1980s Hong Kong Pre-Wedding Photo Inspired Engagement Session

Couples

May 21

couple holding food in front of face playfully in 80s hong kong pre-wedding style photos

There’s one thing that I firmly believe, and that is, your engagement session doesn’t need to be some Pinterest-perfect shoot at the beach (unless of course you want it to be). It’s a chance to let loose and have some fun, capturing some stellar photos that show off just how crazy the two of you are about each other. Plus, it's the easiest way for us to get to know each other before I photograph your wedding.

Words cannot describe how excited I was when Gloria and Jeff told me they wanted their engagement session to be reminiscent of 1980s Hong Kong pre-wedding photos. I had previously shot a Wong Kar Wai-inspired engagement session in Vancouver’s Chinatown, and I knew instantly that it was the perfect part of the city to fulfill the couple’s request. The neighbourhood is full of vibrant, personality-infused hidden gems just waiting to be photographed. That being said, I didn't want to just reuse the same spots, so I scouted some new ones just for Gloria and Jeff that fit the old-timey Hong Kong aesthetic they requested.

Dinner at Chinatown BBQ

Gloria and Jeff started their session with dinner at Chinatown BBQ. Everything about the restaurant, the food, the brown leatherette booths, the vintage Coca-Cola sign, the photos on the wall, and the black and white checkered floor, screams nostalgia. Gloria took the concept to the next level by rocking the most epic thrifted ‘80s wedding dress, complete with enormous puff sleeves.

The couple laughed and chatted over dinner (locals rave about this place) and beers while I snapped away, stepping in occasionally to adjust plates, ensuring the food was flawlessly styled. I absolutely love how the flash photos from inside the restaurant turned out. We were able to really capture the fun, lively, and candid vibe that Gloria and Jeff were after.

This session was also serendipitous because I’ve known both the bride and groom for ages! Gloria and I met during an extra-curricular art class we took during our high school years, and we actually went on to study at Emily Carr together. Jeff and I went to high school together. When the two of them started dating, it felt like two worlds had collided!

Nighttime Chinatown Engagement Photos

After dinner, we headed out into the night and wandered towards the Chinatown gates. It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for cool lighting, and along the way, we found plenty of neon signs and unique storefronts to use in Gloria and Jeff’s engagement photos. The shots I captured in front of the Chinatown gates turned out beautifully cinematic and almost film-inspired, and if I had to choose my favourite photos of the night, it would be a tie between these and the flash photos in Chinatown BBQ.

Planning Your Own Restaurant Engagement Session

I really love shooting in restaurants. The vibe is impeccable, you get use of a beautifully curated space, and you get to enjoy incredible food. In fact, I love it so much that I offer what I call date night sessions. [link] These are fun and relaxed sessions that reflect who you are as a couple.

If you want to have your session in a restaurant, the one thing you absolutely have to do is call ahead. Chinatown BBQ actually offers rentals for photography! The aesthetic here was effortlessly cool and retro, so I would definitely recommend it! Especially if you are after that ‘80s Hong Kong pre-wedding photo feel like Gloria and Jeff.

Staff will reserve an area of the restaurant for you, typically a booth and a table to give you options. You can either pay a flat rental fee, which does not include food, or opt for a minimum food and beverage spend to reserve the space. The details for photography rentals may change. I recommend reaching out to Chinatown BBQ for the most up-to-date information!

Just engaged? I would love to hear your ideas for your engagement session and upcoming wedding. Get in touch and let’s chat!