AXIOO

Gate crashing has become somewhat of a known custom lately where weddings are concerned. This Singaporean custom is now practiced in most Asian cultures in the morning of the wedding when the groom picks up his bride. I think that it’s like a customary thing for grooms to go through a certain ordeal in the morning of their weddings, in order to respect tradition and win approval from the bride’s family and friends. But in the midst of all the good fun which sometimes can also be quite embarrassing and frustrating to do, I can’t help but wonder if this “gate crash” is also a test whether grooms can survive the rest of their lives. Bridesmaids would totally go all out to prepare for this “test” that the groom and his men-in-arms have to go through. It’s as if they’ve been holding back on their creativities and saving them for special torture occasions such as these (ha!). I have witnessed grooms who have filled their mouths with sweet, sour, spicy and bitter stuff - sometimes separately, sometimes combined - to test whether they will survive the many tribulations they will face in a marriage (or so they say!). There are quizzes and ludicrous lovey-dovey passages and push-ups in a formal suit, you name it… it’s like the ultimate dare! But I guess when you’re not the one doing it, it all just looks like really good fun to me! (But of course, you can always ask me again after I have actually gate-crashed myself.)

Anyway, compared to the many gate crashes I have seen, Natalie’s bridesmaids actually made it quite easy for Matthew and his band of brothers. They must like him. Matthew and Natalie were childhood friends, who after ten years met again and the sparks just couldn’t be denied. Two very friendly people got together and became the romantic couple we see today. Throughout the wedding, Matthew had many surprises up his sleeves – the dance, the solo song, the singing with his friends – he went all out to show Natalie how much he adored her. I can see why her bridesmaids like him, can’t you?

Matthew and Natalie, I wish you all the best that marriage could bring you. I pray that marriage brings you the sweet and the tasty, and that you will find the comfort in each other’s arms through the bitter and the sour. Congratulations once again!

Directed by Yosep Sugiarto

Camera Person: Adi Novendra, Andre Yap, Yosep Sugiarto

Editor: Danny Wirjadi

Music: The Night Sky by Tony Anderson, Boy With A Kite by Joe Moralez (www.themusicbed.com)

Heroes are everywhere. When we're faced with a problem and someone steps up to solve it, a hero is proclaimed. I believe that there is a super hero in all of us. Each of us is born with the power to address a certain need, to attack a certain issue, to solve a certain problem. We aren't made to just wander aimlessly in this world and for nothing. We are here as an answer to someone or something.

Weddings come in many sizes. I remember finding myself in the middle of 6000-ish guests, within a glamorous decoration and overflowing dinner. Once there was also a much smaller scale wedding, held in the couple's simple house, attended only by the core family members and closest friends.

Let me tell you something. I love concept meetings. Apart from the actual photo session itself, meeting new clients and brainstorming about how their photos are going to be like is a favorite part of my job. I love to hear stories about their dream wedding, their imaginations, but best of all, how they fell in love. It inspires me.

"Always." 
"Forever"
"I do."
"Thank you for being there."
"Never give up."

These words are not strange to our ears. In fact, we hear them so often that sometimes their meanings are lost to us. But during important moments such as weddings, these words carry weight. Their meaning echoes through the atmostphere, piercing hearts, making happy tears flow. Small words that carry a promise of a lifetime. Small words that change lives. 
I hope these words aren't said only in the heat of the moment but is remembered and repeated often throughout their journey. And that over the years, they will no longer be just words... but truth.

I had a great time capturing the intimate union of Adrian and Wansin. Their cheerful expressions gave color to the day and made Bali look even more beautiful. Their love story will be one I will remember for a long time. A reminder to never give up on love. Adrian has caught Wansin's eye since he was but an eleven year old boy. Though they were separated by distance for more than twenty years, the path of true love was certain to lead them back to each other. 

Here is a preview of their beautiful day.

Love,
Garry V.

Shooters: Adi Novendra and Dimar Brata

You know how during flights, the captain would advise his passengers to sit back, relax and enjoy the flight? Well if I could have a word to bride and grooms, it would be exactly that. But alas, it is often the case that bride and grooms find themselves too caught up with tying loose ends during the wedding that they forget to enjoy themselves. Or not, they would have family members who are busy arranging this and that that they miss almost everything entirely.That’s why when I saw Garry and Lili’s wedding, I felt refreshed. It truly was one of a kind.

If I had to sum Jesen and Felicia up in words it would be: happy-go-lucky, cheerful and never too serious. They bring sunshine with them wherever they go. In fact, they remind me a little of Fen and I years ago, back in the days when we were still dating. I love how they interact with each other, and how loving and playful they are. There is nothing I enjoy more than watching people in love, and in a world where happily-ever-after gets a raised eyebrow instead of the expected heartwarming effect, seeing these two is like a breath of fresh air.