Soldier dad joins 4-year-old daughter for surprise party (photos)

A military dad and his four-year-old daughter were photographed on a surprise and heartwarming tea party in California, US recently.

Keven Porter, 28, is a US Marine Corps drill instructor but because of his heavy work schedule, he doesn't spend enough time with his daughter Ashley.

Keven's wife, 26-year-old Lizette, therefore organized the surprise tea party with Ashley once they knew he was eagerly coming to spend time with them.

To make it extra special, they invited a photographer and turned it into an adorable father-daughter photoshoot.

Lizette explained: "I figured that would make it a little more special to the both of them. She doesn't get to see him much due to work, deployment, and most recently his job as a drill instructor. Any time they can get together she is sure to take advantage of it.

While Keven was initially embarrassed after being aware of the photographer, he eventually played the part, much to Ashley's delight.

They plan to frame pictures from the photoshoot and put them up in their new house once they move in.

Keven was initially embarrassed by the photographer clicking away but eventually played the part

The photographer, Kyndal Rose, praised Keven: "He knew he was taking pictures but not with the tea party set up. He was an awesome sport about it and she loved every minute of it!"

The adorable pictures have since lit up social media and gone viral.