Being a full-time wedding photographer I get to witness many ceremonies and receptions.  Wedding vows and toasts add a personal, intimate touch to a wedding day. While some ceremonies include traditional vows, couples may opt to write from their own hearts and share those words while exchanging rings. Often during the reception family and friends gather to celebrate with a meal, and personal words of affection and toasts can continue to bring memorable moments to the gathering.

Wedding Vows
It is the moment that will change your life forever, when you pledge yourself to your partner. If you are writing your own wedding vows, consider incorporating the following ideas into your promises.

• A reflective moment about what drew you to your partner
• A description of why you are happier or a better person because of your partner
• The characteristics of your partner which you value
• Your hopes and dreams for the future
• Promises such as vowing to support your partner’s dreams, work together to solve problems, or never ignore your partner’s needs

You don’t have to be a poet or a published author in order to write your own vows. Your partner knows your heart and will be forever touched by the effort you put into publically sharing your promises. You might want to consider giving the best man a copy of the vows, just in case the moment overwhelms you!

Wedding Toasts
Traditionally the wedding toast is given by the best man and the maid of honor. These can be toasts presented jointly or separately, and in honor of the happy couple. Funny stories, sweet memories, or personal anecdotes about the bride, groom, or couple are great ways to connect the guests with the wedding party and honor the bride and groom. If you are the best man you might share how your buddy told you he decided to propose, or if you are the maid of honor it might be a childhood memory of your best friend creating a backyard wedding with stuffed animals. These personal touches create a moment that will be memorable for everyone.

Wedding Reception Speeches
The bride and groom might choose to give a wedding speech at the reception as a way to thank all of the guests for sharing in the celebration. You can begin by sharing a special detail with the guests that they might not already know, such as where you were when he proposed, what you did on your first date, or about the first time you told him you loved him. If there are guests who helped in special ways to make this day possible, use the wedding speech as an opportunity to let everyone know how much you appreciate them.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

Ronnie and Anna were so easy going through out the whole day that it reminds me why I love my line of work.

Here are some of my favorites.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

They made the decision to proceed with the outdoor ceremony and sure enough along came the rain – including a very convincing thunder boom and lightening strike!

Even rain and umbrella’s could not put a damper on this great wedding. The bride was escorted down the aisle by her two beautiful daughters. Instead of a traditional first dance – Michelle and Justin performed a uber cool song and dance routine.

Here are some photos from the day:

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

This was a remarkable day with a great ceremony at Saint Vincent de Paul Church in Los Angeles and fun filled reception at Calamigos Equestrian Center. The late afternoon light at St. Vincents was totally divine as the first couple of images below will reveal.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

This wedding rocked with a live band and a DJ. One of the coolest parts of the evening was when the bride, Irene,  took the stage with an all girl band (ok the drummer was a guy) and serenaded her new groom with an awesome rendition of The Beatles – “I Want to Hold your Hand”!

Here are some of my favs.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

Nicole and Jason were married on 9-10-11. Checkout the cool billiard ball ring shot below. I would love to take credit for it, but my awesome second shooter, Mitch, gets all the credit for the concept.

Here are some of my select favorites from the day.

Los Angeles Wedding Photographer – William Innes’s work can be seen by visiting his website.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.