Chinese Weddings

nicole In Chinese Weddings, Church Weddings, Indian + Punjabi Weddings, Outdoor Weddings, Weddings

Here’s what you should do before hiring a wedding photographer

There’s something exciting yet overwhelming about choosing a wedding photographer. After all, you’re not just choosing someone to take pictures but someone who will capture the moments you’ll look back on for years to come.

With so many photographers, styles, packages, and price points to choose from, we know how difficult it can be to figure out where to start. So, before booking your wedding photographer, here are a few things worth considering. Also, doing a little research and asking the right questions can help you find someone whose work, personality, and approach are the right fit for you.

You’ll need to know what you want from your wedding photos

Before you even start looking for photographers, you will need to take some time to think about what you want your wedding photos to look and feel like.

Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself:
Do you love natural, candid photographs that capture moments as they happen?
Are you drawn to romantic, softly edited images? Editorial-style? Documentary-style? Flash-photography style? Dark-moody style? Or vintage style?

Don’t worry, you don’t need to know all the photography terminology — just save a few examples you love to help you identify your preferences and give potential photographers a better idea of your vision.

It’s also worth thinking about which moments matter most to you. For some couples, it may be the emotional moments during the ceremony. For others, it may be family portraits, getting-ready photos, reception details, or spontaneous moments.

Setting a realistic photography budget is key

Weddings are no doubt expensive. Wedding photography is an investment, so it’s helpful to establish a budget before you start reaching out to photographers.

Photography packages can vary depending on experience, hours of coverage, number of photographers, editing, albums, prints, and other services. It’s important to consider what is included and whether the photographer’s work matches your vision, rather than simply choosing the cheapest option you find. That’s not all; you may even consider the costs of hiring a photographer for your pre-wedding and whether you want to take the photos locally or abroad.

At Stories, we offer both pre-wedding and wedding photography and videography sessions. We also offer overseas photo shoots for couples who want to capture their engagement or wedding memories outside of Malaysia.

Look beyond the highlight reel, scroll further or ask for more

Now, scrolling through a photographer’s Instagram or website is the best way to get a sense of their style, but don’t stop there. Ask to see one or more complete wedding galleries. Why? Well, a full gallery will show you how the photographer handles different parts of the day. You’ll also get a better sense of whether their style is consistent throughout an entire wedding.

Ask about their approach on the day of shooting

Every photographer works differently. Some photographers are highly involved, providing plenty of direction during portraits and helping organise the session. While others take a more documentary approach, staying in the background and allowing moments to unfold naturally.

Ask how they typically work and consider which approach would suit you and your partner. If you’re nervous about being in front of the camera, that’s worth mentioning.

Don’t forget to consider their personality too

This is something couples sometimes overlook.

Think of your relationship with your photographer as a working relationship. Both of you will be around each other for much of your wedding day, often during the most emotional and hectic moments. You’d want someone you feel comfortable with.

During your consultation, pay attention to how they communicate. Do they listen to your ideas? Do they make you feel comfortable? Are they interested in understanding your plans rather than simply trying to sell you a package? The right photographer should feel like someone you can trust to be a part of your important day.

One last tip: take your time before making a decision

Always remember, you don’t have to book the first photographer whose work you love. Compare galleries, have conversations, review packages, and ask more questions. The best wedding photographer isn’t necessarily the one with the biggest following or the longest list of awards. After all, your wedding photographer isn’t simply there to take photographs but to preserve the little moments of the best day of your life.

10 Questions to ask your potential wedding photographer

Now, we’ve prepared a question bank for you to ask the wedding photographers whom you’ve narrowed down — hoping to take some weight off your shoulders.

What would you describe as your photography style?
Can we see a full wedding gallery?
How many hours of coverage do we need?
What is included in your photography packages?
How long will it take to receive our photos?
Do you have experience photographing our venue or similar weddings?
What happens if the weather changes or something goes wrong?
If we were to photograph a destination wedding, how do we proceed?
Do you help with planning the photography timelines?
What is your backup plan if you’re unable to photograph our wedding at the last minute?
Can we review the contract before booking?

So, if you’re looking for a photographer for your pre-wedding shoot or wedding day, we’d be happy to help you capture your unforgettable moments. Get in touch with us to find out more about our photography and videography services, and let’s create something you’ll love looking back on.

Jasmine Tai In Chinese Weddings, Outdoor Weddings

Wedding Day of Eugene and Sue Pheng

There’s a certain kind of excitement that only exists on a Chinese wedding day. It lives in the laughter echoing down hallways, the nervous excitement behind closed doors, and the quiet pride in a parent’s eyes. From the very first moment, you can feel it, the history, family, tradition, and love all unfolding at once.

What we love most about Chinese wedding ceremonies is how seamlessly joy and reverence coexist. One moment is filled with laughter and teasing; the next is quiet, emotional, almost sacred. Grandparents beam. Parents try to stay composed. Friends exchange knowing looks. And through it all, the couple moves together hand in hand, while learning how to navigate the day, and life, as a team.

As photographers and videographers, we don’t just document what happens. We look for what’s felt. The glance shared across a crowded room. The squeeze of a hand during a nerve-wracking moment. The laughter that erupts when something doesn’t go exactly as planned. These are the moments that tell the stories, the ones that feel just as vivid years later.

Groom’s Attire, Wedding Gown and Evening Gown: 7th Heaven Kua

Hairstyling & Makeup: Cynthia N.

Photography and Videography: The Stories Team

Jasmine Tai In Chinese Weddings, Church Weddings, Outdoor Weddings, Parties & Events, Weddings

Things to Take Note of When Choosing Your Wedding Gown

So you’ve said yes (to your favorite person), and next, it’s time to say yes to the dress. Exciting? Yes. Overwhelming? Also yes. But don’t worry, here are some things to take note of when choosing your wedding gown, especially when your wedding is taking place in a hot and humid climate like Malaysia.

Before you fall head over heels for the sparkliest, puffiest, most princessy gown available on the rack (no judgment—we all have that moment), let’s talk through a few real-life things that brides often forget to consider until it’s too late. Because the truth is: a stunning gown is great… but a comfortable and venue-appropriate stunning gown? That’s even better.

1. Outdoor Wedding? Consider This Before You Say Yes to the Train

Ahh, outdoor weddings with beachy breezes, garden vibes, golden hour magic and wind in your hair. But here’s the thing nobody tells you: a long train + grass or sand = drama. And not the good kind.

If your wedding is outdoors, especially in a natural setting (beach, garden, forest), think twice about long trailing gowns. They look beautiful in photos, yes, but they also pick up dirt like a mop and get stepped on… a lot. You’ll spend more time adjusting the train than enjoying your day.

Tip: If you love the look of a train, go for a removable, detachable train that gives you the princess-look during the ceremony but the ability to freely walk and dance after that.

2. Try Sitting Down (Seriously!)

It might sound obvious, but so many brides forget to actually sit in their gown during fittings. And trust us, this matters more than you think.

That dreamy ballgown or super fitted mermaid dress might look stunning when you’re standing, but what happens when you’re sitting at your reception for speeches, dinner, or during the ceremony? If the bodice digs into your ribs or the skirt completely takes over your chair (or the person’s chair next to you), it’s going to get uncomfortable real fast.

Tip: During your fitting, try sitting, squatting slightly, and even try a few dance moves. You will thank us later when you are feeling comfy all night long.

3. Itchy, Hot & Heavy? No Thanks

Some gowns are made for aesthetics, not comfort. If you’re eyeing on a gown with heavy embellishments or super stiff material, ask yourself:
“Can I wear this for 8+ hours without melting or scratching my skin off?”

Especially for outdoor weddings in warmer climates or during the summer season, breathable fabric is key. Avoid gowns with tons of layers unless you want to feel like you are baking inside a tiered cake. You can have both elegance and comfort, it just takes a bit of trying on.

4. Indoor Wedding? Watch the Stairs (and the Chairs)

If you are getting married in a ballroom, hotel, or a church with grand staircases, think about how you can move around easily. Puffy gowns may look magical… until you need to climb stairs, walk through narrow aisles, or sit down for dinner. Same tip for your footwear, do opt for something that is easier to walk and climb those stairs in.

Test this in your fittings—can you walk gracefully? Will your train be a hazard on polished floors?

Bonus tip: If kneeling is required (e.g., in a Catholic ceremony), make sure your dress allows movement and that it’s appropriate for the setting (i.e., nothing too low-cut or sheer for a religious venue).

5. Venue Vibes Matter

The dress should match the vibe of your wedding venue. If your wedding’s in a grand cathedral, go for something timeless and classic. If you’re having a laid-back celebration in a cozy garden or intimate café, you might want something light, flowy, and less structured.

You don’t have to go full theme, but your gown should feel like it belongs in the space where you are saying “I do.”

6. You Will Move A Lot So Dress for It

From hugging 100 people, dancing, posing for photos, to bathroom breaks (yes, we said it), you will move. A lot. So try moving in the gown before committing. Do a little spin. Try sitting. Imagine lifting your arms for a group hug.

If the gown is restrictive now, trust me, it’ll drive you nuts halfway through the day. Comfort is really the key here.

At the end of the day, your gown should make you feel beautiful, comfortable, and like your best self. Not a version of what you think a bride looks like on your Pinterest board—but you, feeling your very best.

So when you are at your fitting, bring your heels, walk around. Sit. Think about the place you are getting married, what the weather’s like, and how you want to feel in those little, in-between moments.

Because your gown? It’s not just for the aisle. It’s for the hugs, the photos, the laughs, the teary smiles and the late-night dancing. Make sure it’s one you can live in, not just look pretty in.

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.

Suzyana Ong In Chinese Weddings, Parties & Events, Wedding Films & Videos, Weddings

Wedding at The Majestic Hotel: Adrian & Tracy

The Majestic Hotel’s orchid conservatory is one of the most beautiful indoor spaces in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Imagine being surrounded by hundreds of orchids! As orchids require a certain cooling temperature to blossom, you and your guests can enjoy the fresh and cooling breeze as well. Adrian & Tracy didn’t want a huge glamorous wedding with hundreds of guests so the orchid room was perfect for them. We absolutely love how the photos turn out! Orchids seen in every photo :)