Why Korean pre-wedding photography is taking off (and what’s the hype about)

Yes, you don’t have to fly out of SG for these ethereal Korean-inspired pre-wedding photoshoots. For something that looks right out of a K-drama set, head over to Korea Artiz Studio, one of the world’s leading Korean-style pre-wedding studios.

Founded in Busan, South Korea in 2008, Korea Artiz Studio has 45 locations globally. Its Singapore studio is located at Carlton Hotel (76 Bras Basah Road), and has been frequented by noteworthy celebs and influencers.

They include actor James Seah and his wife Nicole Chang Min, YouTuber Jian Hao and his wife Debbie, as well as influencers Naomi Neo, Jade Rasif, Joanna Lim and Denise Soong.

Good to know: The studio’s handpicked photographers (also known as seonsaengnim, which means “teacher” in Korean) have at least 15 years of industry experience under their belt, so you can count on them to capture the most precious moments and details.

What to expect at a photoshoot with Korea Artiz Studio

Brides spend months and years waiting to wear that perfect dress. At Korea Artiz Studio, you can browse gowns from coveted Korean labels like Grace Kelly Korea.

Prior to the shoot, you would be asked to go for a fitting where you will be showered with attention and styling tips on what flatters and works for your unique shape, so you can look and feel sublime on set. Aside from enchanting wedding dresses, the studio also carries a wide selection of bespoke suits and tuxedos from popular label Top Zio Korea.

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that traditions are meant to be broken. 2021’s wedding fashion is very much focused on personal style and versatility. In fact, more brides are ditching big white gowns for non-conventional options.

Case in point: Korea Artiz Studio has partnered with one of the Four Dan actresses, Yang Zi (Andy Yang) as a celebrity designer to create three unique pieces for its “The Queen” collection.

Gold ball gown

Much like the roaring ’20s (an aftermath of the Great Depression), in 2021, we’re all eager to let our hair down and have fun – once it’s safe to do so. This has translated into a rise in the popularity of ’20s-style opulent wedding dresses with beautiful embroidery and sparkles. This delicate jacquard and lace head-turner from Korea Artiz Studio features an ornate gold-embroidered tail and hand-stitched sequin details.

Blue off-shoulder evening satin dress

The off-shoulder silhouette that was popular five years ago has made a comeback with a modern twist, and we will continue to see its resurgence in the months ahead. The navy off-shoulder satin bodice and tulle skirt that flows into an A-line silhouette with train detail makes for a grand, romantic look.

Yellow empire wrap gown

If you are going for colour, this satin wrap gown in Pantone’s hue of the year, brilliant yellow, will be right up your alley. Its plunging V-neckline is show-stopping, and will look stunning in photos.

In short, you can have fun and experiment with fashion, even for moments as epic as your pre-wedding shoot.

The Korean makeup artists and hair stylists at Korea Artiz Studio work closely together to visualise your entire look, with a keen focus on enhancing your natural beauty. For picture-perfect skin, they place a strong emphasis on creating a healthy canvas for the bride’s skin through the application of La Mer’s luxury moisturiser.

Whether you decide to go for dewy skin, luscious lashes, a dramatic winged eye, cute vibrant cheek colour, or all the above, we know you’re going to be gorgeous. Here are some wedding hair and makeup ideas – created by the experts at Artiz – that you can ask for at your wedding shoot.

Bonus: The Korean photographers, makeup artists and hair stylists are trained to be trilingual, so they can converse fluently in Korean, English and Chinese.

Bronzed lids, bold lips

Romantic coral lipstick married with defined eyes and gorgeous glow creates such a ravishing look for this bride-to-be.

Warm caramel tones

This is the perfect, elevated Korean no-makeup, makeup look. Your makeup artist will use the same colour palette across your lids, cheeks and lips, to subtly enhance your features. When the rest of your makeup is kept neutral, you can amp up the glow! Ask for a super shimmery highlight to get the chok chok (luminous) skin of your dreams.

Korean bridal hairstyles

Nothing takes our breath away like a glowing bride beaming on her special day. That’s why it is so important to add that finishing touch – the perfect wedding hairstyle. Thankfully, the stylists at Artiz are fully equipped to create the prettiest hairstyles for your photoshoot. These styles run the gamut from timeless ponytails, to classic half-up, hair down styles to windswept boho updos with falling tendrils.

Going for a photoshoot at Korea Artiz Studio is reminiscent of stepping into a Korean drama set. With more than 25 exquisite designer-landscaped backdrops to choose from, the only issue is deciding which ones to go for.

With overseas travel out of the picture (pun fully intended) for now, a Korean pre-wedding photoshoot will not only make your wedding album a unique one, but also create keepsakes of your K-drama pilgrimage that you can always look back on.

Whether you are looking for something flashy and glamorous like a scene out of Hotel Del Luna, or drawing inspiration from the romantic nature scenes in Goblin, it can all be recreated at Singapore’s largest indoor pre-wedding studio at Bras Basah.

ICYDK: There are many advantages for doing pre-wedding shoots indoors. In a comfortable and controlled environment like at Korea Artiz Studio, there’s no need to battle the elements – be it rain, muddy terrain or the typical makeup-melting heat and humidity in Singapore. Of course, fewer worries means less stress, and that’s key to a pleasant and enjoyable shoot.

When indoors, another major component of photography – lighting – is under control as well. This means you can 100 per cent achieve the look you expect, whether it’s bright and natural-looking light or a warm-tone setting.

Of course, there’s something about being alone with your oppa (significant other) in an enclosed space that makes the experience all the more personal.

Now that you’ve found the perfect photo studio, it’s time to get some ideas for your session.

Pre-wedding photoshoot ideas

Prolonged lockdowns combined with stringent safety measures have led to a rise in more authentic and intimate photography. Truly a sign of the times, couples are opting for backdrops that mimic homes, streets and backyards.

Involving different types of lights and playing with depth and composition, this dreamy style of photography adds grandeur, magic and fun.

The absence of colour enhances the focus on emotions. This explains why the monochrome effect is a mainstay in pre-wedding photography.

Pre-wedding photographs that capture a real, raw moment in time are what makes hearts flutter. No contrived or out-of-character poses here. And you can count on Artiz’s celebrity photographers to bring out spontaneous and positive emotions during the shoot. To us, that’s priceless.

Korea Artiz Studio is located at #01-02 Carlton Hotel, 76 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189558.

For more info, check out their website www.artizstudio.sg and Instagram page @artizstudio.sg.