👌🏻 3 Pre-Wedding Shoots 📸

We took our first PWS in 2019 but didn’t manage to plan the actual wedding due to the sudden covid-19 outbreak. When the covid situation got better in late 2022, we decided to do another PWS as we felt that we looked different from the first batch of pictures (I also removed my braces during this period). 😬

As we had already experienced it once, we somewhat know what to expect and how we want the second shoot to be improved. We didn’t want the vibes/looks to be similar to the first shoot so the pictures won’t appear repetitive, we also considered the recent trends (eg. 三生三世, Korean minimalist & 汉服).

🚶🏻‍♀️Both bridal studios are walkable from KSL, there are other bridal shops in the area that you can consider checking out as well.

1️⃣ SG Bridal (RM2650)

📍No. 108, Jalan Harimau Tarum, Taman Century, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

💄3 Gowns & 3 Suits (3 Looks)

*Includes ampoule, lashes & hairstyles

- 8R Album with 21 images

- Additional soft copy at 80RM each

👍🏻 There’s a wide selection of gowns (both white/coloured) and they now work with The Gown Couture to offer even more variety. The photographers were able to snap the pictures continuously using ‘抓拍’ mode so we can get unique poses (eg. twirling around) and potentially running shots if you were to head outdoors. They taught us how to pose and the entire shoot was completed within a few hours (likely within 6 hours from what I recall). 🤭

💭 We dropped by post-covid after deciding to have a second PWS but their gown selection was similar to the pre-covid choices and the indoor studio set ups didn’t differ much. The makeup artist and photographer assistant (who helped with posing/arranging of gown) left the company after our shoot so I’m not sure if there’s a change in their standard.

📸 Timeline (for reference) 🎞️

Photoshoot on 27/7/2019

Photo selection on 31/8/2019

Confirm album design on 26/10/2019

Album collection on 30/11/2019

2️⃣ Isadora Bridal Selection (RM3988)

📍104-105, Jalan Harimau Tarum, Taman Century, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

💄4 Gowns & 4 Suits + 1 Casual (5 Looks)

*Excludes ampoule & lashes

- 12” x 30” Album with 25 images (glass cover)

- 10” x 10” Framed photos x3 OR big frame (床头照) x1

- Album casing with glass cover

- LED Frame/mirror

- Montage with 2 songs (we opted out)

- Indoor/Outdoor (Transport Provided)

👍🏻 They were very accommodating, I had multiple gown selection sessions as I didn’t manage to find something I like plus they had new gowns available at a later date. They also allowed us to replace the casual wear with 汉服 (I got it from Taobao) and helped to source the outdoor locations to match the outfits. Pricing is very transparent overall, no hidden charges or additional surcharge.

💭 We were there from 9am to 9pm to shoot all 5 outfits, something to consider if the long duration is not what you want to go through. 😂 The photographers didn’t use the ‘抓拍’ mode to capture the photos continuously so we had to hold in positions without moving.

📸 Timeline (for reference) 🎞️

Photoshoot on 10/07/2023

Photo selection on 13/08/2023

Confirm album design on 23/09/2023

Album collection on 29/09/2023

⭐️ Both bridal studios were able to amend their packages if you want to add/remove items such as the number of looks/outfits or the physical items. We only opted for an album for our first shoot as we didn’t have solid wedding plans back then and didn’t want to deal with the other items (eg. framed pictures). You can also do research on your preferred photography style or makeup look and show them for reference (bear in mind that it will definitely not be 100% the same).

We had a Bangkok trip in June earlier this year and thought that it’ll be fun to have a photoshoot there too, especially in their traditional costume. Unplanned, but we realised that the pictures could also be displayed at our wedding banquet so why not. 🤷🏻‍♀️

3️⃣ Sense of Thai (Outfit rental, ~฿800 per pax)

📍11/1 Maharaj - Tha Tien, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

📷 ฿2600/hour (excluding boat ride tickets to and fro the outfit rental place & temple - ฿30 per trip/pax)

📍158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand

💄No limit, depending on how much you want to spend, time & the availability of the MUA (฿4000 per couple).

*No additional charges for lashes or hair extensions.

- All soft copies returned, no physical picture/item.

👍🏻 Everything was quite fast and hassle-free, the staff at each location will provide information and guide on where to go, how much & what time to return etc. We received 200+ soft copies and 98% of the pictures turned out great.

💭 Pre-book and liaise with each of the vendors to coordinate the time several weeks (or months) prior to the trip and confirm with them again nearer to the date to ensure that they’ll expect your arrival. They don’t provide footwear so you’ll have to bring along something suitable yourself, I didn’t like how the outfit looks with sneakers/sandals so we’d rather be bare-footed/requested for the photographer to cut off the image before the feet. Would recommend avoiding June due to the heat (we burned our feet when removing our shoes) & any rainy season (I’m not sure when).

❗️My personal take is don’t be intimidated by the “pre-wedding” term, you can still experience and enjoy these photoshoots even if you’re not getting married anytime soon or already married. It can also be a family photoshoot with your children/parents, or even a close friend! The pictures and memories made during the photoshoots are priceless and would be with you for a long time. ♥️