Portraits

Grace Tan In Indian + Punjabi Weddings, Portraits, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits, Weddings

Wedding in E&O, Penang: Arun & Rani

“I think I am the most complicated person I know and I’d ever come to know. I am usually conflicted, emotionally. I hold back when I should take the plunge. I let it rip and fly off the handle when I should hold it in. Yes, complicated, is definitely a word I’d use to describe myself.

The absolute truth is, I don’t think I’d have grown so much in the last 6 years if not for this one person who came into my life and turned it completely upside down! Arun. He changed me in ways I didn’t think I’d let myself change, and ways I didn’t know I could change, and ways I didn’t know I should change. He has been my best friend, my worst nightmare (at times) and my most loyal companion. Through it all though, he has just been there. Refusing to budge. Refusing to leave. Refusing to take ‘No’ as any kind of answer…”

Rani

20131215_WEDDING_ARUN_RANI_0019 20131215_WEDDING_ARUN_RANI_0074 I remember my first encounter with Rani. It was at the Westin wedding fair, and she came with a group of friends who were funny, witty and easy to chat with. That instant, we clicked. Rani signed up for our photography package, and months later, off to Penang I went with Diane to photograph their Malaysian reception. Arun and Rani were wed in India (darn, I still am hoping to photograph a wedding there one day!) but they had a 2nd celebration in Penang’s colonial looking E&O Hotel. We spent a good part of the day taking portraits, and then photographing their dinner reception in the evening.

A really funny thing happened that morning while Diane and I were waiting to meet Arun and Rani. Since I had only met Rani once and it was more than 6 months ago, I couldn’t quite recall how she looked like… exactly. And we had never met Arun. So while we were waiting, a couple walks into E&O after disembarking from their wedding car, all dressed up, and we went over to them thinking that they were Arun and Rani. Needless to say, it was an awkward moment when we all realized we didn’t know each other! Well, we had a good laugh after that and we wished the other couple well.

I was glad when the ‘real’ Arun and Rani turned up and everything else went on smoothly that day without any further hiccups! :) Continue Reading

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Extended Family Portraits: Irwin & Vanessa

We photographed both Irwin and Vanessa’s family over 2 sessions, and while they were fun in their own different ways, the whole purpose and gist of these shoots is best summarized through Vanessa’s open and honest sharing below, which she has graciously allowed me to repost here. Vanessa, thank you for reminding us about how sovereign God is, but also to appreciate the daily, little things in life, and most importantly, relationships around us.

Vanessa’s Story

“In July 2013, my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease – a degenerative neurological condition that doctors say is incurable.

My dad is one who comes across as a charismatic leader, always enthusiastic about work and life; never defeated by challenges no matter how big. Although the brut he may be at times (I know this because I work for him), I know I can always count on him for solutions to all my problems.

After learning of his condition, for many months, I lived in denial and could not come to terms with his diagnosis. For me, I just could not reconcile how a global entrepreneur like him, so respected in the industry could be ‘taken’ by such a degenerative, incurable disease. And I thought to myself, how could I ever speak of it to anyone for fear of ruining our business and reputation?

However, my dad has taken a totally opposite approach from Day 1 after being diagnosed of his condition! He has spoken openly about it to everyone – And in his Christmas whatsapp message to our Family group chat, this is what he wrote:

“I feel privileged to be chosen by God (to have PD). He is using me for His plan and purpose. He may continue to allow my condition to deteriorate to such an obvious physical extent before His miraculous and complete restoration. Eventually God wants all my friends globally to know that He is still in control of the situation if we turn to Him. He can perform miracles as we have seen in our families.”

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring for my dad’s health, but I have decided that every day from now till then is yet another day to rejoice and to be thankful for. I thought it would be apt to organize this photo session just to capture this moment of our lives – that despite life’s changes and uncertainties, we still find our strength in a God who is constant and ever faithful.”

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Grace Tan In Portraits, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits, Wedding Films & Videos, Weddings

Pre-Wedding in Ipoh: Aaron & Jamie

It was Christmas a few years ago when I first met Aaron. Jamie had brought him to our church cell group Christmas party, and naturally, all of us were really curious about ‘who’ he really was. Soon, Aaron became a permanent fixture in our weekly Wednesday group. Very quickly, he was ‘approved’ and loved by all of us. They are both naturally talented in music, as they serve in DUMC’s worship ministry faithfully. As a couple, they fit like 2 pieces of jigsaw puzzle made for each other. Both equally passionate about God, responsible and faithful in all they do.

Aaron and Jamie, congratulations on your upcoming wedding. I am truly blessed to have gotten to know the both of you so well over the past few years. May God bless your marriage beyond what you can imagine, and may you find many exciting adventures as you travel along this road of life.

Since Aaron is from Ipoh, we took the opportunity to photograph some of these scenes near Ipoh and on the grounds of the Ipoh Turf Club.

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Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Law Family Portraits

Julia is a dear friend who shares the same faith, (almost) same passion in scuba diving – she is definitely more passionate on this one, and is someone who is fiercely loyal when it comes to friendships. I truly appreciate all the years of sharing our hearts out, our makan sessions, and fun trips with the cell group to Taman Negara etc.

It was a beautiful sunny morning when we headed out to a nearby park for some family portraits. Her family hadn’t done something like this for years… so naturally Julia was a little hesitant about how the photos would turn out! I totally understand that if you’re used to taking photos in a studio with a tie-dyed background, these kind of portraits would be something out of your comfort zone. My first ever professional family portrait was taken when I was 21, so yeah, I know how it feels!

But everyone had a blast, and Julia’s family was easy to photograph. It was entirely our pleasure, Julia. :)

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Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Family Portraits: Brian, Rita and little Lauchlan

I first got to know Brian through my sister Lina, as they share a deep passion for the outdoors and all things adventurous. I know that Brian is really good with his hands… in fact, a lot of the furniture at his home was lovingly handcrafted by him, including the cute little wheelbarrow / wagon you see below! Lauchlan is a really lucky boy! Then I got to know Rita. Lauchlan is her fourth child but what amazed me was that she delivered him at the age of 50! I truly admire her strength and tenacity in running after a small child at this season of her life (who coincidentally, is one month older than Krysta).

She is a truly dedicated mother, and she dotes on little Lauchlan. For a few months, Krysta and Lauchlan attended swimming classes together at a private home. We all enjoyed singing to Old McDonald’s, Humpty Dumpty as the little ones learnt to dip underwater and enjoy the pool.

I was privileged to have photographed their family (and Rita’s extended family!) one day at their home. Thank you for inviting me into your home, and for your friendship. I believe Lauchlan will grow up one day to be a dashing young man, with a heart as big as his mom, and an adventurous spirit like his dad.

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