I'M NOW A GRADUATED BRIDE!!!

I'm into the fourth month of marriage, and while I'm learning to be a better wife, it's true when people say marriage requires effort, commitment and making a decision to choose and love your partner everyday. Will love to blog about my wedding day in time to come!

Although A and myself have been together for 4 years, for the photos we've taken together (hardly most of them qualify for our wedding montage - wefies don't count). The images are super low-res, of poor lighting, close up shots of our faces and imperfections, and which was why it was so hard for us to even come up with a wedding montage together. However, if we were to create a montage, the presentation will definitely be images and images of food!

Initially, we wanted to do away with the pre-wedding photoshoot, reason being we’ve seen too many conventional shoots (taking place locally and overseas). The last thing we want is to add on to the list of ordinary pre-wedding shoots. We wanted to create something which is close to heart, something that genuinely represents us in the shoot, something that will showcase our interests in a fun and creative way.

Fyi, I didn't sign up for any pre-wedding photography package with bridal boutiques – I wouldn't want to subject myself to choosing only 30-50 photos out of the entire 2 hours of shoot. I’m way more resourceful than that. (;Guess God heard my prayer for a pre-wedding shoot for us to get real in front of a camera before our big day – turned out we had a collaboration with one of the talented photography houses for the shoot! Super blessed!

Quick pointers for all BTB:

Planning a photoshoot can be quite mind-boggling, as there are sooooooo many things to consider (it’s more than just looking pretty on the day itself. It requires tons of planning) – from the theme of the shoot, location of the shoot (outdoor/indoor), hairdo, makeup, outfit, props, lighting to the poses etc.

For themed shoot/poses references, head to Pinterest and get your creative juices flowing! You can just camp on the site all day! And do book a trial appointment with your MUA/Hairstylist prior the actual shoot day. You would probably like to set some form of expectations with them before looking your best on the shoot. Don't leave it to the last minute ok!

Our shoot location has to meet two criteria: (i) to evoke a contemporary vibe and (ii) be situated near river features. We were deciding between Clarke Quay and precinct near Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM)/Fullerton before we chose the latter location (okay, tbh we chose it 'cos the entire stretch just looks more atas). In fact, the pre-wedding shoot took place just 2 months before our wedding - unbelievable that we managed to settle everything within such a short span of time!

I'm not gonna share about my makeup/hairstyle experience 'cos the final look wasn't coming as close to my reference look - like the below images - clearly defined eye brows, natural yet glowing look, loving her eyes and nude lip makeup.

My makeup took place in the wee hours (4.30 am!!!!!), which also meant I didn't manage to get a good beauty rest! Those who know me personally know tt I'm actually v kiasu - masking almost daily. Even right up to the day before the shoot, I increased my masking frequency up to two times a day to make sure my skin is looking as 'boing-boing’ and hydrated as possible. Thankfully, as I've also been going to my trusty skin clinic - Clifford Aesthetics for laser treatment on a monthly basis, I've got a pretty smooth canvas for makeup and I just adore how my skin glows and becomes fairer after each visit!

Skin tips!

1. Stay away from new beauty products or facial treatments 1 week before your pre-wedding shoot. You wouldn't want to risk any form of skin allergic reaction from the products, and you'll need time to recover should you have a new pimple outbreak.

2. Opt for a long-wear resistant makeup to last through the shoot. You wouldn't want ur makeup to melt halfway through the shoot w/o your MUA or touchup items by ur side.

For my pre-wedding dress, I opted for a white dress in mermaid cut from The Closer Lover. The price was affordable and while I respect other brides' choices in going for premium gowns, wearing a classic wedding gown is no longer a must for the shoot! I can't emphasise enough on the importance of selecting wedding gowns and dresses that suit your body frame and type. As I've got a pear body shape (small bustline, heavier lower half), I know for a fact that dresses in mermaid/sheath/A-line cut will best flatter my body type.

Oh, and it's not true that for the shoot, u have to wear as wayang as possible. You're not going to perform opera you know, so please avoid wearing kua zhang dress on the shoot day. Dress what works for ur body type and please please help yourself to feel your best and you gotta believe that you're the most beautiful bride in your dress. Cos' how you feel on that day is going to affect the mood and outcome of the photos.

We engaged Own Reverie, run by a husband and wife team (Gabriel and Debbie) for the shoot. They were clearly passionate about their craft and it really made a difference to our experience in the way they directed and managed the shoot. The soft copy versions turned out to be soooooo gorgeous. The colors were so natural and stunning and we loved it so much!

Took them under 3 weeks to deliver all the photos – close to 900 photos!!! Say whuttt!

Sharing some shots of the gorgeous bunch of florals lovingly made by Joan, founder of Fleuriste. ❤

Conventional lovey-dovey series

Yes, it was the idea of yours truly who insisted on this series, ‘cos I kiasu and don’t wanna lose out to others. :O

The background feels so chrismassy… 🎄

Sports series (Casual)

It was A’s creative idea to opt for a sports thematic shoot – and I have to admit that the mood from this series is very “gao”.

Favourites out of both series

I especially love the casual shoot, since we received quite a number of expressive and quirky shots of us.

When two become one, do you know what you’re signing up for? Even your rights to solo shots will be shared with your better half… thank God the following set looks pretty solid… :p

Okay, I was kiddin’. Here are some individual shots taken as well. A is such a charmer in his Bjj gi. 😍

Kudos to Own Reverie for capturing real emotions and mood – we wanted to capture something tangible and something real.

Behind the scenes

Special thanks to our amazing vendors who made our pre-wedding shoot possible

Photographer: Own Reverie

Florist: Fleuriste

Dress: The Closet Lover

Wedding Heels: DMK (I've received a number of requests from ladies who asked about where I got my heels. It's super comfy and elegant – plus it’s affordable too! I got other heels from here as well. ^^)

Skin: The Clifford Clinic

Love,

Sher