Massachusetts Wedding Features Unforgettable Portuguese Father-Daughter Dance

As a wedding DJ, I know how much thought goes into choosing the perfect father-daughter dance song. Sometimes, the connection goes much deeper than the lyrics. My good friend Andrew Dacosta, better known as Fall River’s DJ Infinite, recently witnessed one of those moments.

On Saturday, September 26, Dacosta was behind the booth at The Villa in East Bridgewater for Savannah and Ryan’s wedding. The bride chose Jorge Ferreira’s “Papai” for her dance with her father. What made it so special? The famous Portuguese singer is her grandfather, and he was right there in the crowd to witness it.

Here’s where the story gets even sweeter. According to Dacosta, the little girl’s voice on the original recording belongs to Savannah’s mother, Alison Ferreira Santos. That means the bride was dancing with her dad to a song featuring her grandfather and her own mom as a child. Talk about a full-circle family moment.

A Familiar Song With a Whole New Meaning

Dacosta has been DJing for 15 years, and Ferreira’s music is a familiar part of his wedding playlists. However, he didn’t initially realize the family connection. During their planning meeting, Savannah casually mentioned that he probably knew her grandfather.

“I’m like, starstruck,” Dacosta told me about learning who she meant. “I play his music all the time at weddings.”

Suddenly, a song he had played for so many other families had a much more personal connection to the bride standing in front of him.

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A post shared by Andrew Dacosta | DJ | Wedding Pro (@djinfinite)

With Ferreira there watching his granddaughter dance with her father, Dacosta knew this was one he would remember. He later shared a reflection that perfectly captured the moment. Honestly, his words pretty much say it all.

“What a special moment your father daughter dance is a song written and recorded by your Portuguese Vavô and your mom over 40 years ago," he said. "I’ve played this song at many Portuguese weddings over the years but this has to be my favorite time ever playing it.”

A Compliment He Won’t Forget

Before the night ended, Dacosta received another memory to take home. He said Ferreira approached him and complimented his microphone skills, mixing and ability to move seamlessly between Portuguese and English music. Coming from someone whose songs Dacosta has played throughout his career, those words meant plenty.

“I got a little emotional when he talked to me like that,” he said. “I’m a small-town guy.” Knowing Andrew like I do, that humility doesn’t surprise me, but hearing that praise from Ferreira himself clearly struck a chord.

READ MORE: Gazelle’s Top Five Portuguese Party Playlist Picks

Still, the heart of this story belongs to a bride, her father and a song that was already part of their family. For everyone else, it might be “Papai.” For Savannah, it’s a piece of home.