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Rustic Datai Langkawi wedding: Graham & Elaine

Two architects with an eye for detail and the love of the outdoors found their perfect location to celebrate their union – on the beach at the Datai, Langkawi. Graham grew up in Scotland, and that was where he met this cute, Malaysian-born girl named Elaine. With such a deep attraction to life off the grid, Graham and Elaine chose to live in Nova Scotia, Canada (google it, the location looks totally AMAZING!). It boasts a totally magical natural landscape, and they own a house in the forest overlooking the cove to the south and the Atlantic ocean to the east. Photovoltaic panels power their house with electricity, and they use wood for heat and water from a well. Their neighbours include birds, squirrels, porcupine, loons, ducks, deer and mink.

What a lifestyle that is so connected to nature. I love the thought of it, though I don’t think I am personally able to live like that!

20160227-WEDDING_GRAHAM_ELAINE-01 20160227-WEDDING_GRAHAM_ELAINE-02Graham and Elaine’s wedding was the perfect blend of Scottish tradition meeting Malaysian flavours. Even her wedding gown had elements of the Scottish kilt and the top of her gown had Indian elements, representing Elaine’s heritage. The colours green and purple are their favourites and they have incorporated them into their attire and wherever possible. Elaine’s mother crocheted the sole-less sandals for the bride and her bridesmaids and the whole look with the decorations were so rustic, organic and natural.

At the wedding reception, they shared stories of places they have been to and things they have done through story cards displayed on each table. So many intricate details that are simple, minimal and thoughtful.

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Akad Nikah: Amir & Halina

This couple seems to be complete opposites – he is an extrovert, loves the outdoors, enjoying time with friends, and taking photos. She, on the other hand, prefers to cuddle up at home reading a book or watching light hearted romantic comedies. A bit like a yin and yang, seemingly opposite in some ways, but still sharing and holding the same principal values that are important to them namely family and friends.

The fact that they are opposites is what makes the relationship work. They make sure each other is grounded or at times flying high. They balance each other’s extremes well, be it work, or leisure. Each personality trait complements the other, and it only brings out best of each other.

We love how their personalities really shone through in this wedding, and how relaxed Amir looked as he said his vows (though we’re pretty sure he must have been nervous!). The pantun exchange was a really nice touch, and we love the candid moments caught on video. Watch their highlights here!

The first time they met… 

Halina: I did not realise it was a set up till months later, but Amir realised what was happening as our common friend kept nudging him to find out about what he thought of me. We only met up a couple months’ later, at a friend’s birthday event. The next day, he messaged me to ask about my New Year eve’s plans. I was surprised as to how he had my number, only to later realise that our common friend passed him my number without telling/asking me first! He invited me to meet with a group of friends for New Years eve, which i declined. However, at the last minute, i attended it in the end. That started the ball rolling and we had our “First” date on 1 January 2013. And here we are now :) .

Amir – I didn’t know it was a set up either, but got the hint during the course of dinner. I wasn’t really sure at first what I needed to do and since she was travelling for work a lot, it didn’t cross my mind to immediately ask her out. It was at a second meeting that I told her friends I’d be interested to date her. And they helped out during the NYE party at the friends house. It was till a few months later that we decided to seriously date, but we both had some hectic work schedules at the time. Our first movie date was “Oz the Great and Powerful”.
Though we don’t necessarily share a similar taste for music and movies all the time, but we both give each other our space and enjoy it doing things together.

Credits:
Videographers: The Stories Team (Chi Yin, Delvin, Nick)
Dinner Reception: KL Hilton
Wedding Gown: White and Lacy
Evening Gown: Amata Wedding Studio
Make up & hair: Jasmine Yoong
Shoes: Lewre and Nine West
Photographers: Funky Dali
Dinner Entertainment: Mosaic Entertainment
Wedding Planners: Sherly of Tie the Knot

Documenting Ethan’s Water Birth

I must admit that the thought of seeing a woman going through labour and finally delivering her baby scares me. A little. Even though I have 2 kids of my own… but I went through c-section and I never really experienced childbirth the way it was meant to be…. natural and painful. So I was a mix of emotions when Crystal hired me to document the birth of her baby Ethan last month. I was a tad bit worried that I might pass out when I saw blood.

The whole experience was new to me. About a year ago, I was also supposed to photograph another birth, but that didn’t quite happen the way we expected (pun not intended!). When Crystal’s delivery date drew near (18th May) and she started having contractions, I was a bit of a nervous wreck! I would check my phone frequently for updates, and was all charged to head out to the hospital when needed. On Thursday night, she checked into Pantai Hospital but by Friday evening, she was still far from delivering her baby!

That Friday night, I went to watch a movie, and even lugged my camera gear into the cinema, just in case! Crystal really suffered through hours of labour, and it was only on Sat night (11pm) that I was called into the hospital. I must say, she is one tough cookie. With no painkillers, she laboured and delivered beautiful baby Ethan at 3am on the 22nd of May. I could see how supportive her husband Wei Leong was through the entire process. Even though it was pretty back-breaking to help support Crystal in the tub, he did it over many hours with occasional stretches. I think Crystal was in the tub for a good 7 hours!

When Ethan came out, there was a sigh of relief and lots of happy smiles around.

Overall, I am just so amazed at this miracle called birth. How wonderful it is to witness a human being coming into the world. It is just so beautiful.

20160522-BIRTH_ETHAN_CHEW-060 20160522-BIRTH_ETHAN_CHEW-061 20160522-BIRTH_ETHAN_CHEW-071Extra interesting notes:
1. Lighting was extremely difficult in the dim room, since they wanted to create a more relaxing and conducive environment. Flash photography wasn’t allowed and occasionally a spotlight would be turned on at times – so thank God for high ISO and experience shooting in low light!

2. The little floating duck is a thermometer! How cool is that. It was the first thing I spotted when I arrived.

3. The nurse and doula was in the room all the time, monitoring the contractions, keeping Crystal warm by pouring water on her. Dr Paul came in towards the end to receive the baby. I truly respect those in this profession, their personal lives are dictated by the lives of others!

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Twins and a Cake Smashing Session

Collin and Casper are twins who are as different as night is from day. Collin is very attentive, loves games, looks pretty serious and more quiet compared to Casper. Casper, on the other hand, is so playful, he can’t keep still for a few seconds! He has a cheeky smile and likes to act cute! But on the day of our shoot, the twins were just recovering from the flu bug. Despite that, I am glad that I managed to get cheeky shots of Collin and Casper. We started off the day at the Botanical Gardens (a little challenging with the hoards of people there and the humid Singaporean weather!). Then thankfully, we moved back into an air-conditioned environment at the suite of St Regis, Singapore. It was such a lovely place that we had to explore every corner, including the gigantic bath tub!

Lastly, we had an extremely successful cake smashing session for their birthday (the actual birthday cake was safe). It was my pleasure photographing my childhood friend, Patricia’s family. We have come a long way from playing with Barbie dolls in Malacca. May your beautiful family continue to grow!

20160416-COLLIN_CASPER_ONE-233 “Oh my brother gives me a headache!”

20160416-COLLIN_CASPER_ONE-09520160416-COLLIN_CASPER_ONE-072Collin on the left and Casper on the right

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Church Wedding: Jason & Wai Wai

As the lights in the auditorium glittered like stars in the sky, Jason and Wai Wai said their vows to another. He only had eyes for her, and her radiant face glowed with love. All those years of Jason surprising Wai Wai with flowers were just the start of something beautiful (he still surprises her with flowers even after marriage!). Their church wedding was held at the Luther Centre. Their navy blue theme was striking, and I love the unity cross that they used to symbolize their marriage coming together in Christ. Wishing the both of you a wonderful marriage together, may you always have that sparkle in your eye as you look at each other through the years!

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