"Aren't you somethin' to admire?
Cause your shine is somethin' like a mirror
And I can't help but notice you reflect in this heart of mine"

Esther was my little sister's primary/secondary school classmate. She has a giant heart for people, and a beautiful singing voice. (She was also my wedding singer!) Meeting Glenn, I can't help but notice that he complements her. Where she's easygoing, he is meticulous. Where she's a bit loud, he is a slightly more serious. He is their chief wedding planner. I enjoyed the morning hanging out with them, catching up, reminiscing, and getting to know Glenn... anybody who shares my annoyance at the usage of 'revert' is AWESOME in my books. Cannot wait to celebrate with you both in October.

laugh together, stay together
- #jkandpb
@trapyourass

I photographed their intimate and super sweet April Fool's Day wedding (they really signed on the dotted line #notajoke); their joint instagram handle is @trapyourass.

What not to love about easily one of my favourite-ist clients.

So when they asked for a post-wedding portrait session, I knew it was going to be awesome fun. And I was not disappointed! He told me 'no cheesy shots please', she laughed. That set the tone for the entire session. Adventurous, funny, with a huge love for coffee and each other, Feebs + Jase, marriage definitely looks good on you! You've also convinced me that #postweddingportraits are the best.  

'I can conquer the world, with just one hand... as long as you are holding the other.'

I first met John and Chu at Kim and Jase's wedding at Abbotsford Convent in 2012. Chu is Kim's younger sister. The one thing that immediately attracted me to her was her beautiful ready smile. John and Chu are people that you naturally would want to be friends with. Within minutes of meeting them, they can put you completely at ease, and make you feel as if you've been friends for a very long time.

When I learned they got engaged early this year, I was so very elated as they are both such amazing people with big hearts. They also make a very gorgeous couple! These images captured in The Substation (where they are getting married), the University of Melbourne (where they both studied), and around the city tells their story.

They also have a very cute story on how they met.

Even though they had a lot of mutual friends, John and Chu have never met. That was until Chu's 18th birthday party.

John: Most of my friends were attending a birthday party and were talking about it. Someone asked me if I was going, I said no. I wasn’t invited and I didn’t know who’s party it was. My friend thought it would be fun if I attended, to hang out and he assured me the birthday girl would be more than happy to have me there. Chu and I ended up chatting on MSN and she was happy with me coming to her party, as long as I said hi to her on the night. 

So I tried to find her that night, to say hi. But she wasn’t anywhere to be found. I sat down some time after, and noticed the cutest girl with the most beautiful smile. My friend turned to me and saw me looking at her and said, "Hey mate, what you looking at, that’s Chu, lets go." We both went over and I awkwardly said Hi. That’s my first memory of meeting Chu.

Thank you for being such good sports and for your warm hospitality. Brunch was so awesome! So much love for the both of you.

I will be in Melbourne again (Nov 21 to Nov 24). If you are interested in having portraits in Springtime Melbourne, I still have one more session available. Click for more information. 

---

on choosing each other

John
Seeing her happy gives me a feeling that I always want to have. She makes me feel special and loved. She is kind and generous.

Chu
We are on the same wavelength and have similar values. We complement each other with our strengths. He's motivated and this motivates/supports me. It's also a bonus that he can cook and clean. ;)

It doesn't matter that you are not here in person
as long as you're here in my heart.
- The Little Prince
(Antoine de Saint Exupery)

Maintaining friendships are tough, especially when your life, like mine, has been a series of movements - from one country to another, one continent to the next. For someone who is really bad at keeping and staying in touch, I'm so much more grateful for friends who make the effort. 

From her quirky-cool dressing and easy laugh to her level-headedness, Kim is that special friend. You know that friend who knows what you are thinking, without needing you to verbalise it. The one you know would have your back no matter what. She is also someone who isn't afraid to call me out when needed, provide encouragement and who genuinely listens.

A vet student then, she and I would never have met, if it wasn't for Japanese class at Murdoch University. After being an animal doctor for the last couple of years, she has hung up her stethoscope, and is pursuing something she loves - illustration. She is also a Creative Director who is making clever happen.

As I enter into a crossroad in my working career, she draws from her own experience and has been giving me gentle prods and lots of things to mull over. However, whatsapp and facetime conversations can only go so far. On a spur of the moment, I decided to go on a solo trip to visit her in Melbourne.

There was lots of coffee (tea for her) and good food over even better conversations

Despite the distance, the time difference, our crazy schedules - thank you for always making time and being there.

"A daughter is a little girl who
grows up to be your best friend."

Confident, cheerful and funny, this just turned three year old was a bundle of energy and a joy to photograph. In that hour spent with her, I learned 3 very special things about her.

1. She is both daddy and mommy's little girl
She definitely has both of them wrapped around her tiny little fingers.

2. She is a little FASHIONISTA
From her stylish little hat, to her polka dot pink shoes, she is as cute as a button.

3. She is very, very, VERY cheeky
Laughing out loud, making loud kissing noises, and taking over my role as a photographer, there is never a dull moment!

A successful marriage involves falling in love many times,
always with the same person.

The girl with one of the sweetest smiles. Who would have thought the talkative little girl, whose home was an essential pitstop, during every trip to KL, would grow up to be such an accomplished young doctor.

Even though a couple of years younger than I, generationally, Ming is actually my aunt! She is the daughter of my grandma's youngest sister #ohwhatamouthful. In easier terms, she is my second cousin.

With both Ming + Jenq Uei serving in public hospitals as doctors, they held an intimate luncheon at the clubhouse, a week before their wedding banquet at a Chinese restaurant. It was an afternoon of smiles and I loved how the both of them were just so laid back, and genuinely hung out at each table, talking to their guests.

Thank you for letting me be a tiny part of your celebration. Much love to you both.