Each and every time I come home from a wedding, sit down at my computer, download all of the images from my zillion of memory cards and start looking through the images, I always jump ahead to take a peek at those real special moments. Those ones that give me goosebumps all over again and remind me why I love my job so much.

1. When the bride puts on her dress

This is that moment when things get real REAL. The moment before you see your man for the first time. The moment you realize that all this planning, coordinating, organizing and last minute to-dos has led up to this point. The moment you think “OMG, this is really happening”. The excitement and nerves get a little more intense, and you just know this is going to be the best day of your life.

2. The groom getting ready

A lot of couples decide to pass on having these photos taken because it cuts into their budget if the timeline is too tight. But these are some of my favourite photos and moments to be part of. Guys who are normally cool, calm, and collected have this excited and nervous energy about them that is just SO adorable. I always walk in to the guys getting ready and ask how they’re feeling, and they always say something along the lines of “Good. Nervous. Excited”. Watching the guys do their thing beforehand is always a highlight for me – if only as a reminder that they are just as excited as the girls!

This is a shot of the groomsmen watching a YouTube video on folding a pocket square. Amazing.

3. Walking down the aisle

Even if you’ve chosen to do a first look (see my post on first looks here!), walking down the aisle is still one of the most amazingly beautiful experiences. I remember trying to keep it together, but the moment the music started and I saw him standing at the end of the aisle…game over. The beginning of the rest of your life with the man you’re about to marry. Boom…cue the tears.
So now each time I watch the bride walking down the aisle, through my lens, I relive that feeling all over again. And yes, shed a tear, or two.

4. Bride and Groom portraits

Even if the bride and groom have decided to do a first look, or the majority of their photos before the ceremony, I still try to get the bride and groom to sneak away for a few photos after the ceremony, and around sunset. With the ceremony behind them, and the rest of the evening ahead, those jitters have faded and their true love for one another shines through. Cheesy, yes. But watching them giggle and smile with each other is so heart warming and makes for so many great photos. Plus, if the light is right, it’s pure magic.

5. Speeches

You’re probably thinking “yuck, I hate speeches at weddings” and there I times I would agree with you. When mom and dad drag their speech on for 15 minutes, sharing anecdotes of your childhood that are only relevant to you, and even then, you don’t quite remember that time you fell off your bicycle, bawled your eyes out, and then got back on again with a smile on your face.
However, when done right, speeches can be one of the highlights of the evening. It’s a lot of pressure to stand up there, speak from the heart, and throw in a few jokes that will resonate with the crowd. But it always amazes me when a speech can captivate everyone, in a short amount of time, with a few tears and some heart warming laughter.

6. Dance parties!

Because who doesn’t love a good dance party? When everyone, including Grandma, are busting a move on the dance floor, the party comes alive!

Shake it like a polaroid picture!

Do you have a wedding day moment you love just as much? Leave a comment below – would love to know that you think!

Until next time, stay cozy, friends! xo