Kim + Sharif : Destination Vietnam Wedding
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I want to write this entry not as a photographer, but merely as a grateful friend. This past January, I traveled for three weeks with this couple to document their wedding celebration and family lifestyle in their small village in Southern Vietnam. Before leaving for this trip, I released my mind of all expectations, all burdens of being their journalist, and packed with me a small suitcase of outfits, minimal gear, and a huge heart ready to live their life through my eyes. It had been ten years since my last trip to Asia, and although Vietnam is not my native country, I was immediately greeted with familiarity, a childhood nearness of China in my heart. Kim and Sharif quietly tied the knot in a city hall back stateside on December 28th and wanted to celebrate with close family in the small village where she stayed many summers growing up. Here I would witness Sharif’s introduction to this humble and sincere family, an inaugural event that defies a culture and celebrates this very simple thing that is Love between two souls. And it is here that I would learn a kind of generosity that only pure hearts can teach. Many people go to great lengths to receive. This family goes to great lengths to give… they truly live to give. I keep with me a reminder of their optimism, compassion, and laughter. I am inspired as a human being, an empathetic soul behind an instrument capable of freezing time. I am a better story teller because of this experience, and it never really had anything to do with the gear in my hand. It’d always been just the simple formula of people, relationships, and life. And I fell in love with that. These are some of my favorite memories from the village and wedding…
Kim’s gangster grandpa.
We ate 7 times a day.
I love mom and daughter relationships..
Muc, my surrogate pet.
We caught 17 fish and ate all of it that night.
These two are forever goofballs.
This family (our audience) owns the historic building we were shooting at. Can you tell that they all look like each other?
If you know Kim, you’d understand the following photo.
The cutest old lady (second to my grandma of course).
Day of the party. Everybody’s working hard, including the bride.
Kim’s family owns a hotel. The party was set up in the courtyard behind the building.
Minh Thong checking out the photos he took with the point and shoot I let him play with.
I think this series pretty much sums up their relationship.
The parents, the most generous people I have ever had the privilege to know.
Let the games begin!
Happily together.
Photos and excerpts from the rest of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand coming soon.
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I love it!!! Each of your pictures tells a story!!! AS ALWAYS….GREAT WORK!!!
You have a wonderful gift to capture the perfect moments.
:)
Looks awesome. You weren’t lying about the fish.
amaaaaaaaazing!!!! :)
beautiful!!! <3 i want more!
kim told me about your site when i was in florida and you are a magical photographer. thank you for allowing me to see my dear friend’s wedding pics:)
Your photos are ……….. WOW! I can’t even say how GREAT they are. BRAVO brought a tear to my eye to see such GREAT ART!
These photos are great
Angel, these photos brought tears to my eyes!!! They’re unbelievable!! You’ve grown so much as a photographer since I’ve started watching your work. You’re able to capture things about people that others can only dream of seeing twice. These pictures of Kim were totally unexpected and delightfully welcomed!!! Beautiful, stunning work!!
Those are truely amazing pictures of a wonderful event. Congratulations on the wedding!
The photos are as lovely and touching as the people in them!
what an amazing experience. Beautiful pictures…
you captured the great moments. nothing needs to be said on each photos since you can just tell by looking at them. loving the photos Angel! they are beautiful!
You 2 are so real and true to who you really are. That what’s make this experience beautiful.
Don’t ever change!
Best wishes for many years of magic together!!!