AXIOO

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas..." Who doesn't know that song? Each time I hear that song, I can feel gentle snow falling on my nose. It's that time of the year we go jolly buying gifts, then cuddled in near the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate. The lyrics work like magical spell on our mind.

Keith & Riana met years ago during their study in Melbourne. There was something about her that caught his attention. Keith couldn't stop talking about her. Told his friends about how wonderful she is. That was years ago. Now they are tying the knot to a new life together.

I was supposed to shoot Keith & Riana last November in Melbourne, but somehow the weather wasn't on our side and we decided to rearrange the schedule. On my second trip in January, everything went perfectly. Light summer breeze made our photo session even more enjoyable, though it got chilly at times.

It is true two is better than one. Now that I'm listening to this song by Boys like Girls, it's taking me ten years back. I'm sure the song must have meant a lot to Jimmy & Eveline, for it to be chosen as their photoclip song.

Enjoy this series of Ervan & Shinta's pre-wedding portraits. We set out to shoot something more romantic, classic and subtle, unlike the crazier and louder portraits we used to create. This is more 'them'. That is what matters.

Just last week, we had the pleasure of shooting for our friend Edric & Anita. It seems like there's two sides of them. Earlier we posted some of their lovely moments in Africa, a lot more cheerful and sweet. This time around we set out to create a different portraits for them.

Just a day before Nicholas & Natasha's beautiful Bali wedding, we sneak out for a quick portrait session around the hotel. We were so thrilled for the next day, the big day they have planned months earlier. As we picked them up from their hotel room, there are last minute preparations for tomorrow's event. Little tags and lovely gifts for guests laying around the table. I love DIY stuff. It's so personal. Can't wait for tomorrow...

To my new Malaysian friend, William & Adelena, thanks for coming all the way to Jakarta for your pre-wedding photo session. Ha ha :) What a surprise it was for me when I heard they will be coming to Jakarta, instead of having me go to Kuala Lumpur. Remember the phrase "the grass is greener on the other side"?

If you can dream it, you can have it...yes! finally I can land my feet at San Fransisco, one of the prettiest city :) Renowned for its chilly summer fog, steep rolling hills, eclectic mix of Victorian and modern architecture and its famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and Chinatown..awesome!

Funny how destiny has brought two love birds together. When we were kids we used to believe in fairy tales, the story how we will one day meet that special person, fell in love and of course happily ever after. Years in Axioo, I always ask my clients : "How do you guys meet?" For Fritz and Nara, their is love at first sight, sort of a Hollywood love story.

Lately I love shooting in the rain. There's something about it that helps us to relax and shift our gear down. Yes a little hot chocolate by the window would be great. On the day we're shooting for Jeff & Erlyna, it rained. But to them rain or shine it doesn't make a difference, they still go all out to have fun.

From the start they knew they wanted to be themselves, coming up the ideas as we go along. Having Jeff's cool personality combined with Erlyna's active and always ready for the camera charm, makes this portraits one of a kind.

xoxo Ivan