Couples who decide to have outdoor garden weddings often have a certain love-hate relationship with the venue. Brides LOVE it, as many dream to wed in a luscious green lawn that offers picturesque backdrops. But when weather becomes less than ideal, figuring out what to do can be a headache.

Stephanie and Benny had such concerns before the wedding, but I explained to them that the weather would not affect too much as there would be various ongoing activities throughout their wedding day. Photographing the big day and pre-wedding shoots are different, in that the latter is more prone to being affected by gloomy weather as it mainly consists of shooting the couple in outdoor environments. However, on the big day itself, photographs mainly consist of the interactions and emotions of guests and the happenings. Nevertheless, it is important to enjoy the moment and be present, regardless of whatever hiccups that may occur.

It was drizzling in the morning, but the rain stopped in the afternoon and we were able to do some outdoor shooting. The wedding venue was in Sheung Shui Beas River, one of my favorite locations as it has a calm environment with open spaces that makes you feel at peace. It is one of the very few places in Hong Kong where you feel like you have been transported to another country or paradise.

The couples exchanged their vows surrounded by breathtaking views in front of their guests. There were many special moments that touched the hearts of everyone at the wedding, particularly when Stephanie’s father gave her way to Benny and the intimate connection between the bride and groom when they made their speeches.

Side note: We received a thank you message and Peninsula hamper from the lovely Stephanie and Benny two days after the wedding. It always gives us motivation and a sense of accomplishment knowing that my team and I have been able to please and help them document their big moments. Thank you again for trusting us and may the both of you live happily ever after!

Venue: Beas River Country Club (Jockey Club) | Makeup & Hair: Jacky Ip  |  Bridal & Evening Wear: Amire the Bridal Closet | Celebrant: Anthony CT Lam 

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I have been visiting Japan every spring in the past few years to take engagement photos with newly weds, and last April I was in the company of Dorothy and Jack to enjoy the panoramic cherry blossoms in Kyoto.

This time around the weather in Kyoto was perfect! It was not too hot or warm and just nice to stroll around the ancient city. I have always liked spring more than other seasons, as it is the time where everything in nature comes to life and takes on a new look.

For this shoot, we were able to go to many spots to take photos. Not only did we do the customary cherry blossom shoots, we also went on strolls along the sidewalks experiencing the local culture, and indulging in matcha ice creams as often as could. Dorothy and Jack also changed into casual wear and toured the city, where I was able to take candid shots of them enjoying the scenic view, and capturing a more relaxed and personal set of photos for them through the camera lens.

Makeup & Hair: MandyTang Makeup

Thank you Bride & Breakfast HK for featuring: A Charming Pink and Gray Overseas Engagement

Behind the scene video: https://vimeo.com/218275702

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I came to know Sandy and Eric before their big day as I was given a chance to be their engagement photographer and also did a shoot for their pre-wedding in Kyoto half a year before their special day. As we had worked together for a couple of times, there was a lot of mutual trust between us and we were able to work together hand in hand.

Eric is a Mr. Nice Guy and I could see how loving and caring he was to Sandy in all occasions. He also took good care of my team and I during the shoots and made us feel really warm and privileged to be working with him, as he always emphasized on maximizing our rest and even arranging food for us.

Back to their big day, the ceremony was a relatively simple and minimal one as compared to others, whereby the morning session was a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and the exchanging of vows took place at night during the banquet. I do believe that many people might doubt how much a photographer can capture if the ceremony is as simple as such, but I can tell you the focus is not the duration or situation, but instead the exchange of emotions that flow through the entire wedding.

When all the guest were seated, Sandy and Eric marched in and all the adoring glances captivated me. There were plenty of touching moments when Eric gave his speech to Sandy, and I believe it also filled everyone in attendance heart with warmth.

As a wedding photographer, the best gift for the couple would be capturing these heartening moments and documenting them on their behalf. I would like to thank Sandy and Eric again for having me shoot with them in Kyoto and letting me be a part of an important lifetime event.

Wishing them a happily ever after and an amazing journey together as husband and wife!

Wedding ceremony & reception: The Mira Hong Kong

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I don’t know if you notice, but before we carry out our shoots for the day we are always given a run down on the series of events that will take place. For example, we will be briefed on the location of the wedding etc. A lot of planning has been put into place, but I tend to focus more on the interactions between the couple and I, or between the couple and the crowd, which I feel would actually bring a vast difference in the outcome of the photos.

Anson and Joshua’s wedding day was a rainy one and it was unexpected as the weather was pretty unstable. However, it did not affect the spirit of the couple as they were devoted Christians, and their faith and prayers to God were answered when the sun came out before they entered the church for their ceremony.

I was privileged to be a part of Anson and Joshua’s wedding as they have entrusted me to be their wedding photographer on this important day.  I have not met them in person before and have only communicated the details through emails. Yet upon our first meeting, it was strangely weird that we bonded like old time friends and had so much to talk about! It felt as if we have knew each other for a very long time, and I managed to know them more from engaging in our conversations.

I could see how close in heart and connected they were during their speech and solemnization in the church, and also when the groom composed a song and performed it in front of the bride.

I have always understood that being a photographer I would need the instinct to capture these once in a lifetime moments into frames. To the majority of people, they might consider the moment when the groom lifts up the veil of the bride as one of the most moving moments. However in my perspective, I believe the essence is to capture the emotion shown on the brides face, where she takes her first glance at her future partner in life, touched, and her eyes overwhelmed with joy.

Timeless moments like these can never be re-imposed. So every time I get a chance to do church ceremonies I am always touched in my heart, as I know that with every chance I would be able to capture more heartwarming moments that can be kept forever in frames.

Wedding ceremony: Union Church HK, Reception: American Club Hong Kong

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Review

‘I prayed that the heavy rain would stop on my way to here, and I am glad that rays of sunlight arrive just in time for our photos!’

To my pleasant surprise, Patrick Law, our photographer on the wedding day, is a Christian and he was concerned about us even before the long day started! Being an artistically talented photographer, his professionalism and passion for photos is apparent from every photo he had taken. Although it has now been a few months apart from my wedding day last year, his vivid photos brought me back in time and I can visualise the laughers, tears and heartfelt warmth we shared on the day. Thanks very much for freezing these timeless moments and emotions before our eyes, Patrick, and I can say for sure that tears will flow from time to time when I revisit these photos years and decades later!

Anson & Joshua

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