ABOUT US

How It All Began

What started as our own story has become the work we’re privileged to craft for others - side by side, every day.

Our Love...

for each other and the passion for our work fuels everything we create. Read on to discover why we’re the perfect team to work with.

Our Beginning

Clifton originally studied engineering in college, but a co-op semester in Hawaii shifted everything. In his downtime, he photographed travelers - simple moments that unexpectedly sparked something deeper. Their heartfelt reactions made him realize he was meant for a path rooted in creativity and human connection.

A Shift into Film

For the next 15 years, Clifton built his career as a wedding photographer. Then came the quiet days of the pandemic, when a new curiosity began to form - a fascination with film and its ability to blend visuals, sound, and emotion into a richer, more immersive story. Through dedicated self-study and guidance from his mentor, Michael Y. Wong, Clifton transitioned from still imagery to crafting cinematic wedding films.

The Partnership

Curio Studios wouldn’t exist as it does today without Gloria. She picked up a camera when the two began dating, joining Clifton as a second shooter. What started as a way to spend time together naturally evolved into a shared passion for documenting love stories. Now married, they bring their strengths together every day - creating films that reflect the emotion, sincerity, and uniqueness of every couple they have the honor of capturing.

CLIFTON LI

I’m a perfectionist who isn’t afraid to bend a few creative rules when it leads to something beautiful. Maybe that means overexposing the background so the light wraps softly around you, or lying on the ground to frame the quiet details most people overlook. I like pushing beyond the expected, but one thing never changes - my work is grounded in honesty. No gimmicks, no fluff. Just your story, told with intention.

Pair that with an easygoing nature and a deep love for hard work, and you’ll find the heart of Curio Studios. My goal is simple: to make your experience seamless and stress-free. Because the only thing you should be thinking about on your wedding day - is the moment you’re living in.

GLORIA GAO

I have a natural intuition for understanding people and helping them feel at ease, which often means I’m the one guiding couples into a space where they feel comfortable simply being themselves. My goal is to bring warmth, attentiveness, and genuine care into every interaction - so this feels like more than a service; it feels personal.

I admire people who embrace who they truly are, and that philosophy shapes how I create: capturing what’s real, raw, and deeply meaningful. I’m also drawn to the beauty of everyday textures - linen, cotton, silk - reminders of life’s quiet details. Those details matter. In wedding films, we notice every single one.