salt&bleach

Tag: candid weddings cebu city

  • 45 Years of Amy & Eugene

    45 Years of Amy & Eugene

    Campo

    I can’t recall the last time I was here for a wedding. I know, however, that I have shot a couple of weddings at this church.

    This was a last minute pitch by Therese Red whose wedding I shot back in 2013. It will be their Mama & Papa’s 45th Year Anniversary. They could have waited for 50, but you know, why not?

    Luckily, our schedules were on our side so here goes.

    Therese’s Mama & Papa didn’t have the slightest idea that their kids planned for this renewal of vows. I arrived in a blue shirt as that was the running motif for the event. I can tell how everyone loved Amy & Eugene judging by the excitement I felt as soon as I entered the church.

    As soon as the church doors opened, Amy was overcome with emotions. It was such a happy day full of happy and fulfilled tears.

    I held my ground. It is not easy witnessing all of these emotions. It, too, reminds me of so many beautiful things. I had to constantly decide when to click and when to just let it all in.

    Ceremony

    When the dust settled and Eugene & Amy were ably seated in front of the altar, the ceremony began.

    While taking the pictures, I thought, “these people looked familiar.” But of course,I must have taken their pictures many years ago.

    For most, taking photos at the church might seem the most boring. To me, however, I think it is the most important and it stretches you creatively because you aren’t as free as during preparations or the reception.

    I love the photography work I get to do these days. You know what I mean? They still tire me, especially because I’ve aged but despite the toll it leaves after every assignment, I find myself fulfilled. It’s like I’ve preserved people’s feelings so that when they look back at the images I took, they will remember the exact same feeling they had at the very moment it took place.

    And before we knew it, Amy & Eugene had renewed their vows in front of the people they love and who love them. Towards the end of the mass, the priest told everyone how 45 years ago, it was just Amy & Eugene in front of the altar and that now he really admired seeing their 3 daughters, assist them while the ceremony was under way. It felt a lot like Life.

    I also had the chance to take a picture of both Amy & Eugene surrounded by everybody. It wasn’t too small of a group, but luckily they fit in my camera. And then, of course, with their daughters and family.

    Everyone, Amy & Eugene 45 years and counting.

    Life

    I am not a good planner. When I left work to become a photographer back in 2013, I didn’t have the slightest idea that I was going to be in for a roller coaster ride.

    It was fulfilling most of the time, but there were also times when I felt exhausted and confused. So I stuck to my guns and focused on the people in front of me. Trying hard as I might to make sure who they see in the pictures are they themselves.

    While I can’t deny that photography had its fair share of monetary rewards, to me it wasn’t always about the money. It was always about the people, going through all of these words and deciding in the end that they’d like me to be there on the most important days of their lives.

    Thank You Therese Red for inviting me over to take these pictures for you & your family. I am grateful.

  • A Wedding That I Missed

    A Wedding That I Missed

    Ironic

    I don’t shoot as much as I did back then nowadays. So, it was puzzling to realize that I said “yes” to this wedding and turns out I had a company activity happening. Kind of ironic if you ask me. Luckily for me, I have trusted photographers I can call. On top of that, I have people who ask nothing from me but to capture them as they are. Arthur & Charie, Daghan kaayong Salamat!

    It was raining all morning in Cebu City. While I did worry for my kids, because I took them with me for our annual company Summer Event, I didn’t worry one bit for this wedding. I knew it was going to turn out just fine.

    I had known Tim for quite some time now and while I’ve always been the primary photographer even when he is around, I have no doubt in my mind that he is a better photographer than me. Thank You Tim for taking care of these.

    Click left or right.

    I was kind of excited for the church because it’s one where I haven’t shot a wedding yet. Next time San Isidro. Next time.

    Church pictures always are a challenge because this is the part where you don’t have control over what’s happening. You are only left with the choice to click and hope for the best.

    I’m glad these pictures look like I was there too.

    The reception, happened to be just across the church and the entrance to the banquet hall was the perfect place for some post wedding portraits.

    And then it was off to the reception.

    Thank you Arthur & Charie

    Thank you Florianne

    And thank you Tim & Chris for taking care of this for me.

  • Karren & Serge’s Small Wedding

    Karren & Serge’s Small Wedding

    I remember bringing Coxon and Kuya when I met Karren & Serge to talk about their wedding. This was a Saturday afternoon just as they wrapped up their pre-Cana seminar. Luckily, they also have a little girl so having the kids during the discussion was pretty much normal.

    I was on my way to their house but Karren told me their baby was sick and asked if we can just start taking pictures at the church. It was my first time taking pictures at San Isidro Parish in Talamban.

    I wish I took something like this every time.

    Everybody’s always exited about the first kiss.

    Karren told me their little girl had a dress. Unfortunately, she wasn’t feeling all too well and chose to wear this instead. With the unicorn, of course.

    A small gathering followed at Kape Tano just nearby. There wasn’t a formal program. Just food, and drinks, and kids running around. Karren and Serge just sliced the cake and drank wine. After that, we all went home.

    Thank You Karren & Serge.