ChicagoStyle Weddings: How to Write Your Wedding Vows From the Heart
by Will Knight, Will Knight Photography
Here you are, the groom-to-be or the bride-to-be. The wedding is only a few days away and everything is already in place, from the wedding venue down to the souvenirs that you will be distributing to everyone who attends your big day. But there’s something that isn’t quite ready yet—your wedding vows.
The Right Time to Write the Perfect Vows
Many couples often put off writing their wedding vows until the last minute because they are waiting for the right time to write their promises to their partner. The “right time” here may mean many things. It can be when inspiration strikes them, when they feel rested enough to write, or when they feel confident with their ability to write.
But the problem is there is no such thing as finding the right time when it comes to writing that perfect wedding vow. You don’t find the time to write your wedding vows. You make time to actually sit down and pour your heart out in a few paragraphs that your beloved will remember forever. You don’t wait for the inspiration to hit you, you create the right setting to feel inspired to write. You also don’t need to be a professional writer to express how you feel.
Where You Write Matters
When writing wedding vows, choose an environment that would elicit romantic feelings. It can be a memorable place for both of you. Sometimes, all it takes is sitting down in front of your computer and browsing through all of your photos as a couple and remembering the special moments that the two of you shared over the years. Play the songs you like. The key here is to set the right mood for writing.
Once you’ve made the time and found your ideal environment, the next step is to find ways to fill that blank piece of paper staring back at you with words from your heart. Here are three steps on how to write touching wedding vows that your partner will remember for the rest of his or her life:
1. Remember the first time you met.
The first meeting is always a memorable encounter for soon-to-be-wed couples because this is where everything started. You may have started out as childhood friends or as two shy individuals out on a blind date, but no matter how your paths crossed, you will always be grateful for that fateful day that you met the love of your life.
So go ahead and reminisce the first time you saw him or her. How did you feel about the person? Was it love at first sight? Did the two of you click right away? Or was it the total opposite? Share how you feel about your first meeting and how thankful you are for that day.
2. Think of the qualities you like about your partner.
Make a list of the qualities that you like about your partner. While you love a person for who he or she is as a whole, there are surely standout qualities that drew you closer to this person. What made you decide to commit to this person forever? Tell your partner that you love him or her for who he or she is, and make it a point to mention your favorite qualities that endear him or her to you.
3. Imagine what your life will be like 10, 20 or even 50 years from now.
How would you like to spend the coming years with your partner? What are your dreams for your marriage? And most importantly, how do you plan to show her how much you love him or her for as long as you live? Answer these questions and your vows will surely convey the promises that you have in your heart.
The most important thing to remember is to just speak from the heart. If you spend the time and make the effort to really write what you feel, your partner will love what you have to say -- no matter what.
Thanks so much to Will for all his advice on writing the perfect wedding vows! Will Knight is a wedding and events photographer based in Chicago. For more information on his services, call Will Knight Photography at 312.961.6067, email will@willknightphoto.com or visit www.willknightphotography.com.
