THE CLOUD FOREST

It's been a heck of a long time since I've posted here and I think I figured it out tonight. I have been putting way too much pressure on myself to keep this space utterly pristine and perfect and so I seized up and just stopped. I've been thinking about what I want to do here, thinking about what the outworking of creativity looks for me and the plan is to experiment. To take more photos (always), to write more, heck, maybe I'll even talk about clothes. Who knows. In the meantime, meet the Cloud Forest.

I got back from a trip back to the motherland, Singapore, a couple of weeks ago. It has been a couple of years since I had been back and it was just the best thing to be back. I always have the greatest time there and this time the reason for the trip was pretty dang great - celebrating Grandma's 80th birthday. We threw her a party with all her siblings and friends and it was a hoot.

One of the last days of the trip we took off to the other end of the country so I could finally step foot here, the Cloud Forest. Guys, this is easily one of my new all-time favourite spots in the world. It is an architectural feat and to me, a perfect representation of the brilliance that is Singapore. Can you believe that Singapore has only been an independent country for 50 years? Isn't she amazing? It's things like this that have me very proud to be a Singaporean.

ZACH AND XANTHE | ENGAGED

Zach and Xanthe are two of my favourite people in Singapore. They've known each other more than 10 years and are the perfect balance to each other. As their friend, I've had the exciting privilege of watching them move over the years from friends to dating and now, almost-Mr and Mrs Young. To top it off, I got to squeal in anticipation all the way in Redding, California while waiting for Zach to pop the question after they had flown from Singapore to Queenstown, New Zealand. He got down on one knee right after they had sky-dived and she said Yes! Xanthe is now rocking one beautiful sapphire ring and a fiancee. Oh, and a reference in a newspaper article too! Score.

While in Singapore last week, we got together and these two rocked their engagement shoot - total troopers in the ridiculous, blazing heat that is Singapore in June. (We're talking stand perfectly still and turn into a sweat puddle in all of 60 seconds.) At one point we snuck on to the colourful floating platform currently being prepped for National Day, much to Zach's excitement because it was an unchecked item on his bucket list, and much to my excitement because we caught some stunning light up there. 

Z and X, my fellow introverts, thank you for letting me capture the two of you and for obliging me by standing on mint chairs while people were staring, twirling even though it was cheesy and being a steady supply of tissue. I am, as I've said so many times now, so honoured. Also, please teach me your ways - how on earth did you not break a sweat while we were shooting? Dang. You guys? Too awesome. Sending love from here to there!