Sam and Kaylee wanted to honour both their backgrounds with a pre-wedding photo session. As a nod to Sam’s Hong Kong heritage (in a distinctly Asian-American way), the two chose to run around San Francisco Chinatown at night. They visited several beloved locally-owned Chinese-American businesses and Chinatown landmarks. Kaylee brought her own piece of family history to the session, wearing her grandmother’s wedding dress and her mother’s veil as a tribute to the women who came before her.

The shoot wasn’t about being flashy or putting on any kind of pretence. They spent less than $100 making it happen. “We were inspired by Wong Kar Wai, Vũ Thụy Khuê, and the historic landscape of Chinatown”, photographer Annalee told us. “There is something unique about a couple in wedding attire doing casual things around the city together at night. It feels special in its own way. The couple are doing things they normally love to do together, such as shop for snacks, run around the city, eat noodles, and wait for the bus, but in wedding attire. They really wanted these photos to feel like themselves.”

They also visited several locally-owned Chinatown businesses which are deeply important to the San Francisco community: Sun Kau Shing Company, J&M A-1 Cafe, Lion Trading, AA Bakery & Cafe and Li Po Cocktail Lounge.

“Consider making your engagement photos fun and personal” Annalee said. “It’s an opportunity celebrate this season of life in a place or places that are special to you. It can be wonderful to weave in personal items, places, or cultural elements into your engagement session.”