhood memories for ourselves.»
Desirae began her photography journey after his first son died at three months old. Sadly, she only had a few images of him. The tragedy led her to take pictures of her three children as often as she could. Desirae took up graphic design at Arkansas Tech University and used her knowledge to improve her editing skills.
“My style is fun and vibrant, but the real magic is in the memories. I strive to capture more than just an image. My goal is to provide an experience and memory that will last your family a lifetime,” she wrote on her website.
And that’s exactly what she was able to capture during Aspen and Michael’s photo session – an unforgettable bonding experience.
It’s so awesome to see parents go above and beyond to make their kids happy. Michael didn’t care if he would look funny wearing the mermaid costume; what’s important to him is that he makes his daughter’s day.
Dads like him are truly worth celebrating. It’s also a good reminder that there are so many ways to celebrate aside from merely blowing those birthday candles.
Share this story and tag your dad/husband in the comments if you want them to recreate this mermaid filming with the little girls in their lives!
