salt&bleach

Tag: love

  • A Wedding in Newtown Beach

    A Wedding in Newtown Beach

    I arrived at Manu & Nickle’s wedding preparations around 10 in the morning or something. It was another one of those “no entourage” small gatherings, you know? It could not have been any more relaxed as it was. The videographer was scrambling for clips because it was terribly quiet. As for me, I was happy to click whenever I felt it mattered. In the middle of preparations, I slid out the door, sat with an americano & a turkey sandwich at Starbucks.

    I can’t recall shooting a wedding here even when it was branded as Portofino a long, long while ago. It looks like a really wonderful place to get married despite the usual humidity. Let’s get back to the preparations first.

    Around lunch, I met Manu just outside the lobby of Savoy for a few pictures. We had a long chat during the pre wedding shoot and we both agreed to take lesser but more meaningful pictures.

    It was the usual little chaos when Nickle’s family arrived to dress up as well. Not that we can’t handle that…

    And before we knew it, it was time for some more portraits.

    The Newtown Skyline.

    And it was time to begin.

    I didn’t keep a tab but I think there were less than 80 of us. The forecast said it was going to rain but the weather actually held up. We were blessed with some cloudy skies and an occasional afternoon breeze to balance out the mild humidity.

    Before the reception started, we took a few more pictures.

    And some dusk scenery

    When I left, I was under the impression that the party was just getting started. There were still 4 large coolers full of beer & wine. I can only imagine the fun and laughter. What a wedding it was.

    Thank You Manu & Nickle!

  • Wedding Crashers

    Wedding Crashers

    To Dalaguete & Back

    We almost didn’t make it to this invitation because Kuya’s District Meet Scrabble Game was supposed to happen. Fortunately, it was rescheduled, so I thought we were meant to drive down to Dalaguete.

    The invitation came from Creselda & Kevin. I got to know them years ago, when I help put together the IT ServiceDesk Operations for Aboitiz Equity Ventures. They were On-the-Job Trainees & scholars of Passerelles Numeriques from the University of San Carlos. Kevin worked with the Network Team while Sed worked with me at the Service Desk. 2 years ago, I took wedding photos for Joy, another one of those Trainees.

    • Our usual Argao stop
    • Break time
    • Curious as ever
    • Geese

    We dressed comfortably for the drive but brought along wedding clothes and planned to change when we arrived at Dalaguete.

    I intended to bring a big camera but I knew I couldn’t pull it out with the kids in tow. So back to the mighty, mighty iPhone for some wedding related photos.

    Gone were the days where I could take as many photos as I could, you know? Growing kids meant less time for extracurricular things. Not complaining. I know when all of these will pass, I’m going to miss every second of being able to carry them around with me.

    The reception was towards Alcoy and I was glad it had a sea front because Kuya and Coxon loved it.

    I wanted to wait for the reception but time didn’t allow us. I didn’t want to arrive too late back in the city. So we hand around and left just as the reception was starting. Nevertheless, I was so glad I had the chance to drive and be part of Creselda & Kevin’s day. It was heavy on the heart but terribly beautiful at the same time.

  • 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.