Last sunday, I had the pleasure of doing a quick prewedding session with Abby and Edward. We did this one in less than 2 hours because pretty Abby had to work! ahaha...  ♥ (VIEW ALBUM)	A series of unfortunate events, that's how I would call it to start the story going during the last engagement session I did. A series of unfortunate events that led to something... well beautiful. ( VIEW ALBUM)
I am always grateful for clients who you can easily be friends with, I believe that is the case with Don and Ivy. Aside from the fact that they are in love and blissfully happy with each other... . ♥ (VIEW ALBUM)	I love hearing stories from the couples during our shoot. How they met, how they fell in love... so I was floored when Chinwen shared that this two piece ensemble was what her mom wore during her own wedding 28 years ago. ( VIEW ALBUM)

 

Of Bali and Fatherhood

    Recently, I spent 2 weeks of wonderful days in Bali. All I had was a small luggage, my camera and heart set to enjoy the island with no plans and clear direction of where to go and what to do. All I wanted was to get away for a few days just by myself.

     I guess the only plan I had, if one could call it that, is to find myself in a beach somewhere at sunset. And just take photos. Lots and lots of photos. But the universe had something else far more beautiful planned for me on this short trip. I ended up meeting wonderful people turned friends, hearing stories that opened my eyes, and I breathe in beauty beyond what a regular tourist would see. This short journey not only cleared my mind, but cleared my heart. And yes, the longer I stayed, I keep on forgetting to bring my camera with me hahaha, because all one would really need to enjoy the day is a healthy doze of sunscreen.

What was supposed to be only a few days holiday for me turned into two weeks of laughter filled and relaxing adventure with fellow sole travellers. Sometimes when you are having too much fun,  it's but natural to rebook a flight at 5:30 am or extend another night stay in the hostel even if you've packed your bags already and on your way to your next stop. Initial plans for the day change over breakfast because something inside you wants you to stay a little bit longer.

You know how it is. Sometimes you feel that you can not hear yourself think but there are days too the voice is so loud and clear that there is really no point but to cave in.

I am most grateful especially for three new awesome friends I've met who made my days in Bali really special. And also for having a friend who would fly all the way to there to pass to me spare camera batteries because I'm an idiot who forgot to pack one. Good company spent beyond the beautiful beaches of Bali, enjoying good food in the middle of rice paddies (which is in the middle of nowhere), and capping the night with cold Bintang while soaking at the pool and star gazing on endless night sky. 

@photo:

Going beyond the tourist.

I was walking along the beach around sunset and I saw this father and daughter who were playing around by the shore. And for someone who is a self-confessed Papa's girl, I was practically rooted on the spot and took a few snaps of them. As much as I can, I always try to ask for permission before taking photos of strangers, especially of children. I looked at the father and smiled, and somehow conveyed to him with a smile and a gesture of my camera, if he would allow me to share this wonderful time he is having with his daughter. He smiled back and I took a couple shots, and these two are my favorites.

They were playing along the shore oblivious to the amazing sunset behind them. The little girl was soaked and you could tell she had a very happy day and, like me, her father is her hero right then.

I thanked them and the little girl waved goodbye to me, and as I slowly walked away I could hear her happily squealing behind me.

And this made me miss my papa, and promised to give him the tightest hug the next time i visit home.

more photos coming up. But for now,  just these two. :)

love,

Dee

{family} Eliana Kayleene, Lany and Ken

Loved you once, Love you still. 

Always have, always will.

     It was a quick but beautiful afternoon spent with Lany and Ken and baby Eliana Kayleene.. or lovingly called "Yana" by her papa and mama. She is such a joy to photograph I'm telling you. There were no tears, no crying... Baby Yana was all smiles , laughter and cuteness overload. Sugar Crush got nothing on her.

    I was actually worried at first because it was raining so hard the whole afternoon. And you know how I don't risk bad weather shoots when it comes to babies, right?  But the family was already on their way, so me and Lany were exchanging messages how we are both praying that the rain would let up and we can have even an hour or so of sunshine. We can not postpone it anymore because they will be flying out of Singapore in a few days and they needed the photos for Baby Yana's first birthday.

   I started walking around the garden while waiting for them, mentally taking notes of spots and corners which we can use. It was still drizzling then and I looked so unglammed (ahahah) with my handy Sarong over my head, because yeah I have a Sarong on my camera bag but no umbrella. Go figure. lol.

    The moment the whole family arrived... and I mean WHOLE family... Ken, Lany, Yana.. plus the 2 of Lany's sisters, her mom and her dad, all bringing props and bags and whatnots. It was heartwarming. And that warmth that this lovely family brought along that day, called out the sun and made the rain stop. Nothing like a mama's love to make mother nature stand still. The garden looked so fresh and vibrant after the rain, and the light... oh my, it was equally fresh and the colors was just as lovely.

Enjoy the photos my loves, and if you are with your family right now. Give them a hug for me.

always love,
Dee