Corporate Woman Meets the Triathlete: Kirs and Moi Pre-Nup photos

Kirs and I go way back in college. We've gone a long way and we practically know each other's ins and outs. I'm just so happy to see her bloom and so in looove. Though Kirs and Moi are from two different worlds--Kirs , a power dresser enterprise account manager in a huge telco, Moi, a swimming coach and champion triathlete, I know they're a great pair and they are in good hands.

Here's some of my pre-wedding photos I took of them in Crosswinds Tagaytay. It's a memorable place for them since that's where they first met. Looking forward to their wedding next year!

Wedding bells a’ringin’!

As June brides walk down the aisle for this “wedding month” of June, I’m sure wedding coordinators, photographers, caterers, singers, flower arrangers, and wedding venues are all fully-booked serving their respective clients. Though June is the most popular wedding month, I personally haven’t attended a wedding on June. I’ve gone to weddings on a December (another peak month for weddings), summer, even on the rainy months of September and October. But regardless of the month, weddings will always be a special occasion for me. You could say that I’ve always been the bridesmaid but not the bride, even so, I’m giddy preparing and participating in a friend’s wedding. It also makes me daydream on how my own wedding will be… ;)

One of the most memorable for me so far were the last two where I was one of the back-up photographers. What’s more, they are destination weddings of two of my good friends.

Cai and Nowell: A Beautiful Wedding in Boracay

On the wedding day itself, my friends and I woke up that morning seeing dark clouds hovering over us. You know how unpredictable the weather can be in the month of September. Being lovers of the clear warm waters of Boracay, we went swimming in the beach and in a little while, it started pouring!

It went on for about 15 to 30 minutes. And just like that, there was like a spotlight over us. Heaven started opening up and the skies cleared up. It was a beautiful day indeed!

Some of us can't get over swimming. We just love the waters! By noontime, we saw the main photographer taking photos of Cai's wedding dress in front of Discovery Shores. I took my own camera and started taking shots as well...

WOW!!! Who would've thought that was just created in less than a week?!

By 4:30 pm, people started coming in, removing their sandals, taking pictures, anticipating for the ceremony. After several minutes, Cai finally walked down the aisle.






Just seeing her made me teary-eyed... (To think that she was still sick the night before...) God makes all things beautiful in His time. :)







I witnessed a simple yet beautiful wedding, with the Boracay sunset as its backdrop. :)


Kristine and Tim: A Wedding Made in Singapore

I had the privilege of shooting Kristine while she was preparing for her wedding. I was in her Hilton hotel room at a little past 12 noon and it was my first time to commute to Orchard Rd. in Singapore. (Tim was in a different venue, I couldn't take pictures of him).








I also got to ride her *huge* Chrysler bridal car in the passenger seat. "Libs, kinakabahan talaga ako (I'm really nervous)," she told me. "Ano ka ba, 'wag ka nerbyosin! (Don't be nervous!)" I said while I was shooting her. She thought that something could happen in her wedding like those you watch in America's Funniest Videos. So that's how a bride feels like... :P




By 5:00pm (or so, I lost track of time), the wedding ceremony started in St. Theresa and I heard one of the most sincerest vows. I got teary-eyed actually but I had to continue to capture those moments in camera.




After church, we got back to Hilton immediately, this time for the tea ceremony. I appreciate this special moment because their family and loved ones were personally saying their well-wishes and bilins to the couple as they ceremonially drank tea.


Reception came, we were then in the Hilton rooftop (nice view of the city outside!). I was so looking forward to the Chinese menu! They danced, they sang (Cruisin'! -- That's our fave videoke duet song!), they did their speech. I'm so happy for my friend Kristine. She's blessed with good siblings and a loving father, and now, she has very wonderful in-laws. And the best part is, she has Tim.




What makes these weddings special is not just the location or whatever bells and whistles it has. It’s the sincerity and the promise it brings that day and everyday. Everything is worth the wait. :)

And now, endorsing my favorite wedding photographers...

Oh, and speaking of pre-nuptials and weddings, I'd like to shamelessly plug my favorite wedding photographers--EVER. Check out this tandem, Jorem and Sheila Catilo of Catilo.net. Their photographs are an inspiration. And they're not your usual cliché. Definitely they're not overrated. ;)

A screenshot of their official website.

It's not only because they're my orgmates that's why I'm plugging them (I met them in our camera club where Jorem used to be our club president). I see their passion in all of their photo shoots since I always see something new, something creative, something quirky each time.

Like them also on Facebook. Oh, I'm sure you will. :)

On Pre-Nups and Pre-Wedding Photo Shoots

I wish I had more friend couples who would get married soon so I can shoot their pre-nups! Haha. Lately I've discovered that I actually love doing pre-wedding shoots. Cheeeeezy it may seem, it's always been a fun experience for me (well, especially if the couple IS fun).

Oh what to do, what to do? That was my first reaction when I learned I was doing a pre-nup shoot of my friends. Why should it all come from me? I learned in the process that pre-wedding photography is always a team effort. It's not just the photographer doing all the work. Who and what is involved in this session (or series of sessions)?

1. First, the concept or theme should come from the COUPLE. (or normally, it comes from the bride) Different couples have different tastes (and trips). Some may be really cheesy, utterly romantic, boring stiff, or sometimes outlandish... But learn to adjust to their wants and personalities. It's not YOU who's getting married anyway. Do not impose your own idea. Just give your inputs on how it can improve and come out beautifully.

2. Then there's the videographer. Usually, there's also a pre-wedding video that the couple may want to include. The video can be done same time with the shoot or separately.

3. Make a story board. What are your image pegs? Again, this may come from the bride, but as the photographer, you have to think of an innovative way in delivering those pegs.

4. Becoming a stylist. At some point, you may also have to be the stylist of the couple. Bring props, costumes, make-up, so that everything will be cohesive to the theme. This will also have to be decided depending on your agreement with the couple.

5. Build a relationship with the couple. It would be a breeze if you know the couple pretty well. You'd learn how to adjust and bring out the best of looove in them. :)

So who's getting married next? :)