Pre-Wedding

Bits and Sandro | A Zambawood Pre-wedding

I met Bits and Sandro in college, probably 12 years ago. They are quite a combo — a guy who is the life of the party combined with a prim and proper lady. Although these two have contrasting personalities, they truly bring out the best in each other. Bits is able to tame down Sandro, but at the same time bring the best out of this guy. It’s indeed true that marriage is not meant for two people to complete one another but to complement each other. An added bonus with these two is that both their personalities and looks complement each other. These two suit each other so well. Just look how Bits and Sandro elevated the already stunning views of Zambawood. Enjoy. ___________ Suppliers: Photo: Paolo Nierves Make-up: Mauri MUA Hair: Misty Gabriel Styling: Robin Rodriguez

Danica and Brandon: A Bridge to Forever

Pre-wedding photoshoot sessions have evolved through the years. We are all for amazing and show-stopping concepts that are truly breathtaking. However, this evolution will not take away from the luminosity of storytelling in its simplest and purest splendor. To be in a moment beautifully suspended in time, with the romance that surrounds it, allows us to get a glimpse of the love that grew between two lovers. The shooting locations of Danica and Brandon created a perfect sequence of scenes right out of a fairytale. First is a bridge surrounded by a sea of blooming water lilies and tall grasses that sway with the gentle breeze against the backdrop of a serene afternoon sky. A bridge holds so much symbolism – it connects two places, and in this case, two hearts on their first chapter towards their own version of forever. Being in that moment is like having a prelude to what lies ahead, a ceremony that opens a new book to be filled with stories, memories, and milestones together.  From a sea of water lilies to a vision of the sea, the waves seem to capture the love that united Danica and Brandon – the waves are unwavering and never-ending. The waves, no matter how long a day could be, will always have a promise that it will always touch the sand. These are the moments when you know that love is there, and you can almost hear the constant heartbeat that emanates from the photos. Love comes in […]

Sasha and Brian | An Iberian Romance Part II of II

Capturing moments for years and shooting pre-nups and weddings hundreds of times lead me to a simple but important realization – when photos leave a lasting impression, it doesn’t matter whether they were taken hours, days, or months ago. The impalpable feeling and reminiscence remain the same.  When Sasha and Brian had their pre-nup photoshoot in Spain a couple of months ago, I knew that it would be a whole new experience with me being there for the first time. But how the session unfolded felt like a beautiful blend of stills and motions, which I was beyond delighted to capture. When you have the perfect location, favorable weather, and a devastatingly photogenic couple, it leads to an intense, passionate, and truly picturesque series of moments captured frame after frame. The trifecta of Madrid, Cordoba, and Seville is like a tasting menu that keeps on serving, and boy, did Sasha and Brian serve!  This experience broadened my horizons toward destination shoots because these places carry a distinct holistic experience. There is always something new to capture and something new to experience. As for Sasha and Brian, the feeling of being the focus of the shots is like collecting postcards with them in each piece. Those moments, tastefully captured, will surely form a string of core memories for years to come.

The Tale of Two Princes | Francis Libiran & Christian Mark Jacob’s Pre-Wedding

You’ve probably read this phrase a few times now, please let me share a bit about the story behind it. Christian had his friend create a charming hand-drawn story book telling the story of how he and Francis met in Paris a couple of years back. The book’s characters are the Tall Prince – Christian, and the Handsome Prince – Francis. It detailed how the Tall Prince missed his flight back home and had to book a later flight and he decided to spend the day in a cafe, and there he laid eyes on the Handsome Prince. It was a serendipitous meeting of two people from opposite sides of the world. As they lived thousands of miles away from each other, they made sure they would go on trips and spend time together as much as they can. They didn’t let the distance get between them. A year after they met during that wonderful day in that cafe in Paris, they find themselves back in the most romantic city in the world. The Handsome Prince had no idea that the Tall Prince prepared a picnic for them. The book would continue to read “During the picnic, while snuggled on a blanket reading a book together, the Tall Prince got down on one knee as he pulled out a shiny red box with gold trimming. And then…”. that was how Christian proposed. Love is universal, it encompasses all creatures. We in Metrophoto believe in love and all its forms. Please enjoy […]

Diane and Marvin | A Japan Pre-Wedding Feature

I have discussed a lot of potential locations with Diane and Marvin for their pre-wedding shoot – from New Zealand, to Norway, to Bataan and Siargao, – before we decided that it would be in Tokyo. It is not the most unique of places (not anymore) but Japan is still one of the most inspiring countries in the world and what was important was that it was Diane and Marvin and that it was Metrophoto shooting them. We went to some new locations in Tokyo like NS building and Skytree tower where we got lucky in the latter where they allowed us to shoot a bit, but was shooed away at the former. We also went to the usual locations in like the Shibuya crossing and Kawaguchi Lake. We failed to see failed to see Mt. Fuji and tried to make do with what we had and then got the surprise of our lives when we saw Japan’s famous crossing literally deserted. I’m sure you’ll enjoy all these adventures more when you watch our behind-the-scene video attached in this post. Huge thanks to Diane and Marvin for such a wonderful experience. I’m so blessed to be able to shoot such amazing couples especially brides as gorgeous as Diane. Special thanks also to Nicole Pastrano for doing Diane’s make-up and AJ Alberto for styling the shoot.

Bernadette and Chris | Las Casas Filipinas

While every aspect is considered in each photo that we take, there are times that we just look pass them and just shoot love. Bernadette and Chris are gorgeous people and are a delight to shoot but what is more awe-inspiring is the affection that exists and over-flowingly shows between the two of them. They made the beautiful corners of Las Casas glow even more, and our every frame, an even more telling. Special thank to Sidney Yap for styling the shoot. Enjoy the photos.

Shirley and Kevin | South Africa Pre-Wedding (Part 2 of 2)

Last year, for the first time, we were able to visit and shoot in the continent of Africa. It was a celebrated moment as it really felt the we have broken a barrier and have achieve one of the firsts. The first one was Morocco (see it here) and the next was Ethiopia (see it here). Two very exotic and yet distinct culture and landscapes. The Moor’s influence in Morocco is very evident in its people and architecture and it also has the Sahara desert while the mountains, tribes and stone churches of Ethiopia make it a unique location as well. They say that third time’s a charm and I have to agree that it surely was. On this trip we went to South Africa and shot in the continent’s famed safari. It was a different take on Africa compared to the first two we had and we have the photos to show for it. Dramatic landcapes, captivating creatures, and the most beautiful subjects. The way I see Africa has been changed yet again and I hope that it affects you in the same way as well. Enjoy the second part and final part of this one-of-a-kind South Africa pre-wedding.

Rhemzy and Jayson | Zambawood

Sometimes, there is no need to go too far when the magic and mystery that most people are looking for in a pre-wedding shoot location, is just a few hours drive from Manila. Today’s beautiful feature of the pre-wedding shoot of Rhemzy and Jayson takes us, once again, to the heart of Zambales. Amidst the woods, the beach, and the modest house of Zambawood, we captured moments, we captured beauty, and we captured love. Enjoy.

Elaine and Chad | Hokkaido Pre-wedding Photographer

It has always been a dream to shoot in Hokkaido and for some reason, it has eluded us for many years. We have had the chance to go as far and as remote was Chile and Bolivia, before early this year, we finally had a crack to shoot at Japan’s northernmost main island. Hokkaido didn’t disappoint, it was pristine, it was unique, and it was wonderful. I had the time of my life shooting Elaine and Chad together with some of the best people one can travel with. It was just an experience that was truly worth all the wait. ______________ Enjoy the photos. Suppliers: Photo: Oly Ruiz Make-up: Paul Nebres Styling: Adrianne Concepts