"Pre-nups aren't really necessities for weddings. However, if couples are going to have one, it's best to be creative," shares Erin. Indeed, Erin and Christian's prenuptial session in an odd location was nothing short of creative.
Erin and Christian originally planned for a shoot in Bangkok, as photographer Oly Ruiz's stunning prenuptial sessions are often set outside the country. In the end, they opted to have a local shoot. After securing a permit for PhP1,000, the couple was given permission to shoot in what was left of Tropical Palace in Paranaque, once a family resort that burned down years ago.
The location was the subject of many scary stories shared by bystanders at midnight: remnants of an abandoned once-resort with cracked tiles, dried leaves and wild flowers--it was the perfect physical description of the words quiet and beautiful.
To complement their unusual shoot location, the couple also stepped out of their comfort zone with their wardrobe choices. "We wanted to have clothes that we wouldn't normally wear so we decided to get Pat, who not only is a stylist but also a designer", recalls Erin. Despite not having a concrete theme for the shoot, the couple knew they wanted it to have a high-fashion feel. Make-up artist Roberta Jean Millena and stylist Patrick Galang (who was recommended by designer Jerome Lorico) made this possible for the beautiful couple who "felt like celebrities" with the constant dress-checking and sweat-wiping during the shoot.
It was in the sweltering heat of the midday summer sun, around a quiet beauty that they had all to themselves, when Erin and Christian brought the abandoned Tropical Palace back to life.
Click here to see our feature on Erin and Christian's wedding.
