Royston Tan’s short film, 50 First Kisses, featured couples, siblings and friends returning to places where they had their pictures taken years ago. Some of the places have disappeared due to development, while other venues have remained but in different states. Here are some places I think will still be around within the next two decades; couples can have their wedding portraits taken there now, and return years later to shoot another commemorative portrait to celebrate their anniversary.
Photo: Victoria Concert Hall’s website
The National Art Gallery & Victoria Concert Hall
These venues have just just opened so they will definitely be around for many years more to come! I love that the main structure and design of these buildings have been retained, with modern upgrades and additions – none of the building’s elegant Old World charm is lost. Makes for a beautiful and grand backdrop for your pictures.
Queen Elizabeth Walk
This stretch has also just reopened after months of upgrading and I love the fact that they kept most of the old barriers, structures and majestic trees intact. What’s different now from decades ago is the view of Marina Bay Sands and the constantly evolving skyline of the Business District. This place was actually featured in the video clip. Check out the new “cascading” platforms that reach the waterline – great for wedding portraits!
Photos: Fullerton Hotel, Raffles Hotel and Goodwood Park Hotel‘s websites
Raffles Hotel, Goodwood Park Hotel and The Fullerton Hotel
These grand buildings are conservation buildings that will be around for a long time to come.
Photo: www.yoursingapore.com
Singapore Botanic Gardens and Fort Canning Park
Just declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Botanic Gardens is truly Singapore’s pride and joy, and has long been a popular venue for bridal photography. It will definitely continue to do be one for many years more! Fort Canning Park boasts lush, scenic natural spots for picture taking, and colonial buildings and structures there are also popular with brides.
Bridges of Singapore
These iconic bridges are marvellous for wedding portraits and there’s one for every theme/concept. If you like something modern, take your snaps at the sculptural Helix Bridge near Marina Bay Sands, the Alkaff Bridge with it’s artistic murals, or the Henderson Waves Bridge; For something with an old-world charm, the centuries old Cavenagh Bridge and Anderson Bridge at the city centre are stunning structures.
CHIJMES Hall and the Armenian Apostolic Church of St. Gregory
Probably one of the most popular places for bridal photography, both the interiors and exterior of the beautiful Chijmes building exude a gothic romance for bridal pictures. An equally gorgeous place with a gothic feel is the Armenian Apostolic Church of St. Gregory, which has been gazetted as a national monument, with its pristine white facade that’s built in a British neoclassical style.
Chinese and Japanese Gardens
From majestic stone lions to a magnificent stone bridge, tranquil ponds and the icon twin pagodas, the Chinese Gardens situated in Jurong is modelled after architecture and landscapes found during the Song dynasty in China. Next to it, the Japanese Garden is a remake of gardens found in Japan in the middle ages – perfect for couples seeking oriental-themed pre-wedding portraits.
*The twin pagodas are undergoing renovation and are slated to be opened by the end of 2015 while most of the gardens’ renovations will be completed by March 2016.
Reservoirs of Singapore
Some of our favourite destinations for pre-wedding photos include the catchments areas in Singapore, like the Lower Peirce Reservoir. Its scenic backdrop of shimmering waters, lush greenery and a spectacular sunset makes it a popular photography location. Other noteworthy locations to try are the Lower Seletar Reservoir, the Macritchie Reservoir and the Punggol Reservoir (Punggol Waterway).
Gardens By The Bay
There are tons of locations within the Gardens for endless photo moments, from the futuristic Supertrees to the lush Flower Dome which houses a wide array of flora. From the Bay East Garden, you can also get an amazing view of the Singapore skyline.