Lydia Stuemke Films
COUPLES VAULT
In an age of text messages and emails, a handwritten letter is a tangible keepsake that will be cherished for years (and generations) to come. Not only is a letter a beautiful physical keepsake of your wedding day, but it’s a beautiful opportunity to tell your future spouse how much you care about them.
Exchanging letters adds depth to your wedding experience, but it also adds depth to your wedding film.
Still, as much as you love one another, unless you’re a natural writer, it can often be hard to express these feelings on paper.
I recommend setting aside a quiet time to complete your letter— The night before the wedding is PERFECT. The emotions from anticipation of your marriage will be palpable, but you won’t be struggling to write while surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the wedding day. If you’re the type that really likes to be prepared, it can help to write bullet points in your phone as you think of them so you can refer back to them as you write.
STEP 01
Opening
A great way to open the letter is by reminiscing on your history together. Recall a romantic memory… maybe it’s the first time you saw him. Or a special date or your engagement. Or maybe it’s simply the time she cared for you when you were struggling. Tell a story.
Still stumped? Fill in the blank.
-
The first time I saw you, I _________________.
-
I remember on our first date, ______________.
-
When I was struggling, you _______________.
STEP 02
How has life changed?
How has meeting your fiance changed your life? How has knowing them made you a better person? How has the direction of your life changed with them in it? Share how they inspire you.
-
Before I met you, __________. But now ______________.
-
You inspire me to __________________.
-
Because of you, I __________________.
STEP 03
Reveal the moment you fell in love.
When did you know he was the one? How did that feel?
-
I knew you were the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with when ____________________.
-
In that moment, I felt so ______________________.
STEP 04
Tell her what you Love about her.
Think about the specific characteristic you love about her. These can be physical characteristics (her deep brown eyes), or her personality and character. Maybe it’s things she DOES for you. Then tell her how those things make you feel.
-
I love the way you _______.
-
You always ____________.
-
You are the most __________ woman I have ever met.
-
When you ________, I feel so ___________.
STEP 05
Closing.
End the letter with your hopes for your future together. What do you look forward to? How will you handle challenges? Share promises for your future.
-
I can’t wait to __________ together. Describe what that will look like.
-
When things get hard, I will ___________.
-
Everyday, I promise to __________.
These prompts are just jumping off points. Don’t feel pressured to include all of these points! Write from the heart. And remember, no matter what you write, your future spouse will love it!
Want to learn more about how to make your letter-reading experience shine? Check out this post.
Looking for some inspiration?
This article from bride.com shares real letters from actual couples.
Here’s some videos that have incorporated letters to add depth to their wedding film.
</iframe>”>
</iframe>”>
Still not sold on a letter?
Another great option is an informal interview, like Kalea + Jordan. I’ll ask you thought-provoking questions, and you answer them!
</iframe>”>