On her wedding day, Amy Rose Perry planned a beautiful tribute to her late father. Little did she know, the tribute would become a moment no one would forget. And it all started with a group of butterflies. Amy was only seven when her father passed away on Aug. 5, 1999.

Wanting to honor him, she chose to release monarch butterflies during her wedding ceremony to Matthew Perry in Cape Cod, Mass., on June 14. However, the butterflies did something unexpected—they landed on her.

“In that moment, I felt a rush of emotions — gratitude for the beauty of the moment and a deep sense of connection to those around me,” Amy recalled. “It was as if the butterflies were reassuring us that love endures, and that my father’s memory would always be a part of our lives. I could feel my father’s presence so strongly. It was powerful.”

Amy Rose Perry (left) and Matthew Perry. Photo by Britt Perkins

Photographer Brit Perkins captured the butterflies clinging to Amy’s dress and veil, adding a special touch to the ceremony. Her husband, Matthew, was equally moved by the sight. “For him to see those butterflies landing on my dress, over his 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 said.

The monarch butterfly has long been a symbol of her father. Amy said that the connection began when, on the first anniversary of his death, a butterfly landed on her, her mother, and her sister during a hike. “At exactly noon, the time in which he had passed, a monarch butterfly landed on each of us,” she said. “Ever since that day, monarchs appear on my father’s birthday, Father’s Day and other special occasions.”

I could not think of something more fitting than being surrounded by a symbol of his presence on my wedding day.”

The tribute didn’t stop with the butterflies. Amy’s father had been recorded on family videos, and during the butterfly release, their DJ mixed in an audio clip of her dad’s voice. “Two hugs and kisses for my little girlie whirls,” he said. “It was truly so special to be able to hear and feel his love on my wedding day,” Amy said.

Amy Rose Perry is followed by butterflies that were released to honor her late father. Photo by Britt Perkins

Additionally, Amy received a heartfelt message from her father through a letter he wrote to her when she was a child, intended for her wedding day. “He started the card with, ‘Out of all the cards I have written, this is obviously the most difficult,’” Amy shared. “This card was different. For the first time, reading this as an adult, I saw these cards and their meaning from his perspective.”

She continued, “In the card, he also wrote, ‘I will be with you in your heart as you walk down that aisle.’ Little did I know he would be with me more than just in my heart that day.”

Reflecting on the experience, Amy offered advice to others planning tributes to loved ones. “Whatever tribute you choose, let it be a reflection of the love and connection you shared. Embrace the emotions that come with honoring their presence — it’s a beautiful way to feel their love on your special day. They will be with you no matter what!”

The newlywed went on to share some advice for people who are considering their own special tribute to a late loved one on their wedding day, saying, “Whatever tribute you choose, let it be a reflection of the love and connection you shared.”

“Embrace the emotions that come with honoring their presence — it’s a beautiful way to feel their love on your special day,” Amy adds. “They will be with you no matter what!”

Sources: Toronto Sun | People