ABOUT US
HOW it all BEGAN
Our love for each other and the passion for our work fuels us every day. Read on to discover why we’re the perfect team to work with.
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.
the BEGINNINGS
During college, Clifton studied engineering when a co-op semester in Hawaii changed everything. There, he spent his free time taking photos for travelers—and their heartfelt compliments planted a seed. After that trip, Clifton knew he was destined for a different path, one filled with creativity and connection.
Clifton started his career as a wedding photographer and shot weddings for 15 years. During the quiet days of the pandemic, something stirred—a curiosity about film and its ability to merge visuals with sound to tell a deeper, richer story. Through self-study and guidance from his mentor, Michael Y. Wong, Clifton transitioned from photography to crafting cinematic films.
Curio Studios wouldn’t be complete without Gloria Gao. She first picked up a camera when she and Clifton were dating, helping him as a second shooter. What started as a fun way to spend time together grew into a shared passion for capturing love stories. Now married, they’ve turned that passion into a partnership, working side by side to create films that reflect the beauty, emotion, and uniqueness of every couple they meet.
CLIFTON LI
I’m a perfectionist who’s known to break a few rules to make magic happen. What does that mean? I might overexpose a background so the light glows perfectly on your face, or I'll get on the ground so I can zoom in on your partner’s shiny shoes. While I love being out of the box, there’s one main constant in my work—no fluff. Just your honest love story and how that unfolds on your big day.
Combine my easygoing nature with my love of hard work, and you’ve got the crux of Curio Studios. Our goal is to make your experience with us seamless and stress-free. Because the only thing you should remember on your wedding day is the day itself.
GLORIA GAO
I have a knack for understanding people and making them feel at ease, which means I’m often the one helping couples feel comfortable in front of the camera. My goal is to bring a sense of warmth and care into every interaction—I want this to be more than just a service; I want it to feel personal.
I admire when people embrace who they are, and I bring that same philosophy into my work: capturing what’s real, raw, and deeply meaningful.
I love natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and silk—they remind me of life’s beautiful details. And it’s the details that make a great wedding film. We notice every one of them.
LET'S WORK TOGETHER
We take on a limited number of weddings each year to ensure we deliver the highest quality films and a truly personalized experience for you.
Please note we’re almost fully booked for 2025. Fill out our contact form, and we’ll reach out via email to schedule a discovery call within 24 hours.
{ tel } +1 646-232-5549
{ email } info@curiostudiosfilms.com