Grace Tan

Grace Tan In Church Weddings, International, Weddings

Christina + Chee Su, The Hague, Netherlands

I’ve known Chee Su’s sister Choon Ean for years. Not only have we worked together on various projects but we’ve also traveled to numerous countries together (eg. Nepal, Myanmar etc) sharing the same room for weeks! Choon Ean is a really amazing person and an excellent videographer, shooting with the Wedding Story team for various weddings. So I felt totally comfortable being around her and Chee Su’s family. Then when I met Christina and her family, they made me feel like family too! The entire Ouwerkerk family is just hilarious and they crack me up with their jokes and cute little antics.

The wedding was full of drama, emotions, smiles, tears and laughter. I have so much to give thanks for. Firstly, I was completely relieved that I had recovered from my flu by the time the wedding rolled around. Secondly, I am grateful to God for giving me this opportunity to shoot in the Netherlands, 13 hours by flight away from Malaysia. And thirdly, for the beautiful people who were there that day – they made my photos shine with their warm smiles.

The day started with beautiful sunshine. Christina woke up, went to the hairdressers, and then came home to do her own wedding make up! Apparently it’s very normal for people in Holland to do their own make up, since make up artists are few and also very expensive. The wedding ring shot was taken in Christina’s back yard. Can you believe they have a grape vine in their backyard?

Christina loves butterflies. I found some in her garden. :) And also this bouquet was done by Christina! How amazing is that! Even the decorations at the church was done by her and the entire family.

They were all smiles when they met that morning.

Grace Tan In International, Portraits, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits

Wedding Portraits – Christina and Chee Su, The Netherlands

He would walk to the American Protestant Church at The Hague every week and she would drive by, noticing him. Soon, after many outings to Clingendael Park with friends, playing frisbee during summer days, they fell in love. Really in love. And I am so honoured to have this opportunity to photograph Chee Su and Christina in Holland. The first few photos were taken around Zwijndrecht and Kinderdijk.

Grace Tan In International, Life, Musings

Adventures in Holland

The past one week has been a whirlwind of an experience. From the moment I touched down in Amsterdam on the 4th of August till the wedding day, I’ve been running on adrenaline. After spending 2 days in Amsterdam, I came down with a full blown fever and flu on the third day. It was a really challenging time for me since I was by myself and having to lug heavy equipment and bags all over Holland while blowing my nose at the same time is not something I was looking forward to do.

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Some sights around Amsterdam.

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But I had to muster whatever strength I had and travel about an hour away by train to meet Christina and Chee Su at Zwijndrecht. That evening itself we were supposed to have our pre-wedding shoot but since I was not feeling too well we decided to postpone the main part of it till the next day. Instead we went to a nearby river for some quick shots.

The next day, we went to Kinderdijk, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The place is covered with mindmills and the landscape is absolutely stunning! We spent about 2 hours there and I even had time to climb up one windmill (as a 10 minute touristy thing). That afternoon, I crashed for 4 hours since I was still weak from the flu. Later in the evening we came back for more photos! Christina and Chee Su braved their fears and went out onto the water in a really unstable row boat. Thank God it didn’t overturn! Here are some teaser shots from the shoot.

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Grace Tan In Portraits, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits

Langkawi Portraiture Shoot

I am so excited to share this set of photos. They are special because it features really really cool people from the wedding industry. People whom I work with, and people I admire. Ever since meeting Kee Sitt, Sharon, Mark and Ian, the colours of my life has doubled drastically. Not to forget, Alex too! They add so much fun to my life, and I truly cherish the friendships that have been built over this one year. They have challenged me in my art, my thinking, how to run my business, marketing it, to creating wacky ideas and then executing it.

Through these relationships, I’m glad to have known Mun Tzin and Lai Yeen too. Thank you for being so generous with your love and support. We took so many lovely shots that day, it was hard choosing favourites. These are my personal favs from the collection. Photos were taken by Mark, Ian, Kee Sitt, Alex and myself. Unfortunately 2 other people could not be with us on this trip as they were overseas – Choon Ean & Chua who are part of the video team.

First up… Kee Sitt and Sharon!

2nd: Mark & Mun Tzin. I love this shot of Mun Tzin.

Yummy flares! And these next 2 shots are just soooo like Mark & Mun Tzin.

They have extra photos featured here since they are getting married next year! :)

Grace Tan In Chinese Weddings, Weddings

Jack & LeAnne in Syuen Hotel, Ipoh

Not too long ago, I posted a blog entry about Jack and LeAnne, and their pre-wedding shoot in Putrajaya. Well, they are now married! I haven’t been to Ipoh for a while, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to shoot their wedding in Ipoh. Both Jack and LeAnne were really hospitable, and they made sure that I was comfortable at all times. Both Alex and I felt really at home and touched by their thoughtfulness! Wishing the both of you years and years of happiness ahead!