August 6, 2010
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Photo Opportunity part II
“Oh wedding photos,” laughed my future brother-in-law, “yea – it’s tiring! It is so tough to smile and be happy all day.”
He went on to talk about how tired he was when he and Joanne’s sister did their wedding photos, and how we would feel after 12 hours of constant posing. What he failed to understand was that I am a master when it comes to posing!
Prophecies of doom, I thought, as the day of our big photo shoot was coming. I told Joanne I did not believe that we would be the same way. Not sure if she agreed with that sentiment though.
So the day arrived – we had agreed to meet at the wedding photo company, Joanne arriving from the south, whilst I attacked the northern flank. In much the same way as the Germans tried attacking from two fronts in the Battle of the Bulge, alas failing miserably (so much for German reliability!), we surrounded and pretty much completely took over the photo studio.
Already being made-up when I arrived (late! Oops…) Joanne’s mother had decided to join us as well. What we had not counted on though was the fact that the car could possibly hold 5 people, and there were 2 photographers, one make-up artist, one bride, one bride’s mother and one dashingly handsome groom. Something would have to give.
It was decided that Joanne’s mother would head to Danshui by MRT and join us at the first port of call, a flower garden that has been used often by wedding photo companies. After being pronounced fit for action by the make-up artiste, we packed all the stuff – photo gear, spare dresses, make up boxes, etc) in to the motor, and off we went. Your humble chronicler was in charge of driving and navigation, which should surprise absolutely no-one.
Now before I continue with this story, I would like to point something out. I have seen a few girls in the wedding store who were – how can I put this politely? – not the prettiest flowers in the garden (to follow on along the horticultural theme) yet when made up, you would not recognize them. Joanne’s make-up artiste, however, seemed to have got it all wrong. I honestly thought that the photos might well turn out badly because Joanne’s make up did not bring out the best in her. Still, I had to put my trust in these professionals.
So our photographer got his stuff out, and we followed him around the garden, pointing out the things we wanted to be photo’d at, and the things we were 100% avoiding… such as a wooden windmill. The photographer – Lu Suh (loser! Haha) had his assistant, Niu, and talked to me in some kind of weird English to tell me what to do.
“Hold wife”
“Look flower”
“Husband, take a rest” – which was obviously my favourite one.
“Look Milk Cow” – referring to Niu. Classic… so we made cow sounds, and I made a horn sign with my fingers on my head. Such a load of bull… and still such a good laugh.
“Stop smiling.” No mucker – that’s not going to happen! I’m having much too much fun.
Joanne’s mother arrived a few minutes before we were leaving for the next destination – the white customs house in Danshui. Now this was a place I had never been to, although it was right next to the castle, which I had visited several times. A lot of history in the place, and a very nice garden too. Loser took some photos of us together, then told me to take a break.
It was getting hot, so I went inside to look at the story of the customs house, enjoying myself, and thoroughly losing myself deep inside my own thoughts, so I did not hear Loser when he called for me to return.
Some more pics, then off Joanne went for the first of her dress changes.
After that we headed to the beach, where there were several other people getting wedding photos, thankfully not on the section of sand we had chosen, and so we took some more pics there, the brightness of the sun making it difficult for me to actually open my eyes for more than 1/4 of a second.
The ocean, the blue sky, the mountains in the background… but I was thinking these photos would probably not turn out so nicely – because all we were doing was squinting. And smiling. But mainly squinting.
Then we all headed to our apartment so that Joanne could change once more, and I gave Milk Cow and Loser a beer, whilst getting changed myself. I only needed to change from white to black, but I had also taken a selection of ties so that I could at least attempt to colour co-ordinate with my bride-to-be.
Back in to the motor once more, and a long 200 metre drive to the next stop – along the river from where we live. Cyclists galore rode past us, many of them giving me the thumbs up sign whilst narrowly avoiding crashing in to the fencing or an on-coming cyclist because they were so intrigued as to how come such a beautiful Taiwanese girl would be getting married to such an old, ugly foreigner. Loser had never heard of anyone doing wedding photos in this location, so we’re claiming that we are the pioneers of Bali riverside wedding photos, and I think we should be handed a royalty payment for everyone who wants to follow suit. It’s only fair, I think.
The light was just perfect for some good shots – the background of the river and Yang Ming national park simply wonderful. Joanne's green dress was an excellent choice for this location, and we were guided by Loser and Milk Cow to our poses, taking a break here and there.
Rob and Joanne – of course – still making the most of it all, smiling the whole time, laughing, making silly jokes, no sign of tiredness anywhere. Making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime day.
Up Guanyin Shan to the visitor centre, the cloud formation absolutely wonderful, but Loser asked us to pose in a weird place, which I suggested was probably because of the light in the background. Evening was slowly coming in, and the sun was gently sinking. Joanne – now in a stunning, low cut blue dress – was touched up … by the make-up artiste, not me! Her mother had been following us around in the same taxi she had kept on since returning to Danshui, and she too was having a great time.
But she also left a little earlier than us to get to the 101 building before we arrived. Well, that was the plan. Joanne and I took some more photos, then she got changed in to her red evening dress, which took my breath away.
Driving in to the city, darkness now beginning to replace the light, we arrived at the car park, and dumped the Mazda for a while. No sign of Joanne’s mother – apparently the taxi driver got lost. How can you NOT find the 101? It’s the biggest building in the fugging country mucker. You’re a taxi driver – even a damn foreigner knows the way better than you!
This was the only place where we could conclude the day’s photo shoot. Some great pictures of the last remnants of blue sky as darkness surrounded us, and that first one was when I told Joanne, I reckon that’s the photo we will choose.
All of a sudden, Joanne’s cellphone rang, so I looked at Loser, raised my eye-brows, and made a phone sign with my hand.
“Keep that pose” Loser said as he sprang in to action. It was easy not to move…
Click. Joanne didn’t even know the photo had been taken. Class.
A few more pics taken in the Warner Village and we were done. Joanne’s mother finally arrived about 5 minutes before the end, snapping away with her rather nice camera, and then left us to head back home. We drove the guys back to the wedding store where I realized that I had left my personal clothes at home, so I had to keep the suit for a little while longer. Damn – I was so in the mood to change out of it.
We took the rented Mazda back, then went to have dinner. As soon as we sat down we realized just how tired we were. Yet we were still smiling from ear to ear. Funny what love can do to 2 people.
