family

Grace Tan In Life, Musings, Relationships

Chinese New Year Musings

I am always really happy whenever my family gets together and is complete. Chinese New Year is one of those times… when my brother comes back from the States and we can all sit together, enjoy a Starbucks coffee or o-chien and laugh over silly things. This year, he’s only in Malaysia for a week. The problem about time is that it just flies by so quickly. Soon, it’s time to say goodbye. Unwillingly.

Speaking about goodbyes, my entire family, including my brother’s friend Ariel who’s visiting from the US, helped to clear up our Malacca house over Chinese New Year. Some say that it’s pantang or bad luck to do that during CNY, but to us, it’s about being practical. I wrote about my home in Malacca some time back. This Chinese New Year, we cleared a lot of things, and said goodbye to many items that held memories. Some things will be kept purely because it’s sentimental, but lots of stuff will just need to be put aside, just like these plants that were left to fend for themselves.

My mom’s collection of recipes. Sadly I did not inherit her cooking skills.

Continue Reading

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Ben, Kat & Aaron

Since Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and it’s the season for families to get together and celebrate life and love… it’s appropriate that I put up some family portraits today!

If you have spent even 10 minutes with this particular family, you will know instantly how warm and friendly they can be. Ben and Katherine are sincere, caring and absolutely trustworthy people. I got to know Ben and Katherine more than a year ago, and it’s been months since they’ve made the move to Singapore. Some time back, I photographed their maternity portraits, and now, little Aaron is one!

When I was in Singapore last December, we went to the Singapore Botanic Gardens for a family shoot. It was my first time there and I absolutely loved it! The place was just so pretty and definitely worth a visit again. Especially if I want to go somewhere nice to chill in Singapore (that is not a mall).

So here are some photos taken during our time together at the park.

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

The Lum Family Portraits

If I could choose one feature that I would say is the Lum family trademark… I would say that it is their smiles. Three generations of smiles that have warmed hearts all over the world. Mrs Lum’s sons are living in 3 different countries ranging from Europe to the Middle East to South East Asia. And of course, the moment everyone comes together, it is time for a family portrait session. I had a great time with the Lum family, getting to know everyone in just a few hours.

Some cousin time…

Look at his eyelashes!

Grace Tan In Life, Musings

Meaningful objects

I guess I am a little sentimental. These things make me feel a little sad. You see, it reminds me of the past. Of laughter, sadness, anger, love… all the emotions that were experienced in this home. And then it brings my thoughts to the present. And what life is really like right now.

I visited my old home in Malacca today. It’s been empty for almost a year now. My parents have moved up to KL since it is no longer feasible for them to live on their own. But when I opened the doors and stepped onto the dusty floor of my living room, I felt as if time had just stood still. Everything was there where it was left months ago. The towel still on the chair, the toothpaste at the sink, the old Maggi mee that I had to throw away, photos of my family…

It was just there.

As if waiting for someone to claim them back.

It is inevitable. My siblings and I need to make the time to pack up the old things and sell the house, but there’s been many memories of this place and I’ve always called it home. But life is temporal and things change.

So, it is time to move on.

Grace Tan In Portraits, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits

Portraits: Kelvin & Corvy

Photographer: Grace
Make Up & Hair: Charlie from Michelle Touche team
Location: KL Hilton & Lake Gardens

What do you get from you combine a hot mom, a cool dad and a really cute kid?

Amazing images!

Corvy has a presence that is just so magnetic; when she is in a room, you can’t help but look at her. She carries herself well, has amazing poise, grace and exudes charm. I am sure that was what attracted Kelvin to Corvy in the first place. Kelvin is a man with style as well. Corvy’s charm and Kelvin’s calm demeanour and soothing voice make them such an alluring couple. Meeting after meeting at the KL Hilton for drinks and long chats soon turned to romance.

This December, they will be having an intimate reception to celebrate their love. I love it that even after a pregnancy and childbirth, Kelvin and Corvy makes the time to shoot some portraits! And here are the photos from the shoot…