A short walk. A pair of rings. Some shared words. A kiss. When you break it down, the big moment of a wedding doesn’t seem so grand, especially after months of planning around it. But in reality, it’s a few minutes that bind you and your partner together. Sometimes it’s in a church, sometimes it’s in a backyard. Couples may write their own vows or honor tradition with those generations before them took. It can be 60 seconds at City Hall or be filled with readings, songs and customs. Wedding ceremonies come in all shapes and sizes, but tying the knot is always beautiful and heartfelt for every couple. Here’s some of my favorite moments I got to witness this year.

I always love the collective gasp when someone walks down the aisle looking fly as hell.

I am such a sucker for genuine emotion. Whether it’s a full on sob fest during hand-written vows or a sweet glance over at your new spouse, these moments always melt my heart.

I always try to juxtapose the sweet intimacy of two people committing themselves to each other with the grand locations a lot of my couples choose to tie the knot. I love even more when they get to fill these spaces with their closest family and friends so whether it’s an open air ceremony or inside a church, the love and excitement is still palpable in the air.

One of my favorite moments in any ceremony – this year or any other – was when one of Ben’s closest friends paid tribute to his late father. After sharing touching memories of their childhood, their friend shared how proud he knew Ben’s father would be that day and how readily he’d give his blessing to Paul marrying his son. I was jealous of Paul having a tissue since I needed one myself!

When someone can’t help but smile looking at their boo, you know they’re in it for the long haul.

Even though the couple is always the star of the show, I always try to turn and see how everyone in the crowd is enjoying the nuptials too.

I have to give a special shout out to Heidi and Kent’s first kiss – looked on by their parents overflowing with pride. During their elopement in Central Park, we attracted a crowd of strangers who watched the ceremony on top of Bethesda Terrace. We did not realize among the onlookers were a group of pigeons, who at the exact moment of pronouncement started flying circles around the couple as the crowd cheered. By the time they walked back down the aisle, the birds had settled, but it was honestly one of the most magical things I have ever seen. I especially love how they almost form a heart above the couple in the above photo.

As a total empathetic sap, when I see happy tears like Dexter (above) and Bradley (below), I become a blubbering mess myself. At least my crying usually cleans off my viewfinder!

As much as folks like to celebrate once they walk back down the aisle, it isn’t until you sign the marriage license that it becomes truly official. But I like it when couples celebrate that too!

Zach stopping to thank his flower girls during their bubble-exit is just overflowing with cute!