At times I’m reminded of my greater duties as a professional, full-time wedding photographer. A common misconception about wedding photographers is that of an anonymous “cameraman” loaded with gear furiously clicking away, returning your photos on DVD the following weekend. That would be setting yourself up for a major disappointment. And snapshots are exactly what you will get.

The way I see and feel it is as follows: a couple has entrusted you with probably their most monumental day of their lives. Your job is to gather their wedding memories with your pair of eyes, and occasional sense of humour. You need to be ready and absolutely spot-on with all the natural moments that happen. Most importantly your photojournalism needs to delight and evoke past emotions from your client. Mediocrity has no place here.

My name’s Yu-Shan, I’m a wedding photojournalist in Singapore and this is my philosophy as I approach every wedding.

THERE are certain immutable truths about traditional wedding customs from China that happen in Singapore.

Number One. The groom has to carry the bride from the bridal room and down to the waiting car. All without stopping or propping up the bride on something convenient. This is no laughing matter if she resides on the 21st floor.

Number Two. The bride will invariably hold her drink better and — graciously — outdrink the groom. All the more so when the potent fire water is baijiu, a clear distilled liquor whose alcohol content and fragrance are eye watering to the unwary.

Wedding date: Saturday, 30 July 2011
Lunch: Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel, Singapore

Congratulations Chen Kan & Han Jing.