Hangzhou China Pre-Wedding Photos | Gail and Martin

Gail and Martin’s pre-wedding shoot took us farther than the usual, straight from Manila to Hangzhou, China, with all the transfers and travel time that come with choosing a destination that’s truly out of the ordinary. It was a two-day experience that felt like a mini-adventure on its own, and the moment we arrived, it was clear why Hangzhou was worth the journey. There’s a calm elegance to the city, scenic, atmospheric, and rich in character (an idea merging of the old and the new) that instantly gives photos a distinctive romance.

What made this shoot even more special is how uncommon it is for Filipino couples to choose Hangzhou for their pre-wedding story. Most would naturally lean toward familiar favorites, but Gail and Martin went for something more unusual and that decision paid off beautifully. For us at Metrophoto, this is where we thrive: we let the couple and the place dictate the images, and our role is to elevate what’s already there, never forcing a concept that would visually look like it doesn’t belong or repetitive.

Across the two days, we were able to create a variety of looks and environments, local settings, lush natural backdrops, and scenic spaces that gave each set its own mood while keeping everything cohesive and high quality. Every location became a different chapter, and Gail and Martin’s connection and willingness brought consistency through it all – warm, genuine, and effortless to photograph.

And then came the final set: the rain arrived hard and fast, testing the plan and the pace and ruined our plan of using a boat. But instead of letting it take away from the shoot, we leaned into it, adjusting quickly and making the most of the downpour. Those moments often lead to the most unforgettable images, because they’re real and lived-in. Thank you, Gail and Martin, for trusting us and making this Hangzhou pre-wedding shoot possible, every mile, every challenge, and every raindrop was completely worth it.