A couple of years ago, I photographed this wedding. The ceremony was about to start and Nathan, the groom, was greeting guests. I was hovering nearby, waiting for some candid moments. When I’m photographing a wedding, I always pay close attention to body language as it’s an early indicator of an important moment to come. Nathan looked across the parking lot and his face changed into the most beautiful expression. I knew something important was about to happen. When I looked across and saw an elderly woman walking towards him, I moved so that I had a clean composition in the spot where I guessed they would meet. I subsequently took this photo.

I instantly knew that it was a special moment but it wasn’t until almost a year later when I received the following email from Nathan’s mother, that I found out how special:



"Hi Hugh!

I just saw the picture you re-posted on fbook of Nathan with his Oma. Just wanted to fill you in a little more on the significance of this picture—I’m not sure if you know the story.

Oma & Opa were married for almost 60 years. Nathan was the first grandson to be married, so this wedding was so important to Opa. Opa was never sick – until 2 months before the wedding. The day of the wedding, he was moved into a hospice, and life supports were taken off. The entire day was full of so much joy, yet sorrow. Oma was not planning on coming to the wedding, until a nurse told her she should go to be there “for Opa”.

What you caught on film was the moment of Nathan thanking his Oma for being there for Opa, for choosing to celebrate life, knowing that that is what Opa would have wanted.

We can’t thank you enough for the incredible gift that you have given to us in capturing this moment. You are amazing!"

Why I Photograph Weddings