written by Sonder Studio

Sometimes, when things don’t unfold as we first intended, life has a gentle way of leading us somewhere even more beautiful. That’s exactly what happened with Agnes and me. Our first chance to work together didn’t go as planned—but that detour became the beginning of something unexpectedly special. What started as a missed opportunity grew into one of my most meaningful creative experiences, and eventually, a friendship I deeply cherish. Continue reading to see how our paths intertwined, how this pre wedding shoot in Singapore came to life, and how it unveiled an old-world, european romance to the city.

How this Pre Wedding Shoot in Singapore Came Together

Agnes first reached out while she and her fiancé, Russel, were in Korea for a friend’s wedding. We had hoped to meet for a pre-wedding session there, but with Russel’s busy schedule and their brief visit, the timing simply wasn’t meant to be. Still, something about Agnes lingered in my mind—her quiet elegance, effortless style, and the calm, graceful energy she carried.

When I later found out I’d be visiting Singapore, I reached out again to see if she’d like to collaborate on a styled pre wedding shoot and, to my delight, she said yes. What followed was a creativity match made in heaven. Our session felt like stepping into another world—an ode to timeless elegance and soft European beauty.

What made this pre-wedding session even more special, though, was everything that came after. That single collaboration blossomed into a true friendship. Today, Agnes is one of my cherished friends, and together we founded The Orient Wed—an online wedding publication devoted to celebrating exceptional artistry and extraordinary weddings across Asia.

A European-Inspired Pre-Wedding Session in Asia

For this photo session, Agnes hoped to weave the classic grace of Europe into her story, without losing sight of her Asian heritage. While many pre wedding shoots in Singapore adhere to predictable rhythms, we aimed for something distinct—something quietly refined and touched with European elegance.

We started at the National Gallery Singapore, a masterpiece of neoclassical design. Its towering Corinthian columns, grand rotunda, and marble symmetry made it feel almost like stepping into the British Museum. Every corner held that quiet, soft grace you can only find in old-world spaces.

Next, we made our way to Raffles Singapore, the city’s crown jewel of heritage hotels (read this post to learn why portraits at this location never cease to inspire). Its white façade, gold accents, wraparound verandas, and lofty ceilings evoked a classic allure that continued the theme. At both locations Agnes changed her attire, making for not just one but three beautiful pre-wedding looks.

Favorite Details from this Pre Wedding Shoot in Singapore

Gowns by Nicole + Felicia

The locations weren’t the only things that inspired this pre wedding shoot. Agnes’ gowns were as equally stunning as the venues themselves!

We used two couture gowns from Nicole + Felicia, which remain vivid in my memory to this day. The second look in particular—a black velvet corset paired with their signature floral skirt in a soft, muted dusty pink—stole my heart. Agnes added black gloves to complete the ensemble, creating a silhouette that was ethereal, refined, and effortlessly elegant.

These gowns weren’t traditional bridal pieces, and that’s part of what made them so captivating. They conveyed a quiet confidence and the kind of “old money” sophistication that set the tone for the entire shoot.

European-inspired Backdrops

Along with Agnes’ ensembles, our locations captured precisely the refined elegance we envisioned—European grandeur in a modern Asian setting. At the National Gallery, the light was gorgeously dramatic, cascading across marble pillars and the checkerboard floor, creating a backdrop that played perfectly with Agnes’s gowns.

At Raffles Singapore, the atmosphere shifted into something timeless. The cream walls, polished floors, and ornate details gave the space a stately, old-world charm. It was like stepping into a quiet moment where the past gently embraces the present.

Standout Vendors

This pre-wedding shoot in Singapore wouldn’t have been possible without an extraordinary creative team. The Ivory not only lent us their beautiful gowns, but they also generously helped make the National Gallery shoot a reality. And ARLY, our incredibly talented makeup artist, brought Agnes’s looks together in a way that felt both polished, effortlessly graceful, and perfectly complementing her natural elegance.

How the Pre Wedding Shoot in Singapore Reflected the Couple

Getting to know Agnes and Russel through the planning process of their pre wedding session, reinforced the vision Agnes had for their day. I learned that they cherish antiques, savor classic artistry, and possess natural poise. They move through the world with a quiet, innate grace and their pre wedding shoot in Singapore became a reflection of that spirit.

What began as a chance encounter blossomed into one of the most meaningful friendships I’ve discovered through photography. Agnes is not only a close friend but also an inspiring creative partner, and I feel deeply grateful to have had the honor of capturing this chapter of her story.

It’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do—because behind every photograph is a connection, a story, and a shared vision. Whether it’s for your pre-wedding or wedding day, I’d love to help create something beautiful and deeply personal. If their pre wedding session has inspired you, reach out, and let’s craft a story together that feels truly yours.

Vendors Behind This Pre Wedding Photoshoot in Singapore

Digital Photographer: Lorryn Smit

Hair & Makeup: @qq_arly from ARLY

Bridal Shop: The Ivory

Gowns: Nicole + Felicia