"We Slept With Our Photographer On Our Wedding Night"

by HijabMan :: posted 1 June 09

“If you saw our photographer, you would do the same!”

“Do you want a photographer that will get really up close and personal?”

Straight out of my last clients’ mouths. Yes, I slept in the same room with the couple on their wedding night. No, it wasn’t what you think it was. And no, I won’t be making it a habit. Hahaha.

Before you think I’m insane, let me explain. I was supposed to sleep in the family room of the bride’s mother’s house, but it was occupied until late at night. At the end of the day, we all hung out in the couple’s room because it had A/C (this was in Malaysia). I ended up falling asleep on the floor, and at around 11 pm, woke up and crashed on the couch outside.

The couple didn’t mind at all, and in fact found in it many opportunities for laughs.

“If anything, we were worried about his back sleeping on that hard floor!”

They continued to ad-lib some silly advertising campaigns for me, seen above, on our trip to the Cameron Highlands a couple days later. They are way too cool. It is wild to think that I met them right before their wedding, and now I consider them among my best friends. In fact, I feel that way about all of the couples I’ve photographed. There is something about journeying with people, whether physically or emotionally that brings you close to them. I am blessed to have been able to make such connections.

Today is the first day of June and the last day I will be 26 years of age. I’m sitting in A La Mode Cafe in Lombard, Illinois and sipping on a cafe Mocha, hoping that the girl behind the counter can reset the wireless internet. If not, I may offer my services as an unemployed Tech Support Guy (TSG).

(Update: I offered my services. They Worked! Wee!)

I’ve been silent on this blog for about of month, which is what I expected a three week trip to Malaysia would do to me. It was one of those epic adventures where you need to absorb, reflect, and be grateful for the ability to jump on a plane, make close, familial friendships with all sorts of people (see title of post), and experience the company and surroundings of thousands of others.

Since I’ve been back, word of my photography has spread, and I have had the privilege of photographing both the Council For The Advancement of Muslim Professionals Leadership Summit and a fascinating one-day Muslim Charities Accreditation Program (MCAP) seminar put on by Muslim Advocates here in Chicago.

Next up, I have a wedding in Indianapolis, ISNA in Washington, DC, and then back to Singapore and Malaysia for another month. At which point, I’ll do my best to hunker down and start nursing school.

Clutches Camera

I’d like to thank the academy economy for laying me off. You have allowed me to continue on my journey to discover what I love.

In the meantime, you can expect more posts.

And hey, if you need a photographer who you need to feel comfortable with— someone who just ‘fits in’ and is easy to work with, contact me. You won’t be disappointed.

Lots of love and respect,
HijabMan

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1. yasmine at 1 June 09 :: #

   =) you make me smile so much.

   how will you be able to go to nursing school after all these excitements and adwentures!?

   happy birthday in advance, buddy boy!

2. Pamela Taylor at 1 June 09 :: #

   So does this mean you’re not going to be at ISNA this year? We will certainly miss you if so!

3. laura at 16 June 09 :: #

   Good luck in Nursing school! I have been there: Artist turns RN!
   I love both.