Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Occasion: Pre-wedding photoshoot
Setting: San Francisco City Hall, Baker Beach, Lands End
The number of people: Just the bride and the groom
Wedding theme/style: Timeless elegance.
Yong and Samson’s love story is a testament to the enduring power of patience, unwavering commitment, and the serendipitous twists of fate. Their journey began within the ivy-covered walls of a charming boarding school in the heart of the United Kingdom. Little did they know that their initial meeting would set the stage for a love story that would span years, marked by twists and turns that ultimately led them to where they are today.
From the very first moment their eyes met, there was an undeniable chemistry between Yong and Samson. Yet, despite the sparks that flew, their love story would require time and patience to unfold fully. They chose not to rush the process but allowed their connection to mature and deepen naturally. It wasn’t until a couple of years had passed that they finally found themselves ready to leap friends to something more, and that’s when their love truly began to flourish.
Last year, on a picturesque evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Samson seized the perfect moment to take a bold step. With a heart full of love and a trembling hand, he got down on one knee and proposed to Yong, presenting her with a sparkling engagement ring that symbolized their unwavering commitment. In that beautiful, timeless moment, they promised to journey through life’s adventures together.
As they prepare to tie the knot this year, their love story enters its most exciting and promising chapter. Yong and Samson’s shared dreams and aspirations are set to become intertwined as they embark on this new adventure as husband and wife. They eagerly anticipate the opportunity to build a life filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures while nurturing their dreams of creating a warm and loving family.
Their journey teaches us that, sometimes, the most beautiful love stories take time to mature and reveal themselves, with every chapter adding to the depth of their connection and the strength of their bond.
Yong’s dress selection for her special occasions blended her cultural heritage and global sophistication. Her first dress, crafted by a local Malaysian designer, celebrated her roots with intricate embroidery and traditional motifs. The second, by renowned international designer Celine Ooi, showcased contemporary elegance and refinement. Yong’s dress choice beautifully represented her ability to appreciate and seamlessly merge her local heritage and international style, making a unique fashion statement that honored her identity and taste. Yong and Samson’s engagement ring, carefully selected from Tiffany & Co., symbolizes their enduring love and timeless commitment. This exquisite ring, with its stunning diamond and elegant design, encapsulates the beauty of their relationship.
The groom’s style was the epitome of timeless elegance. His tuxedo, meticulously crafted by Lord’s Tailor, exuded sophistication. He completed his look with Florsheim Shoes, adding style and comfort to his attire. His fashion choice showcased his appreciation for quality and craftsmanship, both locally and internationally.
Yong and Samson’s pre-wedding photo session was a carefully planned and unforgettable adventure. With a desire for diversity and a longing for beautiful memories, they chose San Francisco as their backdrop because it offered all they had dreamt of.
With its unique charm, the city of San Francisco presented them with three distinct settings within close proximity. Their journey through this versatile city began with a pleasant surprise, realizing that San Francisco seamlessly transitioned from one picturesque locale to the next.
To curate their dream photoshoot, Yong and Samson started with a mix of research consulting platforms like Pinterest and Google. However, their talented photographer, Jasmine, truly guided them in selecting the perfect locations. Jasmine’s expertise and knowledge of the sites ensured that their choices were aesthetically pleasing and practical.
Their adventure commenced at the iconic San Francisco City Hall, where they donned formal outfits that blended seamlessly with the classic architecture. As they explored the grounds, their photographer captured timeless moments, especially on the grand staircase, making this colonial building a fitting first backdrop.
They changed into their second outfit for their following setting and embarked on a short drive to Lands End, a secluded wooded area above the Sutro Baths. Here, enchanting trees transported them to a magical realm reminiscent of the world of Harry Potter. Bathed in the warm, golden light of the sun, the photos among the trees were nothing short of enchanting.
Jasmine Marie Ortiz, the brilliant photographer who expertly captured Yong and Samson’s session, is an artist with an extraordinary gift for transforming moments into enduring memories. Her dedication to her craft is evident in every frame she creates, and her work is a testament to her talent and passion.
Jasmine uniquely connects with her subjects, making them feel at ease and allowing their authentic selves to shine through her lens. What sets Jasmine apart is not only her technical prowess but also her remarkable talent for location scouting. She knows how to discover hidden gems that perfectly complement her clients’ visions, ensuring that each setting is as beautiful and unique as the love story she’s capturing.
Their final destination was the picturesque Baker Beach, offering a backdrop featuring the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge. The combination of the iconic bridge, the washed-up logs, and the grass growing in the sand added a touch of California coastal charm to their portraits, creating a perfect conclusion to their pre-wedding journey.
Yong and Samson’s pre-wedding photo session, carefully curated and thoughtfully captured in San Francisco, was a testament to the variety and beauty this city offers, a reflection of their love story and the diverse settings that defined their unique journey.
PHOTOGRAPHER Jasmine Marie Ortiz | DRESS Celine Ooi | SUIT Lord’s Tailor | GROOM’S SHOES Florsheim Shoes | RING Tiffany&Co.
