S’pore couple takes pre-wedding photos at Saizeriya, where they had 1st date – Mothership.SG

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The neighbourhood flavour of their shoot continued with Kopitiam Square and HDB blocks.

January 06, 2026, 01:48 PM

No need for sunsets on the beach or flower fields — a young couple in Singapore was happy to celebrate their engagement at neighbourhood hangouts that best captured their love story.

That included the Saizeriya outlet in Rivervale Mall, where they had their first date more than three years ago.

But their memories there date back even further.

Friends to lovers

The couple had known each other since they were about 15 years old, having met at St Anne’s Church, Sam shared with Mothership.

As the church was near Rivervale Mall, it became second nature for them to grab a meal at the Saizeriya after church events.

Practicality was key to this hangout of choice. “It’s in the middle of both our houses, so it’s extra convenient!” Sam said.

For two years, Sam and Justin harboured feelings for each other, but did not act on them, staying just friends.

Things changed on Oct. 31, 2022, at no other place than Saizeriya.

It was at the casual Italian restaurant where they met and finally decided to start dating.

“Just imagine having a super pivotal, life-changing conversation over their sizzling hamburger steak,” Sam said with a laugh.

Or perhaps over corn pizza?

Though it is no longer on the menu now, Sam was obsessed with Saizeriya’s corn pizza and would find any chance to order it.

“Even though Justin never really fancied it, he would still kindly agree to order it whenever we went to Saizeriya – no questions asked,” Sam said. “If that’s not love, I don’t know what is!”

Fiancés

Not surprisingly, the couple decided to mark the next stage of their journey at Saizeriya.

On Jan. 2, Sam and Justin returned to the place of their very first date for their pre-wedding shoot, with help from the restaurant.

At first, it looked like it might not happen.

Sam initially got no response from Saizeriya after reaching out via social media, but she persisted, and a heartfelt email finally got them permission to take their photos before opening hours.

The restaurant kindly accommodated their needs during the shoot and later shared some behind-the-scenes photos on their Instagram.

Here are the photos from the shoot.

Love in the neighbourhood

Besides Saizeriya, other backdrops to Sam and Justin’s engagement photos included Kopitiam Square and HDB blocks.

“We chose to take our pre-wedding shoot at places that were actually meaningful to us and our story – even if they weren’t the most aesthetic spots!” Sam explained.

All dressed up — Sam decked out in a white dress, gloves, and a veil, and Justin in a black blazer over a white shirt — they smiled for the camera in Kopitiam Square, which Sam shared was one of their favourite food spots in the area.

Even rental bicycles were featured, from the HelloRide and AnyWheel brands they used to ride around the park connector.

What a charming walk down memory lane for the couple before they tie the knot in June.

Top images from Saizeriya’s Instagram and Sam