Weddings

Dear all

Remember I have posted on my blog on 13th November 2008, (4 days ago) to watch out for some EXCITING NEWS!!!?? Here’s the GOOD NEWS!!!

We are working on our new CREATIVE WEDDING SERIES 2009, and would like to giveaway to 4 lucky couples FREE PRE WEDDING SHOOT.

Hurry, write in to us at info@alvinleong.com.

3 Lucky Couples will have their FREE PRE WEDDING SHOT in Kuching

1 Lucky Couple will have their FREE PRE WEDDING SHOT IN AUSTRALIA - March 2009

These are open to all, kindly write in to me and please include the SUBJECT in your email, CREATIVE WEDDING SERIES 2009 by Alvin Leong,

In your email, kindly include the followings;

1) Your name - bride and groom

2) Your wedding date

3) Location of your Wedding

4) Recent photographs of Bride and Groom, full length shot and head shot, kindly email photos that are ‘email friendly’ (casual shots, need not professionally done)

5) and also tell us Why do you LOVE our work?

6) Have you booked for your Wedding Day photography?

7) Please mention that you are going for the Kuching and/or Australian Creative Series 2009.

*Please note that you should answer to all the above 7 (SEVEN) points in order to qualify for this competition.

Email to info@alvinleong.com

Hurry, invite your friends who are getting married to join!!! Spread the NEWS!!!

THIS IS A DREAM CREATIVE WEDDING SERIES 2009!!

***OFFER ENDS by midnight of 15th DECEMBER 2008***

**ONE email per couple please***** Terms and Conditions apply***

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They booked me about a year ago, and I can still remember our lunch appointment at the Sarawak Club. It was a pleasant lunch, enjoyed it a lot. We discussed what we wanted for the shot. Its my habit to get to know the couple before the shoot. Jason and Irene, you are a wonderful couple and we will miss seeing you coming to our studio!

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Watch out for some exciting news tomorrow, do come back and check it out yourself!!! It’s gonna rock!!

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I met both Michael and Tabby at my hotel lobby when I did a shoot for one of my clients in KL. We discussed about their wedding plans and what type of images they like.

They also shared with me on how they’ve met and their long distance relationship for years… I really admired them as long distance relationship is NEVER easy.

Mike,  grew up in the UK. He is a British- Chinese, while Tabby’s from KL Malaysia. Mike moved to Malaysia not long ago, and work as an Accountant, while Tabby run the King Pie business in KLCC.

Their wedding was held at an awesome lifestyle restaurant in Bangsar KL. (I love the place) They had converted the whole restaurant for their Wedding Holy Matrimony. Dinner reception was held at The Westin, Kuala Lumpur.

I would like to share some of the photos from this cheerful couple to all of you…

That’s Keith Kee the designer, he was there to make sure the gown’s fit and make up were done up to the bride’s standard.

This shot was taken when Tabby looked at the mirror, just to check on the final details of her make up, and I saw this beautiful morning light behind her. It was 7.15am in Kuala Lumpur.

Then I asked Tabby to turn over and look at me, she gave me this beautiful smile.

This shot was not posed. I love the way she hugged her mum, full of expression.

A Western Wedding mixed with Asian Culture. They were playing some obstacle for the Groom’s party.

This shot were taken just outside Tabby’s home. Beautiful backlighting!

I love this moment, the instant when the flower girl walked in, and she gave Mike a good hug!

One of my favourite shot..

Then I thought of trying some unusual angle.. i.e. shooting through the guesses… Nailed her expression as she looked at her friends..

Dad’s eye contact with the groom.. priceless..

I love this moment, a priceless shot. This was not posed, shots like this cannot be posed. Its filled with emotions, love.. The moment I saw it, I thought to myself, that’s it.. This is the moment! What an awecome moment.. A shot that explains it all.. WE ARE IN LOVE!

As I was shooting their first dance, the three gentlemen at the back were singing Lionel Ritchie’s “TRULY”, they sang in acapella, that moment gave me the greatest joy to be a Wedding Photographer. Words cannot describe my feelings.. I was sooo touched by that moment, that instance, that time. When I was shooting their dance, I saw Tabby whispered something to Mike’s ears. Ah! I thought to myself.. This is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!! With the awesome song filled the whole restaurant, the dance, the couple - priceless.

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They walked into my studio gallery early 2006 and wanted to take their engagement shots. We have arranged some date for the shots in 2006 and later Jee called to postpone due to his work schedule. Initially Jee and Jackie wanted to have their engagement shots taken in February 2006 but was later postpone to somewhere mid August 2006. When the time comes, they postponed it to the end of year 2006. Finally they changed their mind again and told me that its not longer necessary to do the engagement shots. They are getting MARRIED!

Jee works as a Web developer and a partner in Madtech, while Jackie works at an IT based company in Kuching. I have got my website developed by them. They have done a good job for my site. I have engaged them to work on my site since 2006. I have always wanted to self update my site with the new photos, and upload them whenever I feel like it, however, they are still working on this, and I have no choice but to update it on my blog.. So Jee, if you are reading this, keep it up and get it moving!!!

Somehow, due to our numerous meetings for my website, and also their wedding preparations, we became good friends.. Jee and Jackie, I missed the lunch we had together! Wanna do lunch one of these days?

Jackie later introduced her eldest brother, Chris to me. Chris who works in Singapore also engaged our professional services! Chris is married to his beautiful bride, Celine from Singapore.

Thank you Jackie, Jee, Chris and Celine!

I will leave you to the photos below which says everything!

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Trish came into the studio one day with a bunch of her friends from Miri. She has this bubbly and fun-loving attitude that makes you smile when you see her!

Trish grew up in Canada and met her husband, Steve, over there. They dated for a couple of years before Steve went down on his knee and the rest they say is history. They had a beautiful wedding with guests flying in from all around the world. Trish wore a Vera Wang’s veil at the church and they had a traditional tea ceremony after that. The wedding reception banquet was held at Hilton’s poolside.

Overall, I must say it was a really beautiful wedding, filled with beautiful people, and a really happy and fun couple!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I received an email from Mark one day and we arranged for a meet up. He was originally from Johor but grew up in Melbourne, Australia and is now an engineer with the Victorian State Government. He came with a huge notepad with heaps of questions apparently from, Zara who was then his fiance! The second time we met up, we confirmed the final details and once that’s done, we headed for some beers yay! - Aussie way to chill out.

Then came the BIG day, the wedding. It was a BEAUTIFUL beach wedding, and Mark got three rooms for us! - my Assistants and myself. Zara was really easy to shoot as she is very playful and expressive. She has all these vibes that make her outstanding and all her pictures shine!

The sun was very co-operative as well that day, and I must say, it’s a dream wedding! The set up, the bride and groom, the chemistry between everyone was just extraordinary! Everyone present flew in from overseas just for the very special occasion. I must say it was a great pleasure doing the shoot, and also a very rewarding experience.

To Mark and Zara, I wish you both eternal love and happiness, and a wonderful journey ahead!

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Check out the current issue of the The HIPLIST, Celebrating the Art of Malaysia’s Wedding Photographers! which is on sale now in the major bookstores and newsstand! We are being listed in these niche publications which is dedicated to Wedding Photography!

Quote from The Hiplist, “We have in the past few years witnessed a proliferation of the wedding photography segment of the industry. New entrants now vie for a ‘slice of the pie’ so to speak together with long established names in the market. Fortunately though, the market is still sufficiently large and capable of supporting the increasing number of wedding photographers.

As a publisher however, we feel that our direction for the future will not include developing another run-of-the-mill publication to rival the traditional bridal magazines. Indeed even our sister publication weddingsmalaysia does not compete directly, as it distinguishes itself from them by offering what the traditional wedding publications do not offer. What we will develop however are niche publications – ‘target-specific’ titles that will complement weddingsmalaysia. These niche publications will focus on specific segments of the wedding industry where each title will be entirely dedicated to a particular element of a wedding. We believe that these specialist titles will encourage couples to delve further into the service providers represented, learn more about their business philosophies, their styles and ultimately get to know them better before making an informed decision on whom to appoint.

The first of these niche publications is dedicated to Wedding Photography and it is on this premise that THE HIPLIST – WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS has been published in September 2007.”

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Two months ago, I posted one of our beautiful couples Carlin and Sinyi whom I had taken their wedding shot in Australia.. and now my team  has come out with their beautiful albums. I have many people writing to me on how our album layout look like.. our design team have come out with this beautiful album..

These are how the pages gonna look like..

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I met Carlin when he was working in Jaring a couple of years back in Kuching. Then in May this year, I received a phone call from Australia. This nice gentleman called me from Western Australia and wanted to find out more about my outdoor location shoot over there. I was surprised that you have moved over to Australia, Carlin!

Carlin is the only son of a very prominent photographer in Malaysia, who authored 4 hard cover pictorial books. I knew his dad when I started photography many years ago! I can still remember how he shared with me his knowledge on medium format camera. His passion on photography just blew me away! Sinyi is an Accountant who works with one of the big accounting firms in Perth. I met Sinyi on the day of the shoot itself! So it was a day for me to find out more about this beautiful couple. It does help in the line of work I am doing!

Well, the shoot lasted the whole day, and again it was freezing cold out there especially when we did the shot near the lighthouse. The wind was so strong, and we have problems fixing Sinyi’s veil.

Carlin and Sinyi, it was fun and I enjoyed myself working with the both of you. I will always remember the mini picnic lunch we had in Hyde Park and the Greek lady who exchanged small conversation with both of you while I searched for the toilet!

The shoot brings me closer to the both of you and I look forward to seeing you again! Both Carlin and Sinyi are working in Australia at the moment and I can see that they are very happy with their new lifestyle!

I like the setting of this old Cathedral..

Sunset at Cottlesloe Beach.

The shot below was captured in South Mole, Fremantle. It was very windy that day and the best place to place the Bride and Groom was behind the wind direction, and happen to be the best place! Got the entire shot of the lighthouse. I like the blue sky.

In Hyde Park…

The maple tree with its new leaves..

As we were walking back to the car, I saw this little sparrow trying to attack the Kukubara, poor thing! so i pointed up my camera and nailed this shot!

The backdrop - City of Perth, capital of Western Australia..

This is on the location in the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle..

We rushed to this location, the sun was setting so fast!

Overlooking Indian Ocean at Cottlesloe Beach, Western Australia..

The Indian Ocean, sunset at Cottlesloe Beach.
To me it was freezing out there, at 12 deg and strong wind!

Wild flower at Hyde Park, its Spring Time! Yeah!

The Old Boat Shed along Mounts Bay Road.

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This is the story that I have to tell because it’s amazing! I came to know James from Swinburne University. What started off as professional relationship 4 years ago has florished into good friends! We have been dealing a lot about corporate photography for the Uni. I knew Carol to be a very kind, courteous and her strong character really impressed me!

One day, from my usual lunch appointment with James, he spoke about his wedding and his plan to get married overseas. This was approximately 7 months ago! I felt so happy for both of them.

The day has arrived, 30th September 2007. The wedding is in Perth, Western Australia. Its the perfect time to hold a garden wedding around this time as the weather is nice and cool! With the help of their friend, Alex and Ben, they have put up a great deal of effort in making the day run so smooth.

I have reached Carol’s place at 9.15am. I could hear the laughter from outside the apartment! One thing I love my job is I got to be with happy people!

The wedding was held in Blue Water Restaurant in Applecross, Western Australia. Both family and friends came from all over the world.. to witness the union of two wonderful people!

Carol and James, congratulations to both of you and may you lead a wonderful life together!

Carol with Dad..

Nikki’s baby..

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It’s the time of the year again, that I am organising the Outdoor Wedding Shoot in Perth Western Australia; Springtime in Perth. The famous Araluen Botanica Garden, which is located in the deep jarrah valley of the Darling Range of Western Australia. Located 35 kms south east of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, you will get to witness the breathtaking blooming tulips in the field..

Apart of the tulips, we will shoot at the Cottlesloe Beach, in the suburb of Cottlesloe which is famous for surfers, and of course the magnificent sunset of the West Australian coastline. Enjoy a glass of beer in the pub by the beach and watching the surfers breaking the waves!

Of course we are not forgetting the old port city of Fremantle, approximately 20 kms down stream of Perth. Fremantle is the home of the spectacular Western Australia Maritime Museum, Fremantle Prison, The Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, the famous Kallis Brother’s Fish & Chips and the famous Cappucino Strip. Sitting on the edge of the Indian Ocean, you will witness very nice old victorian buildings which provide perfect backdrop for the wedding images.

“Spring in Perth” wedding photography package is available from the 3rd till the 8th October 2007. Pre-Wedding Outdoor Shoot is package at RM 6500.00, which will include Professional Bound Album and large portrait and DVD photo montage slideshow. Make up and hair styling for Brides are from AU$ 180 onwards. Enjoy the photography session and at the same time tour the magnificent city of Perth at her best - Spring, average max. temperature 17 degrees celcius, average minimum of 9 degrees Celcius and make this trip “the trip of a lifetime”

the ‘Sakura’ tree..

the lighthouse at South Mole in Fremantle, its a famous fishing location…

along the jetty in Mounts Bay Road..

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Mark booked me over the phone from Kuala Lumpur, I had 2 weddings on that saturday… The timing worked out pretty well. The 1st wedding which was Mark and Kara’s - starts from the morning till evening at around 5pm and the second wedding starts at around 6.30pm. The good thing was both weddings were held at the same venue, Hilton Kuching.

Mark and Kara’s wedding coordinator and decorator, Spiral Eventz did a very good job in decorating the entire Hilton’s Grand Ballroom. Among the guests were The Chief Minister of Sarawak, and most of the cabinet ministers. They had a fun afternoon, with Alex Wong - STM; singletrackmind performed a few songs.. Alex is Mark’s youngest uncle…

Was feeling very tired the next day but it was good. Spent time with my family in the morning and managed to go through some of the photos late afternoon. Here’s some of the images to share! Congratulations to Mark and Kara!

Morning sun…I always love morning sun..

Beautiful Bride’s maid, Vanessa..

The red CHANEL umbrella…

The beautiful bride, Kara..

Happy and proud dad YB Richard Wong, with Grandpa Datuk Amar James Wong and Grandma at the background..

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Winnie and Paul are both specialist doctors. They walked into my studio one and a half years ago and booked us. The wedding was held at their residence. It was a cool morning, the morning sun contributed to the superb bridal preparations shot for Winnie. The wedding was held on the 7 July 07. (nice numbers, 777 hey!) What I like most the the spectacular views overlooking the lake and the swimming pool.. Every wedding is unique! Here’s some images to share with you all..

I noticed that the bride was looking at me after the make up, and with such a co-incident, the painting hanging on the wall was in a similar pose. I thought to myself, this is the moment I shouldn’t miss!

The Venue for the Wedding Ceremony..

The traditional calender caught my attention..

The bridal gown from us, imported from the US.

The beautiful fingers that create the music.

The cute poster on the reception area..

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Adeline and Lester booked me from New Zealand. A lot of coordinations via emails and phone calls. They both live in Christchurch, New Zealand.

I like them, very polite and humble. Here’s to all her friends and of course the couples, some shots from your wedding to share with you all

Adeline’s make up and hair were done by our Senior Make up artist, Carol.

Here’s arriving at the Church. My favourite shot, as it captured her expression well.

Ready for the Wedding Ceremony…

Another shot that I love..

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I am back from a family dinner at The Banquet, thought of trying it out as heard from friends that is good. Dinner was great!

I have somehow gathered my thoughts on what to write about my last weekend - Circle of Amour, wedding fair in Kuching. I have met with lot of interesting people there, needless to say it was a successful fair! I met with lots of my clients, friends and photographers who appreciate my work. Thank you, thank you. I am humbled by your presence! I organised a bridal show on the 2nd evening, which was a saturday and the whole show turned out to be a success! Thank you to all the models, Shirley and your team! Well done! The comments I got, was the GOWNS from Alvin Leong were beautiful, and the models were gorgeous!! I promise I will post some images here.. I will wait till my staff photographer edited it.

I met Kid, of Kid Chan Studio. We had a few night outings at The Junk Bar, a private bar for friends only and dinner at Bla Bla Bla restaurant. We talked a lot about our days in Perth. Argh! I miss Perth a lot!! Kid is a GREAT family man who really treasures what he has, he loves his family a lot! I can tell from the way he talks.. as the subject of families keep popping out! Well, it takes a family man to understand another family man!! haha! We also talk about our common friends in Perth! The gorgeous Thai twins, Mini and Maxi. I knew Mini and Maxi from Perth way back in 1991, they were in high school then somehow we lost contact. Somehow, we have a lot in common to talk about and I find him to be a great guy who love what he does! Brought Kid for Laksa and send him to the airport.. Our encounter gave me lots to reflect.

we were talking about some slideshow in my mac - photo courtesy of Michael Liew

I know that I have made a new friend! Hey, Kid, I treasure all my friends including you!

Besides Kid, I was introduced to a beautiful law student, Samantha Poh and a star musician Ben by Alwyn, a movie producer. Alwyn Tay is a great man who can never sit still. He has this superb character who feels that nothing is impossible. I like him! Ben is a star musician according to Alwyn, he is very talented. I have yet to see him perform. Samantha Poh, a law student, who is very eager to create history for herself. I am very confident that one day she will! We had dinner together in Bla bla bla, a nice cosy Chinese Restaurant owned by George, also my friend.

In the fair I met with a few photographers whom I have never met before. Fong Wui Syn (aka Buaya from SPAS) and Fishhook. Great guys! The rest of them, I know you guys, Chen Chin Chze, Chua Wee Boo, John Lai, Clement Leong, Mike Liew, Caesar, Ah Hui, Ping etc etc.. You know guys, as long as you love photography, man, we have something in common! Keep in up!

Also thank you to my personal friend, Bjarne Wong, Movie Director for ‘Possessed’ to came and visit us in the booth, (just saw him in telly ‘live’ from Penang receiving a film award, moments ago). Zarina Abdullah, Movie Producer and Director and her sister, Ummi Khaltoum Abdullah, Executive Producer, its nice seeing you all again after your sister’s wedding. I enjoyed the chat about the good old days in Western Australia.

Thank you Irene Law, Jimmy Chin, Irene’s sister, Allen, Norman and all my clients, you know who you are for visiting me at my booth. You guys are excellent! I know Irene and Jimmy have covered about the Wedding Fair, Circle of Amour in their blog, way faster than I do. Hey, I am not a writer, I am a photographer. Thank you guys!

Being a wedding photographer is a very demanding job. I have set an extremely high expectation on myself for the quality of images I produced. Somehow I just love my career as a professional wedding photographer - It took us to great height, we have witness the most beautiful wedding ever, the most touching one ever, and the sweetest one ever. The feeling of love that at times, when we experienced all those wonderful moments, we wished our loves ones were there with us to experience it too! I felt in love with my career again and again and again and again!!!

Its always a journey!

Will post some photos soon! I just learn on how to post images.. yahoooo! Very ’sua ku’ right? haha..

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Hi Everyone, I started writing my own blog last year, then due to the amount of spams I received daily, I decided to stop until i realise that I have been silence for almost a year. I will record my life story as a wedding photographer, and anything interesting that I wanna share with my readers. Well today, its been a busy day.. came back and had an interview with See Hua Daily News, feature writer, Jerneh Hong. We chatted for almost 2 hours! The topic we covered were mainly about photography and how I got started. What is passion all about! haha Jerneh, it has been fun to work with you, we laughed a lot during our interview. After the interview, I had to interview 2 persons in my studio office. The post, Assistant Photographer and Graphic Artist. Oh yes, thank you to Hii Kheng Joung, the reporter from See Hua Daily News for the phone interview!

I will cover more about the wedding fair, Circle of Amour in my next post. Watch out for the photos too!

Tomorrow will be a long day with 2 different weddings, somehow, the timing work out nicely for me. I have one in the morning, a ceremony and a lunch reception Hilton, and a Wedding Dinner Ceremony plus Reception in the evening for a different couple, also in the Hilton. Congratulations to Mark Wong and Kara Reese Michell and to Christina and Ian Radziejewski! Will post some photos to share soon! Time for ZZZZZZzzz!

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