AXIOO

What makes a great photo? I think it's not the location, the dress, the make up...yes those things helps, but for me a great photo has meaning. For William & Yola, being in love means doing the everyday things together. It really is as simple as that. Who wouldn't be mesmerized by love when you're in Paris and soaked in the romantic atmosphere? But love doesn't happen that way. Love is a process, it evolves from being together doing even the simplest everyday activities.

When you're in love, the food taste better. The TV show is funnier. A simple supermarket trip turns into a playground to discover each other's favorite snacks. There's even a joy brushing your teeth together. You simply don't want the day to end. The best part is being in love does not end in a day, it's a lifetime journey.

We hope these simple portraits reminds you both what it means to be in love. Enjoy your everyday together :)

Cheers XOXO - David

Nervous is a word mostly i hear from every couple before the pre-wedding shoot...but this time it's different for Imelda & Tahir. For the first time i heard "just do whatever you want us to do"...thank you guys for trusting me. A little bit about this adorable couple who have been together for about 7 years. Sometimes they consider their relationship a bit flat, i know what they mean, for most of us there's that ups and downs in a relationship and you guys deserve thumbs up for being together that long. We wish you more excitement for your journey years ahead. Helen & I get a chance to show the other side of them, having fun relaxing and laughing all day long in Hongkong and Disneyland. O yes thank you to Imelda's mom for accompanying us during the shoot and for your wisdom on "how to raise kids in a right way" we sure need more tips as Zoe is growing. Hope u guys like this series...

See you guys on your wedding...Lucky 8! (that's how long they will be together by they're married) -Ivan :D

I met Charlie & Felicia for the first time at Senayan City, and i remember they brought us a big box of "kerupuk udang". Then for another meeting they brought us a cake. and so on...just wondering if they always bring something when we have a meeting with them. That's so very generous of them ha ha :) I just got back from Surabaya last week to shoot their wedding in Surabaya and met with their big and warm family.

After a few possible places for their pre-wedding destination, we decided to shoot in Singapore. And for the very first time...i shoot and drive a Ferrari *i can get used to this :) Charlie has a thing with Ferrari, and now i know why. It's addictive, and now i can't get it out of my head. For now, it's on my wish list.

Charlie & Felicia is one of a kind...you know what? They have never kiss before this photoshoot, i'm the one who break their rules ha ha ha...but it just a lil innocent kiss. So, congrats again for your wedding and welcome to club!

Me OUT!

Now i know why Jhonny & Irene picked Queenstown NZ for their pre-wedding destination. It's absolutely beautiful!! Their love for nature and fresh sceneries sets Queenstown as the perfect destination. This is my first trip ever to New Zealand, and i'll definitely come back for more. Not sure if it's the golden color that's so inviting or the good weather that we were blessed with, or is it just being in the presence of a loving couple that made this photo shoot a memorable one. 

Queenstown is synonymous natural beauty, surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu (interesting name for a lake, that kinda sound like 'Wah Ketipu") It seems like whichever direction we turn, there's a photo opportunity...the real challenge is choosing what not to shot. We had a great time together in Queenstown. Roamed around the vineyards, lakes and of course said Hi to the countless sheeps. The excitement kept us going though some parts of the town was flooded.

When shooting in a totally new place, having a local insight is priceless. Since Jhonny & Irene have been here for a few times, that automatically qualifies them as our local guide :) Big thanks to Irene's sister Evelyn & auntie who's presence made a big difference during our trip. I'm so looking forward to witness your wedding day. Cheers, Paulus ;)

Ok you must be wondering what the title means, it actually took me a while to figure it out. Here's how the story goes, ever since high school Cynthia has been affectionately named "Mbelitut" by her friends, well let's spare the details here, her friends know the inside joke. And nicknames like that will stick with you for a long time, until today she's Ms.Mbelitut *ha ha ;) For pre-wedding shoot, we can always plan the concept, wardrobe, accessories, etc but not the weather. So whether it's sunny, windy or in this case raining...we just have to make the best out of it. A little shower when we started shooting on the beach, but instead of pulling a long face we have fun anyway.

Pascal & Cynthia is such a lovable couple, easygoing and cheerful all day long, they made this photo session one of my favorite. They chose Macau & Hongkong for their pre-wedding destination. You've seen quite a few of my previous sessions in Hongkong, but Macau is different. Only an hour ferry ride away from the big city, you'll get to see a different scene, more historical and edgy. So if you're visiting Hongkong, don't miss out the fun in Macau, especially when you are feeling lucky, a few luxurious casinos made Macau to be Asia's Las Vegas.

By the way, if you happen to be in Plaza Indonesia, you'll get to see their canvas photo adorned with Swarovski crystals in our Summer Carnival exhibition.

Ivan out...

When people asked me about my favorite countries, i must say Hongkong is top of that list. I've been there many times now, but this time it's different. This trip i tried soooo many good food compare to my last visits to Hongkong. Whoever said Hongkong and food are inseparable...you're right. Where else can you find people having Shabu-shabu at 4 am? 

Allow me to introduce to you one of the youngest pilot in Cathay Pacific, Damian and his wonderful fiance, Tiffany. Their love story is one of a kind, unbelievably sweet especially knowing that they came from different backgrounds. Damien from Swiss and Tiffany from Singapore, somehow as fate has it, they met in Hongkong. For their photo shoot, we traceback to all their memorable places.

I'm impressed that considering their busy schedules, they still have time to serve as leaders in church, building people's life. Good on you guys ;)

Here's their love story, enjoy!

O how i miss Vancouver...thanks to Kevin & Jennifer who invited me over to shoot their pre-wedding session, i'm in love with the city all over again. Having lived in Vancouver for many years, this is home for Kevin & Jennifer. As for me, Vancouver has always been my weekend getaway during my college years in Seattle. It's the one city where i could just get away, shop and eat all day long. For those who have been there, you'll know what I mean. The city has always been voted as one of the most livable.

During our session, we get a lot of help from their friends Stephanie and Abraham, who volunteered to help with make up and also be the driver. You guys helped a lot! That day was a typical pacific northwest weather, meaning it's cloudy and drizzling all day long. No complaints...i miss this kind of weather. Makes me feel like sipping a hot chocolate and read a book by the window. But that's not gonna happen, so we still continue shooting no matter what.

For Melvin & Davita's pre-wedding, we head down to Melbourne and come up with quite a range of shots. From casual dating spots over lunch and in the garden, then a walk on the beach to even a 'fairytale' inspired wedding day with the horse carriage. Everything seems to go very well for this two lovebirds. Perfect weather, just the right amount of sunlight and of course the birds flying over them on the beach made that shot more romantic. 

We've known Davita and her family for a while now, and it's safe to say they have a charmed life. We did their parent's 25th Anniversary celebration a while back, and saw how real love last through time. We get a few tips on lasting relationships from her parents. Davita is blessed in everyway, and now she's tying the knot with Melvin, a charming and thoughtful man. Congrats! We wish you both a lifetime of wonders :)

Months ago i was introduced to this couple who chose the North Pole for their Christmas holiday destination. North Pole? Hmm...interesting choice, must be an interesting couple...and I was right. For Jonas & Irene, we had their pre-wedding photo session in LA & Vegas. Conciously trying to stay out of the usual city landmarks, we roam around any random places that we can have fun.

Here's a few shots at the Ghost Town at Nelson, Nevada...

We flew 10,000 miles from Jakarta to New York and guess what...it rains all day during our photo session. What would you do? No need to panic, you just have to make the best out of it. So for the whole day we came up with new ideas and shoot all over New York. Nothing stops this two love birds, no matter rain or shine they look great together. 

Congratulations to Ceasar & Yusy, who are getting married this month :)