A WEDDING CEREMONY, CHAPTER 10, by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN LISBON
From the emotion-filled hugs as soon as it’s time to congratulate the bride and groom to the end of the wedding ceremony at Lisbon’s Castelo de S. Jorge
- Pode ler este artigo em Português.
That Embrace That Stays Forever in Wedding Photographs
The wedding photographer is always alert to the details that tell real stories. One such moment, as special as it is fleeting, is the embrace that happens right after the wedding ceremony. It’s at that exact moment that shared happiness manifests purely. Gilberto Gil’s song “Aquele Abraço” ( That Hug) seems written for this very moment that repeats itself at so many weddings with unique authenticity and emotion.
In the eyes of the bride, the groom, and the wedding guests, there is more than just smiles: there’s surrender, genuineness, and a joy that cannot be contained. As a wedding photographer, those seconds when the heart speaks louder are transformed into eternity through wedding photographs.
The Shared Emotion After the Wedding Ceremony
At a wedding, there’s a rare phenomenon: people genuinely rejoice in the happiness of others. That’s why the embraces after the wedding ceremony are more than just formal gestures — they are pure displays of affection, connection, and communion. This is where wedding photography shines: it immortalizes what is not said but deeply felt.
Some moments captured by the wedding photographer:
- Tight embraces right after the “I do,” with shining eyes and wide smiles.
- The spontaneous rush of family and friends towards the couple, like an emotional marathon.
- That shy guest who, at that moment, transforms and offers a heartfelt embrace.
The Power of Gilberto Gil’s Song: “Aquele Abraço”
Few songs translate the essence of a wedding as well as “Aquele Abraço.” It’s impossible not to associate it with that moment when everything has already happened and happiness erupts through physical contact. The wedding photographer knows that this is when true emotion appears, and no staging can compare to the spontaneity of these shared embraces.
Why “Aquele Abraço” perfectly fits wedding photography:
- It musically captures the authenticity of the purest gesture between happy people.
- It’s present, in spirit, in all the heartfelt hugs experienced at weddings.
- It’s a reminder that wedding photographs don’t just capture images — they capture feelings.
Real Stories: The Photographer and the Colleague on an Embrace Mission
At a certain wedding, the wedding photographer was called to assist a colleague — also a photographer — in covering the big day. Coordinating their roles, they had a common goal: not to miss a single magical moment that makes the difference in wedding photographs.
When the couple exited the church and the hugs began to flow like a cascade, both were ready. Each hug was different: none could be copied, none were the same. As one captured an image, the other was already preparing for the next. At one point, they exchanged a glance, bonded by a shared passion, and said sincerely: “Mate, I love this.”
The Eternal Value of Embraces in Wedding Photography
These hugs, which last for many seconds, live forever in the images captured by the wedding photographer. That’s why, for those behind the lens, these moments are almost sacred. Time may pass, faces may change, but the feeling of “That Embrace” will remain intact in the couple’s memory through the photographs of their wedding day.
What makes these moments so valuable?
- They’re quick, sincere, and impossible to replicate.
- Each hug carries a unique story.
- The wedding photographer turns that second into a piece of eternity.
For Couples:
- After the wedding ceremony, everyone wants to show how happy they are for the couple.
- The wedding photographer has the sensitivity and technique to capture these brief but powerful gestures.
- Wedding photos aren’t just visual records — they are fragments of feeling.
- Even the most unexpected guests can offer hugs that become visual treasures when well photographed.
Important Note for Engaged Couples:
- Every wedding is unique, but one thing they all have in common: emotionally charged hugs.
- Hiring an experienced wedding photographer ensures none of these special moments are missed.
- Wedding photography goes beyond aesthetics — it’s about capturing the essence of the wedding day.
Conclusion
A wedding is a stage for sincere emotions. Among all the moments that deserve to be forever kept, there are the embraces. They silently convey the joy that the wedding guests feel for the couple. “That Embrace” is more than a song — it’s a lived and shared emotion. And the wedding photographer has the privilege of eternalizing it with sensitivity and passion.
Tell me about your wedding
Planning your wedding day and want to make sure all the most genuine moments are forever recorded? Talk to me. I’m a wedding photographer, and I’ll be there to capture every embrace, every smile, and all the emotion your big day deserves. Let’s turn your memories into timeless images — ones that will last forever.
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