Who doesn’t love a wedding?!

I attended a beautiful (and extremely fun) wedding this past weekend (Congrats Pat & Allison!) and I am looking forward to another memorable occasion when my best friend, Destini, and her fiancé, Corey, tie the knot in five months!

Dressing up, eating cake, dancing the night away, seeing family and friends, toasting the happy couple, going into the photo booth (multiple times) – I can’t think of a better reason to celebrate!

All of these moments make the event fabulous and memorable. But the actual moments I love the most are these:

During the ceremony…

- When the preacher/priest/rabbi/wedding officiant announces the bride and groom – Mr. and Mrs. (insert name here) to the guests after their vows are complete. As a guest, you get to witness something truly epic! Here are two people, embarking on one of life’s greatest journeys together.

- Watching the bride walk down the aisle. Brides are always beautiful and the moment where her father lets go and she takes her future husband’s hand never fails to make me cry.

During the reception…

- The Best Man’s Speech. I love to watch the best man deliver his speech (which varies from hilarious to offensive) and pray that the bride and groom are good sports.

- Everybody dancing to Shout!! and any other music that promotes organized dancing (I’m talking about some good ole Cha Cha sliding and the Wobble).

I was curious if other people love weddings as much as I do, so I asked my nearest & dearest to share their thoughts for this blog. Read on… 

Q: What is your favorite part of a wedding?

“The precious little flower girls trying their best to make it down the aisle. Always makes me laugh. Especially when they walk halfway and then freak out. Of course, the entrance of the bride. The music always makes me cry. Always. Even if I am a guest and don’t know the bride from Adam.” – Christy

“The bride’s dress.” – Destini

“When the groom says his vows to the bride.” – Romel

“I personally like the ceremony. Just because I see marriage as the ultimate bond between two people in the name of God that is meant to never be broken. I guess it’s just because of a high respect for the idea of the institution itself. Then, of course, the garter throw.” – John L.

“The bouquet toss! I always catch it and yet am still single!” – Carrie

“You’ve got me. I’ve never been to one without drama.” – Marie

“Prenups are good. They function to ensure that people really want to be together. No one financially gains when they decide to leave. Gives peace of mind and honesty to the ceremony.” – Mark

“The reception because of the great food and drinks!” – DJ

“When they kiss!” – Michelle

“When the already married couples give the newlyweds advice on how to have a great marriage…that and open bars.” – Lexi

“When the preacher announces them husband and wife.” – Mitzi

“I love a good reception. It warms my heart to see friends and family celebrate love and commitment for the couple through being together.” – Maggie

“The way the groom looks at the bride when she walks down the aisle and how happy the couple looks together.” – Tina

“My favorite part is the reception. It’s that time when people who don’t get to see each other often all come together with two people in mind. Also, a great time to meet new people that have come for one side or the other.” – John M.

“The reception. Everyone is relaxed and having fun…stress is over.” - Delaine

“Dancing. And staying as far away from the bouquet toss as possible.” – Aline

“My reception was awesome because we could just let go and have fun after months of planning. Also, when Tommy and I washed each other’s feet symbolizing our dedication and humble love for each other. That was really special to me.” – Mary D.

“The moment the bride and groom first see each other when the wedding march starts. Love the looks on their faces.” – MJ

“Watching the couple exchange vows. And the cake!” – Kim

“Watching the bride in all her beauty and seeing the reaction of her future husband’s face as she is walking toward him. The innocence and genuine emotion it brings is amazing.” - Charity

“The reception! Duh! … When the bride walks down the aisle probably.” – Casey

“Dancing at the reception.” – Steven

“The reception.” – Mary 

“The moment the doors opened and I looked at the groom (my husband). I felt such a peace and love. It was overwhelming and I knew I was supposed to be with him the rest of my life … I wanted to stay in that moment forever. Then I wanted to run down the aisle because I was so happy.” – Melanie

Thank you to everyone who submitted answers!!! Here are a few priceless memories from my friends' special days I wanted to share :) Love is beautiful - and so are these folks!