As Sakura bloomed earlier this year, by the date of this scheduled shoot, the blooms in Kyoto and Tokyo were gone. So we “chased” after the blooms and went to Matsumoto in Nagano, 3 hours by bus from Tokyo. It was a wise decision by the photographer Nathan. We found a Sakura haven.
We arrived early and went to check out good photo spots. Its really a vast difference from Tokyo, I think population is very low there. Which is a good thing for photo taking, no need to stop traffic 😛
The bride Charmaine likes simplicity and no fuss. Even her gowns reflect that. So makeup and hairstyle is played down as per her request. Simple is beautiful, natural beauty.
Some photos, I dont know who took what, we had a fun time sending each other iphone taken pics:
Taken at hotel before we set off:
Pictures compliments from Charmaine:
Photography by Nathan Wu
Sakura bloomed a week earlier than expected this year in Tokyo, coupled with strong rains and wind, so it was tough for pre-wedding photo shoot couples from overseas who had hoped to take the sight of full bloom. Nevertheless, a good photographer can always transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary ones.
Took Shinkansen and went up to Kyoto for this pre-wedding makeup. Though not my first time there, its a nice change from city Tokyo. Love the architecture and old charm of Kyoto, no matter which season. The streets are fairly less occupied compared to Autumn season.
Very sweet looking bride, Michelle I have this time, I thought she looked like 萧亚轩from the pic that she sent to me. I gave her more romantic styles which I think suited her well.
Nathan the photographer is the more relaxed kind, I feel …. he has this calming effect on people. The photos look ethereal and beautiful.
Pics from my iphone :
Pics that Michelle sent to me:
Congrats to Royce and Michelle, have a blissful wedding
Photography by Nathan Wu
The photographers from Top Photography thought it might be too early for Sakura photo shoot when they scheduled some time ago, but coincidentally, Sakura bloomed early this year and its now in full bloom and starting to fall already due to heavy rains. So its lucky for Nic and Zixuan, catching the right moment.
Different photographers really have different styles, its quite interesting to observe as a makeup artist. This shoot started with a detailed schedule to follow, and we were really on the dot. Difference is, there are 2 photographers this time instead of one. So I think there is more variety to the shots. I was not required to be lighting assistant but became a leaf thrower and seagull feeder for camera effects instead :p
I also love how we came upon a group of adorable japanese kids playing with fallen leaves at Yoyogi park and got them to spontaneously take a shot. That became my favorite picture.
I have helped almost every couple who came here for pre-wedding to get a hand bouquet of their choice. But this was by far the most challenging. To source for a blue rose which has a special meaning to Nic and Zixuan. Cant believe how difficult it was to find one in Tokyo, this special rose that I found is chemically treated and is meant to last forever, doesnt wilt or change. Expensive rose but meaningful. When I saw them tearing off the leaves from the rose stalk … my heart felt like its being shredded … :p
Some photos to share:
Photographs by Top Photography
I am thankful for the chance to go Kyoto during this period and experience the famous momiji – autumn leaves. Its breathtakingly beautiful. Daytime colors are intense already, but night time …. the special illumination is just indescribable. No wonder its a popular attraction every year.
Pity I cant take pictures of night scenes and capture the essence.
It was a bit of a rush as all of us arrived late. The bride Yian Chyi panicked that evening as she realized an obvious part of her gown was torn. I whipped out my sewing kit and saved the day. Now I appreciate the home economics class from my school days haha.
Some pics taken by my iphone to share:
Some breathtaking landscapes:
Had the good fortune to meet the nicest bride I have ever serviced. Soft spoken, gentle yet lively with the brightest smile I have seen. Despite her busy day, she did not forget to take care of people around her, offering me drinks and food and asking about my well-being.
Because I was not in Singapore, the makeup trial was done just 3 days before her AD. I am really blessed her home is just walking distance from mine. For one with limited time on hand, its just perfect. On her AD, I am glad everything went smoothly and comments from guests were really good. Makes me happy to hear great comments on how beautiful the bride looks and that she likes what I had done.
One of the rare occasions that I do not need fake hair. The bride has a beautiful head of thick luscious hair that is so easy to set. Pictures taken for AD night dinner at Hilton Hotel. Was too busy to take the morning one :p
I dont like to take pics usually, but she warmly grabbed my hand and asked to take one together. Well, too charmed to say no 🙂
And the lucky groom to have married her …
Have a blissful married life and a beautiful baby soon 🙂
Went to Batu Pahat for a job from 2-4 Dec 2011. Its the first time I am there, its a small peaceful town, quite different from JB and KL.
Glad I had 2 other colleagues with me, we shared a triple room in Garden Hotel, as the bride’s place is full.
When we arrived, we rested a bit before going to bride’s place for dinner. The bride’s place had a huge garden and there were monkeys living in the forest behind the house, what an interesting place to grow up in.
There were quite a no. of feastings throughout actual day, felt so pampered, eat and eat throughout the day. And there were firecrackers!!!
Firecrackers
At the bride’s place, after makeup, while waiting for the groom and brothers to finish their “torture session” by the sisters.
In anticipation
The groom going through the final stage. Very cute.
Family photoshoot at bride’s place. The background is the forest where the monkeys reside. My colleagues did the makeup for the four sisters at 6am. It was a happy and enjoyable job for them, they said the sisters addressed them by “Jie Jie” instead of the usual “Auntie” haha.
family photoshoot
I like the car decoration alot, especially the back that has a silhouette profile of the couple. Creative.
It was very hot in the afternoon, and being so well-fed, my colleagues and I could not keep ourselves awake while waiting for time to pass. We had to wait until 3.30pm before doing makeup for the bridal party for the banquet dinner. Thankful that we had a place to rest and grabbed a little nap before that.
As the bride had short hair at her ROM and pre-wedding photoshoot in Singapore, I decided to give her a more romantic look with long hair for her AD. I am glad that she loved the images that I created. 🙂
First march in hair-do
Coming out from bridal car
Bridegroom and his bride waiting for their first march-in. They thanked me just before they marched in. These are times when I feel that all the hard work and effort is worth it. Seeing their happy faces and sharing their joy is something that money cannot buy.
Marching into a new life
The final image for the second march-in.
Romantic hairstyle
Overall it was a satisfying experience. The bride said that she can see the difference in me, from the trial that I did for her on her photoshoot, to her AD, that I am more confident now than that time. 🙂 I just hope that I will keep improving and have the opportunity to grow and experience this exciting life as a makeup artist to my fullest.
Thanks Xiangying and Chew Peng for this opportunity, and wishing you all the best for your blissful future together.