Photo: David Newkirk Photography
There’s enough emotion floating around a wedding that anyone with a tear duct will find themselves, at some point during the evening, shedding a tear or two. But what about the wedding professionals — the people who attend a wedding almost every single weekend? If you’re wondering what moments still make them choke back a sob, you’re in luck. We asked four wedding photographers to admit the moment that still makes them sob.
Dad’s First Look
“Without fail, the moment in the wedding day that makes a bride cry is when they have a quiet moment with dad. With mom, brides are supportive, helping her through the moments when she is teary and playing the role of a supportive friend to her. With her groom, she’s happy, excited, and wells up with joy as they take on the new journey together. But with dad, they get a rare glimpse of seeing the man who has always been strong, who has always been her rock, start to show emotions that she’s often never seen before.” —Peter Greeno, a destination wedding photographer serving Cape Cod and Coastal Maine
When The Couples Read Their Vows
“I love when the couple write their own vows. During this moment of the ceremony the couple talks straight from their heart and this moves me every time.” —Merinda Edmonds, Photographer with A Sweet Focus
The Walk Down the Aisle
“I always find myself about to cry when I see a bride have her father walk her down the aisle. This moment is super personal for me because I don’t have a dad anymore. That moment means a lot to me and I make sure I have the best angle to capture it so the bride can remember that moment forever.” —Susan Shek, Susan Shek Photography
See More: 5 Tricks to Keep from Crying Throughout Your Entire Ceremony
The Groom’s First Look
“A moment that always gets me no matter what the grooms reaction is has to be when the bride first makes her appearance and he locks eyes with her. I’ve seen grooms cry, tear up, suck tears back or just stare in awe at her. I love that part. It always gets me, even when the groom doesn’t cry because you can see the love and almost a sense of admiration for her that is priceless. You can sometimes see the groom hold his breath, which is such a compliment in my eyes. That look is the reason I shoot weddings.” —Hilda Medrano, Hilda Medrano Photography
Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.