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Outdoor 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!

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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The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Dream Beach Wedding in Malaysia

Embarking on the journey of planning your destination beach wedding in the enchanting shores of Malaysia? It’s a breathtaking experience, but it can be quite a task organizing your big day from afar. As wedding photographers and videographers who’ve had the privilege of capturing countless beach weddings, especially in the idyllic setting of Langkawi, we’ve got some insider tips to ensure your wedding day becomes a picture-perfect paradise.

1. Golden Hour Magic

When it comes to your beach wedding, timing is everything. Plan to conclude your ceremony about an hour before the sun dips below the horizon – what we call the golden hour. After the ceremony, we will take family and couple portraits. The warm, soft hues of this magical hour will transform your wedding photos into something truly ethereal. The gentle, glowing light will add a touch of enchantment to every shot, making your memories even more special. Trust me, we do a happy dance inside whenever we see beautiful lighting that will make you look even more beautiful!


2. Wind-Proof Your Look

Beaches are synonymous with breezy conditions, and your hair and dress should be prepared to handle the wind. Opt for hairstyles that can withstand the gentle coastal breeze, and consider a wedding dress with flowy fabrics that add to the ethereal vibe, rather than fighting against the elements. If you’re the kind who loves the wind-swept hair look, embrace it! It can be alluring and adds to the natural, carefree feel of the beach.

3. Choose Comfort Over Formality

The beach exudes a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Embrace this by ditching the jacket or opting for linen shirts instead of a traditional three-piece suit, especially if you’re prone to perspiring in the heat. Linen is breathable and light, ensuring you stay comfortable throughout your ceremony.

4. Barefoot Bliss

Embrace the beach lifestyle fully by going barefoot or selecting footwear that’s beach-friendly. Not only does this add authenticity to your beach wedding, but it also ensures you and your guests are comfortable as you navigate the sand. For a unique touch, consider handmade crocheted barefoot slippers, like one of our clients did – it adds a personal, artistic twist to your ensemble.

5. Mind the Tides

The tides can be your friend or foe, depending on your timing. Check tide schedules before planning a wedding ceremony or portrait shoot by the beach. Low tide can reveal beautiful tidal pools, offering unique photo opportunities. However, it can also potentially expose imperfections in the sand. High tide, on the other hand, can create dramatic waves in the background, but remember to stay safe, especially if you’re planning to venture into areas that may be rocky.

6. Have a Plan B

Malaysian weather can be unpredictable, and the beach is no exception. While the sun-soaked shores are a paradise most of the time, Mother Nature can sometimes throw surprises your way. Therefore, it’s a wise idea to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Having a Plan B ensures that your special day proceeds smoothly, rain or shine. Thankfully, most of the beach weddings we have photographed since 2008 have been fairly dry!


7. Consider the Humidity

Malaysia’s tropical climate can get pretty hot and humid, especially on the beach. As you wander around the resort for those mid-afternoon portraits, you might find a towel handy to freshen up. Consider providing your guests with hand fans to keep them cool during the ceremony, creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

8. Light up dinners by the beach

Lighting is everything for photographers and videographers. If you are planning an outdoor dinner reception by the beach after sunset, keep in mind that the background will be pitch black after sunset. Think about how you may want to add ambient lighting to the scene so that the photos are still spectacular after dark.


Your dream beach wedding in Malaysia promises to be an unforgettable experience, and we can’t wait to be a part of it by turning your cherished moments into timeless photographs or videos. If you’d like us to capture your beach wedding, get in touch with us. We’d be honoured to be by your side on your special day!

 

Chinese-Malay Wedding: Atif & Irene

While movies and novels may glamorize the idea of romantic relationships, the truth is, finding happily ever after is not as easy as it sounds. It takes a deep trust to share one’s true self, fears, dreams, and insecurities. True love flourishes when both partners can be open and honest without fear of judgment. This is the story of Atif & Irene.

“Atif and I met at a friend’s party around 10 years ago in Melbourne, we became fast friends but it was a short friendship as he graduated and went back to KL the same year. We reunited in 2018 when he went to Singapore to take a break after a break up with his ex. Even then, we struggled with insecurities of our own and whether we should take on this relationship as it would be a long-distance relationship (LDR). He was especially cautious about this relationship as it was far from his ideal relationship he had in mind. However, as time went by, we realised that the both of us still managed to be by each other’s side despite the distance and challenges. Even until today I think the main foundation of our relationship is because we both want to stay in this relationship with this person.

We don’t have an anniversary because that way I can receive as many gifts whenever I want! (but also I don’t remember when I fell in love with him). Atif still has many insecurities, but I’ve learnt to have fun with him as the days goes by. I am still learning to express myself better around him to make him feel safe with me.”

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Why you need to hire a wedding videographer

When it comes to planning a wedding, there are a lot of decisions to make, and some couples may question whether or not they should hire a videographer. While photographs are certainly important, there is something special about capturing the sights and sounds of your wedding day on video. After my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I discovered the power of pictures and videos in stimulating memory. Every time he looked through the photos or video from our wedding day, it brought him happiness. It was especially meaningful to me because the memories that were captured were special to him as well.

Our team has been photographing and filming weddings for many years. If you are uncertain about why you should hire a wedding videographer, let me share a few reasons to help you decide. :)

  1. Relive your special day

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and it will undoubtedly be a blur of excitement, emotion, and activity. Having a wedding videographer capture the day means that you’ll be able to relive those moments in vivid detail for years to come. From the exchange of vows to the first dance, a wedding video allows you to experience your wedding day all over again whenever you want.

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