07/05/2026
SIGNIFICANCE……….
We so often hear people say, “Getting married is so expensive,” or “I don’t know enough people,” or “I want a small wedding, but I’m worried the venue will look empty.” Yet, even though this wedding was for only 16 guests, it was every bit a true and beautiful celebration of love.
What does elopement really mean? Or perhaps we should rather call it an intimate wedding. Having a smaller guest list or choosing to do things more simply does not make a wedding any less meaningful to us at Imperfect Perfection. Whether a wedding is grand or intimate, every single one carries significance.
Quinton and Vallerie’s wedding at Imperfect Perfection was deeply rooted in family. Two people who had each walked their own difficult roads of love, hurt, healing, and pain somehow found one another exactly when they were meant to. None of us can take credit for how this day unfolded but God. He orchestrated this wedding perfectly, just as His timing is always perfect.
Vallerie’s mom conducted the ceremony in the chapel, and she went above and beyond to make the day about two families becoming one. She spoke about unity, love, and the strength of three cords woven together during a beautiful rope ceremony. She laid the foundation for their marriage and set the tone for the entire day.
She was a mother completely invested in the well-being of her family — in the joining together of two families from different worlds — and in reminding everyone present that when we share Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, He creates moments we will treasure forever.
I cannot stress enough the importance of focusing on the moments. LADIES and GENTS, forget about everything else for a little while. Please, create the moments. Pause long enough to truly feel them. Take five extra minutes to hug someone a little longer. Allow family members to speak if they feel moved to say something on your wedding day. Give your parents time. Give your mom the chance to sit with you alone in the bridal suite. Look at her hands. Look at her face. See yourself in her. Stand still long enough to notice your reflection in those huge mirrors and understand what brought you to this moment.
The word reflection carries so much meaning here, because when we reflect back on Quinton and Vallerie’s wedding day, we would not change a single thing.
I often tell brides that most moms can do flowers better than we can at Imperfect Perfection. Most moms cook better food. Most moms can organise a wedding beautifully. But one thing I can never be is a mother for you on your wedding day. Only a mother, an aunt, or someone who shares your history, your bloodline, your life story, can fulfil that sacred role.
Vallerie trusted us with the flowers, the food, and the planning, but she gave her mother the place she deserved. Her mom stood beside her the entire day. She performed the ceremony. She was present in every meaningful moment. She was simply the best MOM Vallerie could ever have asked for.
A week later, Vallerie’s mom passed away.
I cannot even begin to imagine that kind of loss. Little did we know that when the family stood together in a circle in the chapel, holding hands and praying, those would become some of her final prayers on earth. Looking back now, everything makes sense in a different way. She took her time in the chapel, and we never rushed her, because the moments mattered more than the timeline.
Now, more than ever before, I understand that weddings are not about the flowers, the décor, or the schedule. They are about the love between two people, their families, and the people they hold closest to their hearts.
So often we rush through moments because we are paying for time, yet time is the most valuable thing we have.
Vallerie, I cannot imagine how deeply you must miss your mom. I only knew her for a few hours, but I could already see that she ran far beyond the finish line for the people she loved. She was a warrior.
I pray that God lifts you up and holds you close. Your wedding day was one of the greatest highlights of your mother’s life, and she brought so much warmth, faith, and light into every room she entered. Her prayers over your life will continue to live on, even though she is no longer physically here. I pray you find peace in knowing that she never doubted your love for her for even a second. She knew exactly how much you loved her, and on your wedding day, you gave her the opportunity to show you just how much she loved you too.
How incredible is God’s grace.
Her life ended knowing her daughter’s heart was safe with Quinton. She had peace. She was genuinely happy for both of you.
Quinton, thank you for being such a pillar of strength for Vallerie so early in your marriage. It may have taken time for your paths to cross, but God saw what none of us could see.
Thank you for allowing us to share your story.
Imperfect Perfection — where time is not measured by clocks, but by moments. Where time spent with family and loved ones becomes the memories we treasure most when we reflect back on life. The reflections we hold onto become the moments we are forever grateful we paused long enough to truly live.
I constantly remind myself that we walk on holy ground. We tread lightly because we understand the weight of what we are trusted with. We take our role seriously, knowing that fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Makeup4eva make up and hair
4Eva Industries Photos4eva - Zandré you are such an amazing, talented person. Thank you for editing the photos quicker and for your amazing heart to take more pictures and include amazing pictures of everyone but escpecially Vallerie's mom.
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