nicole In Chinese Weddings, Church Weddings, Indian + Punjabi Weddings, Outdoor Weddings, Weddings

Here’s what you should do before hiring a wedding photographer

There’s something exciting yet overwhelming about choosing a wedding photographer. After all, you’re not just choosing someone to take pictures but someone who will capture the moments you’ll look back on for years to come.

With so many photographers, styles, packages, and price points to choose from, we know how difficult it can be to figure out where to start. So, before booking your wedding photographer, here are a few things worth considering. Also, doing a little research and asking the right questions can help you find someone whose work, personality, and approach are the right fit for you.

You’ll need to know what you want from your wedding photos

Before you even start looking for photographers, you will need to take some time to think about what you want your wedding photos to look and feel like.

Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself:
Do you love natural, candid photographs that capture moments as they happen?
Are you drawn to romantic, softly edited images? Editorial-style? Documentary-style? Flash-photography style? Dark-moody style? Or vintage style?

Don’t worry, you don’t need to know all the photography terminology — just save a few examples you love to help you identify your preferences and give potential photographers a better idea of your vision.

It’s also worth thinking about which moments matter most to you. For some couples, it may be the emotional moments during the ceremony. For others, it may be family portraits, getting-ready photos, reception details, or spontaneous moments.

Setting a realistic photography budget is key

Weddings are no doubt expensive. Wedding photography is an investment, so it’s helpful to establish a budget before you start reaching out to photographers.

Photography packages can vary depending on experience, hours of coverage, number of photographers, editing, albums, prints, and other services. It’s important to consider what is included and whether the photographer’s work matches your vision, rather than simply choosing the cheapest option you find. That’s not all; you may even consider the costs of hiring a photographer for your pre-wedding and whether you want to take the photos locally or abroad.

At Stories, we offer both pre-wedding and wedding photography and videography sessions. We also offer overseas photo shoots for couples who want to capture their engagement or wedding memories outside of Malaysia.

Look beyond the highlight reel, scroll further or ask for more

Now, scrolling through a photographer’s Instagram or website is the best way to get a sense of their style, but don’t stop there. Ask to see one or more complete wedding galleries. Why? Well, a full gallery will show you how the photographer handles different parts of the day. You’ll also get a better sense of whether their style is consistent throughout an entire wedding.

Ask about their approach on the day of shooting

Every photographer works differently. Some photographers are highly involved, providing plenty of direction during portraits and helping organise the session. While others take a more documentary approach, staying in the background and allowing moments to unfold naturally.

Ask how they typically work and consider which approach would suit you and your partner. If you’re nervous about being in front of the camera, that’s worth mentioning.

Don’t forget to consider their personality too

This is something couples sometimes overlook.

Think of your relationship with your photographer as a working relationship. Both of you will be around each other for much of your wedding day, often during the most emotional and hectic moments. You’d want someone you feel comfortable with.

During your consultation, pay attention to how they communicate. Do they listen to your ideas? Do they make you feel comfortable? Are they interested in understanding your plans rather than simply trying to sell you a package? The right photographer should feel like someone you can trust to be a part of your important day.

One last tip: take your time before making a decision

Always remember, you don’t have to book the first photographer whose work you love. Compare galleries, have conversations, review packages, and ask more questions. The best wedding photographer isn’t necessarily the one with the biggest following or the longest list of awards. After all, your wedding photographer isn’t simply there to take photographs but to preserve the little moments of the best day of your life.

10 Questions to ask your potential wedding photographer

Now, we’ve prepared a question bank for you to ask the wedding photographers whom you’ve narrowed down — hoping to take some weight off your shoulders.

What would you describe as your photography style?
Can we see a full wedding gallery?
How many hours of coverage do we need?
What is included in your photography packages?
How long will it take to receive our photos?
Do you have experience photographing our venue or similar weddings?
What happens if the weather changes or something goes wrong?
If we were to photograph a destination wedding, how do we proceed?
Do you help with planning the photography timelines?
What is your backup plan if you’re unable to photograph our wedding at the last minute?
Can we review the contract before booking?

So, if you’re looking for a photographer for your pre-wedding shoot or wedding day, we’d be happy to help you capture your unforgettable moments. Get in touch with us to find out more about our photography and videography services, and let’s create something you’ll love looking back on.

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!

Sarah Lim In Chinese Weddings, Wedding Films & Videos, Weddings

Chinese Tea Ceremony & Wedding Dinner: Yun & Madeline

There’s just something about Chinese weddings that make you feel a rush of excitement. Maybe its the flurry of the morning tea ceremony and all its rituals with family, or large groups of friends and family that gather to celebrate with the couple at night. Whatever it is, Yun and Madeline’s wedding day was one to remember. The couple had already done a ceremony in Australia, so this one was specially for very close friends and family back in Kuala Lumpur.

The couple looked stunning in all three outfits changes and the dinner speeches had us and the guests in happy tears! We’re so glad to see yet another happy couple find forever in each other’s arms. See the full collection and watch the video highlights below.

chinese weddings