HDB pre-wedding shoot! This Singapore couple keeps it real with their bridal portraits

Her World Brides' pre-wedding shoot series! Look to these wedding portrait ideas from other couples and be inspired.

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When Wu Jie Zhen and Jared Kong were looking through some of the old photographs  of Jie Zhen’s family home, that generations of her family had grown up and resided in, the couple got inspired to have their pre-wedding shoot taken at their newly-purchased resale HDB flat.

“It was such a precious experience recognising aspects of the house that remained the same over the many years, and appreciating what had changed, but also capturing this moment in time of embarking on a new chapter of life together.

We realised how symbolic it was to capture this new beginning of marriage and moving into our new home, and we thought it might be good to document this exciting time in our lives”, shares Jie Zhen.

  

Images by: The Beautiful Moment Photography



1) What was the process leading up to securing your photographer?

1/9

"Initially, we hadn't really planned to do a pre-wedding shoot. The idea behind the photoshoot actually started with wanting to capture the completion of our new home.

Having just bought a resale HDB flat, Jared and I had actually thought about taking a few pictures in our new home once it was ready.

We had previously been in contact with Joshua from The Beautiful Moment Photography (who had been the photographer for some of our friends' pre-wedding and wedding shoots) and we really liked his work."

1) What was the process leading up to securing your photographer?

2/9

"After meeting for coffee one day in the neighbourhood and showing Joshua our flat (which had its walls freshly hacked), we decided that it would actually be really special to capture the rawness of the flat and of us and our new neighbourhood.  

It was then that we decided that he was our guy.  

We realised how symbolic it was to capture this new beginning of marriage and moving into our new home, and we thought it might be good to document this exciting time in our lives."

2) In what ways does your shoot represent your personalities and relationship?

3/9

"Marriage isn’t always perfect. It’s raw and real and it's about tearing down old walls we no longer need and about building a home together in our hearts.

We thought it'd be a perfect representation of us at this stage in our lives. So we did it all natural too - no makeup, just us in our every day clothes, in the rawness of our new home, building something beautiful together."

3) Share with us your experience of being in front of the camera.

4/9

"We split the shoot into two parts. We would take some pictures of the place before it's all renovated and done up, and some pictures after we've actually moved in.

The "Before" shoot took approximately an hour and went by really seamlessly. With the benefit of Joshua's excellent direction and knowledge of lighting we were able to get a range of shots."

3) Share with us your experience of being in front of the camera.

5/9

"When he is behind the camera, Joshua has the ability to make you feel like you're not having your picture taken – he’s able to ask the right questions to evoke the authenticity in each shot.

We thoroughly enjoyed the photoshoot experience and look forward to having him back for our "After" photoshoot when our place is complete!"

4) Any tips on finding the right photographer?

6/9

"Go with a photographer who is able to best capture a moment, vibe or experience that you like."

 

4) Any tips on finding the right photographer?

7/9

"Often their work really speak for themselves but it's always a good idea to meet the photographer in person to ensure that everyone's on the same page and wavelength."

5) Lastly, any words of advice for other brides-to-be?

8/9

"In terms of makeup and outfits, have a conversation with your partner about what kind of vibe and look you're going for.

Jared and I decided that in the theme of keeping it raw and real (like the apartment), we wanted to be our most authentic selves.

"I don't wear makeup on any given day, so I didn't do any makeup for this shoot either. We also chose outfits that we felt most comfortable in - and outfits that best represented us."

5) Lastly, any words of advice for other brides-to-be?

9/9

"Also, do what feels right for you.

If you've always wanted to wear your wedding gown in the middle of a field, do it.

If you've wanted to take pictures in your favourite pyjamas watching Netflix because that's what you and your partner love doing together, do it.

Because these pictures truly capture this pivotal moment in your life - so do what you've always wanted to do and what feels right for you!"

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