I don’t get to shoot traditional Indonesian weddings very often, and so when I do, I jump at the chance immediately. I’m always so fascinated by the colors and symbolism that decorates each ritual within the ceremony. Traditional weddings are filled with the yellow of bananas, the beautiful white jasmines, the fragrant pink rose petals, and the greens of pandan leaves. I find the mixture of it all so charming.
Do you know why I'm always excited shooting weddings in Bali even if they are repetitively in the same venue?
Because of its wonderful spirits. Being in every corner of the wedding, I always feel the warmth of real friendship and family. It's full of laughter, joy, and smiles. Because the people who are present are only the closest people in the couple's life. People who really mean a lot to them. The atmosphere is far from the stiff and procedural ceremony.
One day, more than a decade ago, in a high school canteen, a beautiful girl caught Ricky’s eyes. He was sitting with his friends as she walked by. He followed her and asked for her name, but his effort was to no avail. A few years later, in college, he saw her again, the same girl who once drew his attractions to her in high school. He followed her again, and asked for her name again. But this time, she told him. Much to her surprise, they clicked and she grew fond of him. Their story began, and nine years later, they stood in front of the altar, exchanging their vows as husband and wife.
I love how we’d never know our other half until destiny brings us together, and how when that time comes, we are amazed at how things unravel. There are many beautiful love stories in this world and I’m grateful for every chance I get to bring these beautiful love stories into pictures as they embark on a new journey where more beautiful moments awaits.
Congratulations Ricky and Liza! Your wedding was just sensational! Personally, I especially loved the décor with the Moulin Rouge theme. (If you love it too, be sure to check out their pre-wedding portraits with the same theme, taken by David Soong.)
Cheers to your ever after,
Yosep
The Wedding of Yansen & Jacqueline Same Day Edit Video directed by Garry V. It is always such a pleasure to shoot a wedding filled with familiar faces. Last year, we had the opportunity to shoot Jimmy & Nadya’s wedding, and this time we’re so proud to have the chance to shoot for his younger sister Jacqueline who was tying the knot with her super hero boyfriend, Yansen. We had such a blast shooting for this couple and their families, including the sea of familiar faces from last year’s wedding. Jimmy and Nadya had their own little bundle of joy on the way, and her bulging belly served to remind me of how we should not let time slip away without spending it with the people we love. What was an absolute blessing for me was the “late” start to the day. By late, I mean 7 am. Yes, it was truly a miracle, because we’ve had our share of shooting hair and make-up as early as 4 or 5 am. Sometimes, we are on standby at the hairdresser by 1 am. Because we love what we do, we really don’t mind the unusually early start, but doesn’t mean that we don’t enjoy the additional hours of sleep when we get the chance. (If you’re in the process of planning your wedding, you might want reconsider a later start, in favor of your video guys… haha. Just kidding. Not really.) I want to personally congratulate Yansen and Jacqueline on their wedding. May you spend the rest of your lives living out your wedding vows, turning lemons into lemonades. And I hope you enjoy this same-day edit video that we’ve prepared, just as we’ve enjoyed making it. Cheers, Garry
The AXIOO Video team was on fire last weekend and I had a blast! If I could just go crazy (in a fun way) over one, imagine the excitement I got over three weddings after another! 3 super good looking couple, over 4000 guests, and 3 full working days… it was a weekend to remember for sure. We’ll begin with the event that took place on Saturday, the Engagement of Bobby and Priscillia. Bobby and Priscillia both live in Singapore and they’ll be tying the knot there sometime this month. But because they have friends and family in Jakarta that might not be able to share their big day with them in another country, they decided to host a celebration here of their engagement. The day started with the customary Chinese tradition of Sangjit, or the delivery of the dowry by the groom’s family to the bride’s as a token of their goodwill (from the groom’s side) and their acceptance (of the bride’s side). It is a symbol of unity, not only for the couple, but for the big family as well. I first met them at the office and instantly fell in love with them. A friendly gentleman and a gentle hearted woman surely make a fine couple. I always get the impression that they are calm, relaxed and romantic together and that’s why I thought of making a romantic movie of them. I got lucky enough to shoot them during their dance rehearsal, which they just learned a few hours before at dance class. Salute, you two, for doing so well. And my absolute favorite part was to shoot them on a bike. Why? I’m glad you asked. They own a bike manufacturing company and we’re so glad that they’re finally UNITED (Haha!) Congratulations again Bobby and Priscilla. We pray that your BIG day in Singapore will go smoothly as planned! Cheers, Garry V.
Following the series of awesome events last weekend, next up, we have Erik & Angela’s Wedding. I’d say that the best part of my job would be the privilege I get to feel what these couples feel on what could be the biggest day of their lives. I could feel the hopes they put in their union, their cold feet before it all took place, and their joy as they enter a new life with the one that has captured their hearts some time before. I could feel their hearts swell as they express their gratitude to their parents and their heartbreak as they return the key to their parent’s homes – so to speak – and as their hearts leap at the prospect of the new adventures that awaits them. I am privileged to feel that every single time I shoot a wedding. That’s probably the best part of my job, and I would gladly recommend it to anyone who needs some good soul nourishment! At Erik and Angela’s wedding, I was fortunate enough to bear witness to their union as they spoke their lifelong vows to each other. I must admit that a piece of my heart will always stay with the words that Erik said to his bride “this is the day I’ve died from everything else just to live for you, Angela”. It was, hands down, one of the most heartwarming words every uttered during a sacred moment such as these. I believe it is the words that every girl grew up longing to hear, and it will definitely stay in heart forever. A beautiful wedding isn’t just about promises and celebration. It is about living out those words, day in and day out, for the rest of their lives. It’s no burden, it’s a blessing. I believe that marriage is a great idea, and it is refreshing for the souls, especially when we don’t forget to repeat the vows that we’ve once said and celebrate it through our every day action. Happy wedding, Erik and Angela! You are a fine couple and I hope you enjoy dedicating the rest of your lives just to make each other deliriously happy! Love, Garry V.
Eric+Angela [YOU AND I TONIGHT - CINEMATIC SAMEDAY EDIT] from Axioo on Vimeo.
Love, love, love.
Love was all over the place on the day Phil and Cindy were finally joined as one. It appeared not only on their faces, but also in the eyes and in the heartwarming smiles of all their families and friends.
Phil and Cindy flew all the way from Papua to the Island of The Gods to tie the knot and chose the chapel of the newly built Mulia Hotel as their venue. Although the place was still an ongoing project, it didn’t reduce the sense of happiness that filled it. One of the catchiest moments for me was the gate crashing. Cindy’s bridesmaids really went out of their ways to challenge Phil and his groomsmen. They prepared food and drinks that was rather unthinkable to me. Personally, I don't think that I have what it takes to touch it, let alone put it anywhere near my mouth, but if the meaning of gate crashing was to experience the tastes of marriage, I’m sure that Phil who passed with flying colors, will go through this marriage just fine! And that’s always a great thing. So, Phil - yeah, you're the man!
Their wedding vows, both the bride’s and the groom’s, moved every hearts in the room. It was a beautiful moment to witness. And, if you’re watching this, you’re in for an exceptionally moving speech, and also the most beautiful first dance I have ever seen.
Congratulations again Phil and Cindy. May your marriage be filled with love and more love.
Cheers,
Jimmy Indra
It's in the details. It's what I always remind myself when I am stepping into a bride's home in the early morning to document what would be the most important day of her life. It's these little details that tell me and everyone else about what was important ito them because it's something that they deemed precious enough to be a part of their special day.
There is no greater feeling than to witness your long-time childhood friend takes a huge step in life and ties the knot.
Ronald and I have been friends for more than 10 years. In fact, he's the one who got me started with the whole infatuation with video editing. Back in the days of highschool, we used to make our own Indie movies, a better quality home video so-to-speak. Then we'd sell it to our friends for about IDR 15,000 each. It was a pretty great side business to add to our pocket money. After that, I went on to master video editing and I am now working for one of the leading brands in wedding videography, and if I look back, I have Ronald to thank for all that.
Watching him finally tie the knot with his girlfriend of 6 years was so heartwarming for me and my family. We flew in to Singapore just to see him get married. It was a joy to be a part of the day where he spoke his lifelong vow to the woman of his choice, a wonderful cheerful and caring woman. And they are lucky to have found each other.
Happy wedding once again my friend! Here is to a bright future filled with many babies!
Cheers,
Yosep
Venue: Regent Hotel & Methodist Church at Barket Rd.
Video Soundtrack: Hope Onto Hope Love & Circus of Love
Hair & Make Up: Fiona Lau (www.fionnalau.com)