We have been doing this for a little over three years now but each time couples ask us to take their photographs, we still feel the same way as we did when we booked our first clients. That I-am-so-happy-I-can-dance-Macarena kind of feeling is still familiar. Doing what we do really brings so much joy. It takes our hearts to great heights especially when couples share a piece of their love story.

Today, with their blessings, we tell you the story of Michelle and Deddy.

It was during the Southeast Asian Night in April 2011 when they were officially introduced to each other. It was a brief introduction that happened in between performances. She was performing that night and he was among the audience of hundreds. No, it was not love at first sight but something came out of that official introduction. They found themselves seeing more of each other, most of the time by chance (I say, fate); exchanging e-mails, text messages and phone calls. They knew, something more special than friendship is about to happen.

A month after that he asked her to be his girlfriend. Thrilled she was, but she declined. She felt she needed more time and so time, he gave her. It didn’t take long. Shortly after that, she was finally his girlfriend.

They dated for over a year until he booked a surprise getaway. She thought they were just going somewhere for the weekend. A long drive perhaps but he had planned something more than that. On the 28th of July she was driven to the airport and was flown to Queenstown. She was ecstatic but still, clueless. They drove around and capped off the night (or so she thought) with a dinner. He wanted to give his surprise during dinner but he had to quickly think of a Plan B and how to get out of the restaurant immediately after she complained about the food. So, on the way back to the car, under the moon and the million stars, in front of a lake, he made it happen. He went down on his knee and asked her to be his wife.

They just flew out of Wellington yesterday and in her luggage is her wedding gown. Before the year ends, they will marry each other and end a chapter of their story very a happily-ever-after.

Michelle and Deddy, thank you for asking us to do this for you. You were both very pleasant to work with. Thank you for the coffee in between, the dinner to cap off the evening and the presents you didn’t even have to give. We both wish you well in your marriage and we’ll see you again when you come back.

Much love, Meeko & Redge.