Phoenix and Michael
Another week, another opportunity to capture a joyful occasion. This time, Phoenix and Michael were looking for wedding photography in Hong Kong and chose me to capture their special day.
I am often asked if wedding day photography starts feeling dull after you’ve done it a couple of times, and I always say that is an impossibility. There’s always something unique and exciting about every event, and the chance to be a part of someone’s happiness is gratifying every time.
Superstar bride
The first time I saw Phoenix smile, I knew she would need no guidance on posing. All she would need to do is flash her sweet smile, and we would have a great photo! Not to take away from Michael, who has a charming smile, too, but I must admit that the bride’s delicate beauty and relaxed body language shone through every photo, conveying her emotions perfectly on her big day.
Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel
The award-winning five-star Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel hosted the wedding banquet. Offering spectacular views of Victoria Habor and the city’s skyline, Kowloon Shangri-La has a luxurious, inviting, and romantic ambience. My job as a Hong Kong wedding photographer requires me to quickly adapt to any indoor or outdoor space. I was impressed with Kowloon Shangri-La and found my comfort zone instantly.
Getting ready
Phoenix was a lovely bride in the traditional hung Kwa. You can see her flashing her dazzling grin in each photo. Phoenix was overcome with emotion after she was ready and moments away from becoming a wife to the man she loved. She smiled through her tears and remained poised before meeting her near and dear ones.
Traditional Ceremony
Phoenix and Michael followed the traditional Chinese wedding ceremony, which is marked by an exchange of rings and the ritual of the groom picking his bride up and travelling to their reception together. Close family attends the ceremony, while other guests attend the later banquet.
I got a few photos of the wedding chaperone holding a red umbrella over the bride. When the bride bids farewell to her maternal home, her father must open a red umbrella and escort her out. Some rice is also thrown on the umbrella.
According to ancient legend, a mythical bird will attack a bride upon seeing her in a red wedding dress. The umbrella shields the bride so it cannot see her, and the rice distracts the bird, which pecks on the grains and leaves the bride alone! The chaperone takes over umbrella duties once the bride arrives at the groom’s house.
Loving moments between bride and groom
Phoenix received a rousing welcome at her wedding ceremony, with Michael helping her out of the car and leading her to claps and cheers from close family and friends. The ceremony had severe and humorous moments, enveloped by delight, joy, and much love. Michael carried Phoenix in his arms while their respective parents showered their affections on the couple and allowed me many opportunities to capture a variety of snaps.
Bridesmaids and groomsmen
Phoenix spent a few moments in the company of her best friends, all looking lovely in sage-coloured gowns. They had the balloons ready and surrounded Phoenix, hugging her, and sharing her happiness. I am permanently moved by the bond between the bride and her bridesmaids. The bridal party is often an intimate part of the pre-ceremony planning, keeping the bride sane during the emotional rollercoaster of organizing the details of her wedding.
Michael’s groomsmen were also enthusiastic—they were excited for their guy to enter matrimony. I stood at a safe distance to capture their camaraderie. If you look at the photos, you will notice how animated the couple’s friends are.
As the best Hong Kong wedding photographers say, the most engaging photos are those where the subjects are genuinely having fun or disclosing their emotions. There was enough joy to last a whole roll of photos, but my job was to capture the most poignant interactions.
Exquisite wedding bracelets
Phoenix looked resplendent in her red and yellow hung Kwa, but as anyone in the room will attest, her bracelets grabbed her eyeballs. Substantial in girth and intricate in design, Michael's parents inspected and admired the bracelets. I made sure to highlight the stunning jewellery work in a few photos. Phoenix's bracelets will inspire you if you want to custom-order wedding jewellery.
The banquet
Wedding day photography requirements vary from client to client. Some want to emphasise the traditional wedding ceremony and customs, some want to focus on the reception banquet, and others prefer an even split.
Phoenix and Michael had two impressive ceremonies. They were interested in candid moments and portraits from the traditional ceremony and opted for pre-banquet wedding portrait sessions and fewer snaps of the actual ceremony.
Cost is also a factor in planning your wedding day photography. I accommodate diverse types of requests at a reasonable price. Contact me today if you’re looking for Hong Kong wedding photographers who charge fair prices and promise top quality.
Wedding portrait photoshoots
I love shooting wedding portraits because they allow me to interact one-on-one with my subjects, and there are always some interesting interactions. Some clients and their loved ones are pros at posing and naturally in front of the camera. Others need a bit of direction, and once they settle in, getting great snaps is much easier.
Phoenix’s dad posed confidently, looking like a man proud of his daughter and her choices. Michael’s dad posed up a storm, looking aristocratic and dapper in his suit. Phoenix struck a few shy poses as a happy, bashful bride, her smile radiating through her eyes. She looked incredible in her white wedding gown and minimal accessories, perfectly showing her dewy, natural beauty.
Michael smoldered in front of the camera, pretending it was a GQ photoshoot of the luckiest groom ever! As always, the bride and groom looked ethereal when they came together, lost in each other’s eyes, wrapping their arms around each other with her opulent rings in complete focus and kissing against the harbor backdrop.
Like what you see?
I, Daniel Tam, hope to be your wedding photographer and freeze beautiful moments from your special day, to which you, yours, and future generations can keep returning. Here is a quick 30-second slideshow of Phoenix and Michael’s wedding day. If you like my style, please let me know.