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Turning 30: Joanne

How strange it is that the older we grow, we realize we’ve never truly left our youth? When my dad was in his 70s, he kept telling us stories of when he was in Kirby College, how he almost got frostbite during a particularly cold winter. Last year, I also celebrated my brother’s 50th birthday…and during that celebration, we partied like he was 20. I am also reminded of my 50+ year old aunt turning 60, but still doing bunny ears in photos.

I sometimes wonder if each of us really does have an inner child within us, even though our exterior doesn’t say so.

Joanne recently hit a huge milestone in her life. She turned 30. An age where you begin to feel that you have this idea of identity all figured out in your life. The 20s is an age where you discover the world is your oyster… you can do almost anything you want in life. Almost. (If only money was not a problem!)

But in your 30s… you feel more secure, confident, and wiser. I like how Joanne puts it…

“I wanted to do this photo shoot cause I’d like to have something physical to look back on, as the years pass me by. At 30, i feel wiser than i was at 20. At the same time, i know I’ve still got some way to go, and life has lots more to teach me. What’s in the year/years ahead?”

Joanne, I hope the years ahead will bring you to more places than you’ve ever dreamed was possible. I hope you also never lose your inner child. One that has innocence and wonder at the world around us. May God bless your journey.

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Pre-Wedding at Awan Mulan: Boon Hui & Alice

It was in Aberdeen, Scotland, amongst a small group of 10 people that Boon Hui got to know Alice. They had been in the same university in Malaysia for 2.5 years… but somehow didn’t really notice one another. Over study breaks and social gatherings, they got close to one another, but as Boon Hui says, he was pretty dense. Because he didn’t know that Alice had harboured feelings for him, despite her dropping LOADS of hints to him.

Finally, she got through to him, and one night in 2007, he asked her whether she’d be his girl. No words needed to be said as she took his hand and walked with him back to the apartment.

The relationship was challenged when they had to go through 3 years of long distance relationship after Alice came back to Malaysia. Every year, they would meet at a beautiful location and have a trip together but it was really difficult being apart physically.

One day, Alice discovered she had to go through a major operation to remove a tumour. He flew back to support her, and that really touched her so much, knowing that he would be there no matter what.

A long distance relationship is difficult in the first place. But to go through illness… well, I think relationships that endure such challenges will endure through the years. I am so pleased that Weiming and I could just catch a glimpse of their love through these images in such a beautiful setting.

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It’s a Brand New Year!

And we have a brand new website! It’s been 3 years since Stories first opened its doors to brides and grooms, families and children. Since then, we’ve photographed more than 200 bridal couples and 100+ families. From a business that started with one person (me!), we now have 5 full time staff.

I am truly grateful to God for providing for our needs. Running a business is probably one of the scariest things I’ve ever embarked on in my life. Even during the low seasons when we didn’t have a single booking in a month… God saw us through. Honestly, I never thought that one day, I’ll be running a photography and videography business. The worry that business owners face is something I never wanted for my life. I just want to live a carefree, easygoing life… pretty much take on whatever comes my way.

But I guess He had other plans.

I read this verse in the Bible recently.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

It sounds simple but often times, worry is a condition that usually doesn’t just ‘go away’. How often have you heard someone say, “Don’t worry…” but it made no difference whatsoever to your lives?

However, when I read the verse before that… “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice.” The little devotional I was reading reminded me that I can’t just start by praying and then expect my anxiety to simply vanish into thin air. We have to start by habitually drinking at His well for joy, with an inclining of our heart toward Him throughout every moment of each day and every moment of life. (Quoted from Worklife.org)

If this doesn’t really make sense to you, what it basically means is that I should focus on the positive things that God has blessed me with, and not on the negative. And ultimately, my source of joy… God Himself.

I look forward to another year with our team, creating amazing images for our clients and making a difference in people’s lives.

And so, with a thankful heart, we are feeling generous this season.

We hope you will join the hundreds of Stories alumni who have graced our cameras with their presence.

Have a look at the promo details here or contact us to make an appointment.

Give Thanks for Everything

What an amazing year 2013 has been. Personally, I just turned 1 year as a mom, and that has been such a beautiful journey. Having a child reminds you to cherish the small things everyday, and to make time for people who matter.

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Yeah, work’s been good, we now have 5 full time staff in the team,  have photographed and filmed 65 weddings/pre-weddings and 34 lifestyle portrait clients in 2013. We have also completed quite a number of corporate shoots under the Integricity Visuals brand. While some may not consider this as a lot, I truly give thanks for what we have been given. God has never left us in lack and we have always been content.

I love working with the amazing team of people at Integricity. I love our family culture and how everyone cares for each other genuinely. Life is about relationships…and working with awesome people makes my day!

Have a wonderful Christmas season as you cherish important people in your life, while remembering that all good things come from above!

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