Taking wedding pictures abroad a hit with local couples

DESPITE its hefty costs, couples still prefer to take their wedding photos outside Brunei as most of them see it as worth it to have good quality pictures of the most important event of their lives that would last for a life time.

During the four-day Asia Pacific Wedding and Lifestyle Expo 2009 held at The Mall Gadong yesterday, The Brunei Times spoke to a number of couples who were considering to purchase wedding photo shoot packages on foreign shores.

Part-time photographer Sudiru Abdullah was among the many couples who were interested in splurging for pre-wedding photos.

He said that he was considering to go abroad to take his wedding photographs because of the difference in "quality" of the photographs and albums, as well as the availability of scenic views compared to Brunei.

He stressed that quality was so important because it was only a once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to take wedding pictures.

"When I grow old, I want to look back and see my nice pictures. Normal pictures cannot be kept for long but these photo shoot packages provide good quality pictures and albums," he said.

The local photographer spoke of the availability of varieties of landscape abroad to take wedding pictures, compared to Brunei.

"Most of the scenery for wedding pictures here are common, such as beaches and hotels. I came here today to make some enquires on their offers. The landscape here is just not that great," he said.

He added that paying for the photo shoot packages abroad was "worth it".

In terms of pricing, he said that it was cheaper to take pre-wedding pictures overseas than in Brunei.

Sudiru also said that it was convenient for local couples to opt to take their wedding pictures overseas, as most of the exhibitors had branches in Singapore and in Kuala Lumpur which was in proximity with Brunei.

"Being that these countries are close to Brunei is good for us, because then we will be comfortable and it will be easier for us to travel," he said.

Meanwhile, housewife Ling Siew Yen, 34, said that although she had been married for 10 years now, she wanted to go to Taiwan to take her wedding photos again to experience another honeymoon, as well as to try the modern type of outdoor wedding photography that is currently in trend.

She said: "My husband and I just want to try a new experience. When we first got married, we only took our pictures in our home country (Malaysia) and never thought of going abroad to take them."

Ling said that she decided to re-take her wedding pictures when she saw her friend do the same.

"I want to re-take my wedding pictures every five to 10 years now so that new memories can exist from each photo shoot."

"Money is not a problem now because we are financially stable. Last time, we had so many worries because we were newly weds and could not afford to go abroad to take our wedding photos," she said.

She said for her, quality comes first and money second because her priority is to have a good experience and outcomes from the photos.

The housewife said that she believes in the exhibitor's reputation, and therefore it was of "good value" to spend the money on a wedding photo shoot package.

When asked whether her and her spouse were interested in taking their wedding photos for the second time in the Sultanate, she said that she never thought about it.

"I just know I want to go to Taiwan because I've been there on holiday and the scenery is just so fantastic. Taking pictures in the studios and outdoors is totally different experience," she said, adding that her previous wedding photos were taken in a studio.

"Going to Taiwan this time around will allow us to have a second honeymoon and I am excited," she added.

A 27-year-old married woman who wished to be named Yong, however did not share the same views.

She spoke of her experiences and reasons in taking her wedding photos in Singapore.

"Brunei actually has nicer sceneries and I would have rather taken my pictures here because it is a familiar place," she said.

Taking her pictures overseas did not really provide memorable experiences because it was away from home.

"The only reason why I decided to go to Singapore was because Brunei did not have everything under one roof. Here, they do not provide a package which comes with the dresses and make-up artist which is a hassle," she said.

However, she said she was pleased with the quality of her photographs and bridal dresses that came with the package in Singapore.

"My pictures turned out natural looking, and the price of the package was reasonable," she said.

The Brunei Times