One of the things I have missed most dearly during these months when the pandemic reshaped so much of our lives has been weddings. There’s just something magical about them. They are not only about two people promising to spend their lives together but also about the joy, music, laughter, and togetherness that ripple through the air. Weddings, at their core, are a celebration of love, and who doesn’t want to share in that happiness? Watching two people who have found each other step into a new chapter with hope and excitement is an experience that never grows old.
I miss the sound of clinking glasses, the laughter of relatives who maybe haven’t seen each other in years, and the playful chaos of kids darting around the dance floor. I miss the way music fills a hall, how the beat pulls even the shyest guests onto the dance floor, and how every little detail—flowers, decorations, even the carefully chosen menu—comes together to create a memory that will live in the hearts of everyone present. For many of us, these moments feel almost like they’ve been paused, tucked away while the world waited for normalcy to return.
During the pandemic, as restrictions kept us apart, many couples had to postpone their big day, while others went forward with smaller, more intimate ceremonies. While beautiful in their own right, these scaled-down gatherings reminded us of just how much we had taken for granted before 2020 arrived and turned the world upside down. No longer could we easily hug a loved one, share a meal at a crowded table, or dance shoulder to shoulder without worry. And so, like many others, I found myself turning back to old photographs and videos, letting the memories of “before” provide comfort and hope for “after.”
The video below is one such reminder. It perfectly captures all the things that weddings symbolize—love, joy, family, and fun—but also highlights a twist that makes it stand out. Instead of the traditional father-daughter dance that we’re all so accustomed to seeing, this wedding gave us something equally touching yet refreshingly different: the groom and his mother taking to the dance floor together.
It is always moving to see the bride and her father share a special moment, a dance that symbolizes the love and bond they’ve shared leading up to that day. But seeing the groom and his mother take center stage offers its own kind of beauty. It speaks to the bond between mother and son, one that often remains quietly in the background but is just as powerful. And in this case, that bond was expressed not through words, but through rhythm, laughter, and an incredible performance.
The groom, Gabe Helguera, and his mom Susan created a moment that nobody at that wedding will ever forget. As Michael Jackson’s iconic “Billie Jean” began to play, the guests surely expected a fun little dance. What they got, however, was something so much more—a choreographed routine filled with energy, charm, and undeniable skill. What made it even more delightful was knowing that this wasn’t Gabe dragging his mom onto the floor for a reluctant shuffle. This was Susan’s idea. She wanted something unique, something that would surprise the guests and let her son shine while she stood right beside him.
And shine they did. Gabe, clearly proud to be dancing with his mom, matched her every step as she kept up effortlessly with the fast-paced moves. Their dance wasn’t stiff or rehearsed to the point of feeling artificial. Instead, it was playful, bursting with energy, and filled with the kind of chemistry that only comes from years of love and understanding between two people who know each other better than anyone else. Guests cheered, clapped, and even laughed as the medley unfolded, each beat adding to the excitement.
There is something incredibly heartwarming about seeing a mother so willing to step outside of tradition and have fun with her son on one of the most important days of his life. It shows not only her adventurous spirit but also the closeness of their relationship. So often, weddings can become a blur of rituals and traditions, but moments like these remind us that at their heart, weddings are about family and connection.
When you watch the video, it’s impossible not to smile. Even if you weren’t there, you can feel the energy, the joy, and the pride radiating from both Gabe and Susan. It’s a reminder that while traditions are beautiful, sometimes breaking the mold creates the moments that people will talk about for years to come. Guests likely left that wedding telling friends and family about “the groom who danced with his mom,” and no doubt, the video continues to bring joy to anyone who sees it.
Beyond the laughter and applause, this dance captures something deeper too. It’s a reminder of resilience and creativity. The pandemic may have taken away our ability to gather freely for a while, but it did not take away our desire to celebrate, to laugh, to move, and to share love in meaningful ways. Couples like Gabe and moments like this remind us that joy can be found even in the most unexpected forms.
So until the world fully reopens and weddings return to being the large, bustling celebrations they once were, we can treasure videos like this. They remind us of everything beautiful about weddings—the way they bring families together, create unforgettable moments, and allow love to be celebrated not just between two people but among everyone who witnesses their union.
Take a look at the video yourself, and let it lift your spirits. Let it remind you of all the things we may have missed but will once again get to enjoy. And if it makes you smile, laugh, or even tear up a little, don’t keep that joy to yourself. Share it with your family and friends on Facebook. Because in the end, that’s what weddings—and life itself—are about: sharing love and happiness with the people who matter most.
