For many people, their wedding day is one of the happiest days of their lives. But according to some professional wedding photographers, behind the smiles and beautiful poses in front of the camera, the first signs of a possible breakup may be hidden, even before the cake is cut.
One of the most common signals, according to renowned Southern California photographer Christopher Todd Griffiths, is when one of the partners, often the groom, refuses to be photographed.
"It's not just about shyness. They're not willing to cooperate on something that matters to their partner and that's alarming," Griffiths tells the Daily Mail.
"If someone doesn't even try on their wedding day, what will happen when the real challenges come?"
According to him, body language is just as important as the collaboration in front of the camera. Some couples shine with chemistry and harmony, while others seem to be eager to get it all over.
"You can tell right away when there's no intimacy between them. They're cold, they don't touch each other, they don't look each other in the eye. They're just there because they have to."
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Another indicator is how the couple reacts when something goes wrong during the ceremony, and something always goes wrong.
“In those moments, the truth comes out,” says another photographer, Devin Dugard.
“You can see right away whether they’re a team or if they’re turning their backs on each other.”
Eye contact, or lack thereof
Another worrying sign, according to Dugard, is the lack of eye contact between the couple.
"It's normal to feel a little awkward in front of the camera. But if you avoid eye contact with your partner on your wedding day, it could indicate a deeper emotional disconnect."
Even when everything seems good on the wedding day, relationships can begin to become challenged over time, especially in women, who often feel this during menopause.
A recently divorced woman, Melissa McClure, told USA Today:
"We spend our whole lives taking care of our spouse and children. We give so much that we end up losing ourselves."
"It wasn't a midlife crisis, it was an awakening. I realized what I want from life. And you (addressing ex-husband), you're not part of it."
Melissa got divorced three years ago and says she has never felt freer and happier.
