The Wedding Notebook April 2013

Page 1

THE WEDDING issue 02 APRIL 2013

www.theweddingnotebook.com



THE WEDDING

#02 A P R 13

14

10

THEMES

love stories

56

LOOKbook

06


84

THE WEDDING

managing editor CHAIYEN WONG contributing editor SOPHIA GOH

THE TEAM

art direction CROSSLINE STUDIO sales and marketing ANDROS XAVIER CHAN cover photo by aidan dockery wedding photography contributors vicki grafton photography aidan dockery wedding photography darren jee photography terralogical

IDEAS 98

jenny sun photography For advertising, please email ads@theweddingnotebook.com For submission of real weddings and interesting products, please email submit@theweddingnotebook.com www.facebook.com/thewednotebook www.twitter.com/thewednotebook THE WEDDING NOTEBOOK magazine is published by Crossline Studio (426848-A). Š2013 Crossline Studio. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced whether by photocopying, recording or any other means whatsoever without the prior permission of the publisher. Views expressed in The Wedding Notebook magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers.

font

Here is one of the fonts we used in this issue that you can use for your wedding.

Gladifilthefte

104

by Tup Wanders

photographers

Gladifilthefte is a font inspired by the old leaf lettering on pretty cigarette boxes in the Sixties. We love it, especially when used in uppercase. The serif tail and slant make it quite beautiful when arranged together. Good for masthead names and titles.


Subscribe to

theweddingnotebook.com

follow us at

facebook.com/thewednotebook


LOOKBOOK

06

Vintageinspired lace DRESS A touch of the ’60s French lace dresses with sheer tops, lace appliqué’s and ruffles.


The

st-tropez CRUISE A couture collection by Galia Lahav

www.theweddingnotebook.com


LOOKBOOK

Ballgown style Dotted tulle sheer corset and pleated skirt that displays its glamour with pearl embellished bow and belt, and lace trim.

MORE PHOTOS HERE!


09

Gorgeous in white Body-hugging silhouettes that softly embrace each curve. Mixed with novelty hand-embroidered details and a stunning back.



THEMES

UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography by Rafal Makiela Photography


Photography by Rafal Makiela Photography / Videography by Rafal Zawada Bieguni / Dress by Agnieszka Swiatly / Styling and Costumes by Ewa Jobko / Makeup by Jola Boska / Diver Assist by Emanuel, Gosia / Modelled by ELVIRA and MATTHEW / Location Pool in Wroclaw, Poland

www.theweddingnotebook.com

MORE PHOTOS HERE!



Photography is not about cameras, gadgets and giZmos. Photography is about photographers. A camera didn’t make a great picture any more than a typewriter wrote a great novel.

---

words by Peter adams


Photo by NDREW PHOTOGRAPHY


LOVE STORIES

Photography by Vicki Grafton Photography

THE GARDEN WEDDING MARY & JEFFREY


17

www.theweddingnotebook.com


THE CEREMONY Held at Villa Ambar of Semara Luxury Villa Resort in Uluwatu, complete with uninterrupted views of the ocean. A breathtaking venue to exchange your vows for sure, made all the more special by the fact that this couple wrote their own.


19

www.theweddingnotebook.com


LOVE STORIES


www.theweddingnotebook.com


LOVE STORIES

THEME & DETAILS

eco javanese A mix of eco and Javanese legend, featuring a wooden arch, and green and white flowers that filled the entire villa. “For our wedding, we decided to bring our cultures together as well as our interest in the environment and nature. “We chose the characters Krisna and Shinta, who are from a love story from Ramayana. You can see Krisna and Shinta ‘wayang’ in our decorations, and the symbol of Krisna and Shinta on our wedding invitations and save the dates.”


23

www.theweddingnotebook.com


“Both of us wrote our own vows and could not hold back our tears when we said them. The most memorable moment was when the celebrant said we were officially husband and wife.�


LOVE STORIES

www.theweddingnotebook.com


Photography by Vicki Grafton Photography / Venue Semara Luxury Villa Resort in Uluwatu, Bali / Wedding Planning by ASMARA Events / Bridal Gown by Sophia Tolli / Groom’s Attire by ZARA / Flowers by Ambience Flowers & Occasions / Catering by Bali Good Food Catering / Wedding Cake by Ixora Cake / Entertainment by Ricky & Co


LOVE STORIES

27

MORE PHOTOS HERE!

www.theweddingnotebook.com


LOVE STORIES

Photography by Aidan Dockery Wedding Photography

28

www.theweddingnotebook.com


COOL WEDDING PARTY BARBARA & MYLES

29


LOVE STORIES

VENUE

mahatma house, bali Mahatma House is located in the charming and traditional seaside village of Seseh-Tanah Lot. With its private and extensive walled tropical gardens, wide lawns and idyllic rural Balinese setting close to the beach, this was the perfect venue to host their 140 guests. “It was great having all my friends and family from all over the world fly in for a week of fun.�


31

www.theweddingnotebook.com



www.theweddingnotebook.com


THE CEREMONY We extremely love how this couple had no printed wedding invites and wedding cake. The bride couldn’t recall what heels she wore, and she wasn’t concerned about the flowers and favours because someone else took care of them. Looking at the pictures, you can see it turned out to be a totally rocking and cool wedding. Photography by Aidan Dockery WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY / Videography by Dean Halcombe / Venue Mahatma House in SesehTanah Lot, Bali / Bridal Gown by Nicole Miller / Groom’s Attire by Marc Jacobs / Wedding bands by david yurman / Bridesmaids’ Dresses by BCBGMaxAzria / Groomsmen’s attire by uniQlo / Catering by Bali Catering Company / Entertainment by Gus till


LOVE STORIES

35

CHECK OUT MORE PHOTOS HERE!


THE CASTAWAY WEDDING

GERALDINE & RAYMOND

Photography by Darren Jee Photography


LOVE STORIES

37

www.theweddingnotebook.com


VENUE

castaway beach resort, koh lipe A small island in Thailand, in the southern part of the Andaman Sea, Koh Lipe is famous for diving, snorkeling and pearl white beaches. We love the Beach Breezy Bungalows in Castaway Beach Resort, which add to the eco-friendly mood. It’s such an ideal destination wedding venue, a place where you can exchange your vows with the sounds of waves in the background and enjoy dinner under the stars.

38


LOVE STORIES

39

www.theweddingnotebook.com


THEME AND DETAILS

labour of love “I wanted a beach wedding, something relaxed and casual. Our theme was yellow and grey vintage. It was a labour of love, a totally DIY wedding.”


LOVE STORIES

www.theweddingnotebook.com



www.theweddingnotebook.com


“The most meaningful part was spending good quality time with my closest friends and family. How amazing that everyone helped out during the wedding to set up the place.”

THE CEREMONY Not even rain could stop this bunch from having fun. Forty-five friends and family members who were game enough to fly all the way to Koh Lipe for the wedding certainly were not going to let raindrops stop them from partying. This wedding is testament to the fact that one’s wedding day is not about being perfect, but about celebrating the love of two special people coming together as one.

Photography by Darren Jee Photography / Venue Castaway Beach Resort, Koh Lipe / Bridal Gown by Syomir Izwa / Hair and Makeup by Syomir Izwa / Wedding Bands by Cartier / Wedding Cake and Desserts by Butter.fly


LOVE STORIES

45

MORE PHOTOS HERE!

www.theweddingnotebook.com


Host the perfect

destination wedding Things to keep in mind when planning one

SAVE THE DATE It’s a good idea to remind your guests about the dates since it won’t be a venue they can rush to in an hour.

46

01

03

WELCOME DRINKS Opt for something casual and local to freshen up your guests and get them excited about being in another country.

05

THINK AHEAD If you are planning a beach wedding, try to have umbrellas and fans ready to handle all kinds of weather conditions.

02

Hand-carry it Try to hand-carry your wedding attire and wedding bands. If they are too bulky, at least bring another outfit that you can hand-carry just in case you lose your luggage. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

06 04

Include free time Most people would like a chance to explore and enjoy the place, so make sure you give them some personal time.

Itinerary A welcome bag or at least a clear itinerary is crucial so your guests won’t feel lost.


tokyo . kyoto . hokkaido . shanghai . hong kong . bali . macau . seoul . south korea . singapore . Chiang Mai . destination bridal portraits: calendar . Rome . Florence . Tuscany . venice . milan . paris . london . vienna . brussels amsterdam . prague . sAntorini . belgium . spain perth . sydney . tasmania . adelaide . queenstown .


LOVE STORIES

www.theweddingnotebook.com


Photography by Terralogical

49

A TOKEN OF OVE grace & francis


LOVE STORIES

www.theweddingnotebook.com


DETAILS

love bracelet

The Love Bracelet is a famous piece of jewellery by Cartier that was created in New York in the 1970s, and which has become a universal symbol of love and commitment. The iconic bracelet is designed to be locked around the wrist with a special screwdriver entrusted to the care of your loved one. It comes in the form of a bangle in white gold paved with diamonds, or in yellow gold studded with gemstones. Celebrity wrists that have been “locked up� in this famous Cartier shackle include Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Diana Ross, Jane Seymour, Princess Diana and Elton John.


“I wish I could pinpoint a beautiful moment is the day flew by and all I remember is

52

www.theweddingnotebook.com


moment and describe it poetically, but the truth feeling really happy and laughing a lot.”

53

VENUE

alila villas uluwatu, bali The ceremony was held at the signature

Cliff-Edge Sunset Cabana at Alila Villas Uluwatu, an overhanging cliff-side platform with a dramatic view of the Indian Ocean. “In terms of the decorations, Alila Villas Uluwatu is so beautiful there wasn’t any additional work required. We kept it simple and added personal touches by creating a soundtrack for the guests and giving them handmade favours – earrings for the ladies and cufflinks for the gents.”


THE CEREMONY Forty guests came to witness this very important day. The bride recalled that it might not have been perfect – it was windy, guests were stuck in traffic and jetlagged – but it was the loveliest day ever. For the ceremony, they had a string trio play classical music. The live music made it feel more personal, and accentuated the intimacy of their celebration. Photography by Terralogical / Venue Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali / Bridal Gown by Dennis Basso Bridal / Bride’s Shoes by Casadei / Hair and Makeup by Cindy Lin Makeup / Groom’s Attire by Armani / Bridesmaid’s Dress by Marchesa / Flowers and Décor by Alila Villas Uluwatu / Entertainment by Traffic Blues


LOVE STORIES

55

CHECK OUT MORE PHOTOS HERE!

www.theweddingnotebook.com


LOVE STORIES

THE ULTIMATE

GLAMOUR ANALY & JOSE

Photography by Jenny Sun Photography


57


www.theweddingnotebook.com


“Jose and I chose to do a first look, and we saw each other before the wedding. Our chauffeur took us around the cobblestone streets of Antigua in a 1936 Chrysler convertible while playing Frank Sinatra. People on the street were applauding, taking pictures and congratulating us; complete strangers joined in our happiness and made that drive our fondest memory. It was just amazing.�


THE CEREMONY The couple knew from the moment they got engaged that they wanted a small and intimate destination wedding. They used 2,000 small candles and simple flower arrangements to enhance the already gorgeous location, a chapel in Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo.


LOVE STORIES

61

www.theweddingnotebook.com


LOVE STORIES

DETAILS

timeless chic

“I’ve seen all kinds of themes and colour palettes in weddings but I wanted something stylish and timeless. I believe that trends pass and fashion always changes, but style remains forever. “The main colour theme was black and ivory with hints of green that was brought in with the use of peacock feathers. “Since it was an evening ceremony, I opted for a brooch bouquet. I loved the idea of being able to keep it after the wedding. Most of the brooches on the bouquet were given to me during my bridal shower and bachelorette party. Some family members actually mailed brooches to me from overseas.”


www.theweddingnotebook.com


LOVE STORIES

64

www.theweddingnotebook.com


VENUE

iglesia san josé el viejo Their love for beauty and art landed them at

Santo Domingo, a UNESCO world heritage site. “We chose both of these venues for their rustic and architectural beauty. There’s just something romantic about intimate weddings and Antigua, Guatemala, was the perfect place for us to have ours. The cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and surrounding volcanoes gave us the perfect backdrop to celebrate the beginning of our new journey.”

65


LOVE STORIES

66

www.theweddingnotebook.com


THE RECEPTION The 40 guests were transported to the reception by these colourful buses called ‘Chicken Buses’. Since it was only family and closest friends, the couple managed to spend time with every single guest. Photography by Jenny Sun Photography / Ceremony Venue Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo’s Chapel in Antigua, Guatemala / Reception Venue Iglesia San José el Viejo / Wedding Planning by Un Detalle Especial / Bridal Gown by Lazaro / Bride’s Shoes by Badgley Mischka / Hair and Makeup by Mariana Navarro / Groom’s Attire by Hugo by Hugo Boss (Red Label) / Flowers, Décor and Catering by Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo / Entertainment by mariano Castro y sus Violines Magicos

MORE PHOTOS HERE!


68

AROUND THE

WORLD www.theweddingnotebook.com


PHOTOGRAPHERS

69

NEW ZEALAND BY RAYMOND PHANG PHOTOGRAPHY


JAPAN

BY EYESHOT STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY

AUSTRALIA BY CAVANAGH PHOTOGRAPHY

www.theweddingnotebook.com


Korea

BY all season – photo

FRANCE

BY ACAPELLA PHOTOGRAPHY


Photography by History Studio


LOVE STORIES

73

Some kind of

love story Sarah & wilson


LOVE STORIES

74

www.theweddingnotebook.com


THEME AND DETAILS

DIY florals

“I adore florals, so every chance I had we tried to incorporate that. As a designer myself, I designed as many DIY elements as I could, including an inspiration mood board of our story, fingerprint signing sheet, programme fans, confetti cones... Will helped out loads as well. It was really quite a fun thing to do together. “Make sure that the wedding is ‘you’ and reflects you as a couple. Never do anything you don’t like or are uncomfortable with just because everyone else is doing it, or because people think you must!”


LOVE STORIES

76

www.theweddingnotebook.com



LOVE STORIES

Once upon a time, boy met girl. When he was six years old, boy’s family moved to the United States. After 23 years, girl was studying in London when a nudge from destiny caused them to cross paths once again. Girl texted boy, boy texted back, and they never stopped. Boy and his perfect girl got married, and lived happily ever after.

Sarah +Wilson


LOVE STORIES

79

www.theweddingnotebook.com


THE CEREMONY Sarah says, “The most memorable moment for sure was having my dad walk me down the aisle, and then seeing my fiancé’s expression when he saw me in my gown for the first time!” Photography by History Studio / Venue The Repulse Bay, Hong Kong / Bridal Gown by Rosa Clara / Bride’s Shoes by Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo / Hair and Makeup by Sum Wong / Groom’s Attire by Paul Smith, Armani and Ermenegildo Zegna / Bridesmaids’ Dresses by Robert Rodriguez / Flower Girl’s Dress by Laura Ashley / Flowers and Décor by My Elegant Wedding / Wedding Cake Topper by My Merry Made / Entertainment by Ladybird & The Diamonds / Photobooth by HK Photo Box

www.theweddingnotebook.com


LOVE STORIES

MORE PHOTOS HERE!


floral paper arch “I did loads of research online and created some mood boards. I worked with my floral designer Ashley of My Elegant Wedding to design the concept and colours.” My Elegant Wedding

Bride’s tips Inspirations of a bride and designer

Programme fan

82

“I designed and assembled all 140 programme fans. Since I was printing them myself, each had a unique floral print on it.”

mood board “I loved the idea of a ‘mood board’ but knew I wouldn’t have time to put things up on the day. In the end I made the collage on Photoshop and just got it printed as one huge sheet!”

guest book cake topper “The Love Bird cake topper was made by Agnes of My Merry Made. She is very talented!” My Merry Made

confetti cones “I designed the print on the confetti cones and assembled them myself. A good tip is to print on both sides of the paper so the print will be visible from all sides.” www.theweddingnotebook.com

“A friend of mine bought me a cute book on fingerprinting, so using some images from the book I created and printed the guest signing sheet.”


ultimate destination wedding and honeymoon

49 Moo 6, Layi-Nakalay Road, Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand T +66 76 302 000 E reservations@paresaresorts.com www.paresaresorts.com


IDEAS


idea 01

85

www.theweddingnotebook.com


YIU LIN & AZLAN

STORYTELLING

A

zlan Iskandar, one of Malaysia’s world-class squash athletes, wed Ung Yiu Lin, founder of Shoes, Shoes, Shoes and Klutched, at the end of last year. Shiroku Production produced a great video about their love story that impressed many. We had a chat with the bride, who had just come back from

her honeymoon in Africa, and the Executive Producer of Shiroku Production, Peter Chin. How did the video come about? Yiu Lin: We wanted our wedding to be an intimate affair with loved ones, and also be reflective of us as a couple. We showed the Shiroku team the direction that we wanted for our wedding, which was very much reflected on our wedding card. Our wedding card was like a pop-up 3D wedding invite. We wanted something very handmade, so we thought an illustrated video might work. We wanted a darker, Tim Burton-esque video with a more mysterious mood. Peter: They explained that they wanted their wedding video to steer away from children’s illustrations. I liked the idea of telling their story with an adult-like dark fantasy. They told us we had a free hand in its execution. We don’t usually get creative requests like this, so we liked that. Yiu Lin: After some discussion, someone in the team mentioned Tim Burton’s ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ and ‘Alice In Wonderland’. We agreed and they set out on their way. The team actually interviewed Azlan and myself separately to find out ‘our’ story and came back with the full script for the illustration video in just a few days! After two weeks, the video was done. All from scratch, hand-sketched, in-house voice recording, and the end result was just awesome. Peter: The creative team wanted to experiment with an illustrated motion-design that was stylised from the film credits of ‘Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events’. From there, we knew we had found a unique look and voice for the project.


IDEAS

87

“A lot of the time, a couple’s essence and character get lost in the wedding due to the external stress. We didn’t want that to happen to us!“ www.theweddingnotebook.com


IDEAS

88


This is your company’s first wedding video. What made you decide to do it? Peter: Shiroku Production has always been known to explore unique treatments and professional visual approaches to commercials, corporate brands or any project that desires to be different with style. We usually try to push the creative boundaries further. There are also specialists and creative collaborators whom we work very closely with for some projects. How did your guests respond to the video? Yiu Lin: When the video started playing, all chatter ceased and everyone’s attention was focused on the screen. We managed to capture so many different expressions from our guests that were watching, from deep intrigue and chuckles to hearty laughter! Every person in the room raved about the video. People were amazed that such a unique piece was produced locally and were really blown away by the talent that produced it. The video made our wedding perfect; it was the icing on the cake that night, a night that Azlan and I will cherish forever. Executive ProduceR PETER CHIN OF SHIROKU PRODUCTION Directed by NICKY TAN OF SHIROKU PRODUCTION Produced by IMEE KAMALIA OF SHIROKU PRODUCTION Creative Direction by JAY SHELDON OF SHIROKU PRODUCTION Script by Catherine Ooi Design Lead Chaiyen Wong Illustrations by WEE-MEI TAN Animation and Motion Design by NICKY TAN, YOKE WAN, CARMEN CHAN JIA MYN Audio by Chris Higgs Voiceover by Jay Sheldon

89

AnD READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE!

www.theweddingnotebook.com


illustration by Soleil Ignacio

IDEAS


illustration by Electrolychee

idea 02

91


GAROVS & RYAN

INIMITABLE

G

arovs majored in Fashion Design & Merchandising in university, while Ryan in Multimedia Arts. The both of them own Everywhere We Shoot, whose work has been in most major magazines in the country and even abroad.

We have seen creative people but these two are from a different realm altogether. Their style is really quite inimitable. We just wish we could sit in on one of their brainstorming sessions because there’s

92

just so much creative juice in these two. Obviously this is not the kind of bridal portrait you see every day. We might even go further and say it’s never been seen before. Garovs told us, “Our engagement photos were shot by MangoRed, in collaboration with some Filipino illustrators in Manila – Hannah Liongoren, Electrolychee, Apol Sta.Maria, Tokwa Penaflorida, Soleil Ignacio, Anjo Bolarda and Dex Fernandez.” We honestly think they could make an art exhibition out of these, so people can take their time to slowly admire each piece. We’ve been going through the photos again and again, and we’re still amazed, not to mention lost for words, so please head over to the site to view the rest of the photos.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANGORED ILLUSTRATIONS by Hannah Liongoren, Electrolychee, Apol Sta.Maria, Tokwa Penaflorida, Soleil Ignacio, Anjo Bolarda, Dex Fernandez and JP Cuison Styling by RABBITHOLE CREATIVES www.theweddingnotebook.com

MORE PHOTOS HERE!


illustration by Tokwa Penaflorida

IDEAS


IDEAS


idea 0033


JESSICA & RUSSELL

A MARRIAGE

W

hen we started talking about illustration ideas, we just had to include this. It’s the wedding website of Jess and Russ, which got almost everyone in the wedding/design industries talking. A good use of this couple’s talents and skills, the site is proof that this is more than a marriage of

two people, but also a union of their talents. It shouldn’t surprise you that Jess and Russ are designers. Jessica Hische is a highly sought after letterer and illustrator whose work

96

has graced magazines and book covers, while Russell Maschmeyer is a designer at Facebook. Their wedding website was a wedding invitation that also doubled as a timeline of their journey together, from the day they first met right up to their big day. Each illustration was drawn by a different illustrator in a different style, yet all of them go so well together with the same colour scheme. This parallax effect, which was created using CSS3 and HTML5, is the perfect storytelling format, as clicking from page to page could momentarily disrupt the narrative. It’s a pretty long series of events, but the great illustrations and interesting story definitely keep you going. Jess says, “Over the years we’ve met and befriended some truly incredible and talented people, all of whom we had hoped to collaborate with someday. The invite became the perfect opportunity to work together with people we care about, respect, admire, and love. We’re so happy and thankful for everyone involved, many of whom have played integral roles in the story of how we came to be.” We know wedding websites aren’t a big thing in Asia yet, but maybe they should be. Tell others your story, and introduce your wedding party. You will be surprised by how much you can do with it.

www.theweddingnotebook.com

THE WEBSITE AND MORE HERE!


IDEAS


IDEAS

INVITATIONS rifle paper co. Anna Bond is famous for her whimsical illustrations. Delicate, hand-painted designs of everything from botanical prints to painted cityscapes, combined with beautiful lettering.


99

www.theweddingnotebook.com


IDEAS

the paper pinwheel Handcrafted wedding stationery from Australiabased illustrator and book designer Daniella Germain. Custom designs paired with beautiful illustrations.

www.theweddingnotebook.com


jolly edition Laura and Tom are an astoundingly passionate couple who create bespoke illustrations for your wedding stationery. Their custom portraits, especially, are beyond gorgeous.

MORE PHOTOS HERE!

www.theweddingnotebook.com


IDEAS

diy wedding cake toppers Now you can paint and style them as you wish. Add a personal touch to your wedding decorations and, at the same time, get a lasting memento from your big day. goosegreaseundone

GETTING be my bridesmaids Don’t you just love these ombre cupcakes in jars by Marry This? Do something nice for your girls so that being your bridesmaid doesn’t sound so much like a task but rather, something fun. {tutorial}

Tap into your creative side and get your hands dirty

splash your bridal portraits with colour Why not try something colourful and fun? Raymond Phang from Singapore experimented with the ‘Trash The Dress’ concept using vibrant colour paints. www.raymondphang.com

MORE PHOTOS HERE!


w w w . k e n n f o o . c o m


A CHAT WITH photojournalist

JULIAN ABRAM wainWright 104

www.theweddingnotebook.com


PHOTOGRAPHERS

105

A traveller at heart, Julian is a World Press Photowinning photojournalist who shoots weddings, and offers the best of contemporary destination wedding photography that combines documentarystyle images with fresh and creative portraiture.


PHOTOGRAPHERS

What and who inspires your

but really fun. It takes real patience,

photography? When I was young,

craft and talent, and I always feel

my parents had a subscription

particularly good when I know I’ve

to National Geographic, and that

done a good job under difficult

started my lifelong romance with

circumstances. I also have the

documentary colour photography.

pleasure of photographing a lot of

David Alan Harvey, William

traditional Asian weddings. These

Albert Allard, Sam Abell, Alex

are the weddings that resonate most

Webb and others were early and

with me as a photojournalist.

lifelong influences. Alex Majoli and Christopher Anderson are two contemporary photographers whose work I really admire because they are consistently pushing their technique and style. I’m also inspired by music – soundscapes, jazz, ambient, electronic, folk and drone. Good music makes me feel

How do you incorporate bystanders into your photos so seamlessly while still focusing on the couple? The majority of my weddings are destination weddings, with a lot of curious onlookers. It’s not as clean or perfect, visually, to have strangers walking into the frame, messing

emotions in a way that’s difficult to define, and that’s something to always strive for in photography. Tell us more about your photojournalistic style. My background is in photojournalism and documentary photography – that’s my passion, and that’s how I approach weddings. Destination weddings are a visual feast – colour, emotion, compelling settings, action;

PHUKET

it’s all there. As a documentary

PhotoS by wainwright Weddings

photographer, sometimes all those elements come together really easily. Other times, maybe the lighting is horrible and it seems like nothing that interesting is really happening. Pushing myself to make compelling imagery under difficult conditions – which is something I did almost daily working as a photojournalist – can be challenging

VINH LONG


that the lifestyle of a working photojournalist was incompatible with that of family guy. I have more time with my family and my schedule is more predictable. Most importantly, I’ve found clients who embrace my style of wedding photography, so I’m able to continue working in the way that I love. Name some of your favourite countries. When I was in my midtwenties, I did a lot of backpacking, and was lucky to be able to spend some rather aimless time wandering around Asia. In 1999 I travelled overland from Vietnam to Turkey,

SIEM REAP

and Iran was a particular highlight.

“I just think it would be a shame to travel halfway around the world and then only have pictures in a beautiful but generic environment.” up your background, but I love it

streets, in the markets, on the public

I spent time in the ancient city of

and embrace it. Most of the time,

beaches, in teahouses and little

Bam before it was destroyed in an

people think it’s humorous, plus

shops. And those are the images

earthquake a few years later. I’ve spent

when I’m shooting I’ll always frame

that, without hesitation, the couples

a lot of time in India, and everyone

a few images that are clean, without

I work with say they cherish the most.

who’s been there will say the same

onlookers in the background, so there’s variety for the couple.

Your work has been published in the New York Times and

thing – it’s an assault on the senses. Definitely the most colourful place I’ve been to. And I’ve never been to a

I always try to get couples out of

TIME magazine. Considering all

the resort and into the surrounding

the options available to you, what

community for pictures. I just think it

keeps you in wedding photography?

portions of tragedy and comedy.

would be a shame to travel halfway

Well, I continue to photograph

Finally, I lived in Hanoi for 10 years,

around the world and then only have

assignments for newspapers and

and I have a special affection for

pictures in a beautiful but generic

magazines, but certainly I focus

Vietnam. It’s a complex, colourful,

environment that could be pretty

most of my energies on wedding

chaotic place. Luckily, I get to go back

much anywhere in the tropics. I

photography these days. I started

every few months and photograph

like getting couples out onto the

a family four years ago and found

there, which I find a real treat.

place that dishes out such large daily

107


Photo by Aidan dockery wedding photography

LAST FRAME

www.theweddi ngno tebo ok.co m


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.