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When Azlan and Janice asked if we could travel to Perth to shoot their wedding day, we jumped at the chance. Having never been to Perth for a destination wedding before, we were truly excited. Western Australia is known for its bluest of blue skies, generous sunshine, mesmerising oceans and sparkling beaches.
So we thought it was pretty ironic when, in the week leading up to their big day, the weather was forecast to be overcast with thunderstorms. Always ready to embrace any weather challenge that could come our way, Voon San and I made sure we were prepared for a wet day with little light.
The morning started with some light drizzle, but the festivities completely outshone the weather. Featuring polished traditional Malay outfits donned by the handsome groom’s “brothers”, elegant Chinese “cheongsam” dresses worn by the bride’s “sisters”, the most hilarious of door games, and a sensational surprise rap written and performed by Azlan himself, the morning celebrations started with a bang and ended with lots of laughter, cheering, chest bumps and finally, the most breathtakingly beautiful bride.
The day continued its overcast self until the wedding ceremony at Sandalford Winery later in the day, when the skies cleared a little and the sun peeked out to say hello. We were amazed that the sun seemed to appear just at the right time, yet we were apprehensive about how long it would decide to hang around for.
What happened after was nothing short of a miracle that makes my heart skip a beat as I think back to the day. As we were taking post-ceremony wedding photos with the couple, it started to drizzle, which made us think we had to move a little faster.
We were walking with Azlan and Jan across the gorgeous winery – there was a willow tree that I wanted us to get to – when we saw a rainbow. Excited gasps abound.
Then it became a full rainbow, its entirety in full glorious view.
Then the next thing we knew, in what felt like a surreal appearance was a second full rainbow, atop the first one. I think all of us at that moment could not quite believe what we were seeing.
They say rainbows are a symbol of hope. This little miracle that will only come to be on a day of cloud and rain tells us to hold onto the promise that troubles will surely come to pass and to hold firmly in our faith that God loves us and does not forsake us.
It was the perfect symbol for the love, commitment and beautiful union between Azlan and Jan, from this day hence. And a pretty awesome wedding gift from God.
Azlan and Jan, what we witnessed on your wedding day was truly something special. You are so blessed to have found each other, and it was a privilege for Voon San and I to see and capture on film the love that you have for each other, and all the love between your friends and families. Marriage is a journey, and come what may, remember to love, remember to forgive, and remember to hope.
And always remember the rainbows.
