By Bồ Xuân Hiệp

Brides and grooms are typically not shy about posing for their wedding photos, as they know the memories can last a lifetime.

But for people with disabilities, appearing before the camera can be somewhat daunting. 

Last year, Phùng Tuấn Dũng, an alumnus of the HCM City University of Law, set up a five-member team of photographers to offer free wedding photos for the disabled.

Several part-time members also do free makeup and hairstyling for the couples.

While many soon-to-be married couples celebrate at luxury hotels and restaurants, Dũng’s team often brings bread, cake and tea to his photo shoots at less glamorous sites.

At least 100 wedding gowns and áo dài (traditional female tunic and trousers) as well as two wedding bouquets for long-term use have been donated to the team.

“I’ve even lent my own business suit to the grooms,” Dũng said, adding that the couples are free to arrange their time and choose a photo shoot venue. “I ask for photos of the couples in advance so I can prepare the styling, select wedding dresses, and think about the best shot angles.”

Dũng’s team often visits a vocational school for the disabled to offer free photo services. 

“We initially planned to have only a few photos of our wedding, but we didn’t expect to have such a big, beautiful wedding album,” one student said.— VNS