Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. The Sweetest Mother-Son Dance Photos from Real Weddings
Martha Stewart Weddings

The Sweetest Mother-Son Dance Photos from Real Weddings

Skip gallery slides
Pin
kristina-barrett-wedding-martha-farm-6986-cjl-d112491.jpg
Credit: Charlotte Jenks Lewis

These poignant images prove how important it is to dance with your parents.

Start Slideshow

1 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
kristina-barrett-wedding-martha-farm-6986-cjl-d112491.jpg
Credit: Charlotte Jenks Lewis

At their heart, weddings are about family—both the family you'll create with the person you've just pledged your heart to and the family who made you into the person you are today. When it comes to honoring your parents during the reception, couples typically turn to the dance floor. After all, in middle of all the pomp and circumstance, there's no greater way to express your love for your parents than finding a moment of calm to dance with Mom or Dad.

If you're a groom (or are marrying one!), it's customary to dance with your mother. Take one look at the following mother-son dance photos, and you'll discover why the moment is consistently hailed as one of the more emotional parts of the reception. We were so inspired and moved by the love between the mothers and sons, and were thrilled that talented photographers knew how to capture that emotion on film. As you scroll through, it's impossible not to get a little choked up. On one of the biggest days of your adult life, dancing with Mom brings it all rushing back—your history, your triumphs, your sadness. And to take a spin with the woman who was there through it all? There's nothing quite like it.

Of course, even with all that emotion, there were moments of levity, too. You'll discover plenty of duos that chose up-beat music and left all of their best moves out on the dance floor. Others chose to just spend a quiet moment together, swaying to a special tune that reminded them of their bond. However you or your groom decide to share a special dance with Mom on the big day, these twosomes are sure to inspire your own important moment.

1 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Wonderful World

mhonor-jay-wedding-connecticut-mother-son-dance-1256-d112238.jpg
Credit: Roey Yohai Photography
Mother-of-the-Bride (and-Groom!) Dresses That Stole the Show

Jay and his mother took a quiet moment alone during the merriment to dance to Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World."

2 of 23

3 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Mother

wedding dancing
Credit: Patrick Moyer

The groom and his mom—who wore a traditional Nigerian outfit, including the "gele," or head tie—danced to the song "Sweet Mother" by Prince Nico Mbarga. The song, a popular tune in West Africa (it's 40 years old!), is an ode to a wonderful mother.

3 of 23

Advertisement

4 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Light of My Life

abby elliott bill kennedy wedding mother-son dance
Credit: Corbin Gurkin
How to Involve Long-Distance Parents in Wedding Planning

This twosome waltzed to Stevie Wonder's "You Are the Light of My Life," and, based on the way this mother and soon looked at each other, it was an appropriate choice.

4 of 23

5 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Quick Hug

wedding mom dance
Credit: Bryan from For the Love of It

In the middle of their spin, this mom wrapped her son in a giant hug, emotion evident on her face.

5 of 23

6 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Family Affair

katherine-jim-wedding-dances
Credit: Britt Chudleigh - Chudleigh Weddings

The bride wanted her family—both old and new—to dance together under their ethereal floral installation as a symbol of her and her husband's union. She danced with her father while groom swayed with his mom.

6 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Quiet Moment

michael-matt-mother-dance-7377-wds110203.jpg
Credit: Allan Zepeda Photography
Ways to Incorporate Your Parents' Wedding Into Your Own

After circling to Barbara Streisand's "Here's to Life" with his new husband, this groom and his mother spent some content, reflective time on the dance floor.

7 of 23

8 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

My Sunshine

wedding mother dance
Credit: Justin + Mary

"You Are My Sunshine" by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell played in the background during this sweet moment. The overcome groom couldn't keep the tears away.

8 of 23

9 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Inside Joke

amanda patrick wedding mom dance
Credit: Lauren Fair Photography

This groom, who took ballroom dancing lessons in college, shared a laugh with his mom after a dramatic dip.

9 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

In Sync

bianca-bryen-wedding-momdance-610-s112509-0216.jpg
Credit: Emilia Jane Photography

This duo looked stylish in their coordinating shades of burgundy. They were just as in sync on the dance floor.

10 of 23

11 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mother's Prayer

libby-allen-wedding-mom-101-s112487-0116.jpg
Credit: The McCartneys Photography

These two kicked off the reception with Celine Dion's "A Mother's Prayer," conversing (and smiling and laughing!) throughout.

11 of 23

12 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Looking Up

rosie-constantine-wedding-momdance-551-s112177-1015.jpg
Credit: James Moes
First Song Ideas from Your Parents' Era

Even in sky-high stilettos, this mom was a full foot shorter than her son, which made for an even cuter moment. They grooved to Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called to Say I Love You"—the groom began the song with his mother and finished it with his aunt.

12 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Twist and Shout

richelle-tom-wedding-mom-dance-858-s112855-0416.jpg
Credit: Acqua Photo

The mother of the groom picked out "Twist and Shout" by the Beatles for their dance. "We didn't practice," the groom said, of their high-energy moves. "But it got people ready to dance."

13 of 23

14 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

At Home

irby-adam-wedding-dance-254-s111660-1014.jpg
Credit: Landon Jacob
Heart-Warming Mother-Daughter Wedding Photos

This wedding was held in the groom's hometown, where his mother had spent her life raising him. They shared a nostalgic moment in the place where it all began as they danced to "Godspeed" by the Dixie Chicks.

14 of 23

15 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

We Are Family

michael-aaron-wedding-141115metmic0088-d111619-bw.jpg
Credit: Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio

These grooms decided to bring their moms out onto the floor together, where they danced as a new family unit to "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes.

15 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Poignant Lyrics

lara-chad-wedding-momdance-926-s112306-1115.jpg
Credit: NBarrett Photography
Loving Ways to Include Your Mother in the Wedding

This groom and his mother danced to "If I Could" by Regina Bell—a song that she chose because the lyrics reminded her of her son.

16 of 23

17 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Heartfelt Find

mikey-cameron-rw0812-0737.jpg
Credit: Lang Thomas Photography

This mother-son duo showed off their moves to Frank Sinatra's "Young at Heart."

17 of 23

18 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Melody

nisse-matt-rw1012-6253.jpg
Credit: Olivia Leigh Photographie

"You Are the Sunshine of My Life" by Stevie Wonder was the soundtrack to this emotional dance.

18 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

An Uplifting Note

marwa-peter-wedding-momdance-0414.jpg
Credit: Tanja Lippert Photography

This pair took to the dance floor as Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up" played.

19 of 23

20 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Says It All

lauren-william-rw0512-r-226.jpg
Credit: Austin Gros Photography

The groom and his mom twirled to "The Way You Look Tonight" at his celebration in New Orleans.

20 of 23

21 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lovely Quartet

ali-jess-wedding-dancing-213-002-s111717-1214.jpg
Credit: Jennifer Emerling

The bride and groom danced with their father and mother, respectively, to "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers.

21 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Perfect Piece

susan-cartter-wedding-dancing-13850008-s111503-0914.jpg
Credit: Odalys Mendez

This pair chose "Lover's Concierto" by The Toys as the soundtrack to their dance, with Susan sharing the song with her father and Cartter with his mother.

22 of 23

23 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wonderful Moment

michelle-john-wedding-north-carolina-14-s111840-0215.jpg
Credit: Landon Jacob

John and his mother swayed to "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. 

23 of 23

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • These Brides Brought Their Romantic, Secret Garden-Themed Wedding to Life at An Art Museum
    • 5 Ways You're Jeopardizing Your Relationship With Your Daughter- or Son-In-Law—and Your Child
    • In Addition to Duke and Duchess, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Hold Other Royal Titles for Life
    • The 20 Best Dresses to Wear as a Wedding Guest This Summer
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 23
    2 of 23 A Wonderful World
    3 of 23 Sweet Mother
    4 of 23 Light of My Life
    5 of 23 A Quick Hug
    6 of 23 A Family Affair
    7 of 23 A Quiet Moment
    8 of 23 My Sunshine
    9 of 23 Inside Joke
    10 of 23 In Sync
    11 of 23 Mother's Prayer
    12 of 23 Looking Up
    13 of 23 Twist and Shout
    14 of 23 At Home
    15 of 23 We Are Family
    16 of 23 Poignant Lyrics
    17 of 23 Heartfelt Find
    18 of 23 Sweet Melody
    19 of 23 An Uplifting Note
    20 of 23 Says It All
    21 of 23 Lovely Quartet
    22 of 23 Perfect Piece
    23 of 23 Wonderful Moment

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The Sweetest Mother-Son Dance Photos from Real Weddings
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.