Real Wedding Stories

Stories from 780+ weddings

True stories, small lessons, and the moments couples remember forever. Names and details are changed. The truth of what happened isn't.

• Field notes

  The Groom Who Forgot His Vows

  He got two sentences in and completely blanked. What his bride did next is the reason I now beg every couple to print a card.

  Coming soon in the Journal

• Field notes

  The Best Best Man Speech I've Ever Heard

  It was 90 seconds long. Three sentences. No jokes. And it made the whole room cry.

  Coming soon in the Journal

• Field notes

  The Wedding Where the Officiant Never Showed

  At 3:47 p.m., 13 minutes before the ceremony, we realized no one had heard from the officiant. Here's what happened.

  Coming soon in the Journal

• Field notes

  The Mother of the Bride Who Saved the Day

  A ripped dress, a caterer no-show, and a mother who quietly fixed both without anyone noticing.

  Coming soon in the Journal

• Field notes

  The Morning-of Letter That Made a Groom Late

  He couldn't stop reading it. It's the reason I now recommend every couple write one.

  Coming soon in the Journal

• Field notes

  Lessons Learned from 780 Weddings

  The five things the happiest couples I've photographed have in common — and the five things the miserable ones did.

  Coming soon in the Journal