Here Are Our Chosen 31 Vietnam Wedding Photos (Raw Gallery)
Charlie Pryor
<![CDATA[[caption id="attachment_3950" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
On December 21st, Hang and I got married in Vietnam, which was technically our second wedding. Our first wedding took place September 1, 2013 in Bay City Michigan, and it was beautiful. This wedding was different in many ways, and one way has to do with how Vietnam wedding photos are done. At least, some of them. We’ve been presented with RAW images from our photo-shoot, and as requested, have narrowed it down to our favorite 30 photos to be edited and placed in a hard-paged book for ourselves. We also get an additional photo to select to be printed, so it’s actually 31 images! The first image we’d like to show you is above, which is the one we’ve chosen to have printed and framed for our home.
The images are great, but they’ll take time to edit. Featured in this gallery are the RAW images from our photo-shoot, which was done by Lê Đăng Thiện, of Ồ Production, who did an excellent job with us on December 25, 2013 when we got these taken. I’m anticipating great things from the finished photos later on, but until then, enjoy this gallery of our favorites.
[charliead]
To get started, just click the navigation buttons below the description of each photos. We’ve decided to tell a short story for each photo, and have included each story under each image. You don’t have to read them if you don’t want to, but some of them are probably pretty cute or whatever. So, if you’re ready to see them, just click or tap to get started. As always, you can click the images to see them larger.
[button link=”https://charliepryor.net/31-vietnam-wedding-photos/2″ size=”large”]Check Out Album[/button]
[caption id="attachment_3932" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
We started things off at the beach… or at least, an ‘almost beach’ near the coast. The ground was still grass and a wooded area surrounded the land. Hang had chosen beach and nature, choices that influenced the location decisions of our photographer. We didn’t choose the locations; he did. We don’t know enough about the land to actually make those decisions, and he’s been doing this long enough to know better than us for sure.
This photo, I assume, was shot right behind some leaves of a tree, giving a green essence within the image as the focal point aimed for beyond it. I remember I had said something a little cute here to get a genuine smile from Hang here as I held her close. I don’t remember if this was a ‘posed’ shot, or if we were getting ready to pose. It looks natural enough not to matter, and she is super beautiful, as she always is.
[charliead]
[button link=”https://charliepryor.net/31-vietnam-wedding-photos/” size=”large”]BACK TO START[/button]
[caption id="attachment_3934" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
Action shots are hard to get, and we had a couple attempts at this one. It felt a little awkward to run after her when she’s in that dress, since her legs are a bit restricted, and can’t stretch out for a full run. She’s also in heels, which made it even harder to run for her. As a result, I was running super slow, while still trying to make it look like I was running fast. It’s hard to do that, and while many of the photos didn’t look all that natural, this one made us both smile, and was an easy choice for the album.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3935" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
I’d like to think this one is about looking out into the horizon, and seeing the future and possibilities that lay before us. At least, that’s what I was imagining while standing here. We were both looking out into the water and the beach, but we both glanced at each other briefly while we were standing there talking… and the photographer grabbed that moment very well. We love this photo, and we hope you do as well.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3933" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
Bond. Charles Bond. – At least, that’s how I feel about my stance in this photo. I usually don’t like photos with two people just standing there looking at a camera. It lacks the creativity that inspires the art that I’m so used to wanting out of work, both featuring me and produced by me. However, if there is one thing I learned from this shoot, it’s that my idea of creativity actually lacks creativity in a lot of ways, and our photographer saw things throughout the day that I simply didn’t. I have a whole new idea of what can make a good photo now, and there is something about my stance and the way I look here that forced me to flag it for the album. I don’t know if Hang feels the same way about it as I do, but my secret agent look shines nicely in this image.
Also, the photographer commented that I looked handsome from all angles… Even my wife doesn’t tell me that! HAHA!
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3937" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
This was actually a fairly awkward photo to get in place for, since I’m a bit too tall for this tree. I think this location was scouted when planning on a groom being a few inches shorter than myself, since standing straight up just wasn’t possible under this branch. I did manage to maneuver myself into a position where I could almost stand straight up though, with only my head looking down. After finally getting that position right, Hang and I just looked at each other. I believe this image was taken right before I said something about “figuring it out,” but the photographer again saw the magic before I even tried to make it happen. Great shot.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3936" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
One of the few shots from the day that I can actually remember posing specifically for. At least, posing while the shot was taken. This angle is always a favorite, since it makes you look tall (or hides the fact that you’re short), and gives you a perspective as a viewer that you rarely get to see when you see us on a normal basis. The smiles here are natural though, because Hang was having a lot of fun looking all beautiful for a camera and stuff, and I always smile like that when she puts her head on my chest. Her eyes being closed here add a lot to the mood and feeling of the moment.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3938" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
Finally get to take off that jacket! Vietnam is a fairly warm country, especially the south. In comparison to the United States, and Michigan specifically, it’s weather I’m simply not used to. So when I’m standing out in the sun with tux, wearing a black jacket, you can imagine the amount of time it would take for me to get a bit uncomfortable. The rush of a cool ocean breeze was exactly what I was looking for, and I’m super comfortable now standing against this tree holding her hand.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3939" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
This one is basically the same as the last one, except we’re looking up. I’m not sure why, but there was something about being asked to just look up that was fun and made us smile. Maybe it was just how silly it was (he asked us in a rather silly time and mood). Sometimes, it’s the fun ones that are the best shots, and this is a good example of that. Having fun is extremely important for a photography session, especially for your subjects. If “fun” isn’t there, the magic can be lost. People’s facial expressions tell a lot about what they are feeling, and fake smiles are more noticeable than you may think.
Being a good photographer isn’t all about getting the composition and lighting you want. You have to know how to treat people, and how to show them a good time while they are giving you the shots you want (because they are the shots you want as much as they are the shots your clients want). In our case, he was fast-paced, always moving and directing, but allowed us to freely move and flow how we felt best comfortable. It was an enjoyable experience, and we got in a lot of photos as a result.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3940" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
A very nice grab of Hang’s “bling bling” here. This was taken right before we were done with the ‘leaning on the tree’ photos, and I’m glad he stopped us and took it. Her hand is pretty small compared to mine, and I don’t have the biggest hands in the world either (in fact I’d say my hands are fairly average, maybe even a little smaller than the average american man. Not sure).
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3941" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
Ah yes, a bit of relaxation in the woods. There were a bunch of hammocks set up near the road here, as a woman was offering refreshments in a small little hut-like area she had set up. It’s apparently common for areas like this to be set up around the countryside, offering relaxation to travelers that need it. The refreshments are really quite cheap, and the use of a hammock is always free to all that want to use them.
These little hammock shots were the last ones we took at this location, and the last we had of her in that dress. Hang then walked up the little hill we were next to, and onto the bus that we had transporting us around. All of our clothing changes happened on that bus, and while she was getting herself ready for the next location, I decided to kick back and relax a little in the hammock. Very nice.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3942" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
Approaching late morning now, and the sun has risen higher and is shining bright. With it, rises the temperatures as well, and thankfully I don’t have a coat on anymore. We decided to employ my hat for a series of photos though, which I wasn’t sure about when we brought it. It isn’t the classiest of hats, but again the photographer sees through his lens, not me. He wanted the hat, so I said “okay.” Hang, as you can see, is now in her pink wedding dress, which was one of the dresses she chose from the studio the day before. The dress was a lot less restricting, but had a few extra layers installed, including one of those parts that make the dress “more poofy” and stuff. Don’t ask me what it’s called: I’m a guy.
This shot actually occurs on the beach, although you’d never know it by the mise-en-scene. This large area of vegetation had a small platform-like area in the middle of it, almost as if it was intentionally made for the purposes of shooting photos. I don’t know how he figures out locations like this, but he does.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3949" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
This shot is almost identical to the previous one, except it’s much closer to us. I liked the way were standing, and the slight tilt of the camera gives it some unexpected character that is far better than simply allowing me to lean forward more. Photographers take note: rotating your camera a bit can bring out additional character in your subjects, if you do it right.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3946" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
Here’s another fun one. I don’t believe I was told to do this. I think I just sorta did it. Hang kicking her feet up into the air was a great touch too, although I still don’t really like the giant bit of art on my hat showing. I need a hat just like the one I have, but without that stuff all over it. Maybe a pinstripe one… yeah… pinstripe. Everybody loves that.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3943" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
Finally starting to look like we’re at the beach, this photos was another one of those fun ones that was fun to pose for. At the time, I remember I was actually a little impressed that Hang was able to get her head all the way around like that and look up at me. Now I can see that it wasn’t really all that far around, but at the time (from my angle) it looked kinda difficult. I don’t believe my neck would have liked that, if I were in her position (although I have a car accident injury that irritates my neck, so that’s why).
She looks like a little princess here with that pink dress, flowers in front of her, and (you’ll better later) flower-like thing in her hair. Honestly people… you may not see it, but I’m living in freakin heaven right now with this image. I can’t stop looking at her, and she knows it.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3944" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
I’m not really sure what’s happening here, or really why we decided on this photo. Just something fun about it. Hang’s eyes are closed, and mine basically are as well (bright sunlight made me squint quite a bit throughout the day). Yet despite our eyes, the photo is still composed well, and it’s fun. So we chose it.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3945" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
Throughout our photo shoot, I was trying little things here and there that may look fun for a photo, just to see if the photographer would see it, and get an idea of shooting that shot (I was calling it “helping him out” while we were shooting). This is one of those shots, although initially it was just me putting my foot and hands up with my arm around her. We were then told to both do it, and after a couple of takes, we pulled off this winning shot.
I’m told that Vietnamese photographers enjoy shooting Americans, because we have a natural look to us that can pull off great looking shots without seaming like we’re trying to. We “look like actors” (comments by Hang’s family while looking at these photos), and are comfortable doing things that Vietnamese people simply aren’t comfortable doing, or sometimes even capable of doing, as you’ll see a few examples of in some future photos in this gallery.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3947" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
This is another instance where “a little help” happened, although my version just had me bowing to her with my hat off. His version was better, having me down on one knee, and then having her kick her foot out. It’s not entirely the most natural of positions to be in or anything, but it’s got the flair that the photo needed to work. The flower in her hair is a great touch here, and I think we’re both glad it was part of the dress.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3948" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
This shot almost didn’t make the cut, because I don’t like my almost-double-chin action happening here, but she looks so lovely, and she likes the photo. We’re taking a stroll here along the beach toward our next location at the beach (there were many different areas to shoot at around this beach), and again, the action shot brings out a lot of unexpected character that I really like… even though I look fat.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3951" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
“The Almost Kiss” – At least, that’s what I’m calling this. It’s that intimate moment you see in the movies, where both are unsure of what will happen, or what the first kiss will be like. They move in slowly; the woman wondering when he’ll make the move and go all the way in, and the man wondering if his kiss will be accepted well.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3952" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
Another excellent action shot of me chasing after her, this time shot from the reverse angle. Again, I had to run super-slow while making it look like I was running fast, and Hang is actually doing more of a bouncing, hopping run than a normal run here, so that her dress will fluff up in the action. I really like how that worked too, as the dress curves in waves as she moves and turns to look at me. It’s really great.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3962" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
I’m told there are were a few shots here that we tried that are normally not tried here, just because the men of Vietnam are usually not strong enough to do the poses for them. This is one of those poses. Although I wanted to lock my arms straight out, holding her at this angle with my arms straight was just impossible for me. I could have gone straight up with her, sure, but that wasn’t what I wanted, and I don’t think the photo would look as good.
So I just lifted her up really quick, and she kicked out her legs. BAM! Magic at the beach.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3953" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
Another location, and completely different clothing. We went far less formal this time, which I was thankful for (it’s really hot here for this Michigan-born man, guys and gals. Even though this is their cooler season, and it isn’t nearly as hot as other times of the year, I wanted so badly to be in shorts during most of this day.
This is another location I wasn’t really sure about when I saw it. I actually remember calling back to Hang saying “why are we stopping… is… this the next location?” It’s basically a swamp, and it looks very similar to my parents pond area near the edge of their property (or at least what it looked like a long time ago. I have no idea what it’s like now). I’m told that this area is only available for photos during 2 months of the year, because of the rising water levels, so I suppose it was good that we got here when we did.
Again, like so many times on this day, the photographer saw beauty where I saw bland, and he was again right about this location, mostly because it’s blurred out behind us. It goes very well with our color choices (clothing), and although we had a few doubts about it, the photos here turned out great.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3954" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
This is another one of those poses I was talking about that he normally isn’t able to shoot, because most grooms simply aren’t “big and strong” enough to pull it off well. I stood there with her like this for about 30 seconds while we did a few different poses for it, and she eventually slipped out of my sweaty hands a bit, so I had to set her down. It was alright though… because the photo wanted, was already taken.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3955" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
Imagine being Hang, and walking through this land in those sandals all day. I had leather dress shoes and pants on, so it wasn’t a problem for me at all, and it apparently wasn’t a problem for her being in a dress either, since she was all smiles. One of the great things I love about this woman is that she has her times of ‘dainty’ and ‘girly’, but when it matters, she’s got a bit of country girl in her after all. She’s a city girl, don’t get me wrong, but she does sometimes enjoy stuff like this as well.
Probably because she has a make-up and hair girl on call with a photographer taking cute pictures of her. Yeah, that’s probably it.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3956" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
I almost sat on an ant hill here, which I imagine would be a bad thing since one of those suckers already bit me in the foot once while we were at the first location (while I was wearing sandals, before I changed to the tux). The bite spot turned red and itchy very quickly, so I can only imagine what it would have been like to just sit down on a hole filled with them.
So I instead sat about 6-8 feet away from the hole, and when Hang sat down in my lap like this, the photographer actually said aloud “sexy” (translated to English here, of course). We had a few photos to choose from for this shot, and it was a tough choice for the album, but we decided on this one in the end.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3957" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
Another location I wasn’t really sure of at first, but this path is quite photogenic. The sun provided a natural backlight that really accentuated the contrast between the green and woodsy background and the classy and elegant white from our clothing. It also allowed us to move a bit, which is always a good idea for dynamic images from photography. Hang’s ao dai has a long train on the back of it, which was finally allowed to stretch itself out as we walked the path.
[caption id="attachment_3958" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
It’s not every day you get dolled up in a wedding dress just to walk around in weeds that are almost as tall as you are… but that’s exactly what Hang did here in this location. This is just off the road that you saw in the previous shot, and while it isn’t exactly my favorite of choices for a photo op, it does have a unique charm to it that I can at least agree exists. It’s a nice photo.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3959" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
A little soft, but we’ll just call that the ‘haze of love’ or something corny like that. This is almost the same shot as last time, except closer now, bringing us in full frame instead of with the surroundings. It has a completely different feel to it when you really get in close, and as usual, Hang’s smile is amazing.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3960" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
The last of the “helping him out” moves from me here, as I just started dancing with Hang for really no apparently reason (do you need a reason to dance?). Was it the most romantic dance we’ve ever shared? Perhaps not, but it was still fun, and I’m glad he snapped this photo when he did.
[charliead]
[caption id="attachment_3961" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo credit: Ồ Production[/caption]
This was the final shot of the photo-shoot, and it wasn’t originally planned (at least, Hang and I didn’t know about it until we were there). There are lots of rice fields in Vietnam, as you can expect, and this one was set way out into the countryside, curving around an unusually busy road for this part of the country. While we were out here, we got plenty of looks from drivers passing through, and even a couple of honks.
Everything green you see is rice growing in the rice field. The narrow dirt path that we’re standing on is the only part of this field that you can actually stand on without getting wet. Rice grows in very wet land, so we had to be careful moving around here so that we didn’t fall in. I wasn’t really sure about this location at first, since it really wasn’t what I had in mind at all. However, after seeing some of the photos, I can see its charm, and of the group that we had to choose from, I’m happy to have this one make the cut.
[charliead]
This pretty much concludes the photo gallery. Thanks for taking the time to check it all out. I hope you enjoyed these RAW photos. Later on, I’ll show you all the finished products (once the photographer has had his way with them in post). See ya next time!
LET US KNOW WHICH ARE YOUR FAVORITES IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
