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

Clement and Vanessa’s Pre-Wedding

A pre-wedding photoshoot isn’t just about ticking off a wedding checklist. It’s about capturing a season of love. A moment where you get to dress up, celebrate your journey, and preserve the emotions that sometimes get lost in the busyness of everyday life. And that doesn’t have to happen before the wedding. Sometimes, the most meaningful photos come after the vows have been said, when the love has deepened and real life has settled in.

Just like Clement and Vanessa that still chose to have a pre-wedding photoshoot even after being married and having a beautiful daughter together. These photos aren’t about pretending that they just got engaged. They’re about honoring how far they’ve come. About pausing to remember the butterflies, the laughter, the promises—and capturing them again, this time with even more depth and meaning behind those smiles.

If you ever wondered if it’s “too late”, we are here to tell you that it’s never too late to celebrate ourselves—not just as parents or spouses, but as two people still deeply in love. Contact us to find out more about our pre-wedding photoshoot packages.

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 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!

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