When I received an email from Eileen saying that her and Jason wanted to hire me as their wedding photographer in Singapore, I was beyond excited. I was elated. I may or may not have done a happy dance. In my apartment. By myself. Complete with screaming that could rival any 15 year old Justin Beiber fan. I had been to Asia once before and really loved, so the thought of returning to shoot a wedding? Dream.come.true.

Jason and Eileen’s wedding at the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore was a ton of fun for Adam and I because it was so different from what we are used to. For starters, we began at 5:30AM at the home of Eileen’s parents where she prepped herself for Jason’s arrival. After that there were two traditional tea ceremonies, followed by an afternoon nap, and then everyone reuniting in the evening for dinner. Pretty sure a nap on your wedding day was the best tradition ever invented.

Meet Jason and Eileen…

Eileen wore Jason’s grandmothers wedding shoes as a tribute to their Chinese heritage. Eileen’s dress was custom designed for her by a local seamstress.It is tradition in Singapore for the mother and father of the bride to veil their daughter. The veil must then remain untouched until Jason lifts it. When Jason arrived at the home of Eileen’s parents, he had to go through the steps of “storming the gate”. Often time this includes some fun games, but they decided to keep it simple…As part of “storming the gate”, Jason had to hand over an “ang pao” to Eileen’s maid of honor. She opens the ang pao to see how much money was in it and if she didn’t feel it was enough, she asked him for another. Only until she decided he offered up enough money was he able to come through the gate. Unveiling the bride and helping her put her shoes on.After the unveiling, Jason took Eileen to his parent sot begin the first Chinese Tea Ceremony.. Upon driving away it is tradition for the bride to throw her fan out the window, symbolizing that she is leaving her bad temper behind her. Paying honor to their ancestorsPreparing the tea and the ang pao’s that will be given to Jason and Eileen.Jason and Eileen started by serving tea to his parents, followed by the grandparents and all other friends and family present. After they were finished at the home of Jason’s parents, Jason and Eileen went back to her home.Eileen uncles Pat and Jim who are…ready for this…from Connecticut!!Eileen had two dresses for her wedding day, both of which were custom designed for her.We began their portrait session inside the Fullerton hotel, atop the indoor garden terrace that overlooks the lobby area.The pool at the Fullerton hotel provided a beautiful backdrop for their wedding photos.Despite being really sick from the food we ate in Malaysia, Adam was totally on his A-game for these portraits! The gardens at the Fullerton Hotel were really beautiful and gave us a spectacular view of Marina Bay Sands and other parts of Singapore.Eileen wanted to get a few night shots outside of the Fullerton Hotel but the only place to go and get the hotel in the shot was right in the middle of the road, so we kept running back and forth in between red and green lights.The ballroom at the Fullerton hotel was decorated beautifully.

Eileen and Jason, thanks SO MUCH for allowing us to capture your special day! We can’t wait to come back and visit you both!