Relive your wedding with memorable photos after the fact

Relive your wedding with memorable photos after the fact

By I. Christianto

JAKARTA (JP): Do you want to re-marry your beloved spouse for
a second, third or more times? Go to a photo studio offering
"honeymoon packages".

Dozens of newly-weds and married couples -- with or without
children -- everyday crowd into "Tarzan Photo, Bridal and Salon"
at Roxy Mas business complex in Central Jakarta, waiting for
their turn for a "honeymoon" photo session.

It could be tiring, but also amusing, watching so many people
in international (western) wedding gowns and suits saying
"cheese" with smiling faces. It seems, happiness is always in the
air.

The owner of Tarzan, Jimmy Iskandar, says that up to 30
couples come each day to his studio which was opened in 1948.

"Forty percent chose the honeymoon package," he says, adding
that Tarzan started its wedding services in 1992.

The so-called honeymoon package is designed for those who want
to have memorable wedding pictures, especially if they do not
hold a party, reception or other celebration. The package
includes an indoor photo session for a set of pictures and the
negatives, complete with bride's gown, make-up, hair-dressing,
(artificial) hand bouquet and other accessories (such as crown,
necklaces, errings and bracelets) as well as the groom's suit,
tie, gloves and plastic boutonniere.

There are other studios in Jakarta offering such services. Eva
Bun, a one-stop wedding service, began to offer a honeymoon
package late last year. About five couples take the package every
day, says attendant Tina Silaen. Luvashel, which also provides
wedding facilities, including a honeymoon package, plans to
expand its studio as there is increasing demand.

Such studios usually offer several settings like ceremony room
and bridal room. Dummy bridal cakes are also available.

Prices ranges between hundreds of thousands of rupiah and
millions of rupiah, depending on type of gown and selection of
accessories.

"We have a stock of gowns for the honeymoon package. Most of
them have been worn several times by other brides. Prices are
higher for couples who prefer to use the latest models," said
Jimmy, the second generation running Tarzan.

"It's already popular in other Asian nations, for couples to
renew their wedding photos with some new touches," he said.

He said customers do not have to book for the honeymoon
package at his studio.

"They can come at anytime, especially as we open everyday," he
said, adding that the photo session including preparations
usually takes about two hours.

The Tarzan team, which serves the honeymoon package, includes
make-up artists, hairdressers, fashion specialists,
photographers, art directors, lighting men and related business
managers.

Jimmy said that the number of people choosing the honeymoon
package has increased in the last two years after bloody riots
hit several parts of Indonesia, particularly Jakarta.

"I understand there were some couples who had planned their
wedding day for months, even one year in advance. And some had to
cancel their dream only one day before the honeymoon, due to the
violence that hit the capital," he recalled.

Occasionally, couples have to cancel their wedding party
because a family member unexpectedly passes away, he said.

In such circumstances, when everything has been arranged but
must be postponed or even canceled, some couples still want to
feel a bit of merriment. So they take the so-called honeymoon
package at a photo studio.

Many bridal photo studios also offer more than just
photography to cater to the needs of the bride and groom to be.

Nowadays people want efficiency. Time is precious, especially
for career couples. People need to plan their wedding perfectly.
Take a look at their checklist: invitations, bride's
gown/dress/suit, groom's suit, flowers, clothing for
parents/grandparents and other close relatives, wedding ceremony,
reception, catering, cake, music, caterer, photography/video,
rings, honeymoon, bridal party gifts, hairstyling,
transportation, guest book, tips and gratuities.

Those interested in honeymoon packages also want efficiency.
They do not want to have the matters handled separately by
several parties. They want a one-stop service.

That's why many photo studios upgraded to provide full bridal
and wedding services. There are also collaborations among photo
studios, beauty salons, florists, caterers and hotels to provide
this service.

"Photography and brides can't be separated. Wedding couples
need photography and they are a good target for photographers,"
said Jimmy.

The studios act like wedding coordinators, assisting people
with as much or as little as necessary.

The honeymoon package can also be a nice gift.

Reny said that the package was a pleasant surprise for her
parents, who had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

"My parents live in Bangka (South Sumatra). They came here for
the anniversary as most of the children now live in Jakarta. I
asked them to take the honeymoon package here, and here are the
results," said Reny, proudly showing a set of pictures of her
parents in modern wedding gown and suit. The photos were good and
the honeymooners looked quite happy.