When I met Maria and Soo at our initial consultation I knew and was excited that their wedding day would be filled with many non-traditional details laced with traditional ceremonial moments. They are just two very cool people with a distinct vision of what they wanted in terms of images and vibe for their day. I love the flirty, funny, sarcastic, loving and energetic banter that they have between each other. Soo cracks me up… At first I wasn’t quite sure how to read his personality because he has that subtle way of joking that can maybe be mistaken for seriousness when in reality it is very much witty and tongue in cheek. He reminds me of my brother John. John was the baby of the family and when we were kids I used to torment him something wicked – you know, every big sister’s duty to make her little brother a man ready for the world. He often threatened to tell on me and once even wrote a letter to our parents. The letter was freaking hilarious because John didn’t know how to write yet so it was scribbly babble. Maybe it was my tormenting and prepping him for the nasty world that did it but all I know is that my brother is funny and reserved and extremely witty all at the same time. He is as stoic in his resolve as he is loving and I see so much of the same in Soo. Maria is Soo’s perfect balance. You can just tell that they just “get”each other and the love they share touches me.
One of the most unique and amazing parts of the day was when they got ready. A beautiful suite at the Hyatt Regency overlooking the city of Philadelphia set the stage for a family coming together and preparing for the day. They helped each other to dress and it was such an intimate way for a soon to be husband and wife to start their new lives together. I just love so many of the images from that part of the day but they had so much more in store for us. Maria’s brother and sister traveled all the way from Malaysia to be in the bridal party. Soo’s sister added to the collection of siblings and was the final member of the party. In addition to all of your normal wedding day festivities they also had a Korean Ceremony, danced a choreographed Argentinian Tango and kept the crowd happy with some Korean Ballroom Dancing!!! Soo’s sister gave a very touching toast as she welcomed Maria to the family and Maria gave a toast as well and spoke Korean to Soo’s family. I’m always amazed when someone goes to such great lengths to show respect and thanks. These are the things that make this world a better place….
Oh! I almost forgot. So Jen and I show up to start shooting details before the getting ready formalities and I peep out a collection of Chimay red, Blue and white packaged with a chalice. I say to Jen, yup, they like good beer – a sign of a great day. Maria walks around the corner and says, “that’s for you, I knew you liked it so I picked it up for you.” Yeah, Maria rocks and thank you so very much for this gesture. I do love Belgium beers but more than my love for what those trappist monks brew is my love for the kind of clients that I am fortunate enough to call mine! So here’s to you Maria and Soo! May you have many many years of happiness BUT not as many children as the Korean ceremony predicted (147 LOL)!!!
A few shout outs, thank you to Andre Richard Salon for the wonderful hair and Make up for our lovely ladies and a special thank you to Emily and staff from the Hyatt Regency Penn’s Landing. You all did an amazing job handling all of the many details!!!
