Wedding

Grace Tan In International, Musings, Outdoor Weddings, Running a Business, Weddings

Updates & a beautiful wedding at Capella, Singapore

These past few months, my mind has been filled with many different things… mostly with work and trying to meet the many deadlines and deliveries we have to make. It’s been rather challenging for me physically, because this is the first time in my career that I’ve been shooting non-stop every weekend from August 27th till December 17th. This does not include the other family / pre-wedding portrait and commercial shoots on weekdays. So yes, I am sorry for the lack of updates on this blog.

I am really looking forward to the Christmas holidays though, as that will be the first break I am getting in many months. I will be planning for next year and also trying to sort out everything for the new office… we will be moving into SS2 mall early next year! Once the studio is opened, we will have some promotions, so do keep a look out on this blog!

Just as a little teaser, here are some images I took yesterday at the gorgeous Capella Hotel in Sentosa, Singapore. Definitely one of the prettiest outdoor locations I’ve seen so far!

Have a great Christmas season and happy shopping!

Grace Tan In Malay Weddings, Weddings

Adam & Dalilah’s Nikah & Reception at Mandarin Oriental

Photographers: Grace, Johan & Weiming
Make Up: Khir Khalid
Flowers & Decorations: Flora Etc
Cake: Delectable by Su
Videography: Manggis
Dinner Reception: Mandarin Oriental Hotel, KL

A few months ago, I photographed Adam and Dalilah’s engagement event, held at her beautiful home. Considering the engagement event was done really tastefully, I could not wait for the nikah and wedding reception to see what they had planned. I was not disappointed, for on that day, I was greeted by beautiful decorations that satisfied my taste buds and my shutter happy finger. Adam and Dalilah were surrounded by friends and family who were extremely warm and who obviously loved them very much.

I felt a little sad for them though that Adam’s mum was not able to attend the wedding as she fell ill during that period. Luckily for her, the videography team recorded every moment and she even witnessed the event online as it happened.

The dinner reception was held at the Mandarin Oriental for a large group of 800 people. There were royalty and VIPs present for the dinner that night. The ballroom was transformed into an elegant and grand space – the entire ballroom was covered with dark purple curtains. I love the colour theme and I think purple just looks great in every wedding! (That was why my wedding had a purple and white theme too!).

Grace Tan In Outdoor Weddings, Weddings

Wedding in Avillion, Port Dickson: Stephen & See Wan

Photographers: Grace, Johan & Weiming
Make Up: Elaine Lee
Location: Avillion, Port Dickson
Decorations: Avillion & Javen’s Florist
Stationery: LuvInspiration, Storybook
Cake: PassioNate Cakes by Man Kwan
Videography: Neptune View Studio

“When you wish upon a star… your dreams come true”

Just like the lines quoted in the famous Disney film Pinocchio, Stephen & See Wan’s dreams came true. Ten years ago while they were in secondary school, See Wan caught Stephen’s eye. Even though they were from a different class, but they got to know each other better while performing their prefectorial duties. Before they graduated, Stephen’s heart was already captured.

In May 2007, See Wan said yes to becoming Stephen’s girlfriend.
1080 days later, she said yes to becoming his fiance.
In September 2010, they signed on the dotted line.
And on the 17th of September 2011, they said their vows on the beach at Avillion Resort, Port Dickson.

Grace Tan In Casual Portraits, Musings, Portraits, Tips + Ideas

It’s a Deal!

Love. I love the idea of love, being in love and seeing other people in love. (Yes Alex, I know I used the words love too many times in the same sentence, but I can’t help it!). Love is this basic need that we all have as humans. In marriage, love to me means a deep sense of commitment between two individuals – a love that never gives up even though times are difficult. Love also equates trust… because to give yourself fully to someone like that requires a huge amount of risk and trust.

I had the privilege of witnessing and recording the marriage proposal of my friends Ivan and Mi Ghent a few days ago. I’ve known the both of them for years – individually and then together as a couple. I am so glad they’ve taken the plunge into this whole realm of trusting each other’s hearts with full commitment to one another.

Ivan had this ingenious idea of creating ‘additional’ Monopoly Deal cards for the proposal. It’s one of Mi Ghent’s favourite game and the idea was so apt! After a few rounds, Ivan played his “Marry Me” card, followed by the “Just Say Yes” card, specially designed by our friend Monica.

She was stunned for a while, and then asked, “Are you on your knees?”

Needless to say, she said YES!

It was especially meaningful too that the engagement ring was a family heirloom handed down by Ivan’s mum. I am so happy for the both of you! Thank you for inviting Alex and I to be part of this beautiful occasion. And of course, thanks for the yummy Ipoh food too! Now, on to wedding planning!

Grace Tan In Outdoor Weddings, Weddings

Wedding on Redang Island: Frank & Demi

Photographers: Grace & Alex
Hair & Make Up: Grace Wang
Location: Laguna Redang Island Resort

Redang is an island paradise. It promises turquoise seas that meet deep blue skies, soft sand under your feet, and lots of friendly fishes that eat from your hand. It’s also a diver’s den, because there are loads of beautiful dive sites around Redang Island and Perhentian Island. I have fond memories of Redang because it was there that I did my first ever snorkeling trip – almost 8 years ago now. I was just amazed at the beauty under the sea… I couldn’t help but feel in awe at God’s creation! Though I came home sunburnt (my butt was more burnt actually… it was quite buoyant haha), I told myself that I must visit those islands again some day. That experience drove me to get my diving licence a few years later.

In August, I received an email from Frank who said he was going to have a beach wedding in Laguna Redang Island Resort. Though my calendar was already quite packed, I couldn’t resist shooting another beach wedding. Frank & Demi are from Chengdu, China. I was a little concerned about the language barrier since my Mandarin is worse than kindergarten standards. But after a few conversations with Frank on the phone, I said yes, packed my bags, and went to Redang with Alex. When I reached there, I found out that Demi doesn’t speak much English but somehow with loads of body language, a smattering of English and my kindergarten Mandarin, we managed to communicate. (actually I just said piao liang most of the time!)

During our first meeting, I asked Frank how many guests would be at the wedding. And he said, “Just the 2 of us.”

I was surprised. He must have seen that look on my face for he then started to explain about how Demi had always dreamed of having a beach wedding. This wedding ceremony at Redang was just for them. Their family and friends would celebrate a month later in a grand banquet in China, attended by 700 guests.

Frank must really love Demi because he made her dream a reality.

And so to date, Frank & Demi’s private wedding is the smallest wedding I’ve ever photographed in terms of number of people.