08/07/2026
This wedding changed my perspective.
Every wedding we photograph means something to me, but standing behind the camera for my business partner and best friend's wedding... That was something I'll never be able to truly put into words.
Before the planning started, Duané asked me if I wanted to photograph her wedding, she said she doesn't want me to feel obliged and she would be perfectly happy either way. She never assumed. She never expected. She simply gave me the option. And looking back now, I think that question was one of the greatest acts of respect she could have shown me as a friend. 🥹 But the truth is, from the moment she got engaged, I already knew that I would love to take her wedding photos, for me it wasn't even a discussion.
Driving to the venue that morning felt different. Usually it's the two of us in the car, chatting all the way to another couple's wedding. This time, I was driving alone, knowing I was about to witness one of her big "life" moments... I cried the entire drive there... Which is definitely a first for me.
When I arrived, Duané was still in her pj's, about to get ready. She was excited, nervous, emotional... and so was I. But she trusted me entirely. She never worried about the photos or directed every moment. Honestly, I don't think she would've minded if the camera disappeared for half the day. She was fully invested in her people, her husband, her day.
One moment that mattered deeply to her was seeing her dad for the first look. And because I knew how much that moment meant to her, it became one of the most important parts for me to protect. It was so meaningful. This made me realise that every bride has different moments that carry the most weight on their day.
Weddings aren't really about the photos. They're about experiencing moments. The photographs simply become the way we hold onto them.
Duané, thank you for trusting me with your heart. Being the person who got to witness your day and turn those moments into memories you can hold onto forever will always be one of the greatest honours of my career. 🤍
With Love, Vinette ###