Thaís and Filipe are Brazilian and about to experience a big change: they’re moving to Mexico. They are also in the middle of the organization of their wedding, a wedding that will take place on the beach in Tulum once they’re there. What they didn’t know is that another kind of wedding was planned in secret for them, on the day of their civil marriage in Brazil by the bride’s sisters. The whole idea was to give the opportunity to some of their friends who wouldn’t make it to Tulum to get a taste of what they were going to miss. I’ve always thought I’d kill the person who’d organize a surprise wedding for me—that’s because I’m kind of a control freak—, but I think their pictures made me change my mind. I mean, have you ever seen a bride that emotional? The photos were taken by Mariana Magno out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

So, surprise wedding, yes or no?

•••

The word of the photographer.

As a photographer, I’ve had my share of emotions, but this wedding stands in my top 10 of the most emotional weddings ever.

At home, everything was taken care of by Thaís’ sisters; Thaís didn’t even know what she was going to wear! They gave them headphones and took them to the church, that was already decorated and full of people waiting for them. When they arrived, they recognized the place by its smell, but had no idea how beautiful everything was and how much friends were waiting to witness their love with them.

It was one memorable moment of joyful tears! Even I had to get it together so I wouldn’t sob! It was so good to be able to be there and capture so much love, to see so many open-hearted people, in a place that’s so special for the bride & groom. I was literally able to feel the love and affection in every detail.