The best part about this trip was definitely the photoshoot. Initially, Anth's mum and sister did one while they were there in March. His mum strongly recommended that we did it too, since we liked the style of photography. But after thinking about it, we decided to pass since we already had a shoot in Singapore scheduled. On Friday last, we met up with his distant Uncle, Bac Thong, at his office. Bac Thong has his own architecture and interior-designing firm. He has a good eye for exquisite style (judging from his projects and office itself), very modest and a man of few words. Hearing him speak of the photographer and her style with such enthusiasm and passion, we agreed to give the shoot, a shot. It's always Anth that ends up skeptical about things, but it felt so right for him. I've always trusted his instincts.
The next morning, bright and early at 9am, we headed off to District 3 from our hotel in District 1. It took us and the taxi 25 minutes and some pretty heavy traffic before reaching a humble 5-storey shophouse. Upon being greeted by 'ground staff', we were taken up 10 flights of steep, old-fashion steps, where the photographer lives and has her studio. What we saw was a make-up artist, 2 assistants and a photographer - More importantly, they were happy to do this and passionate about their jobs. Hair and make-up first: This was done by a 40+ lady who didn't stopped smiling and had soft cold hands that smelt like a garden of roses. She was as gentle as Mum. She spoke very little, even to Anth who could speak the same language. Anth and I were changed into some Vietnamese costumes. They were familiar to the eye but foreign to our bodies. They were comfortable like pyjamas. Comparatively, this reminded me how uncomfortable some of my outfits are, yet I still wore them. How times have changed.
The photoshoot went very well and the photographer liked us so much she offered to take us on an outdoor bridal shoot the next morning. We were to turn up at 5am to catch the sunrise. We only had 4 hours of sleep that night, considering we did our annual visit to "Saigon Saigon", a famous open-air lounge on the top floor of Carvelle hotel that overlooked the city, plus, a visit to the Ben Thanh market. The second shoot took much longer, as we had 8 different outfit changes, 2 make-up changes (for me), and a large garden to be photographed in. You can't imagine the type of shots we did. Once again, very foreign but these were what our ancestors wore so we were very happy to have done it all.
The second shoot was actually a wedding gift from Bac Thong, we didn't know until the next morning when we visited his house officially. We met Anth's distant Aunties and distant cousins for his and my very first time. It was some sort of reunion although it was all our first time meeting one another.
I've uploaded some photos. Apologies for the lack in order of events!
L to R, row after row:
Bac Thong at his house.
Anth and I having drinks at 'Saigon Saigon'.
The hotel lounge from our level.
Drinks at 'Saigon Saigon'.
After getting my make-up done at the photoshoot Day 1.
Anth and I watching soccer at the hotel lounge. Anth on the phone.
Anth at his regular table-tennis shop.
Hanging lights above the hotel lounge.
Standing outside the photography studio at 5am.
Bac Thong's living room with the relos listing down the people to invite to our wedding.
12. The photographer and I.
13. The photographer and Anth.
14. Bac Thong's family doggie, Lou Lou.
15. Family potrait of Anth's grandfather's immediate family.
16. Fat lips recovering quickly.
17. ANZ in Vietnam!
18. Posing for Anth at the hotel :)
19. Me and the make-up artist
20. Vietnamese coffee cheese cake
21. Bun Bo Hue
22. Bo Kho!
