Photo Memories

Recently I started out doing freelancing on wedding montage. I was kind to receive a few deals from the circle of friends I knew. Most probably as a fresh entry, my rate was one of the lowest you can find in Singapore.

The package that I’m offering is ridiculous. Yeah, if I would to do this full time I might as well go work in some fast-food joint serving burgers.

Anyway I met my first client not long ago. Of all the clients that I had, they were probably the ones whom I was a complete stranger to.

The rest I will would know either one of them. (Nope... to be technically true, I only know all the brides-to-be on my client list… how come???)

We had a short discussion about how the two of them met and how their love story begins. The bride-to-be eagerly presented her side of the story and the groom-to-be was there trying to correct or edit her story. Who says guys don’t remember anything in a relationship?

As I slowly sip my coffee and listen to them, you could see the looks on their face as they had a light hearted argument over what the guy did when he wanted to know her. It is great to think back the happier days.

When the story was finished, I requested them to pass me their childhood photos. I offered to scan for them since its part of the value-added services I provide.

I was quite surprised by both of them reaction as they each took out a large photo album that contains all the memories since young.

“Hey this is me when I’m young” The bride-to-be exclaimed when she showed me one of her baby photos.

“Wah, I still remember this time when I had this camp” The groom-to-be sounded like he was talking to himself.

All of us had a good laugh on how vintage the photos had become. Some had turned brown and each photo tells a very distinct story of their memories.

I wonder how many of us would really take out my photo album and looked at our childhood photos? I probably forgotten all the photos that I’ve taken in my life if not for my mother’s safe keeping.

My wife wasn’t that fortunate as her family wasn’t able to afford a camera then. She often regrets how sad it is that she was not able to share with me her part of growing up.

She will always try her best to describe the place, the buildings and the rest is up to my imagination. Maybe the whole montage idea of putting childhood photos is not because of showing your guest how you grow up.

I secretly believe that it is a remembrance of how you were brought up by your parents. You would not remember so much about your childhood more than them.

They were the ones whom watched you cry, watched you drink your first milk, and watched you take your first step.

The beginning of the montage symbolized how grateful you are that you are able to walk in with her bride into the ballroom. It is because of their timeless and sometimes forgotten efforts that make you who you are today.

I don’t know when I will have the time to look through my childhood photos again after my wedding.

I hope you look at your childhood photos more often.

Remember not how you grow but how you were brought up.

You will see a different light.