How to write a speech that’s actually good
How to write a wedding speech thats actually good.
Everyone has heard “that” wedding speech. The one that sounds like it was taken straight from a template. The pattern is always the same.. Starts with a “For those who don’t know me” a few predictable jokes, a dash of hazing, a fleeting moment of sentimentality and an extended recap of the highs and lows of the wedding party. Ending with a “ Now can we all raise our glass”
Being asked to speak at a wedding is a big honour, whether you’re the best friend, a sibling, or a parent. It’s a chance to create a genuine, heartfelt moment that people will remember for all the right reasons. And also gives their video some great dialog!
Here are some top tips for writing a speech:
Start with a story. Skip the templates and think of a moment that really shows who they are as a couple.. something funny, sweet, or memorable. Keep it short, real and from the heart. Introduce yourself, say something relative about the day and a memorable moment.
Focus on them as a couple. It’s easy to talk mostly about the person you know best, but try to celebrate both. Share what makes them great together & how they balance each other, bring out the best in one another, and make such a good team.
Go for emotion, not embarrassment. It can be tempting to tell a wild story but it usually doesn’t land the way you think. The best humour comes from warmth and genuine affection. A bit of light teasing or a well timed inside joke that everyone can enjoy will always work better than an awkward overshare that gives crickets
End with feeling, not a cliche. Avoid any overused quotes (unless you know the couple particularly loves one in particular). End with something that circles back to the main points you’ve made.. about their love and what makes them unique or what you admire about both of them. There will be plenty of other people saying “ Now raise your glass, let’s make a toast” Simple endings. Skip the raise your glass and genuinely congratulate them.
Once you’ve written the speech & read it out loud multiple times it will be easy to hear the parts that don’t sound natural.. Try aim for a conversational tone, rather than reciting something. If something doesn’t feel right, rewrite! And always, always time yourself. 3-5 min ( Max! ) is enough time to deliver all of the above. At weddings usually there is more than one person doing a speech. So make it short and sweet.
The best speeches aren’t about perfect writing, they’re about genuine feeling. Focus on what makes the couple’s story unique, and it’s hard to go wrong. Aim for authenticity, warmth and heart.. not templates, cliches & awkward humour. Also, “for those who don’t know me’ haha.. you can forget that.
An example of a tasteful wedding speech.
How special is it for Margs and Harry to have all their special people from all corners of their life under the one roof.
Every love story has its own rhythm. Some start with fireworks, some with friendship and then there’s this one which started with a Wi-Fi connection during lockdown.
Margie and Harold matched online when we weren’t even allowed to meet for coffee. They had a few dates scheduled, then canceled, rescheduled, canceled again. Classic 2020 romance. At one point, one of them even said they weren’t interested. But apparently, "not interested" really meant “give it a week.” Because somehow, despite the distance, the delays and a pandemic, they kept showing up. And that persistence turned into something kind of incredible.
If you know them, you’ll know they balance each other perfectly. Harold’s always busy, running a hundred miles an hour, the type to have three calendars and still be late. Margie is calm, steady, quiet..the one who brings the peace back into the chaos. It just works. Somehow the universe matched energy with equilibrium.
And when you see them together, whether they’re out for dinner or just walking down the street, they’ve got this thing. That look couples get when they’re completely at ease with each other. It’s not loud or showy; it’s that quiet, cute, natural connection that makes everyone around them smile.
So here’s to Margie and Harold, proof that even in the weirdest, most uncertain times, love finds a way. Not with perfect timing, but with the right person.
Cheers to the two of you, for making persistence look romantic, and love look easy.
What is documentary style photography
It all begins with an idea.
I wanted to share a bit of insight about the difference between documentary-style wedding photography and traditional wedding photography — and how many photographers (myself included) often blend the two.
Documentary-style photography is all about storytelling. It’s natural, candid, and focused on real moments as they happen — the laughter, emotion, and atmosphere of the day. There’s very little posing or direction, and it captures the genuine feeling of your wedding.
Traditional photography, on the other hand, is more structured and directed. It focuses on classic, well-composed portraits — family group shots, the ceremony, key moments, and formal couple portraits. It’s organized, polished, and timeless.
In reality, most modern photographers do a mix of both. The documentary side tells the authentic story of the day, while the traditional portraits ensure you have those important, frame-worthy shots with family and friends. It’s a balance between natural moments and intentional imagery — so you get the full picture of your wedding, both emotionally and visually.
In practice, many photographers (myself included) work in a blend of both styles. The documentary approach captures the emotion and energy of the day, while the traditional side ensures you still have those beautiful, formal images with family and key moments. It’s a balance between authentic storytelling and classic imagery.
When you’re browsing portfolios, pay attention to how the photos feel. If they draw you in emotionally, tell a story, and feel like real life unfolding — that’s documentary. If they feel timeless, polished, and posed with intention — that’s traditional.
Let me know if you’d like me to send over a few examples to help you see the difference side by side.
Warm regards,
Blog Post Title Three
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Four
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.