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Grace Tan
In Casual Portraits, Portraits,

A dog named Prince and a lot of love: Jeremy & Sarah

Shortly after Jeremy and Sarah tied the knot, they decided on a little portrait session involving their two dogs as they weren’t there during the wedding. As an animal lover myself, I can imagine how much this means to them! Unfortunately, about a week before the shoot, one of the dogs passed away, and Sarah was devastated. So only Prince made it for the shoot. He was such an easy model, they must have bribed him with lots of goodies before the shoot started! Love how he is soooo photogenic (I guess Jeremy and Sarah, you guys look quite ok too! :P)

Personally, I think having a post-wedding shoot is quite a good idea. You feel more relaxed, and you had all the posing practice at your actual wedding! (Thanks Johan and Nigel!) There is less stress to ‘perform’ so that everything is perfect. Thanks Jeremy and Sarah, for making the shoot so enjoyable. Glad you love the photos!

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Johan Sopiee
In Chinese Weddings, Church Weddings, Weddings

Wedding in Christ Church, Malacca: Jeremy & Sarah

Jeremy and Sarah’s wedding was held at the beautiful Christ Church in Malacca. Being an 18th-century Anglican church, its Dutch Colonial architecture style and colors are unmistakable, as was the chemistry between the Sarah and Jeremy.

20131130_WEDDING_JEREMY_SARAH_559Jeremy “likes to think of himself as an outdoorsy person”. And by the way that sentence was constructed, yes, we know you wrote that about him, Sarah! Hehe. Apparently, he loves hiking, kayaking and soaking up the air too. When I close my eyes, I can almost see him hiking up a mountain and kayaking down a river valley, with the song “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. Ain’t No Valley Low Enough” playing in the background. I’d say – Ain’t no river wide enough, to keep Jeremy from getting to you, Sarah.

Then “they” describe Sarah as more of an extrovert who has a soft spot for animals and all things quirky. She loves creative writing (no wonder she works in the media industry!) and little does she know that we found out that she’s actually published “The tale of a Malaysian girl in NUS” in 2012. Wow! Congrats Sarah!

By the way, a little bird also told us that Jeremy likes a Facebook page entitled “Sleeping with one leg out of the covers”. Now, I bet you didn’t know that about the groom.

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Grace Tan
In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Family Portraits: Albert, Serina & Alyssa

My first ever contact with Albert and Serina happened during a time when I was just a baby in the wedding photography industry. I hardly had any portfolio under my belt, and yet, they chose to hire us to cover their wedding. It was my first time too at Banker’s Club. What blew me away during their wedding was their beautiful first dance and performances that entertained the guests through out the night. Waltzes, flamenco… it almost made me dance too! We ended the night consuming lots of delicious strawberry fondue.

After the epic wedding, I had the privilege of photographing Serina again at a dance studio. She was moving to Kuching to set up her own dance studio (Albert’s expertise is Jiu-Jitsu, which is another successful business altogether!). We had a great time as she twirled in her belly dancing costume, looked stunning in her flamenco outfit, and jazz danced for the camera.

Fast forward to 2014. It is a true story of a client turned friend. I am so glad to have developed a friendship with this wonderful couple. Many of those who know them would testify  that they are an incredibly talented and giving couple. Truly a blessing to know them.

In December 2012, my daughter Krysta and their daughter Alyssa were born just one day apart of each other. Alyssa picked the better date and came out on 12.12.12. One year later, I am pleased to have been part of their family history, yet again.

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Grace Tan
In Casual Portraits, Chinese Weddings, For Photographers, Musings, Portraits, Tips + Ideas, Weddings

Behind the Scenes: Making the Most of Every Location

Sometimes I think of myself as not just a photographer, but also a furniture removal specialist, a clutter-free agent, and a lighting consultant. It’s very normal to find less-than-ideal situations at every wedding. Naturally, everyone would love to photograph at beautiful locations and resorts, but most times, I find myself in truly-loved family homes. Read: It usually includes lots of collectibles and objects that have accumulated through the years.

So, I’ve done all of these and more:

1. Moved furniture for the tea ceremony so that we can maximise on better light.
2. Packed clothing into cupboards, hidden rubbish bins, and the rogue red polka dotted mat.
3. Removed curtains because the colour clashes with the wall colour in the bride’s room.
4. Posed couples and families in the compound amidst shoe cabinets and vehicles. Just like these 2 photos of the bride and her bridesmaid were taken in what looked like a seemingly neutral background.

BTS-jon-priscilla1But in reality, was taken here:

BTS-jon-priscilla2I had two things that went through my mind when I chose this location: The beautiful light, and clean wall. 

Love the challenge! :)

Grace Tan
In Chinese Weddings, Wedding Films & Videos, Weddings

Heritage Wedding in Malacca: Dexter & Michelle

As I was growing up in Malacca, I always wondered who lived in this really grand, elaborate home along Heeren St. It is undoubtedly the nicest looking building on that street, and usually many tourists would stop by and take photos of the house. When we photographed the wedding of Dexter and Michelle, I was excited to hear that I would be entering it for the first time ever. It was Dexter’s ancestral home, and we had full access to all the floors! Naturally, as we were shooting in the front yard, tourists stopped to take photos!

Dexter and Michelle’s wedding was a 2 part event that started in KL and ended in Malacca. Where can I start about this couple… well, I first met them at the Westin wedding fair where they signed up for our photography and cinematic film service. It was an instant click – the feeling that you have bonded with someone even though you’ve only just met. They were humorous, ‘in-your-face’, fun, spontaneous… I guess part of it had to be the fact that Dexter is from Malacca…and you know what…Malaccans are a FUN and loud bunch! (Read: Grace is fun and loud too).

We created a fusion slideshow for them to show the next day at Equatorial hotel. Look out for the middle part of the slideshow where he strides in and lifts her off her feet!

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