Movies are hugely effective for a reason. They use a tried-and-true storytelling format, structuring a narrative into three parts: a beginning, middle, and end — or, a conflict, climax, and resolution. It’s easy to follow, it keeps you on your toes, it retains your attention for all of two and a bit hours — a far cry from today’s short-form society.

As a cinematic storyteller, I set out to incorporate as much of this narrative structure into a photoshoot. I find it gives me some much-needed structure opposed to coming up with poses out of thin air, and it adds an extra level of depth, allowing the couple to relive their happiest experiences throughout the time they’ve known each other. This makes for the most natural-looking, warm, and candid photographs.

Another reason I love the storytelling format is because it’s open to interpretation. Everyone has different stories, different poses they’re comfortable with, and different elements they would want to incorporate into the session.

Enter my good friends ET (En Torng) and Tushaal. I chose them for a very practical reason — they are already married and therefore have the proper attire for a wedding shoot (and that’s all I’ll say on the admin side of things). However, they were also very much part of the process of bringing their story to life. As their original wedding photos were at a beach, we went for an urban environment at the Auckland Museum to avoid doing a remake or replica of their wedding day, and coincidentally, to celebrate a milestone in their marriage — their first wedding anniversary.

I. The Story of Boy Meets Girl

Aims to capture the giddiness of meeting and dating someone new, the thrill of the chase, the safety in whispering sweet nothings.

II. Sealing the Deal

Of course we had to do the classic bridal shots — no wedding would be complete without them. The culmination of a romantic relationship, the ultimate expression of love and devotion.

III. The Honeymoon Phase

Embodies the closing scenes of a movie, where all is resolved. There is peace and relief, and nothing left to do but walk off into the sunset and raise your fist, Breakfast Club-style.

It is quite the magical experience, being able to tell your story in a way that is true to yourself and your own experiences, using the ultimate storytelling technique that has worked time and time again in the film industry. I can only hope to be an effective vessel for that to happen in your own life.

Flowers by The Flower Edit