Love. I love the idea of love, being in love and seeing other people in love. (Yes Alex, I know I used the words love too many times in the same sentence, but I can’t help it!). Love is this basic need that we all have as humans. In marriage, love to me means a deep sense of commitment between two individuals – a love that never gives up even though times are difficult. Love also equates trust… because to give yourself fully to someone like that requires a huge amount of risk and trust.
I had the privilege of witnessing and recording the marriage proposal of my friends Ivan and Mi Ghent a few days ago. I’ve known the both of them for years – individually and then together as a couple. I am so glad they’ve taken the plunge into this whole realm of trusting each other’s hearts with full commitment to one another.
Ivan had this ingenious idea of creating ‘additional’ Monopoly Deal cards for the proposal. It’s one of Mi Ghent’s favourite game and the idea was so apt! After a few rounds, Ivan played his “Marry Me” card, followed by the “Just Say Yes” card, specially designed by our friend Monica.
She was stunned for a while, and then asked, “Are you on your knees?”
Needless to say, she said YES!
It was especially meaningful too that the engagement ring was a family heirloom handed down by Ivan’s mum. I am so happy for the both of you! Thank you for inviting Alex and I to be part of this beautiful occasion. And of course, thanks for the yummy Ipoh food too! Now, on to wedding planning!
Some time back, I was commissioned by Red Communications to photograph Amber Chia and Kartini Ariffin and their two adorable babies for Huggies. A number of people packed into the studio that day – everyone from the director to the graphic designer and even the maid. It was a pretty noisy shoot with people clapping hands, singing, jiggling toys, making funny faces… all to attract the attention of the kids.
I was happy with the results of the shoot, and though we took more than 50 different shots from this session, only 2 could be selected for the main key art. There were many I liked, but these 2 were selected for the pack.
Have a super Friday!
I got to know Kenny Shim through last year’s SIBKL & DUMC MadWorld production. It was through this production that I discovered how talented this young man is! He can dance, model, direct a play, choreograph… well, Kenny, what can I say, it’s God-given skills!
Not too long ago, Kenny, together with a few friends, got together with the Stories team to shoot some stylized portraits, kind of like a fun fashion shoot. Together with Mark & Johan, we came up with some pretty awesome shots! Here are some of my favourites…
Image below: Photographed by Johan (left image) and Mark (right image)
Johan’s image below:
My shots below:
Unfortunately it poured and poured that day, with a huge thunderstorm. We couldn’t venture very far from the condo we were in.
Image below: Mark’s shot on the left, mine on the right
Overall, I am pretty pleased with what we could come up with in just 2 hours, despite the pouring rain! All the best with your modeling career, Kenny!
Photographer: Grace, assisted by Alex
Wedding Gowns: Wedding Isle
Oh the 2 weeks in this magical land just felt too short. There’s just so much to see in Turkey! I had an amazing experience, despite the cold winter breeze, fingers frozen from holding my camera body, feet soaked from the wet snow…
Thank you, Edwin & Dawn.
I am really glad you took us along on this whirlwind trip to the land where bright coloured lamps abound, funny looking structures rise from the ground, and roasted chestnuts (kestane) on carts line the streets all day long.
Edwin & Dawn wanted to travel to Turkey after their wedding for some post wedding portraits. Dawn visisted Turkey some time back, and absolutely fell in love with it. I am still amazed at her Turkish vocabulary! Everywhere we went, she would mention a Turkish word and people would instantly warm up to her. She even managed to communicate what she wanted for her hair and make up in a smattering of Turkish to the make up artist. Dawn brings such joy and a sense of warmth everywhere she went. The cold weather didn’t make a difference.
Edwin, on the other hand, had never visited Turkey prior to this trip. He was the secure and calm person who would carry all the bags for Dawn, and willingly do whatever she suggested. You know that he loves Dawn deeply by his acts of kindness. Edwin, you are truly a gem.
When we traveled to Cappadocia, I felt so amazed at the landscape there. While in Cappadocia, I heard this piece of music that totally complemented the landscape. It’s just surreal. I instantly fell in love with it. It was just perfect for the images that we created in this trip. From Istanbul to Cappadocia… from the Ayasofya to the Blue Mosque to Eminonoue… presenting… Edwin & Dawn.
Taking portraits just because. Just because you want to remember your youth. Just because you feel you deserve it. Just because those digital pixels aren’t simply digital pixels to you. There’s never a reason not to. With life passing by so quickly and in a blink of an eye, we turn grey, all the more we should cherish our youth. Just allowing ourselves to slow down, feel the grass under our feet, just breathe….
and smile.
