Some partnerships are born out of chance. Others feel inevitable. For Vladan and Emina, partners in both love and lens, what began as a shared fascination with fashion and photography evolved into something far more enduring: a visual language rooted in trust, balance, and instinct. Nearly two decades since meeting, the duo has built a career capturing some of the world’s most luxurious destination weddings together as Vlasta Weddings. Blending editorial precision with emotional intuition, their images feel both timeless and alive, rich in narrative and detail. Here, they reflect on how their foundation in fashion photography shapes their work, why connection matters as much as composition, and what it really takes to make an image last beyond the moment.
Tell us the story of how you met and began working with each other...
We met 18 years ago as college students. We both had an interest in fashion and decided to start our own fashion blogs, which was very different from today’s fashion bloggers or influencers (Instagram didn’t exist then). We started by photographing each other for our blogs. Vladan’s mother is a professional photographer, and even though he learned photography at a young age, he never took it seriously at the time—he was playing tennis professionally and studying sports. He taught me the basics of photography, and our favorite pastime became photographing each other for those blogs. We’d borrow his mother’s photography equipment and spend entire days looking for the perfect photo locations.
Our blogs quickly gained traction, and we were offered positions in fashion and publishing. We spent a few years working in that world, which—along with my experience in IT—laid a strong foundation that has proven incredibly valuable for our careers today. We’ve always loved traveling, so photographing destination weddings was a dream we shared. Being able to do it full-time for nearly eight years now truly feels like a dream come true.
How would you define your artistic approach to photography?
Our artistic approach to wedding photography is rooted in both our background in fashion and our traditional photography training, having first learned from an old-school photographer (Vladan’s mom). We love using flash to create editorial-style, magazine-worthy shots, but we’re equally drawn to natural light and maintaining a classic, intentional feel. We’re captivated by timeless, structured photography—the kind that follows certain rules and stands the test of time. You won’t see us chasing trendy, blurry, or crooked shots unless they’re purposefully crafted to elevate the story. Our goal is to create images that remain just as impactful years from now as they are today.
As luxury weddings are so often carefully curated and planned, how do you find those fleeting moments of authenticity and unexpected magic?
Luxury weddings may be exquisitely curated, but at their core, they’re still about people—and wherever there are people, there’s authenticity and magic. We push back against the idea that ultra-luxury weddings feel staged or lack emotion. In fact, some of the wealthiest clients we’ve worked with have been the most relaxed, genuine, and emotionally open. The details may be lavish, but the connections, the emotions, and those unscripted moments are just as real as at any other wedding.
What approach do you take with your couples—do you direct them, or do you prefer a more documentary style?
We believe a good wedding photographer knows when to direct and when to step back and let moments unfold naturally. Great wedding portraits rarely happen by just waiting for the perfect moment when composition, light, and pose align. That might work in other genres, but wedding photography demands a more intentional approach. The best photos are the result of a subtle collaboration between the photographer and the couple.
We love positioning our couples in beautiful light and making sure they look their absolute best. We’re extroverts, and the interaction and direction we offer are some of the most enjoyable parts of our work. If a couple prefers a purely documentary style, we’re always happy to recommend another photographer. Many photographers we know are introverts who take a more observational approach, and that works well for them.
For us, though, a great wedding photographer isn’t just technically skilled—they’re emotionally intuitive, adaptable, and genuinely love being around people. Weddings are fast-paced and emotionally charged, and capturing them fully requires more than luck or technical know-how. It’s about making people feel comfortable, confident, and present—even in a moment that’s gently guided. That’s why we believe a genuine love for people and the ability to build real connections is essential in our work.
What’s your process for helping your couples feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera?
Our process starts well before the wedding day. We’re quite selective about the couples we take on because it’s important that our visions and values align. Clear, open communication is key. We invest time in getting to know each couple through calls, questionnaires, and by sharing our phone number so they can reach out directly at any point. We always aim to understand their personalities, their dynamic, and any concerns they may have about being photographed.
On the wedding day, we create a calm, positive atmosphere. We keep things relaxed, engage in light conversation, and guide our couples with natural prompts rather than overly posed instructions. We never rush. Instead, we read the room and adapt to the energy. For us, it’s all about trust, connection, and creating a space where our couples feel free to be themselves.
You travel the world capturing weddings—how does each destination shape the mood and aesthetic of your images?
Each destination has its own rhythm, light, and emotional texture, and we let those elements guide how we tell the story. In Lake Como, for example, the soft reflections off the water and the timeless elegance of the villas naturally inspire romantic, cinematic, and luxurious imagery. In contrast, a wedding in Morocco might lead us to a moodier, more vibrant aesthetic influenced by the rich colors and striking architecture.
We’re always observing how the environment interacts with the couple—not just what the location means to their story, but also how the light, textures, and landscape can influence the feel. We adapt our approach to complement each setting. Our goal is for every gallery to feel rooted in its location, so when a couple looks back, they don’t just remember how it looked—they remember how it felt.
What do you believe separates a truly great wedding photograph from one that is simply beautiful?
A beautiful wedding photograph might capture stunning composition or perfect lighting, but a truly great one goes further. It needs to tell a story, evoke emotion, and transport you right back to that moment. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about connection and capturing the essence of the couple and the day. A great photograph makes you feel something—whether it’s the quiet anticipation before the ceremony or the joy of the first dance. We know we’ve done our job well when we find ourselves smiling or even tearing up while editing the gallery.
Are there any moments or images from past weddings that have stayed with you over time?
There are far too many to list. We become personally and emotionally invested in every wedding we photograph, and each one leaves its mark. Even after photographing over 300 weddings, we remember every couple and the unique energy of their day. Some moments stay with us because of their beauty, others because of their intimacy or emotion—but all of them matter. We genuinely care about the people we work with, and that connection is what makes this work so meaningful.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to couples looking to book a wedding photographer?
Your wedding photos will be one of the few tangible memories you’ll keep forever, so it’s worth investing in photographers whose style truly resonates with you. Don’t cut corners here—quality photography is an investment that only becomes more valuable with time. But it’s not just about the images; it’s about connection. You should feel comfortable with your photographers and trust them to guide you through the day. That trust allows you to be present, relaxed, and genuinely yourself. And of course, make sure you love their editing and artistic approach—because the way they see the world will shape how you remember one of the most important days of your life.
