After consecutive days of pre-wedding shoots rising at 4am and resting late, I finally dozed off in the Shinkansen on the way to Osaka. It was a good re-charge. After checking into the hotel, I had a quick dinner, discussed with Kenny the bride on stuff and promptly knocked out in the comfortable hotel, totally ignoring the lively beckoning streets of Dotonbori which is a step away.

The couple this time, Hudioro and Kenny, rented a large comfortable van, where we could change clothes and hairstyles inside, and made traveling for the large party, made up of the bride's sister, mother, photographer and his lighting assistant, much easier.

I only got to learn who the photographer was during the shoot. The bride's mum said that he is one of the best in Indonesia. I later learnt that he is from Axioo, a name that Singaporean photographers all know of. I felt awed and humbled at the same time, by this charismatic person who is not only friendly and funny, he never failed to get me a share of snacks and drinks during breaks, even to the extent of helping with my makeup bags while he is shooting. A successful photographer who is talented, yet humble and cares for people, its such a blessing to know him. He even gave me some tips on marketing 🙂

With the bride's mum and sister close by attending to the bride's needs and a lighting assistant at hand, I only need to focus on touch up and changing hairstyles for the bride. This is the first time an outdoor shoot is so relaxed. With free time on my hands, I end up taking loads of videos on my iphone app. Below are some to share.

Thanks for the generous hospitality Hudioro and Kenny, it was an awesome time working with you, it felt like a weekend getaway. Thank you for also recognizing the value of my work and services with your generous tip, it meant a lot to me. May you have a wonderful wedding event January next year.

Photography by Ivan Mario from Axioo (to be posted)

It's such good timing, I think Derrick Ong the photographer had forecasting ability. The break days that he sets in between the shoots always rains.

When I met up with Kate the bride, I was concerned as she was not feeling well and very sensitive to cold. Knowing the weather from the past few days of shooting, I prayed that the weather warm up in time. Getting to Roppongi on the first train in cold weather with luggage is no joke. Maybe this is the part I miss about Singapore. Cheap cab fares.

Our first stop was Shinjuku Gyoen. Taking the train in tokyo in a white bridal gown created quite a bit of attention as usual. But Edmund n Kate were quite oblivious to the attention.Kate was really quiet n demure, said she feels uneasy with photo-taking, not confident that she will look good.

But as the photo shoot went along, I see her gradually relaxing and opening up. Derrick was encouraging and I think helped increased her confidence in front of the camera. She looked like a princess under the lovely sunlight. A good photographer not only knows how to play with lights and framing, he also knows how to bring out the best side of his subjects. He succeeded too well in fact, evidence from the "couple fighting" scene we captured, on the glistening beach in Kamakura. Kate was a real playful cat that day haha.

I felt sorry that I had to rush off to Osaka in the afternoon though. Thanks Derrick for helping with my heavy luggage in Kamakura. Hope the rest of the day was as good for them. More videos to share. I think I am getting better at this video thingy.

My blessings to Edmund and Kate, have a great wedding ya.

Photography by Derrick Ong (to be posted)