Photography

Garden Wedding at Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu: Daniel & Evonne

We felt welcomed, just like family. Ever since the day I met Evonne, we just clicked. It’s one of those weddings that you’ll remember for a very long time. When I look at Daniel and Evonne, I am reminded that marriage is a covenant of love, strongly bonded together not just by their love for one another, but also by their love for God. I am reminded that kindness is a virtue we should always have… because it goes a long way in making other people feel like a friend and not just a vendor. I am also reminded that we sometimes have to make selfless decisions and think of others even though most people’s instinct would be to do everything their own way, just because it’s ‘their wedding’.

Daniel and Evonne’s wedding was held on the lush gardens of Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu, overlooking the sea. Gorgeous floral arches and lots of little finishing touches by the Mint Events & Soirees’ team made this wedding so pretty to look at, and totally instagram-worthy. When Jamie and I flew over from KL to KK, we were worried about the haze, but thank God it was a great, clear day! (and I got sunburnt!).

This wedding was also quite emotional because Evonne made it a point to leave two empty seats for her sister Elaine and boyfriend Emiel who passed away in the MH17 crash over Ukraine last year. Daniel and Evonne, thank you for giving us this privilege of capturing moments for you. Lots of love and hugs from Jamie and I.

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Grace Tan In Beautiful Everyday, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Oh those smiles! John and Jasmine’s family portraits

Last December, I photographed Jonas when he was just a few minutes old. I was supposed to be involved in an exciting moment… to photograph Jonas as he was born, but unfortunately, due to some drama, I arrived at the hospital a few minutes too late. :( After he was born, I found out that he had some lazy eye complications and had to wear a patch for many months as a young baby. It was not an easy phase to go through, but Jonas roughed it out (much to the heartache of his parents who had to see him suffer).

Now, I am glad to see him as a happy, smiley baby, all grown up and pudgy!

20150710_FAMILYPORTRAITS_JOHN_JASMINE_005 Can you see the faint rainbow behind this photo? :) What a lovely sight!

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Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Family Portraits at the Studio: Chris & Anusha

Ever since Chris and I had decided on doing an official photo shoot with our precious baby girl Vida Nevara Gavin, we knew that there was no doubt in our selection for the photographer it had to be Grace! We loved our wedding photos done by her so much, that we still look at them until today with such happiness that it brings back such amazing memories of that special day! Vida came into our lives on 11 Feb 2014, weighing 2.7kg and we never knew how much we could love such a little human until we had her. We wanted to do a shoot when she was a bit older, so we could really capture the essence of her and she could move around more. She has such a wonderful spirit about her and we already see a strong personality about her, which Grace managed to capture in the photos, her big eyes and cheeky laugh will let her get away with murder (in our eyes) and she does what she wants, when she wants, no one can tell her otherwise! We are so lucky to have been blessed with her and we are so glad we got to document this part of our lives with Stories!

– Chris & Anusha –

20150123_FAMILYPORTRAITS_CHRIS_ANUSHA_VIDA_028 Aaaw, thanks for the wonderful testimonial, Chris and Anusha! I am so happy to have been able to see your family grow. That is one of the most biggest job satisfactions I get as a photographer! Honestly, when we did the shoot, I was a bit worried as Vida was really in a world of her own … she is exactly as you described, curious and with a strong personality! I am glad I could capture the energy this little girl has and the love between the 3 of you. Truly, we cannot imagine how much our heart can expand to love someone until we hold another life in our hands. Lots of love to all of you!

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Grace Tan In Outdoor Weddings, Weddings

Beach wedding at Four Seasons, Langkawi: Chris & Lydia

Langkawi’s one of our favourite locations for beach weddings in Malaysia. The blue skies and gorgeous sunsets never cease to amaze us. No wonder some city folk I know have uprooted themselves and made Langkawi their home over the past few years! Chris and Lydia had their KL wedding ceremony a week before their Langkawi leg, and what a good choice it was! After their church ceremony in KL, it was party time in Langkawi! The vibe was relaxing and everyone was just out to have a good time. Enjoy the wonderful photography by Weiming and Nigel.

20150711-WEDDING_CHRIS_LYDIA_LANGKAWI-01 Here’s some advice from Chris and Lydia on how to plan a beach wedding:

We chose Four Seasons because we wanted our guests to feel like they’re on holiday at a resort the moment they arrive. Furthermore the beautiful architecture of the bulidings and the landscaped gardens by the beach helped add to the getaway feel.

It is essential to have a Plan B for outdoor weddings and we felt comfortable with Four Season’s in case it rains. The rhu bar at Four Seasons is an open air shaded area overlooking the beach which can be converted to accommodate the wedding ceremony if needed. And since we wanted to be as close to the beach as possible, rain or shine, this was perfect!

The beach can be extremely hot especially during the dry, hot months. So choose the cooler months and dress appropriately. We wanted a more casual wedding and thus didn’t opt for the full suit and tie. Our overseas guests certainly appreciated that they could pack light :)

We also provided some additional items for our guests like sunglasses, mosquito repellent, heel stoppers, sun block, hand fans, and snacks. There were also rental cars for their use in case they needed them to head out to the city. Guests will definitely appreciate these little thoughts when they arrive at your location.

Lastly, it’s important just to enjoy the moment and the whole occasion with the family and friends who have made the journey. Talk and mingle, laugh and reminisce. Time really flies when you’re having fun and before you know it, the day will be over.

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Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Family Portraits: Andrew, Lani & the kids

It was through my sister’s friendship with Lani that I got to know her. Random conversations at my sister’s home in Malaysia, usually over Chinese New Year or some BBQ/mee siam party that my sister is always organising. When my team and I were in Singapore for shoot some time back, we had the opportunity to photograph Lani’s family. Since I was not available then, Jamie went to do this shoot, and I think she had a great time with this young, energetic family. I must say, Lani and Andrew look really really good together. You would hardly think that this youthful looking couple would be the parents of 3 teenage (or almost teenage) children. I think the glow must come from all that love and connection in this family. So much heart. :)

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