Grace Tan

Grace Tan In Chinese Weddings, Wedding Films & Videos, Weddings

Wedding at The Majestic Hotel: Calvin & Sherlyn

After 15 years in the photography industry, it is just natural that I get to photograph different siblings’ weddings from the same family. It was such a pleasure to photograph Calvin and Sherlyn’s wedding because they were really sweet and thoughtful. There was just so much joy throughout the day! It was also fun to see them dress up in different Chinese and Peranakan traditional outfits.

We love getting to know our clients, especially stories about how they met and the way they would describe the other. This is the story of Calvin & Sherlyn.

“We have been college sweetheart for 10 years. We first met in early January 2011 when we were studying a Canadian International Matriculation Program at Sunway College Malaysia. I remember how Sherlyn caught my eyes when she smiled at me because she nearly ran into me as she was walking down the stairs. I could never forget that adorable smile that felt very warm and joyful. We met again during break time because I realised we were studying in the same course and had mutual friends that introduced us to each other. We started hanging out more often as friends like going out for coffee, movies and road trips. Our friendship grew closer when we went on a graduation trip with our friends to Ipoh, Malaysia and we celebrated the Chinese New Year together with our friends and family. It was our first time meeting each other’s parents. Both our parents and siblings were accepting and welcoming. I remembered asking Sherlyn on four different occasions to be my girlfriend, but she rejected me three times because I successfully could call her my girlfriend.

On 14th February 2012 during Valentine’s Day, I asked Sherlyn to go out for a date and she finally accepted the invitation with the help of her family who convinced her to give me a chance. After the date, our relationship grew stronger and we began to go out for a few more dates again before I flew to Melbourne to pursue my studies on the 20th February 2012. Despite the distance, we still talked to each other every day through long hours of texts and phone calls. In March 2012, I was really touched and happy when Sherlyn flew to Melbourne to visit me. Whilst in Melbourne, we went on a tour to Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island. On the 10th April 2012, we commenced our relationship and committed to each other.

We enjoy travelling together and we have similar hobby such as exploring new territories and learning new cultures. We travelled many places together, such as Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and the Maldives. We tried snorkelling, line fishing and sun-bathing by the beach. We also went to watch Ed Sheeran’s concert and Australia Open. Besides that, we also enjoy snowboarding with our friends in Australia.And we love people and food! We also run a private coaching and mentoring program together with the guidance of really successful entrepreneurs to help us be financially independent and grow our leadership skills so that we can replace our job down the track and impact more familes.

We have been living together for the past 5 years and we have been very supportive of each other especially in times when we miss our family or when we were unwell. We have been in a long-distance relationship for 5 years from 2012 to 2016. During our temporary separation, we remained in contact with each other through phone calls, messages and Skype calls almost daily to support each other emotionally. Calvin and I also tried to send each other gifts, meals and letters a couple of times a year, especially during birthdays and anniversary to show our love and care for each other during the years of temporary separation. We also visited each other multiple times throughout our long-distance relationships. On 10/10/2020, Calvin decided to propose to Sherlyn from the tallest hiking spot in South Australia and we have to say it was a successful proposal because it was really challenging to surprise Sherlyn due to her strong observation skills. We have been in a relationship for 10 years and we got married in Australia on 9th April 2022 with our family and closest friends visiting from Malaysia. We also built a house together in Australia and we plan to settle here long-term. We cannot wait to continue to grow, live life and dream big goals together.”

Grace Tan In Life, Musings, Running a Business

Living your dream life

The way ahead looked murky. It was 2008, and I had just officially started my photography business. It seems like only yesterday that I bought my first second-hand camera, naive and uncertain about what I truly wanted in life. The only certainty I had was that I wanted to take beautiful images and that I wanted my life to make a difference in other people’s lives.

Somehow, I stumbled into the world of weddings, and that journey took me to beautiful locations all over the world across different continents, including amazing journeys in Bangladesh, Turkey, and Holland. I ended up capturing so many memories that remain as fresh in my mind as they are in my clients minds. I saw these couples grow into small families and their relationships strengthen, and I continued the journey alongside them through the years. Why am I sharing this story with you?

You see, the 15-year anniversary of Stories had a humble beginning. It started with a small dream. A little girl who was terrified but made a decision to be brave and step out of her comfort zone. Despite her insecurities and weaknesses, she decided that nothing would be too hard if God was by her side.

That girl 15 years ago would never have imagined owning a studio and working with eight other talented creatives on meaningful and purposeful projects. She would never have imagined that she had the capacity to hire people, inspire them to chase after their own dreams, and create life-changing work.

But she did. That little girl is me.

Success to me isn’t just about the numbers on an Excel sheet; it’s also about how many lives I’ve impacted. To the people I have photographed, I am a legacy builder. I help connect people to an experience with their loved ones that they will remember forever.

To the people I have hired, I am a dream-maker. So many of the people who have worked with me over the years did not start out skilled. They were like me—someone with a dream. I am so blessed that I have been able to be part of their story too.

What about you? Do you have a dream too? What would it take for you to be brave and step out?

You have one life. Why not spend it doing what inspires you, grows you and has an impact on the world around you?

Grace Tan In At Home, Beautiful Everyday, Casual Portraits, Chinese Weddings, Church Weddings, Family + Children Portraits, Musings, Portraits, Tips + Ideas, Weddings

Printing your photos as a family heirloom

We’ve all been there: your phone is bursting at the seams with photos, yet it’s all disorganised. We take a gazillion photos daily (especially if you are a parent, you’ll understand what I mean!) but these images are lost in the digital world, somewhere between the phone, the computer or the cloud. That is why we really encourage couples and families to print their images. Prints have a longer lifespan than digital images. Due to changes in technology, digital files can get lost or corrupted over time, but printed photos can be kept in albums or frames and passed down from one generation to the next.

It’s a beautiful feeling to be able to display your photos on a canvas on the wall or in an album on your coffee table. They provide a physical connection to the past, allowing family members to see and touch images of their precious loved ones. Family photos serve as a visual history of a family’s past. It’s really heartwarming to hear stories of children looking at their parent’s wedding albums, and asking where they were when the photos were taken! It’s a way for the younger generation to connect with their family’s heritage and understand their place in the family tree.

Printed images can hold such a powerful emotional reminder of an exact moment in time. The memories associated with that event brings back so much happiness. It’s so tangible, and more powerful than viewing images on a computer screen or phone. Why don’t you consider printing some images for your home? I guarantee you that it will add life and make your home even more cosy.

Grace Tan In At Home, Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Fun Ideas for a Family Shoot

Need ideas for a fun family shoot? Whenever we photograph kids, we think of play! That is the language of children, and the results? Casual, candid images that are authentic and fun! So the next time you plan for a family photo shoot, think of how you can incorporate play into your session. Bring some props or think of an activity that your children enjoy. It’s ok that the images are imperfect with sweat marks, what’s important is the memories that you have just created together as a family.

Grace Tan In At Home, Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Mother-Daughter Photoshoot

This is our 3rd time photographing Mika and her daughter, Lanka, who is named after the beautiful orchid. We love the carefree images that represents the bond they share as mother and daughter. What precious memories these are! The best kind of family portraits are the ones where you are sharing a moment together, doing the everyday things you love, like taking a walk in the park, running with the dogs and smelling the flowers.