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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.

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:

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!

Why You Should Have a Pre-wedding Photoshoot

It’s a bit ironic that I’m writing this article because I didn’t have a pre-wedding shoot. With the benefit of hindsight, I do wish I had more information on the matter and had given the decision more thought. So if you are like me and on the fence of whether you wish to have a pre-wedding shoot, here are 5 reasons to help you decide.

1. Allows you to have more time on your wedding day 

You may wonder about the point of a pre-wedding shoot given that you will be having photographs at your wedding day happening in just a few months time. A wedding can be a very demanding and stressful affair. While we will definitely set aside some time to take some couple portraits for you on your actual wedding day, between the ceremony, family photo sessions and guest arrivals, you might not have as much time available to dedicate to your own photos. If you had pre-wedding photos taken, you could relax knowing that couple photos are the last thing on your mind during this already hectic day. Instead, you could spend the day fully immersed in celebrations, enjoying your meal and spending quality time with loved ones. 

2. Wedding day trial run 

You want your wedding photos to showcase you at your best while still having you be relaxed and natural.  Pre-wedding portraits will allow you some time to get used to being in front of the camera. You can practice your poses and reviewing your photos can also help you prepare better for the big day. You can even use your pre-wedding session to test hair and makeup. Knowing ahead of time what suits you best will allow you to feel more at ease on your wedding day. 

3. Get to know your photographer 

A pre-wedding session is also a great opportunity to get to know your wedding photographer better and get familiar with how they interact and collaborate with you. Additionally, it helps the photographer learn more about you two as a couple. For instance, are you both naturally tactile? Do you prefer more direction in posing? Having this opportunity to know one another and develop a bond can make you feel more comfortable around your photographer and confident that the photographer will be able to deliver you at your best. 

4. Variety of locations and styles 

On your wedding day, time constraints and logistics can limit photo opportunities. A pre-wedding photoshoot on the other hand, offers more flexibility and you have options to choose for diverse locations and as well as outfits. For example, you may like to take pictures at sunrise or sunset, this can’t be controlled (as much) on your wedding day but it can be planned for during a pre-wedding session. 

A pre-wedding photoshoot can also allow you to be as creative as you want. We have even photographed a pre-wedding session in a grocery store! Maybe you want a casual photoshoot or maybe you want to go glamorous with multiple wedding gowns in different styles. It’s a once in a lifetime occasion, so go all out! 

5. Tell Your Love Story 

A wedding (especially in Asia) can sometimes be a bit of an extended family event. A lot of the wedding planning revolves around creating a great experience for your guests. On the other hand, your pre-wedding session will be exclusively to celebrate you as a couple. You can use this photoshoot to tell your unique love story – perhaps engage in an activity you both enjoy or choose a location that is meaningful to the both of you. You can even take it one step further by adding on a pre-wedding video. A video will really capture all the emotions in the lead up to the big day and will be something you watch and reminisce on in the future. 

So there you have it! I hope this list has helped open your mind to the benefits of a pre-wedding session. A bonus from doing the pre-wedding shoot is of course the beautiful, professional pictures that you can use for your save-the-date announcement or to decorate the reception. 

If this article has convinced you to have your own pre-wedding shoot, get in touch with us! Do also check out our current promotion with That White Dress for gown rentals starting from as low as RM650. 

Gary and Beverley’s Pre-Wedding at the Chateau

We’re so excited for Gary and Beverley, the beautiful couple who won our ‘An Enchanting Pre-Wedding Giveaway!’ As a couple, Gary and Beverley radiate joy and love, and their heartfelt story was beautifully captured on photos and in video. This giveaway was made possible by our photography and videography team from Stories, in collaboration with the following vendors:

Venue: The Chateau Spa and Wellness Resort, Bukit Tinggi
Florist: Nook Flowers
Wedding Gown: That White Dress
Groom’s Suit: Men’s Suit Malaysia
Makeup and Hair: My Cherry Style

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

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