Vows. The whole point of your wedding. Solidifying yourselves as a couple, into a marriage by making promises to each other. Right?...The whole reason you're standing up there with your beautiful love on your wedding day.

I got to thinking the other day about my very favorite part of a wedding day and I realized I've changed over the years and especially since becoming a wedding photographer. I used to love receptions. Rockin' out and eating cake til the weeee hours of the night. While I've gotten older, I still like to get out there and 'cut a rug,' but my absolute favorite now are the VOWS. I am one big tear fest when it comes to the vows. There is something SO touching and POWERFUL about watching a couple exchange their promises and commit to one another. I find it exciting to be taking photos of the bride and groom, waiting on the side or back of the pews, to be a witness during this incredible moment.

So...then I got to thinking... What do vows mean to YOU? Every relationship is different and special. Every couple defines their marriage in their own unique way. Some people choose to honor the more traditional vows, depending on their religion. Some people write their own vows and suprise one another on the wedding day with their personal promise. Some find inspiration in books, movies, television shows to help describe their own love.

Now, I'm not married but my twin sister is. She married the love of her life, her HIGH SCHOOL sweethart, Ryan. :) I was the Maid of Honor for her wedding and remember how awesome it was watching them profess their love in front of friends and family. I asked her what her vows meant to her and she said this -

"Everyone is different, but vows to me are a representation of your marriage. It's your mission statement. It's can be easy to get wrapped up in the wedding day, but my vows are what help remind me what's important."

Kelly and Ryan created their own vows by pulling ideas and inspiration from one of Kelly's favorite movies, 'Shall We Dance.' (Yea, the one with J.Lo.)

I bring myself to you this day to share my life with you. I promise to care about everything. The good things, the terrible things, the mundane things...all of it, all the time, everyday. When our love is simple and when it is an effort. Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go un-witnessed because I will be your witness. I believe in you, and I will be there to chase away your fears, wipe away your tears and love you always.

And check out the YouTube clip!!! Susan Sarandon ROCKS!

(Photography by: Davis Photography)

"I can go back and look at something and be like, what are our core values? How are we going to recreate that? If Ryan and I are having a rough time I can go back and ask 'Am I caring about everything? What can I do to do that?' They help get us back on track. Bring it back to your vows."

Look! I'm over there in the left corner holding a bouquet instead of a camera...with a giant lump in my throat holding back sobs ;)

"Sometimes caring about 'EVERYTHING' is a challenge. 'I don't care' shouldn't be in our vocabulary. Besides, that's mean!" - Kelly Vredenburg

Below: I cried at every single one of these weddings. Seriously I'm such a SAP. I LOVE watching and photographing these awesome moments. What an honor.