Any guesses as to what my absolute FAVORITE part of the wedding day is!? Besides when the bride + groom actually become husband + wife (because that’s a given)! It’s the …

TOASTS!!

Hands down, this is my favorite part of any wedding day. Going into each wedding, I feel like we know our couples pretty well. We know the basics — where they live, what they do, their hobbies, etc. — and we also know their love story. Such a sweet, intimate, + significant part of their lives! However, we often don’t know much about their childhood or upbringing, which is also a very significant part of someone’s life! 

The speeches open a door into our couples’ lives that reveals parts of them I would never otherwise have the privilege of knowing.

I learn about teenage quirks + fond childhood memories with family. I hear from siblings + best friends about how remarkable of people our brides + grooms truly are. The selfless, humble, behind-the-scenes things they do that might not otherwise be recognized. I always tear up as I’m sitting in awe of each + every bride + groom we photograph (+ have to remind myself throughout the speeches to actually take pictures + not just sit + listen! Don’t worry, I’m only half kidding!… ), + I always walk away from those moments just blown away by how many incredible, INCREDIBLE people we get to work with. 

I love these intimate moments that we get to be a part of. That we are invited to be a part of. Again I’ll say it … one of the greatest jobs in the world!!