The Bliss of Wedding Day Feelings - A moment that brings everyone closer together
We all know there will be a lot of emotions in a marriage, but there is one particular moment to which our team of wedding videographers pays close attention, a moment that stands out for its intensity and purity: the bride’s entrance. During this pivotal moment, the bride and groom discover each other and navigate through a myriad of emotions, from stress and worries to a profound feeling of happiness and joy — it’s the wedding bliss.
You might have seen our reel that went viral and garnered millions of views on TikTok and Instagram. But there’s a scientific reason why so many were moved by that moment. Dr. Paul Ekman, a renowned psychologist, has an explanation for this phenomenon.
The phenomenon of wedding bliss: a universal experience
Paul Ekman, known for his work on emotions and facial expressions, suggests through his research that certain facial expressions are universal across cultures, indicating they are innate rather than learned behaviors. Ekman's work has shown that humans are remarkably adept at recognizing and interpreting facial expressions, often doing so instinctively and without conscious effort. So when the groom and his groomsmen are nervous before the bride’s entrance, and when the stress of the wedding day dissipates as soon as the couple lays eyes on each other, we can recognize their feelings by simply watching their faces.
The science behind blissful wedding moments - Paul Ekman's work: connecting with facial expressions
Paul Ekman's work revolves around connecting with facial expressions. He has identified six basic emotions expressed through distinct facial expressions that are universally recognized: joy, surprise, sadness, anger, disgust, and fear. People can identify and understand others' emotional states based on their facial expressions, even when those expressions are subtle. This ability to read facial expressions plays a crucial role in social interactions, helping individuals understand each other's feelings, intentions, and reactions. In a wedding, during the bride’s entrance, several of these basic emotions can manifest simultaneously, creating a unique expression of bliss where no words are needed — a true 'bliss wedding groom' moment.
Why does stress dissipate at the sight of love?
According to Ekman, facial expressions are not just reflections of our internal emotions; they can also influence our emotional state. “Smile is contagious” is an expression that aligns with Ekman’s work. For example, a smile can enhance someone’s mood; tears of joy can make someone cry. Thus, when the groom sees his partner's face radiate happiness, his own emotional response is amplified, leading to a sense of well-being and a reduction in stress.
The power of love and shared emotions in a blissful wedding
This moment of bliss during a wedding is a powerful example of how shared emotions can strengthen the bond between individuals. Witnessing our partner express their love and happiness so profoundly not only makes us witnesses but also participants in a deep emotional communion. This sentiment extends to the entire room during the ceremony. Have you ever noticed how the whole room reacts when the bride walks down the aisle? Whether it's the groom's reaction to seeing the bride or the bride's response to the groom, as videographers, we anticipate reactions from the crowd because we know many guests will be emotionally invested, sharing an invisible connection with the couple. At that precise moment, our team will be on high alert, ready to capture the raw reactions with our cameras so that we can share it to the couple — this is the heart of “emotion videography.”
Embracing vulnerability: why grooms shouldn't feel ashamed of tears
In the heart of a blissful wedding, when a groom lays eyes on his bride for the first time, the rush of emotions can be overwhelming. Society often associates tears with weakness in men. However, a wedding transcends societal norms and offers a unique opportunity for grooms to embrace their vulnerability without shame. Tears, in this context, are a testament of love, a profound symbol of joy, and a deep connection with a partner. Paul Ekman's studies on emotions highlight that expressing genuine feelings, including tears, can lead to deeper emotional connections and enhance the sense of intimacy between partners.
The wedding day is a celebration of love, a time when raw reactions should lead the way. Allowing oneself to fully experience and express emotions at this significant moment can be incredibly liberating. It's a declaration that love is powerful enough to break down walls, even those built by traditional norms for men.
Message to grooms: “let the tears flow if they come. This is your day to show your partner how deeply you feel. There's no shame in displaying true emotions; in fact, it's a testament to the strength of your bond and the depth of your commitment. 80% of the comments we received from women on our reel say this: 'if he ain't reacting like this, we are doing it again.' Meaning, they want to feel that connection with you partners. Remember, these moments of vulnerability are what make the wedding day unforgettable — they are the silent vows that speak louder than words.”
Celebrating the depth of emotional bonds
The bliss experienced at the first glance of our life partner during a wedding is a strong reminder of the human capacity to experience and share deep emotions. Understanding the scientific foundations of our facial expressions, as explored by Dr. Paul Ekman, allows us to appreciate the complexity and beauty of these moments. These instances, where love is clearly visible on our faces, are powerful testimonies to the depth of our emotional connections. And for these reasons, the groom’s reaction during the bride’s entrance is one of the most important moment for us to capture.
photo credits:
https://mailysfortune.com https://www.instagram.com/mailysfortunephotography/
https://www.instagram.com/paris_photographer_sherwin/
Source : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10261107/
