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Indian + Punjabi 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.

Grace Tan
In Indian + Punjabi Weddings, Wedding Films & Videos, Weddings

Temple Wedding: Daniel & Prisila

Last month we posted the set from Daniel & Prisila’s church wedding ceremony. As promised, here’s the collection from their temple wedding the next day in Kuala Lumpur! Our team geared up again, and set out to capture some of the happiest moments that took place against the temple’s vibrant backdrop. It was so nice to see familiar faces in the crowd again and each person looked ravishing, as the couple’s family and close friends were donned in beautiful traditional Indian silks for the occasion. View the set below!

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Sarah Lim
In Indian + Punjabi Weddings, Weddings

Indian Hindu Wedding: Dinesh & Harpreet

“It was love at first sight for Dinesh when he met me at a party,” recalls Harpreet.  “I’ve never met someone who expressed interest in me so openly within 5 minutes of meeting each other!” Feeling a tad uncomfortable with the idea of giving him her number, she took his instead, intending to never contact him again. However, fate had different plans and when her only mode of transport home had issues, she called Dinesh for help. He of course, took this chance to ask her out – to which she didn’t decline because he had helped them with the car battery. One meeting turned to two, two turned to three, and seven years later, they got married at the beautiful Palace of the Golden Horses – the same place our founder, Grace got married at in 2006!

Their wedding was full of colour, joy, and also many lovely little details to remember loved ones who had passed.

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Grace Tan
In Indian + Punjabi Weddings, Wedding Films & Videos, Weddings

Ceylonese Temple Wedding: Dr Kuhan & Dr Kavitha

It was a love story that began in 2 different countries – Malaysia and New Zealand. A chance encounter online led them to become friends and eventually, despite the thousands of kilometres between them, they drew closer together emotionally. The wedding of Dr Kuhan and Dr Kavitha took place in the gorgeous Kalamandapam hall in Brickfields, Malaysia. It is our pleasure to be part of this lovely celebration. Congratulations, Dr Kuhan & Dr Kavitha!

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Grace Tan
In Indian + Punjabi Weddings, Wedding Films & Videos, Weddings

The Simple Guide to Hindu Wedding Traditions

Hindu weddings are some of the most vibrant, colourful and interesting weddings around. There are a host of events, each filled with sacred tradition and meaning where not just two souls are joined together, but it is also the union of two families. For the uninitiated, it is easy to get lost in the rituals but since our team has experienced quite a few Hindu weddings, we’re here to help you find your way around if you’re ever invited to one!


There are a few important stages, which are the key elements of the Hindu wedding ceremony. The whole thing usually takes place under a canopy called a mandap. It is always beautifully decorated.


To have a smooth wedding ceremony, Ganesh Poojan is performed a few days before the wedding or even the night before. This is when the priest offers a prayer to Lord Ganesha (the elephant headed god) to remove any obstacles so the ceremony can proceed without hindrances.

The groom is welcomed as he makes his entrance during the Jayamaala or Vara Yatra ceremony, amidst much singing and dancing. In fact, music is a key component throughout the Hindu wedding! The bride’s parents, family and friends greet the groom and his party while blessing the groom with rice, applying tilak on his forehead and placing a garland over his head. He is then led to the mandap to await his bride-to-be.


The bride is then offered in marriage to the groom in a solemn ritual called Kanyadan, which means “gift of a maiden”. It is often accompanied by the giving of a dowry. In this ritual, the father places his daughter’s hands into the groom’s, signifying that she is separated from her family and incorporated into the family of her husband’s. Speaking of hands, the bride’s hands are usually decorated with intricate henna designs.


The groom takes his bride’s hands in his to signify his acceptance of the bride as his lawfully wedded wife and ties the first knot of the mangalsutra around the bride’s neck. His sister ties the other two knots symbolizing acceptance into the family. The mangalsutra is a holy thread with gold pendant, a symbol of marriage and the sacred bond between a husband and his wife. This is considered one of the most important rituals of a Hindu wedding.


The Saptapadi is the main and legal part of the ceremony. A marriage knot is symbolized by tying the end of the groom’s scarf to the bride’s dress. The couple then takes seven steps around the fire, representing the seven vows exchanged between them – for nourishment, strength, prosperity, health, happiness, progeny and harmony – sealing their marriage forever. No ceremony is complete without this.


The wedding ceremony ends with a benediction by the elders and priests in the Ashirvada. The couple is blessed for a prosperous married life ahead of them.


When the rituals are over, then comes the food and more dancing and singing! Everyone really gets into the groove, whether young or old. That’s one of the reasons why it’s simply so fun! Of course, there are a few variations to the customs and some additional ceremonies. Each one is timeless. Each one presents a wonderful photo opportunity and we love being a part of it!


If you’d like to see the ceremony in action, have a look at Jason and Seetha’s wedding ceremony here:


Contact us if you would love to have our team photograph your Hindu wedding ceremony.