Alex & Mechell’s Maternity Photoshoot

There’s that unique spark in every couple’s story— a strong bond that makes the journey of life feel like one big adventure. For Alex and Mechell, it’s their shared love of video games. These two have always enjoyed creating fun memories, challenging each other in the game world, and cheering each other on. But now, as they prepare to welcome their little one into the world, their game is changing—it’s leveling up in the most profound way. This maternity photo session is a beautiful reminder that parenthood isn’t just an important responsibility—it’s an adventure, a game of its own, filled with joy and love, and plenty of “levels” to conquer.

Credits:
Photography by Stephen

Jasmine Tai In Portraits, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits

Unique Pre-wedding Photoshoot Locations

As the word “unique” implies, unique pre-wedding photoshoot locations may be very different for each couple. For some, it’s the first place they met. For others, it’s the place where they fell in love. For some, it may be a common area. For others, it may carry a significant meaning that the couple will treasure forever. Here are some unique pre-wedding photoshoot locations that you may or may not have thought of:

The Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort

This resort is nestled amidst a lush tropical rainforest and inspired by an 18th century “Haut Koenigsbourg” castle in Alsace, France. This location is great for those European vibes couples would like to capture in their photos, without having to leave the country! Additionally, The Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort is located on unspoiled land and 3,000 feet above sea level, therefore it is very cool and you will be comfortable in your wedding gown or suit. We did a pre-wedding photoshoot for a newly engaged couple at this location recently and we are absolutely loving the vibes that the photos carry.

National Mosque

For Muslim couples, a mosque can hold deep cultural and religious significance. The mosque provides a beautiful backdrop for unforgettable wedding ceremonies. Taking photos at a mosque may reflect their commitment to their faith and the importance of spirituality in their relationship. Its unique modern design displays a contemporary expression of traditional Islamic ornamentation and art calligraphy.

River of Life

Some couples also like to choose a location where they first met, or a place where a momentous event happened, like a marriage proposal. While most people go to Japan for their pre-wedding photoshoot, this Japanese couple, Atsushi & Kumiko decided to have their photoshoot in the heart of Kuala Lumpur instead! The square’s vibrant urban setting offers a different kind of aesthetic compared to natural or private locations. It can highlight the couple’s love for the city and its dynamic energy.

Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

A hotspring retreat offers a secluded and private environment, which allows couples to capture intimate and personal moments without the usual distractions of more crowded or public locations. More genuine and emotive photographs can be captured when the couple is calm and relaxed. Set against limestone hills, this location can be a reflection of a couple’s love for nature and the adventure they are about to embark on.

Genting Skyworlds Theme Park

Theme parks provide a distinctive backdrop compared to more traditional photo locations. The colorful and dynamic environment can make for memorable and visually striking photos, especially when the couple has fond memories of visiting them together. Couples can opt for a wedding gown and suit which can be an interesting contrast in a theme park. Or they can wear a more casual outfit that brings out the fun they are having in the theme park, as well as the life they are about to share with each other.

Construction Sites

Some couples might have personal or professional connections to construction or architecture. If one or both partners work in the field or have a particular interest in it, it can be a meaningful choice for their photos. The raw and unfinished look of a construction site may symbolize growth and new beginnings, just like their journey together. It adds a modern vibe to their photos, showcasing their uniqueness as an individual and their strength as a married couple.

Peranakan Association of Melaka

Associations like these often have beautiful, historic, or artistic backdrops that can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to pre-wedding photos. The intricate details and classic ambiance create a timeless atmosphere especially when the couple is of that particular heritage. We took these photos of Noel and Celine in their Baba & Nyonya wedding outfits, after being dressed by Cedric, a sixth generation Malaccan Baba.

Random Back Lanes

Choosing a random back lane allows for creative freedom and non-traditional photo compositions. The contrast between the raw, unpolished surroundings and the couple’s attire can make for visually compelling and memorable images. The less polished environment can symbolize the journey of a marriage —embracing the beauty in the imperfections.

We hope these locations inspire you to get out of your usual impression that pre-wedding photo shoots can only be done at nicely polished and fancy locations such as the Twin Towers. These ideas can also be an inspiration for your next photo shoot, whether it is for you and your spouse, or even your extended family. The possibilities are endless!

If you’d like us to capture your pre-wedding session through photos or videos, please drop us a message. Or if you need more convincing on “Why You Should Have a Pre-wedding Photoshoot”, you can read more here.

Jasmine Tai In Outdoor Weddings, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits, Wedding Films & Videos

Joshua and Mabel’s Pre-Wedding at Bamboo Hills

Every glance, every smile tells our love story in poetry. We’re so excited for Joshua and Mabel, the beautiful couple who won the “Poetry of Love” pre-wedding photography contest! As a couple, Joshua and Mabel radiate joy and love, and their excitement to get married was beautifully captured on photos and in video. This contest organized by AWP Malaysia and our photography and videography team from Stories made it happen, in collaboration with the following vendors:

Venue: Astana at Bamboo Hills

Decor & flowers: Love & Love Weddings and Events

360 Photobooth: Tagbooth Photobooth

Groom’s Suit: Vestio Bespoke

Wedding Gown: Armadale Weddings

Hairstyling & Makeup: Michelle Touche

Bridal Shoes: Momentshoes

Wedding Cake: Ariana Raisya Sugar Art

Wedding Stationery: Acadia Card

Media sponsor: Bridepay

We would once again like to thank each and everyone of our amazing partners who made this contest possible!

Have a look at their pre-wedding video here:

Jasmine Tai In Chinese Weddings, Weddings

The History and Significance of “Kua” in Chinese Weddings

The traditional Chinese wedding garment “Kua” has been rather popular among young couples these days. Here is some information about this traditional garment – the significance and the meaning of this timeless and elegant garment for brides.

The traditional Chinese wedding ceremonial garb is known as the Qun Kua (裙褂). Unlike the white bridal gown, which follows fashion trends, the Chinese Qun Kua is timeless. This is because white bridal gown’s design changes over time, based on the current fashion styles and trends, while the Qun Kua remains pretty much the same over the years, since it was first introduced in the 1950s.

These days, the term “Kua” is being used to refer to the garb as an entire garment. However, the “Qun” actually refers to the skirt, which is the bottom piece, and the “Kua” refers to the top piece, known as the jacket. The top piece is a zipped jacket and the sleeves are three quarter lengths in order to display the gold bangles and bracelets that would traditionally be gifted to the bride by her family and in-laws. The bottom piece is a straight-cut long skirt in loose fit. The skirt symbolizes fertility because it is open and signals that children will issue forth, which is why trousers can never be worn to replace the skirt.

In Chinese culture, it is common to see the combination of dragon and phoenix. This combination signifies the perfect union (Yin and Yang 阴阳) between masculinity (symbolized by the dragon) and feminine beauty (symbolized by the phoenix). Other auspicious motifs like bats, clouds, goldfish, ducks and peonies are some of the commonly seen symbols on the Qun Kua. There is a certain way as to how the symbols are placed. Since bats are airborne they must appear higher up in the design composition; while goldfish, a symbol of abundance, swims in water so it goes near the bottom.

Generally, the base color of the Qun Kua is bright red which symbolizes prosperity. The intricate, auspicious motifs are then embroidered with gold and silver threads by hand of a skilled sifu or master. This is one of the main reasons why Qun Kua is very expensive and it takes anywhere between a few months up to a whole year to complete one set of Qun Kua.

The common misconception is the Qun Kua is similar with the QiPao (旗袍), known also as Cheongsam. Only a bride can wear the two-piece Qun Kua during a wedding whilst the Qipao is a figure hugging one-piece that can be worn anytime. The designs of the Qipao can be unconventional with different colors and patterns but the designs on the Qun Kua are unalterable. Due to this, more modern brides are more inclined to the Qun Kua due to its symbolism and rich heritage. They do this as a tribute to their Chinese culture. Since the Qun Kua has such a significance, many brides wear it during the Chinese Tea ceremony. The skirt is designed to be loose which makes it more convenient to kneel down and get back up during the tea ceremony. The shape and cutting of the Qun Kua is more forgiving and fits most body shapes and sizes well.

The traditional Qun Kua may include “children and grandchildren belts,” vertical brocade pieces sewn at the front of the dress which was believed to bring offspring to the new couple. Although many modern designs opt out of this feature, its inclusion can deepen the connection to the cultural heritage and familial aspirations. If the bride were to embrace the full tradition, it is essential to wear a red silk undergarment. This will envelop the bride in auspiciousness from the inside out, enhancing the ceremonial importance of the Qun Kua.

Having the bride’s mother help her get dressed into the Qun Kua is a beautiful tradition still observed nowadays — the mother is said to pass down her luck to her daughter. There are so many symbols, traditions and heritage that one wedding outfit can carry. We hope this article helps you see and appreciate the beauty of this timeless and elegant traditional Chinese wedding garment.

Jasmine Tai In Outdoor Weddings, Portraits, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits, Weddings

Why should we keep tradition alive in weddings?

We may or may not have realized, but traditions are a huge part of our daily lives. From wearing traditional clothing like “Baju Kurung” or “Baju Melayu”, to giving money packets or known as “ang pao” during occasions other than Chinese New Year for example during birthdays or weddings. Keeping tradition alive in weddings, especially in a diverse and culturally rich country like Malaysia, has several significant benefits:

Cultural Identity

Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions. Maintaining wedding traditions helps preserve these unique cultural identities and ensures that they continue to be part of the nation’s heritage.

Family Connection

Traditional wedding practices often involve family members in meaningful roles, strengthening family bonds and connections. For instance, traditional Malay weddings include rituals that honor both the bride’s and groom’s families, fostering a sense of unity and respect.

Cultural Education

Weddings are a great opportunity to educate younger generations about their heritage. By participating in traditional customs, younger Malaysians learn about the significance of these practices and the stories behind them.

Respect for Ancestors

Many traditional wedding customs are rooted in honoring ancestors and paying respect to those who came before us. This respect is a way of acknowledging the wisdom and values passed down through generations.

Unique Celebration

Traditions can add a distinctive and personal touch to weddings. Malaysian wedding traditions, such as the vibrant Chinese lion dance, the colorful Indian mehndi ceremony, or the elegant Malay bersanding, provide a unique and memorable experience that sets each wedding apart.

Community and Social Cohesion

Traditional weddings often involve the wider community and foster a sense of social cohesion. They can serve as occasions for gathering friends, family, and neighbors, strengthening community ties and creating shared memories.

Spiritual Significance

Many traditional wedding rituals have spiritual or religious significance. For example, the Hindu saat phere (seven steps around the sacred fire) or the Islamic akad nikah (marriage contract) carry deep religious meanings that underscore the sanctity of marriage.

By keeping these traditions alive, Malaysians can honor their past, celebrate their cultural diversity, and create weddings that are both meaningful and memorable. If you’d like us to capture your Malaysian heritage through photos or videos, please drop us a message!

Jasmine Tai