Based on science, Georgia was supposed to be delivered on 9th August, Singapore's National Day. Whenever we told someone about this, they would remark that they hope she will be a National Day baby. I would smile but in my heart I'm saying "Please, please come out earlier".
You see, I was approached by two couples to photograph their weddings on 8th and 10th August, sandwiching Georgia's EDD. Common sense told me to respectfully decline the jobs. I consulted our Gynaecologist who very confidently asked me to accept the jobs after finding out that Hannah was born two weeks early. And so I confidently accepted the jobs.
Two weeks before Georgia's EDD; No contraction, no action. It's alright, take it easy, there are still two more weeks to go.
One week before EDD; No contraction, no action. I was starting to worry. There was no way I would bail on the two weddings. I spoke to Li Ling of the very real possibility that she might have to go into labour SOLO. She's a really strong woman and told me she will do it if she has to.
4 days before EDD; Li Ling's water broke. My heart leapt with joy and was secretly dancing to Summer Rain by Belinda Carlisle.
3 days before EDD; We went to the hospital to have Georgia delivered. I packed up all the camera and lenses I would need for the weddings.
After Georgia was delivered, Li Ling and I stayed at the hospital for two nights. Li Ling slept on the hospital bed. Georgia slept in the crib, and I slept on the couch.
On the day we were to check out from the hospital, I put on my camera backpack, kissed my wife and daughter goodbye and headed straight for the first wedding lunch I was to photograph. I was tired and sleepy but a smile beamed on my face. Everything worked itself out in the end.
I've just added a section on weddings on my website. It's a body of work collected over the past few months. To those who trusted me with your weddings when I did not have a wedding portfolio to show, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
