This intricate and gorgeous jewelry was a gift from Pranay’s parents to Lauren, from India

The earrings are quite heavy! Pranay’s mother provides some tips on how to keep them on

The lighting in the bridal suite is just heavenly, and of course, when I have a tall, gorgeous bride to work with, I could photograph forever!

I especially loved the elegance of her empire-style dress, it was perfect for the hot weather that day

Lauren and Pranay had their First Look and wedding portraits in the Italian garden. All the columns and greenery made me feel like I was in a completely different world!

This is the front of the Crane Estate’s mansion. It’s very grand and will make quite the impression on your guests as they drive up

Lauren and Pranay fused their Jewish and Indian backgrounds in their wedding ceremony. This is possibly one of my most favorite wedding ceremonies because it was so personalized. They stood under a handmade chuppah / mandap which various siblings and family members held, and both sets of parents gave readings

Here, Pranay is leading Lauren in the Indian wedding tradition of the seven steps

Lauren’s grandfather signing the ketubah

I present to you, the Grand Allee (the long lawn that stretched to the sea)

The cocktail and reception had some great touches

Row 1: Escort cards, Lauren’s white lily bouquet
Row 2: Centerpieces by Hamilton Gardens, a fruit, ice cream, and cake buffet for dessert (a great idea for summer!)
Row 3:  Colorful blue linen for cocktail hour outside

This little cutie is Lauren’s nephew. Needless to say many people doted on him

There was a horah. It was so energetic I think I must have gotten stepped on many times haha!

Pranay’s parents and brother also presented some lively dancing

These are Pranay’s friends who flew in from afar – London and Hong Kong – talk about dedicated friends!

The very talented Brandy Band kept the dance floor alive the entire day, they rock!

Everyone gathered together for a tunnel for send-off!

Me with the awesome couple!

Thank you Karman Lee for assisting and getting this behind-the-scenes shot =)

Vendors:

Venue – The Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA
Catering – Swartz Catering, Somerville, MA
Dress – Designer: San Patrick; Bridal shop: La Reine Bridal
Florist - Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton, MA
Music - Brandy Band
Shang Chen’s assistant: Karman Lee Photography

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This also marks the debut of my 2011 couples – Emma and Jason are my very first booked Chicago wedding, I really look forward to photographing them next fall at the Signature Room at the John Hancock Tower in downtown Chicago!

We chose the De Cordova sculpture park in Lincoln, MA for their engagement session – we wanted a place where we could have lots of fun!

I’d been lucking out with gorgeous weather for several sessions… Emma was only in town for a week so rescheduling wasn’t really an option

I really love photographing near gnarly trees

Emma and Jason epitomize what makes a great Shang Chen Photography couple – first, they’re not afraid to take a creative risk when it comes their photos. Second, they’re not afraid to be themselves and have open smiles – I love it when people show their teeth when they smile – the ones who don’t worry  me, like seriously, I am worried.
And third, they’re ridiculously, melt-your-face cute!

My original idea was to squish them into one of this sculpture’s armpits… didn’t quite work. Thanks guys for giving me a laugh!

Superman!!! My idea, don’t ask why it came to my mind. They brought the shades

I simply. cannot. wait to see you guys again, even if it will be a while!

Thank you Janike for assisting!

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(the tree in question is the one on the right)

Joanna and Ryan met at Children’s Hospital. It’s always really great to be able to capture couples in places that are very significant for them

This book is too cute

Seeing these roots make me dream of sipping strawberry lemonade on a lazy summer afternoon while barefoot

The garden truly is a hidden treasure of gorgeous flowers (on the left)

Joanna’s mother kindly drove us to the Brighton / Brookline area where Ryan used to live and Joanna and Ryan had gone on some dates

I have to make a declaration here that I am head . over . heels . in love with her amazing orange shoes

This couple does not take a bad picture!

This last photo is of a green line D train running in the back. Sometimes they would sit on the train together on the way home and Ryan would often get off first, which would make Joanna sad – this is before they started datingThank you guys for being so inspiring, from the story of how you met and began dating, to where you are today! I’m bummed I’ll be missing out on your wedding, but I know it will be absolutely awesome!

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I can’t get over how gorgeous they are together!

Happy people at weddings make me happy

My custom designed guestbook from their engagement photos was a big hit!

Kimberly has some of the * best * taste in shoes! Look at these cute Nine West pumps!

Get Down Tonight Entertainment kept the dance floor hopping as soon as people finished their food!

And here are the crazy groomsmen!

Yes, that’s a lot of dollar bills flying around

Oh my!

There was some Greek dancing too as Bill is Greek

The tent had a lot of fans set around that kept the guests cool

The castle is like a dream

I LOOOOVED their sparkler exit. It was sooooo fun!

This was Kimberly’s something old / new / borrowed / blue

Kimberly had a lot of castle related details worked into her wedding day. Very adorable and thoughtful!

Row 1: customized napkins, chandeliers hanging from the tent, bouquet detail
Row 2: Beautiful centerpiece, escort cards with castle printed, the wedding cake
Row 3: Greek sweets for dessert, castle-shaped chocolate favors

A couple behind-the-scenes photos thanks to Karman!

Kimberly and Bill, I can’t tell you how overjoyed I am for the two of you. And to the families of this couple in love, thank you so much for treating me and Karman like we were one of you guys! I really did not feel like I was working at all, but simply, enjoying a day we have all been wildly anticipating!

Vendors:

Shang’s second shooter: Karman Lee Photography
Hair and makeup: Soleil Salon and Spa in Windham, MA
Dress shop: The Bridal Secret in Quincy, MA
Rings: De Scenza Diamonds in Boston, MA
Tuxes: Madeleine’s Tuxedo in Portsmouth, NH
Florist: Flowers by Steve in Haverhill, MA
Venue: Searles Castle in Windham, NH
DJ:  Get Down Tonight Entertainment in Salem, NH
Cake: Jacques Fine European Pastries in Suncook, NH

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The ladies were pampered with pedicures, hair updos, and makeup at Soleil Salon and Spa in Windham, NH

Then got dressed at the Searles Castle

There is some serious buttoning and hooking with this gorgeous dress

So much gorgeousness, the lace in the veil, the jewelry, ah my heart! And of course, I am a big fan of the hair flower =)

We didn’t actually do a trust fall… but this photo was at the ladies’ request :D

I have to give a major shoutout to the moms of this wedding – you are all really amazing and I really admire how involved you guys are in Kimberly and Bill’s lives. You are inspiring!

Meanwhile, my second shooter Karman was with the men… watch out for the groomsmen in this wedding, they are off the wall funny!

Walking down the aisle. It’s just so classic, one of my favorite moments

The weather was super-hot that day, but the clouds came in just in time to bring some amazing shading for the ceremony

This is such a breathtaking place for a ceremony. I love lush, tree-filled backgrounds with no distractions

Working with this wedding party was so fun! They totally did not mind my crazy babble and I got to try some new ideas

This one might be my favorite!

Stay tuned for part 2!

Vendors:

Shang’s second shooter: Karman Lee Photography
Hair and makeup: Soleil Salon and Spa in Windham, MA
Dress shop: The Bridal Secret in Quincy, MA
Rings: De Scenza Diamonds in Boston, MA
Tuxes: Madeleine’s Tuxedo in Portsmouth, NH
Florist: Flowers by Steve in Haverhill, MA
Venue: Searles Castle in Windham, NH

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They will be married next month at the MIT Chapel with a reception at Hei La Moon in Boston’s Chinatown. Apparently Karen has a couple of frisbee tournaments and practices before her wedding… definitely take care of yourself and don’t get injured!

They’re silly. Having become really good friends with these two over the last year or so, I am not surprised =)

And sweet and cuddly too!

Nooommm cupcakes from Sweet! They got me a red velvet one – my favorite flavor

Don’t try this too much, you might get run over by a car

Hahaha, a couple of people have asked what they were doing here… to be honest I just told them to do whatever the arches inspired them to do. Random note, we thought this was perfect for Bryan because he looves fast food like McDonalds

A photoshoot for this couple would not be complete without including frisbee. They both play ultimate. Smite is the name of the MIT frisbee team, the shirts are too cute!

I think part of the reason why I really adore this session is how they incorporated multiple aspects of their personalities and squeezed in 2 outfit changes on top of that! Thanks Karen and Bryan for taking it all the way, I can’t wait to come back for your wedding!

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Kimberly and Bill’s wedding at the Searles Castle in Windham, NH. Facebook album here

Lauren and Pranay’s wedding at Castle Hill at the Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA. Facebook album here

Laura, Scott, and their hilarious wedding party. Their wedding was at Devens Commons Center in Devens, MA. Facebook album here

Bena and Ruoshi’s wedding at the MIT Chapel, Cambridge, MA. Facebook album here

Danielle and Peder’s wedding. This is a super-fun shot near their venue which was Le Meridien, Cambridge, MA. Facebook album here

Fresh out of the cards, this is Agya and Salil’s Indian wedding from this past weekend, which was held at the Marriott Long Wharf, Boston, MA. Facebook album here

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I do have to admit though, I get along better with dogs. I’ve gotten scratched by cats a lot and they don’t pay much attention to me =(

You could have your pet during your portrait session, like how Danielle and Peder did

Or be the center of attention! Remember Violet at Nicole and Lino’s wedding?

Or if you’re too busy, they can run around and get captured as I see them, like I did so at Laura and Scott’s wedding

Kids and pets, too fun =)

Happy Friday everyone! I’m off to photograph a two-day Indian wedding!

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Anticipation. Oh gosh, I had no idea just how MUCH anticipation goes into these shoots, now I know why all my clients walk in so nervous / excited! My original vision for my in(SCP)iration shoots was that they would CELEBRATE you, the subject, at that moment in your life, a time capsule into who you are and your fashion, style, and personality. I created this line almost as my answer to the popular “glamour shots” that come out of Asia, the ones that are over-photoshopped, over-posed, where they make our skin super-white and have their own strange wardrobe to pick from. The only time I had a photo session like that done was back in 2005, and I hated it so much because I did not look like myself – I did not feel that it was a genuine portrait. I crafted this line of photo sessions to empower you, all you have to aspire to was to be the best version of yourself. So dear readers, if you want Asian studio glamour shots – either from lifestyle photography or from wedding photography – please don’t inquire with me, I’m not that kind of photographer, and I don’t mean to alienate a large number of Asians who respond to that photography, style is personal, but you’d waste your time trying to force me to photograph like that.

As for planning for the shoot, it was tough! The dress gave me the most headache! It was way too large when I bought it and I stupidly took it to a dry cleaner to get altered. She messed it up. This weekend I finally found some time ad frantically ran out to Even, who specializes in bridal alterations, out in Newton (thanks Samantha for the rec!). She turned the dress around quickly and though I did pay a steep price, at least it now fits perfectly. Then came the shoes. I have a personal appreciation for beautiful and daring shoes but actually most of the shoes I own are rather plain and tattered. So I bought these fabulous pink shoes off of Zappos, but had to try twice because the first pair was too small.

I originally wanted to go out deep into the suburbs for this shoot because I found some amazing spots, but we knew with the state of traffic here it was not going to be a possibility.  It was certainly a bummer not to go to my #1 location, but we made #2 work. In retrospect that was also a great lesson – that one needs to be flexible and reasonable.

The makeup! Wow, I can’t stop singing the praises of Danielle. She has so much experience and really is an artist. She came to apply my makeup at 1PM, I didn’t have the shoot until 6PM, and the makeup did not smudge at all nor did any lashes fall out! She worked to enhance my Asian eyes, and I know a lot of Asians fear that American makeup artists won’t understand how to make our eyes look bigger (key: Little to NO eyeliner on the bottom lid!) She works so fast, she is punctual and made me feel completely fabulous, and she is so reasonably priced. Ladies, if you’re not used to wearing a lot of makeup like I am, the first time you see yourself in the mirror, you may think, “it looks too much!” Trust me, it won’t photograph that heavily. Also, my skin broke out soooo much this week from all the stress, and I’m just so glad I had a professional take care of concealing it. And of course, for the one large pimple that I had an issue with, there is always the Spot Healing Brush Tool in Photoshop ;) In the end after reviewing the photos I knew that the makeup was just right!

I came pretty prepared for the shoot – with lots of props and stuff. I think one should definitely dream big for shoots. And again, I think styled shoots have their place. In the end, I realized this is how I felt about having great photos:

1) Great chemistry with the photographer. It definitely helps that I’m completely comfortable with my photographers to the point where I’d throw caution to the wind and change in front of them in the middle of our shoot! Tammy and Emily, thank you two for putting up with my neurotic planning and direction all through this entire process

2) Communication with the photographer is so key – if you like something and don’t like something, just say it, the right photographer won’t take offense unless you’re being completely unreasonable. Photogs, get in front of the camera and you will realize just how unclear your own directions can sound to your subjects, and how much MORE you should be talking especially if you’re working one-on-one in a session (photojournalistic capture during a wedding, that’s different). Even having been photographed several times before, I still wanted direction. Even though I had the artistic vision for the photo shoot, I needed my photographer to translate it for me, to imagine it for me

3) Reviewing photographs is okay and recommended! I try to show my clients a couple shots off the back of the camera (photographer’s term: “chimping”) in the first 10 – 20 minutes of a session so we can quickly review any issues that first pop up. This will quickly build trust between the photographer and the subject so that you don’t have to do it for the rest of the session

4) The photo above of me rifling through my bags was really candid, but in a sneak peek to my friends, two of them voted this one as their favorite. It made me realize sometimes that the candid photos are the ones that truly show who the person is, which is why the photojournalistic technique of wedding photography remains popular

5) I just had to be myself, and be natural! Even though styled shoots are great, you have to choose props that are YOU. I chose to bring my first film SLR, as well as the red ribbon I often use to decorate the client discs that I send out. Sometimes I wanted a really serious look but five seconds later I’ll break into my silly smile, and in the end most if not all of my favorite photos were ones where I was just being comfortably me. I love my big smiles, even if my teeth aren’t perfect! When my clients don’t like to show their teeth when they smile, it makes me a little perplexed. I think 99% of the time, people look best when they have smiles with teeth. It just looks better, trust me!

6) I liked natural editing! After trying all sorts of editing techniques that I was capable, I realized that in the end I liked my natural color the most. And though I soften eye lines, I don’t edit like magazines and get rid of them completely unless a client requests so because that is just weird-looking. I’m not really much of a vintage color person, I’ll do a little bit of it for my clients especially if their weddings are vintage inspired, but I think my style is best described as naturally colorful, energetic, and with personality. The key words to my brand =)

7) Go the distance and try something new! Tammy first had me do this funny pose that involved me sprawled on the ground, well, it didn’t come out the way we had it in our heads, but after I shifted into another pose it completely worked. Also, I rarely, if ever, walk barefoot outside, but I knew bare feet would work with the white dress, so I sucked it up and did it and was glad! Even if I do have a giant mosquito bite from the shoot!

Thank you, THANK YOU to everyone who made this possible. It was definitely one of my biggest wishes for this summer!

Photographer: Tammy Hui
Direction: Tammy, Emily Ku and me
Makeup: Danielle Ross
Hair: Hair Adventure
Editing: Me

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