Grace Tan

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Maternity, Newborn, Portraits, Studio

Maternity & Newborn Portraits: Timothée

When we walked into the Lacour family home, we were so amazed at their antique furniture collection! I found out that Justine and Cyrille had shipped all these furniture from Singapore where they used to live. It was quite a task moving some of the heavy Buddhas around to make space for the newborn shoot. What amazed me more was that Justine was helping to move the dining table herself, just 7 days after her C-sec! Where does this woman get her strength from?

Diane photographed their maternity portraits at our studio and I shot Timothée’s newborn shots at their home. What a handsome little chap!

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

Old Shanghai Themed Wedding: Jason & Kim

20141129_WEDDING_JASON_KIM_0960 Red is the colour of passion… love… strength and beauty. I just love how much red there is in this wedding! If there’s one person whom you’d trust to style your wedding, it’d be Kim. She not only has good taste, but is great at making ideas come alive. From Kim’s unconventional wedding gown and red veil to her striking red Lewre shoes, everything is so perfectly colour coordinated. There’s also a different touch to Kim’s styling with a traditional hair piece added to the look. Not only that, there’s hot pink umbrellas and a gorgeous bouquet too! The colours just pop off the screen!

I remember my conversation with Kim during the wedding, and she told me, if she had to do something, she’d go all the way!

During the dinner, their Old Shanghai themed stage and photobooth blew me away. I love the details that went into the planning of this wedding. One week later, Jason and Kim had a totally different wedding altogether… it was a rustic themed wedding at Tanarimba! It wasn’t just the creativity at this wedding that fueled my energy to be creative too, I really felt the excitement from the both of them, including all the friends who were present that day.

I appreciate how Jason and Kim have extended their friendship to us and that in just a short time, I felt as if I’ve known them for years. Some people just make you feel so loved!

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Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Dreams Come True: Shaun & Jochebed

Shaun and Jochebed have waited a long time for Eden to arrive. Way too long for any longing parent-to-be. In fact, the waiting was the cause of many heartaches, tears and prayers to her Lord Jesus Christ. Their hearts longed to see that test kit prove positive, but time and again, they were disappointed. She desired to conceive and prayed earnestly for more than 3 years. Every time she hears a story of a parent who doesn’t ‘want’ a child that they have conceived, she was heartbroken. To her, every child is precious, especially the autistic children at the centre she works at. The doctors suggested IVF but they decided to try IUI instead. Unfortunately, it was unsuccessful.

One of the breakthroughs she experienced was when she really delved into the word of the Lord to see what it had to say about women and pregnancy. God caused many miracles to happen and every barren women who loved God in the bible conceived. Childbirth is really in God’s original plan, and He is totally into expanding the next generation! (just check out those old testament family trees… wow!). Jochebed was led to google stories about miracle conceptions and it really increased her faith to believe.

One month after they tried IUI, Jochebed conceived naturally. Precious little Eden came into the world and turned their lives upside down. As I chatted with Jochebed about her story, we both unanimously agreed about how many women feel ashamed to discuss issues about infertility. Especially in Asian culture where you have to ‘endure’ comments from well-meaning family members who ask year after year… “When are you having children?”

For me, I waited 6 years to have Krysta, but that was a personal choice. However, with irregular periods like mine, it was a miracle that I too, conceived Krysta, and subsequently, Kyle. It occurred to me that every conception is really a gift from God. While we can try many treatments, in the end, it is the Lord who gives. But we really do not have to feel ashamed to talk about such things. There are many women out there who have shared similar experiences.

God is indeed good.

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

Strong Family Ties: Wedding Video Highlight of Adrian & Carol

It is every parent’s dream that the family stays close together. Not just being physically close, but emotionally bonded. Even after marriage when the children have left the home. I don’t think Adrian and Carol’s parents have anything to worry about in this department. The love and strong family ties they share will guarantee a good relationship that lasts till the next generation.

As photographers and videographers, we always say a silent ‘YES!’ (and mentally high five each other) whenever anyone crying at a wedding. But when both the bride and groom shed a tear, and their parents cry… well, I think that almost deserves a double high five. I guess we just love filming these moments because we know that years from now, they will cherish it as they relive the memories captured on camera.

Their story began years ago when Adrian was completing his studies in Melbourne and Carol was back in Malaysia, working. They didn’t actually know each other then, but Adrian connected with Carol on Facebook through her cousin. After he graduated, he returned to Malaysia and decided to connect with his new found friend, Carol. Many months passed and Adrian fell in love with Carol. He confessed to her one day telling her he liked her, but her response “Thank you!” confused him. After a few days of thinking it through, and going through her boyfriend check-list, Carol decided that she’ll give him a chance.

And so, this year, Adrian and Carol were married at DUMC. Their wedding dinner was held at Doubletree by Hilton with lots of song and dance! Enjoy their wedding video highlight!

Credits:
Videographers: Delvin, Jay & Felicia
Church Ceremony: DUMC
Dinner Reception: Doubletree by Hilton
Make up & Hair: Rynee Tan
Photographer: Jim Liaw
Decorations: Wishing Tree
Dinner Entertainment: Beevers

Grace Tan In Beautiful Everyday, Family + Children Portraits, Life, Musings, Portraits

The Birth of Baby Jonas

One day, I received a message on Facebook from Jasmine, whom I had known for quite a number of years. She told me that she’d like to document the birth of her second child during the delivery process. I was quite excited as I had never photographed a birthing process before, but secretly I was a little worried that I might faint in the delivery room. After all, I have never witnessed anyone giving birth before, even though I had already experienced two C-secs personally.

Jasmine’s baby was due to arrive on December 24th, and since you can’t really plan for these things, I was already on my toes one week before her due date. Everything was in place… camera batteries perpetually charged, a back up plan with Diane in place in case I couldn’t make it to the hospital in time (or if I were busy shooting another event at the same time), extra phone numbers to call if I didn’t hear my phone ringing at 3am… it seemed like a good plan.

So I was naturally excited when I received a whatsapp message on Friday morning from Jasmine saying that she had been experiencing contractions since 3am, and that today might be ‘the day’! I quickly packed my gear, sorted out my plans for the day, and waited. After a few hours, I was given an update at 2pm: She had checked into the hospital but the contractions seemed to be further apart instead of getting stronger. So she was just under observation for now.

At 3pm, I was still running errands in PJ when I got another message from Jasmine: 4cm dilated. Contractions still far apart. I think it’s time to come to the hospital. Take your time.

I replied ok, but 10 minutes later, I received a hysterical call from her saying that she was already pushing! (on hindsight, can’t believe she can still call me even during her delivery!). I was shocked, because just 10 minutes earlier nothing much was happening! I couldn’t believe how quick everything was progressing. With Alex at the wheel, he rushed me to Pantai Hospital but just as I approached the entrance, I received another whatsapp message from John, Jasmine’s husband… that the baby has been delivered!

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I was really disappointed that I couldn’t photograph the birth nor did we manage to get shots of John cutting the umbilical cord. But everything just happened at such lightning speed which none of us could have predicted. Even the staff at the hospital said it was really quick.. just 2-3 pushes and he was out.

Baby Jonas, you just wanted a little drama entering the world, didn’t you? I am glad that everything went well though and that your mom is well (Seriously, don’t you think Jasmine looks AMAZING for someone who just delivered a baby?). I am honoured to be your very first guest at the hospital and I look forward to seeing you again soon within the next few weeks!

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