“Stay home.”
2 simple words were all that were given us, while the world grapples with an invisible enemy. As I am typing this, people are staying home (well, mostly), confining ourselves in a space where we feel safest, distancing ourselves socially, in a bid to stop the Covid-19 virus from spreading further. We are staying home now more so than ever, and this extended time being nestled within the same 4 walls has got me thinking – What would our lives be without our homes?
We could be leading a nomadic life, drifting from place to place, exploring new lands and experiencing foreign cultures. Just like Anouchka’s father was – his adventures braving the oceans could be told generation after generation, colorful stories that could possibly inspire a future sailor to follow suit.
James and Anouchka wanted to hold their wedding right at home, free from the restrictions that hotels and restaurants have in place. They wanted it to be a safe haven where everyone closest to them could come together for the amazing home cooked food, have a beer or two, and simply spend the time in each other’s presence, free from any discomfort that one feels in an unfamiliar space.
There weren’t any elaborate dresses, save for a custom-made cheongsam that was a brilliant nod to her maternal lineage, nor shoes – in fact Anouchka was barefoot the whole time. They had their favorite chef come down to whip up a delectable feast for everyone (it was possibly the best home-cooked food I had ever had).
They wanted their home to be the epicentre from where their stories could be told, not some fanciful, hip venue which is the talk of the town. They wanted to feel, right from the start, that the day belonged to them. They wanted the photographs to be about the intimacy of people.
So when we recover from this epidemic after having spent countless days at home, and having seen the world change (for better or for worse) from the comfort of our home, maybe it’s time to search within ourselves, what the truly important things that matter most are.
//Guest photographer – Kai from Kai Picture //
