Around the time my cousin got married, both in a civil ceremony and a church wedding, a very difficult event occurred within the family. Sadly, after a long battle with his illness, my uncle, my cousin's father (the one getting married in this photo), passed away. However, since they had already made plans for both the civil and church ceremonies to be shared with him, which he unfortunately couldn't attend, both the church and the venues understood the situation and allowed them to postpone the weddings. Canceling everything would have been much more expensive, and my uncle had been very excited about the occasion and had entrusted his care to the groom, now my cousin's husband. Therefore, after almost five months of mourning, they were able to make their love a reality, fulfilling not only their love but also the dream my uncle had for my cousin: a man who would respect her and be there for her through everything.

This photo was taken at the civil wedding, a very intimate affair, in the apartment where my uncle always lived with my aunt and her daughter. The celebration wasn't extravagant; well, civil ceremonies are always more private and with close family and friends. At church weddings, they tend to splurge, booking the venue, the dress, and countless other things. We all shared a lot that day, and above all, we toasted not only the newlyweds but also my aunt and uncle, who had always dreamed of seeing her happy in whatever she set her mind to in life, so that they could be at peace and overjoyed that it was so. My cousin cried a lot; she thought her father would be able to hold it in to see her in her wedding dress, but even so, I feel that they were both present, giving her their blessing every moment.