Sometimes when I see couples holding hands, I wonder what their stories are. I wonder about how they met and how they finally decided to be together. I wonder about the challenges they had to overcome to be where they are today and if they had found the joy in the midst of the fights. I wonder if their love was ever tested by time or distance or even rejection from the people they love most and if that made their love stronger. I wonder what beautiful story lies behind their gentle touch and the strong grasp of their hands.
Category 'Will You?'
There will always be something memorable from every couple that I shoot for. A few months ago, I had the privilege of shooting the pre-wedding portraits of Charles and Irene, and I will always remember that shoot for two reasons: 1) he’s the first client in a long time that requested for a scene in simple Peranakan clothing and 2) their chemistry is so strong that every shot was unbelievably romantic, I thought everything was a keeper.
Sometimes a man gets lucky enough to meet a woman who in time becomes his best friend. The more he gets to know her through the amount of time they spend together he realizes that he wants her to be more than just his friend. And then after a period of intense dating, he so willingly invites that woman to build a life with him – a new life, something that only they both can share.
Have you ever wondered what life was like before that special entered it? I’ve tried to picture my life before marriage and my two children and I turn up blank. All I can think of was all the things I have been missing before I met my wife. She is my best friend and a reliable partner in every aspect of my life. And I can say without a doubt that many of my most endearing adventures began with her. I love marriage. I love how it makes me feel and I love how it changed my life.
Every once in a while I meet refreshing couples that make me go: “Wow, these people are cool!!” and Arnold and Kartika are one of them for sure! They’re not your usual sweet romantic couple but they don’t dismiss the idea of sweetness itself. She’s the fun, artsy and loud creative person and he’s the more reserved, calm and cool geek (her words, not mine! Peace Nold!) She’d use all kinds of persuasion to get him to accompany her to art galleries and he’d use all kinds of tricks to get her to help him clean up the house. She loves that he can wear her converse and she can wear his shirt.
My wife and I love Japan. I mean, what’s not to love? The hotels are excellent, the shopping is great, the people are friendly, and the food… there are no words to describe just how delicious the food is in Japan! We love it so much that we jump at the chance to explore and shoot for engagement portraits in the land of the Sakura blossoms. Anthony and Nancy are two naturally sweet people who love the idea of Japan and comic strips. We set out to Japan with a concept in mind for their photo shoot: four seasons.
You know you have an atypical client when they want to do a shoot in Sydney but not at the usual locations. They actually didn’t want the photos to look like it was taken in Sydney! They prefer the road less traveled. This might sound strange to most people but Erwin and Velly are definitely not the common couple, and I very much welcome their adventurous spirit.
Ruth is the vibrant go-getter. Danang likes to sit back and relax. She makes quick decisions. He likes to weigh his options. She is always eager to step up to the next level. He believes that everyone needs to take a moment to enjoy where they are today. Two different people, two different takes on love and life, eventually found each other at the right time. Six months after serious dating, Ruth and Danang decided to bring their friendship to another level. They’ve learned about each other, surpassed their problems and learned to accept each other’s differences.
Wandi and Frida first crossed paths in college. She thought he was shy to talk to her, and he thought she was too cool for her own good. Until one day during a quiz on Taxes, he called out to her. Quietly. During a test. To ask for an answer to a question on the test. (Insert roaring laughter here.) I don’t know about you, but I believe that everyone has their own unique ways to chat-up the objection of his/her affection, and I’m sure that Frida will never forget how they first met.
Whoever said that opposites attract must have been completely inspired by Sky and Fennie.