Cristina & Carlos

Some weddings are made by two. Cristina and Carlos's was made by a whole family. The morning began at home, with the children close by and Cuca — the dog who is, beyond any doubt, one more daughter — dressed up for the occasion.

Across the way, Cristina got ready without hurrying. Her bouquet carried photographs of those who could not be there, and Cuca stayed in her arms for as long as she could. She stayed at home, waiting to hear all about it, but she was in everyone's thoughts.

At Rampa Beach Club, with the sea right in front, Carlos waited. Cristina walked in on her son's arm, and the hug that followed said more than any words could.

Then they went down to the beach. No rush, no poses: just laughter, a jacket flying, a dance on the sand and that late-afternoon light only the Costa da Caparica knows how to give.

At night, the party took over the deck: toasts, hugs, the children dancing with their parents and friends making sure nobody would ever forget that day.

It was a simple day, in the best sense of the word: the right people, in the right place, celebrating a family that already existed and now has one more date to remember.