Time flies. My goal for the week here in HK was to complete my literature review part of my paper. It’s Wenesday and I’m only on the first paragraph on my dissertation. I’m experiencing a mental block but I’m determined to finish as much as I can before the weekend! And it’s going to be a busy weekend for me… with 2 portrait shoots on Sat and another on Sun, I’m stoked to be shooting in this new environment!

The first time I met Sook Ping was at the P&G award ceremony for the “Freedom to Be Award” back in 2006. And on this rare occassion, I was not photographing the event but was one of three girls who received the award! The “Freedom to Be Award” was presented to three Malaysian women who pursued their passions in their professional life. I was asked to do a TV ad for them after that and oh my!!! I definitely ain’t good in front of the camera! After the shoot, I had to record the Bahasa Malaysia version which was later dubbed over and I’m definitely not proud of my spoken Malay!

It was an early start and I reached Sook Ping’s place by 6am! Sook Ping’s hairstyle and makeup made her look real Japanese which was the look she was going for and it all worked out! Her beautifully custom-made cheongsam worked well with the “Oriental” theme she had for the tea ceremony!

Today, she gets married to Ernest who she’s dated for the past 11 years and this girl was happy and excited that the wait finally came to an end and she anxiously waited by her window for his grand arrival!

Needless to say, they had the police escort the entourage of boys who arrived with a BIG BANG with Chinese drums! And the best part of all is the fun the boys always have with the games as you will see in the photos to follow!

Looks like the boys are enjoying themselves more than the girls enjoy watching!

Some moneky business going on behind the bushes…

I love this action shot!

Lucky this washes out!

Literally “Throwing money around…”

A church service followed Sook Ping’s tea ceremony. The church was prettied up with yellow flower pews that lined the isle.

The dinner reception was held at the Sheraton, Subang and it was a huge party! When we say huge… we mean.. over 90 tables! But there were great vibes that night… People were friendly and approachable (by “approachable, I mean… happy to take group table photos) and it was a breeze covering the table shots!

The ballroom was beautifully decorated with flowers by Arada Designs

It was Sook Ping’s idea to have the morning session photos printed for the night. It was a mad rush for me but it turned out great!

“Can’t take my eyes off you” was the song that played as the parents of the bride and groom and the bridal party made their grand walk-in but the bride and groom did not follow! Where were they?

They were up on stage – Ernest on the bongos and Sook Ping on the piano! They played different versions of the song that included jazz and bossa nova! I love weddings with a twist!!!

At the after party…everyone got down and grooved at the after party too which took off as the band, the groom and Justin Lim, our very own favorite local artist/musician jammed on the bongos!

Congrats to Sook Ping & Ernest! Thanks for having us be part of your special day!