sean & emma, a sad heartbreaking engagement shoot
I’m actually quite nervous about putting up these photos up.
Not because I’m unsure about them but because I love them so much (rejection is so much worse when you love something LOL).
Before I go into the story behind the shoot, I just want to say it took me 7 long glorious hours to edit this photo shoot. I say glorious because it was so gratifying for me to have soooooo many amazing shots to choose from. It felt endless. The signs of a great photographer! Thanks Darren, I truly love your work!
The reason why I love this shoot so much is because I have grown fonder of it over time.
We actually did this shoot prior to Sean & Emma’s shoot in the hotel but I just didn’t feel ready to post it yet. If I had a choice I would show you this shoot one-on-one on my 15 inch mac book pro. I’d show it you shot by shot and pause in between each photo and you’ll find out why in a second : )
The other reason why I really love this shoot so much is because each time I show it to someone, they feel compelled to start interpreting what the photos mean. They start making up their own story about what’s going on between the couple. Literally I’ve had people walk me through their thoughts. They would say stuff like …
“Oh wow they’re so in love … but for some reason they can’t be together … so they’re having a secret date … and he’s heart broken because she has to leave … and she’s leaving because … ”
… and the story goes on and on.
I even had one friend go through the series of pictures twice and she gave me two different interpretations of what was going on between the couple. And I loved both her stories!
I think there is something truly magical when a photo shoot does that to a person. You can’t make up a story about a couple without revealing something about yourself. That’s what I really loved. If I listened really carefully, I could almost hear their trials and tribulations about love coming through their interpretations of the photos.
It’s almost like there is a moment of sacred silence when the viewer connects with the picture … it’s the part where I hold my breath and wait. I get to witness this magical moment where the picture meant something to them for split second. The picture was worth interpreting. They stopped, they looked, they listened and then they expressed what they felt.
So what I urge you to do is … scroll down this page slowly. Look at each picture and take each shot in properly. Listen and see what story comes up for you. It may be nothing but if you are going to look at this blog you may as well take your time and enjoy it : )
ps. I’ll be posting my own interpretation of this story / photo shoot in a weeks time. So come back if you’re interested in knowing what story I created in this little head of mine.
pps. If you haven’t seen Sean & Emma’s moody engagement shoot based on an affair, you can see it by clicking here.
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Geez … it’s all very dramatic isn’t it? I think this tells me I don’t believe love is real unless it has stood through deep obstacles … either that or I’ve watched too many Korean drama movies!!! … I actually think it’s a bit of both! 
I guess my perception of love is that is is painful and it’s difficult and that I don’t know if I could do it again. That belief shows itself up in my interpretation. Scary!!!!
Photographer: Darren Wong
Art Director: Thao Dang
Assistants: MiniBear & A1
Location: Hornchurch Country Park, London UK
Special thanks to Mademe Moi for helping us find the location http://www.madamemoi.com/blog/
Trivia: We actually did this day shoot for Sean & Emma to contrast the moody evening shoot. It was meant to be a happy shoot but when you have a couple who don’t want to smile in photos, you just have to roll with it : ) … and I’m so glad we did! This is what I mean by a collaboration. Although we created the set, Darren and I could not have created these magical photos without their interpretation of the set and scene. Sounds a little odd saying this after a sad photo shoot but … Sean and Emma … Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding : )
Beautiful and emotive photography.
Love ur interpretation Thao…It tells speaks of a similar “Love Story” I personally know so well. Like you, I believe that LOVE isnt love until it has stood thru deep obstacles. Im lucky that I had found my “True Love” at such a young age and luck that we were both strong enough to strengthen thru all of Life’s deep obstacles…
We can only base “Love” thru our own experiences…I look forward to reading your “Love Story” in the near future….
I definitely think ur one of the lucky ones Tori
Your first love was the one 
This is such a beautiful shoot and I love your interpretation.
Don’t think i would have started this blog with out you! You’re the reason why these posts are live
Loved it Thao, really beautiful, loved a lot of her dresses as well
I imagine the lace one is your favourite JoJo!
Beautiful. Stunning. Love-filled and thoughtful.
Looks like you have found your calling Thao xx
Thanks Sara
I’m loving all your facebook updates and the new look of your blog as well 
Awesome photos!! , great story! When i first flicked through, i imediately thought korean drama. Then read your interp. Hahha
My favourite is the last shot. To me she’s tired of life, tired of the struggles, but she can always find comfort in his arms. And he is always going to be there looking over when she needs.
Roger I only just saw this comment. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE your interpretation of the last picture. It’s really beautiful. Your wifey is very lucky because I know you will always be looking over her shoulders making sure she’s ok : )
Thanks so much for sharing. I can never look at that photo again without seeing your interpretation. Love it!
every time i see their shoot, i am so moved, i love your interpretation and i do agree love needs to stand the test of time before it become true love…..