Bali always has that magic. Whether we shoot on the beach or near the lakes up in the mountains...almost always we have that magical moment to capture. It doesn't even matter rain or shine, somehow Bali sets the mood for love. No wonder the best selling novel "Eat Pray Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert sets Bali as the place to fall in love. So looking forward to watch the movie...

For now, enjoy these series of portraits taken for Eric & Josephine during their short trip to Bali. Josephine has this sweet smile, especially with her dimples, I'm sure that got Eric's attention when they first met. I love how sweet they are to each other. Congratulations guys on your wedding! We wish you a lovely discovery to life's wonder called marriage. Be in love always :)

-David

What makes a great photo? I think it's not the location, the dress, the make up...yes those things helps, but for me a great photo has meaning. For William & Yola, being in love means doing the everyday things together. It really is as simple as that. Who wouldn't be mesmerized by love when you're in Paris and soaked in the romantic atmosphere? But love doesn't happen that way. Love is a process, it evolves from being together doing even the simplest everyday activities.

When you're in love, the food taste better. The TV show is funnier. A simple supermarket trip turns into a playground to discover each other's favorite snacks. There's even a joy brushing your teeth together. You simply don't want the day to end. The best part is being in love does not end in a day, it's a lifetime journey.

We hope these simple portraits reminds you both what it means to be in love. Enjoy your everyday together :)

Cheers XOXO - David

Nervous is a word mostly i hear from every couple before the pre-wedding shoot...but this time it's different for Imelda & Tahir. For the first time i heard "just do whatever you want us to do"...thank you guys for trusting me. A little bit about this adorable couple who have been together for about 7 years. Sometimes they consider their relationship a bit flat, i know what they mean, for most of us there's that ups and downs in a relationship and you guys deserve thumbs up for being together that long. We wish you more excitement for your journey years ahead. Helen & I get a chance to show the other side of them, having fun relaxing and laughing all day long in Hongkong and Disneyland. O yes thank you to Imelda's mom for accompanying us during the shoot and for your wisdom on "how to raise kids in a right way" we sure need more tips as Zoe is growing. Hope u guys like this series...

See you guys on your wedding...Lucky 8! (that's how long they will be together by they're married) -Ivan :D

I met Charlie & Felicia for the first time at Senayan City, and i remember they brought us a big box of "kerupuk udang". Then for another meeting they brought us a cake. and so on...just wondering if they always bring something when we have a meeting with them. That's so very generous of them ha ha :) I just got back from Surabaya last week to shoot their wedding in Surabaya and met with their big and warm family.

After a few possible places for their pre-wedding destination, we decided to shoot in Singapore. And for the very first time...i shoot and drive a Ferrari *i can get used to this :) Charlie has a thing with Ferrari, and now i know why. It's addictive, and now i can't get it out of my head. For now, it's on my wish list.

Charlie & Felicia is one of a kind...you know what? They have never kiss before this photoshoot, i'm the one who break their rules ha ha ha...but it just a lil innocent kiss. So, congrats again for your wedding and welcome to club!

Me OUT!

Now i know why Jhonny & Irene picked Queenstown NZ for their pre-wedding destination. It's absolutely beautiful!! Their love for nature and fresh sceneries sets Queenstown as the perfect destination. This is my first trip ever to New Zealand, and i'll definitely come back for more. Not sure if it's the golden color that's so inviting or the good weather that we were blessed with, or is it just being in the presence of a loving couple that made this photo shoot a memorable one. 

Queenstown is synonymous natural beauty, surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu (interesting name for a lake, that kinda sound like 'Wah Ketipu") It seems like whichever direction we turn, there's a photo opportunity...the real challenge is choosing what not to shot. We had a great time together in Queenstown. Roamed around the vineyards, lakes and of course said Hi to the countless sheeps. The excitement kept us going though some parts of the town was flooded.

When shooting in a totally new place, having a local insight is priceless. Since Jhonny & Irene have been here for a few times, that automatically qualifies them as our local guide :) Big thanks to Irene's sister Evelyn & auntie who's presence made a big difference during our trip. I'm so looking forward to witness your wedding day. Cheers, Paulus ;)

Ok you must be wondering what the title means, it actually took me a while to figure it out. Here's how the story goes, ever since high school Cynthia has been affectionately named "Mbelitut" by her friends, well let's spare the details here, her friends know the inside joke. And nicknames like that will stick with you for a long time, until today she's Ms.Mbelitut *ha ha ;) For pre-wedding shoot, we can always plan the concept, wardrobe, accessories, etc but not the weather. So whether it's sunny, windy or in this case raining...we just have to make the best out of it. A little shower when we started shooting on the beach, but instead of pulling a long face we have fun anyway.

Pascal & Cynthia is such a lovable couple, easygoing and cheerful all day long, they made this photo session one of my favorite. They chose Macau & Hongkong for their pre-wedding destination. You've seen quite a few of my previous sessions in Hongkong, but Macau is different. Only an hour ferry ride away from the big city, you'll get to see a different scene, more historical and edgy. So if you're visiting Hongkong, don't miss out the fun in Macau, especially when you are feeling lucky, a few luxurious casinos made Macau to be Asia's Las Vegas.

By the way, if you happen to be in Plaza Indonesia, you'll get to see their canvas photo adorned with Swarovski crystals in our Summer Carnival exhibition.

Ivan out...

When people asked me about my favorite countries, i must say Hongkong is top of that list. I've been there many times now, but this time it's different. This trip i tried soooo many good food compare to my last visits to Hongkong. Whoever said Hongkong and food are inseparable...you're right. Where else can you find people having Shabu-shabu at 4 am? 

Allow me to introduce to you one of the youngest pilot in Cathay Pacific, Damian and his wonderful fiance, Tiffany. Their love story is one of a kind, unbelievably sweet especially knowing that they came from different backgrounds. Damien from Swiss and Tiffany from Singapore, somehow as fate has it, they met in Hongkong. For their photo shoot, we traceback to all their memorable places.

I'm impressed that considering their busy schedules, they still have time to serve as leaders in church, building people's life. Good on you guys ;)

Here's their love story, enjoy!

O how i miss Vancouver...thanks to Kevin & Jennifer who invited me over to shoot their pre-wedding session, i'm in love with the city all over again. Having lived in Vancouver for many years, this is home for Kevin & Jennifer. As for me, Vancouver has always been my weekend getaway during my college years in Seattle. It's the one city where i could just get away, shop and eat all day long. For those who have been there, you'll know what I mean. The city has always been voted as one of the most livable.

During our session, we get a lot of help from their friends Stephanie and Abraham, who volunteered to help with make up and also be the driver. You guys helped a lot! That day was a typical pacific northwest weather, meaning it's cloudy and drizzling all day long. No complaints...i miss this kind of weather. Makes me feel like sipping a hot chocolate and read a book by the window. But that's not gonna happen, so we still continue shooting no matter what.

For Melvin & Davita's pre-wedding, we head down to Melbourne and come up with quite a range of shots. From casual dating spots over lunch and in the garden, then a walk on the beach to even a 'fairytale' inspired wedding day with the horse carriage. Everything seems to go very well for this two lovebirds. Perfect weather, just the right amount of sunlight and of course the birds flying over them on the beach made that shot more romantic. 

We've known Davita and her family for a while now, and it's safe to say they have a charmed life. We did their parent's 25th Anniversary celebration a while back, and saw how real love last through time. We get a few tips on lasting relationships from her parents. Davita is blessed in everyway, and now she's tying the knot with Melvin, a charming and thoughtful man. Congrats! We wish you both a lifetime of wonders :)

Months ago i was introduced to this couple who chose the North Pole for their Christmas holiday destination. North Pole? Hmm...interesting choice, must be an interesting couple...and I was right. For Jonas & Irene, we had their pre-wedding photo session in LA & Vegas. Conciously trying to stay out of the usual city landmarks, we roam around any random places that we can have fun.

Here's a few shots at the Ghost Town at Nelson, Nevada...

We flew 10,000 miles from Jakarta to New York and guess what...it rains all day during our photo session. What would you do? No need to panic, you just have to make the best out of it. So for the whole day we came up with new ideas and shoot all over New York. Nothing stops this two love birds, no matter rain or shine they look great together. 

Congratulations to Ceasar & Yusy, who are getting married this month :) 

Hey hey hey...let's meet the energic couple Andry and Lien. During our first meeting i didn't notice how 'crazy' Andry' is...until the photo session. When we found out that Lien works in Singapore Airlines...we knew we just had to shoot her in uniform. Lien you are Axioo's Stewardess of the year :) 

Here's Liverpool VS Chelsea, though rivals in the English League, their fans happens to be in love. Both of you must have been very dissapointed with the English team losing out in this World Cup. By the way, i love Andry's make up...you should have that on often :0

That day, we had so much fun and laughter a lot during the photoshoot. Hmm, this is always the case when i'm shooting, we laugh more than we shoot. In this series, you'll find the fun and quirkiness of Andry and Lien...hope you'll enjoy it!

Ivan OUT!

Every couple has their own story and memories about their relationship. When I first met Casey and Melin early this year, they wanted me to shoot their pre-wedding 'based on their true story'. So here's what we did, from the moment the met, the gifts they gave to each other, the dinners, the proposal, and their intimate moments together. Of course with our little twist here and there to remake their story *wink

I love shooting them! They came prepared, trusting, willing to try anything and happy to be themselves. That's all we need for prewedding shoot :) Thank you guys and congrats again to Casey and Merlin, i believe your marriage life is gonna be a wonderful one...enjoy!!! 

-Ivan ;)

Congratulations to the newlyweds Henry & Maggie!! We had a great time shooting their wedding last weekend. You both are so made for each other :)

Here's a series of photos taken in Singapore and Jakarta for a few hours each. We were having fun until we noticed Henry kept melting during the session in Singapore. He can't stand the heat and as soon as we're out in the sun, he's all drenched again. Maggie of course wanted more of this and she enjoyed being in the spotlight. 

As i'm writing this, i can't get your wedding moments out of my mind..it's still so fresh. Ok ok we'll try to put it up by this week, you'll enjoy their wedding too ;)

When Ino first said he wanted to shoot their pre-wedding in Raja Ampat, Irian...i thought he's only kidding. I entertained the idea for a while, then googled "Raja Ampat. By the time the first images came up, i'm already sold, i'm in...let's do this!! Irian is the eastern most island of Indonesia's archipelago. Did you know that we have over 13,000 islands? And it would probably take a lifetime to explore each one. So why not start now ;)

This trip is more than just a pre-wedding photo session. It's an eye opening experience to see how rich Indonesia is. Our crystal clear waters, rich corals, and most bio-diverse marine region on earth makes it look like heaven on earth. For honeymooners, you have to make check it out.

Ino & Cheery is a happy go lucky couple who's just happy to be together, no matter where we'll shoot their pre-wedding. For the whole time we were with them, we enjoyed how candid and intimate they are. Time time we had no specific schedules, we totally go with the flow. Started out with hours of island hopping, fishing, snorkeling and more shooting in the Misool Eco Resort...all that matters is we all had a great time. 

Be sure to watch their pre-wedding video, you'll get a glimpse of how beautiful Raja Ampat is. Last i heard, it is the best diving spot in the world!

Sutrisno & Cherry Pre-wed from Axioo on Vimeo.

Here's another cute couple, Andy and Margie...

We are so in love with Japan, there's a place called Chidorigafuchi at Imperial Place...you can ride a boat around the river, surrounded with cherry blossom trees, so spectacular and romantic. It takes time to control the boat, but after a while it's quite easy. Disneyland and Disneysea was a cute surprise...had a great time shooting there :)

Like i said before the best time to visit Japan is in March or April because of stunning Cherry Blossom. We had so much fun even during the concept meeting, where we found out how they are like as individuals and as a couple. We knew how adorable and sweet you both are to each other, your chemistry shows in the photos. Thank you guys for trusting us with your wardrobe. Helen & I had a great time knowing you. Enjoy this Japan photo series!

Arigato gozaimasu!!!....*bow*

Omoide Ga Ippai means full of memories and that is Japan :) Here's the energic couple James and Vania, this is the first time for James visiting Japan but Vania is addicted to this country and she always come to visit every year. Actually her obsession over Japan was what gave the idea for us to shoot their prewedding in Japan.

I was amazed listening to Vania speaking fluent Japanese and to prove that she is a Japan freak, she wrote a blog about her experience in this country. If you are planning to visit Japan, you should visit her blog and believe me you will learn a lot about Japan. Our session was absolutely fabulous, though a little bit rainy and windy but hey we had so much fun :) I hope u enjoy James & Vania series of their pre-wedding shoot...and i can"t wait for their big day.

I'll always remember Jimmy and Fanny as my first couple from Bojonegoro and Malang :) Thanks for coming all the way to have me shoot for your pre-wedding. Couples are always different, in this case Jimmy is more quiet and kept smiling all day, whereas Fanny is super cheerful and a lot more
talkative...you guys are cute together. Our brainstorming session led us to shoot their portraits in Singapore. So on one happy sunny day we roam around town and had so much fun shooting all day. Big thanks to Vivian for a light and natural make up :)

Ken & Celine give a whole new meaning having 'fun', a little too much fun...but i think that's how it should be. They came with lots of wardrobe and tons of personality. Always willing to try anything...sometimes even before i finish a sentence, they're already on it. Love the spontaneity and energy of this series!! 

Ken is a fellow photographer based in Sydney, his works are awesome!! Both of them living in Sydney, enjoying the laid back life in down under. All of the locations chosen are some random spots you'll find in Sydney, instead of the iconic touristy ones (thumbs up for the locals). I notice we get a whole lot more of them this way, focusing on their chemistry and personality. 

This time around, we played around with a LOMO photography look. I've been a Lomo fan for many years now, collecting and playing with almost all Lomo camera, you name it, we have it. Been shooting with Lomo for our holidays, but i think it's time that Lomo gets a chance for pre-wedding photos. I love this crazy, instant, no brainer, wacky color Lomo look! Go check out the Lomo site, you'll fall in love with it too.

Hi, Ivan's here...finally! It's time to blog after long trip from Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Surabaya. All i can say that i really enjoy what i'm doing, listen to so many love story and moments, listen how they feel and how they meet. I can't wait to blog it all but here's first...

Arief and Yenny...i really adore them. Yenny is really cute, she knows what she wants and always ready to shoot. Arief initially worried about the shooting saying he's camera shy. But 2 cans of heineken did the trick, and got him ready for all this :p We came out with a simple and fun idea...me and Helen totally enjoyed shooting them.

xoxo