Not your typical walk - in

Hello! Its been AGESSSSS since I last updated! This blog has so much spiderweb and crickets sound. Been too busy with work and of course getting organised! But 2 months to go! With that we went to ROM (Registry of Marriage) and registered our wedding date. It's the first important step!

Ok so now what are the updates, well if you've seen weddings in youtube or attended one, when the newlyweds are being introduced, they usually just enter, walk in and head to the table. Well, it's sooo cliche and predictable

So the fiance and I came up with an idea. My family loves dancing! Dancing is something all of us love doing together. 

Ok to explain better, this is youtube videos that we took reference from. It's fun and of course so me and my fiance! Just click on the link below!

Wedding entrance dance reception 1

Wedding entrance dance 2

Been having dance practice every wednesday and the progress is not bad! 

Want to thank all the bridesmaids, maid of honor, best man and groomsmen who gave time every wednesday

We are all not dancers yet they put in effort in learning the steps no matter how difficult they are. 

So I shall leave with this first. Update again!

Meet up with RSYC team

The reason why we met up with the team is because I AM NOT HAPPYYYYYY. Grrrrrr

As I am doing the wedding outdoor, I've always fancied outdoor weddings with tall flowers arrangements with small flowers and candles. Gives that very intimate feel compared to a hotel. Like photo below!

So I asked the following and the ones on RED is their reply through email conversation:
 
-Long Tables instead of round: NO. Not possible. Not enough space

-No chinese food served in the middle because then no flowers can be placed in the table so I requested for individually plated served food. Which of course will make the cost higher but we're ok with it as long as the cost isn't too big of a difference: NO. As its outdoor, the kitchen is too far food will be cold by the time it reaches the table. Need to hire more manpower. 

-As my guests are coming from overseas, no chinese food like chilli crab.: NO not possible because they only want to serve chinese food to be placed in the middle unless its individually served then can be customised.

-I will need to bring in alcohol, and lots of them as we have drinkers on our guest list. Are they able to waive corkage?: NO. 

So you see, their response isn't so pleasing and Shawn and I were getting frustrated. It's like a dead end and so I became a bridezilla

To 'appease' us, my main coordinator arranged a meeting with the wedding coordinator herself, the banquet manager and the executive chef! *haha felt like VIP for the whole team to meet us on Sunday!*

So we sat down and I told them my frustrations and I am glad to say they have given us solutions

We will have to stick to round tables still because the marquee would have to expand, and in Singapore, a small marquee is already $4000 . Mine is already way beyond that amount, so, fine we stuck to round tables BUT! my food will be individually served and it's not totally Chinese menu.

Sadly though, I cannot do the floral decoration as elaborate as the photo. But still at least I can keep my flowers and candles on the table. (A Chinese wedding where the food is served in the middle, the flowers will be removed before the first dish is served. So no point doing elaborating flowers)

After talking to the chef, he said it'll be good to do a fusion of Chinese and western food, to introduce Chinese food to my western friends or non local guests and still have western food to have something they are familiar with

Have negotiated corkage as well. Learned from how my boss negotiates for corkage waiver. I am so glad I am learning all her skills!

So all in all, the meeting was a success! Favour to our side. So yeah, 5 more months to go!!

Next thing we need to do, sort out guest list and lodging for our overseas guests! Here we go

Live Band, Bar, and Dancing

Live Band

I will be having a DJ for the wedding ceremony to play our favourite songs. Have my sisters to lead praise and worship.

For the dinner however, I am getting a 2 piece live band! Because just DJ the whole night is boring!

Sooo its 2 sets of 45 minutes. After the first 45 minutes, DJ can spin and do his thing. Probably 20 minutes? Then the band comes up. So there's live entertainment! Can do songs dedication too!

I have gone to different live bands like High Notes, Sparkle notes etc.

Finally settled with Kevin and Jeremy! Their voices are soothing and gives that very romantic atmosphere.
As I have a dance floor I think my guest would just start to slow dance halfway through dinner.

This is their videos:
Breakeven
Every Little Thing
Now and Forever

This is just some of their videos. Really talented pair of singers.

The DJ is essential for the after party! Yeshhh more than 1 hour of party-ing!


Bar
 
I am having two of my guy friends to set up a bar table and start mixing drinks for guests and I will have (3? I don't know) different alcohol drinks. My main ingredients that I would like to be part of the drink is lychee (I love that fruit with alcohol) and Bailey's! Maybe will have mojito and shooters as well.
The whole point is for guests to 'order' and then back to the dance floor

Partying in the outdoors!

Plus I am getting the lights (see previous post) so it'll be an awesome after party.

So the first half of the day would be all lovey-dover romantic and will end with a bang! (atleast that's how I envisioned it to be!

Dancing

As my family loves dancing and I don't like (never liked) a typical entrance, my fiancé and I have decided to do a dance entrance. Starting with the bridesmaids and groomsmen to lead the way dancing. and then me and my fiancé dance in! Like that people will be entertained. No dry ice effect kind of entrance.

We have a first dance as well. So we wanna do a waltz so its more memorable.

Lastly, a full family dance performance. Which will then lead to the emcee inviting everyone to the dance floor, end of dinner but the party has just begun!

Sounds awesome right? BUT!
so much dance lesson to attend to! Thank goodness I already found a professional dance instructor.

I can just imagine the whole evening!

Ok so that's it! Have yet to update on my florist! She is awesome and amazing!

What I want to see....

 

I have been Pinterest-ing excessively. Bought magazines to gather ideas.

And after all the 'research' I really know what I want. In a way what are the basic stuff I need to make it how I want it to be.

With my line of work, I like to see 'transformation' happen to the venue

 

The main motive is to reflect us as a couple and we both like 'pretty' stuff. We like to see things pleasing to the eyes.

 

 

For Ceremony area:

 

1. Chair Posy

Its a must to have this on the aisle. Its very pretty. Not too much but too tiny as well

 





 

 

2. Glass Vase

 

I love this glass vase with flowers inside. I find the aisle too plain so this is a great idea.

 



 

 

 

 

3. Flower Petals

Who gets married without flower petals right?! But I like it arranged by the side together with the vase. The aisle would look so pretty but not overcrowded

 

 

4. Square entrance arch.

I love how this square arch is like a gate. To enter and walk underneath it is like '................'

yeah speechless. Haha

 

 

5. To fulfil my Twilight dream, I love a big fluffy arch to say vows! 

 

 

6. Tiffany Chairs

Its a must for outdoor wedding ceremony!

 

 

 



Dinner Area:

1. Pom pom

Yes I love this pom pom. Very pretty! But of course its baby pink and white

 



2. Flower Centrepiece

I love the glass vase and the hanging crystals. Looks so pretty and romantic 

 

3. Lights

No, I do not like standard lighting of yellow or warm color. I learnt a new term from my boss. Color wash. Means different colored lights that sets the mood and changes it as well

 

Example:

Look at the two flower below (This was from a wedding I did)

Its the same flower same location same event but the background color changes.

It'll be so nice if we can change the color of the area especially its outdoor!

 

 

 

Next update is on my florists! One of the best in town. 

Wedding Cake

After much discussion with my fiancé, we are going to get a real cake to cut on the wedding!

Yes, were not gonna use a dummy cake and 'stab' the cake. Cause I would like to keep the tradition of feeding each other after cake cutting.

After doing my last wedding, I tell myself, we need to have a real cake!

Besides, with a real cake, I have the freedom to choose the design and colour I want. Rather than using the standard hard Styrofoam cake the hotel, or in my case, the yacht club, provides. Its all the same, so it means the couple who got married before me cut the same exact thing.
Arghhh no way!

So the cake, has to follow the theme which is pink, whites and loads of flowers!

I prefer the icing to be pink, means the cake is pink in colour with white designs, like flowers or anything. It has to look sweet and elegant at the same time

I am looking at 3-4 tier cake like the photos below! Like that my guests (not all, heavens that's gonna cost me a bomb!) the VIP table at least gets to eat real proper cake!

I have started contacting 'bakers' and cake company like:
My Fat Lady
Let them Eat Cake
Missus Bon
Happy Bakes
The Patio Baker
Cake Couture
Cake Over Heels
Wedding Bureau

Now I am just waiting for their quotation and see who's design is good!

At the moment, I am going to go look for beautiful beach dress to bring to Bali for my photo shoot and of course bikini! Its a beach! gotta enjoy at least one day!

Till the next update! :)

And the Countdown begins

 Yes the countdown starts NOW! 365 days, 1 year exactly to go!

So this will be a really LONGGGGG post

What has been done?
Venue settled
Flowers settled
Floral Deco settled
White Tiffany Chair settled
Invitation and program cards settled
Photographer settled
Videographer settled
Gowns settled (my designer told me she has already started on my gown! so excited!)
Dessert Bar settled
Dj Settled

What needs to be done?
GUEST LIST!
Go to Bali for photoshoot
Go gown fitting and Tux for the fiancé at bliss bridal for bali photoshoot
Bring bridesmaids down to my designer to take measurements. Choose fabric
Schedule trial make up
Schedule local photoshoot after Bali's
Meet florist for color concept.
Ask Shannen (Dessert Bar) for design and food to 'feed' the people

Alright now, for floral deco! I'm considering with Lavender Love Florist. Have not confirmed yet. Contact person Meizhi is very efficient and replies email within 10 minutes.

I am still looking at another one.
Its Regina Mae Fleurs
As for Regina, she is AWESOME! Her flower arrangements are really pretty! I am super impressed by her! Though of course with talent, it comes with a price.

So I am hoping she can give me a good price. Cos I really love her and her works! And she is an awesome person. Very nice and very kind


Ok so this what I need from them:

Flower girl basket

Ring pillow

Signing pen for guest

Ring Bearer boy corsage

Flower girl hair ring (This will look so pretty! Hair band flower)

Bridesmaid hair ring (This will look so pretty! Hair band flower)

Bestman corsage

Bridesmaid hand bouquet

Couple chair decoration

ROM table arrangement -

Reception table arrangement

Loose petals to deco the aisle (I requested for crazy a lot!)

Chair end deco with small posy

Wedding arch deco (I requested lots of flowers!)

Vase flowers along the aisle

Entrance Arch with sash curtain
 

Vase flowers along the aisle

 

 

Entrance Arch with sash curtain

I want this kind of entrance gate kind of effect with a curtain and it opens up when I am about to enter

 (Below)



 

 

 

So I guess that's it about floral decoration. I really hope the wedding ceremony will look beautiful!


And now for Tiffany chairs! Who gets married outdoor without tiffany chairs right? Its not complete!
So went on extensive research and found Tiffany Chair by XOXO & Co. (Click for website!)

Pretty white Tiffany chair BUT since my wedding theme is pink and white, then I especially ordered pink cushions! Though they say the cushion will only come mid of the year so awesome!

 

Now I am just trying to maintain (or lose some more) weight before I go down to Bliss Bridal to go for gown fitting for my Bali photoshoot.

I am so happy when my gown designer told me she has started on my gown!
(Those who don't know, my actual day wedding gown is designed and customised for me cause I don't wanna use my wedding gown for photoshoot and I want it to be mine, no one else has worn it or rented it before. Only my photoshoot gowns for bali and Singapore shoot is rented)

My bridesmaids dresses is designed and customised for them, like a gift to them. I plan to get them same shoes as well! Oh well we'll see in a later time.

That's it for now!!

Let the wedding planning take off!!

 

Florist

Yes I am looking for a florist! Since mine is an outdoor wedding, I would like to have those tall flowers along the aisle

 

Something like the photos below

At the same time, I want to tie a flowers at the chairs at the end of each row. Apparently they are called posies. Which is something like the photos below.

I have asked 2-3 florists and for the tall flowers minimum is $150 per flower (I would probably need 4) so that is like $600. For the posies minimum is $20-$80 depending on flowers. Lets say its at $30 and i have 20 chairs, that'll be another $600. Which is another $1200!!

However, my fiance says, if were gonna put the the tall flowers, dont put the posies cos the arch and the flowers would just block it. If we want the posies then dont put the tall flowers. Cos it'll be too congested if we include everything.

Our conversation went something like this:
Me: So you don't want both tall flowers and posies? Is it the price?

Him: The price is ok, were talking real flowers. But I'm worried its too much. Too over decorated. Got heart shape arch, got tall flower, got posies, got petals on floor, tiffany chair the pink so bright. Think about it.

Me: *thinking deeply* Ya you make sense. So if I want the posies don't get the tall flowers, if I get the tall flowers don't want the posies? 

Him: Their same price anyways

Me: So which one you don't want?

Him: You decide, your call

Me: Its your wedding too ok! Plus your paying not me so decide

Him: You decide. Cos I decide then if you don't like you'll sure change it also. 

Me: Ok I take the tall flowers

Him: Huh? U sure?

Me: Ok I take the posies

Him: OK!

Gahhh guys! He wanted the posies just say it! 

So I guess goodbye tall flowers, stick to posies. Besides he does make sense too. Oh wells.

Keep hunting for florists!!! 

Anyone out there got good recommendation? I have been spending a bomb, gotta tighten already. 

Alright! Till next post

Wedding Invitation

Yes I have found my the person doing my invitation cards!

Before I go on, the theme of the wedding is "Pink and white with lots of flowers". So the invitation card has to show the theme of the wedding. 

I saw one of my client's invitation card and really loved it especially the material! So I asked for the contact and after contacting her, within a week she gave me a first draft! So quick!

Besides I have lots of 'demands'. I want the card to open in the middle like a window and has a ribbon. It has to be pink and full of flowers. I want to put our photo inside and have maps and directions at the back.

She took down the details and even quoted me her price. Very reasonable! And a week later, ta-dah! Here's my first draft of my invitation card!! 

PS: The photo used is not the actual photo that will be used for the wedding invitation. This is just to show how it would look like. My photo shoot photo would only be done end of May in Bali and then I'll pass the photo to her and then she can do the final design. 

Here goes!

The Cyan Line indicates the folding

(above) This is the front of the card. It opens in the middle. There's a ribbon that's tied.

(above) This is the back of the card with the map and directions on how to get to the place

And INSIDE!! Pretty!

Her website is The Paperteria. She'll be doing my personalised fan too so the design of the fan and the invitation card is exactly the same!

Looking forward when the whole design is done! 

Wedding DJ

Yes I have found my wedding DJ! 

My requirements:

Firstly, able to carry the mood and atmosphere. He/She is able to bring out the romantic/sentimental feeling especially when I walk down the aisle. I always watch the bride in tears or the groom in tears or both as they see each other. 

The bride nervous yet excited to reach the end of the altar where the man that she would spend the rest of her life with is waiting for her. And looking dashing, the feeling of overwhelming happiness hits her and tears comes out.

For the groom, seeing his bride for the first time (That is why we have no gate crashing and he is not allowed to see me on my actual wedding gown until I walk down the aisle. Other gowns can but THE gown that I would wear for that day he can't see!) So He sees her beautiful walking down to him. This is the woman he loves, the woman he would build a family with. She will be his best friend and his partner for life. And again overwhelming happiness hits him and he tears.

What stimulates such feelings? Of course the music plays more than half the reason! So the DJ has to be good!

Secondly, reciting of vows. My fiance and I aren't doing the standard traditional vows but we decided to write our own. Words that comes from the heart and not just reciting. This words are thought of carefully. This are the promises that will hold both the husband and wife. Their whole marriage is based on the promises they wrote for each other. Here they are, in front of their friends, baring their heart and soul, declaring their love to stay together for the rest of their lives, the DJ has to be able to flow with the emotions and of course bring out the tears again. 

Thirdly, the reception. I don't like boring receptions. Music and some entertainment should keep the people moving about.

Fourthly, THE AFTER PARTY! Yes! its gonna go mad on the dance floor!

So after much searching and calling and negotiating, I have found HIM!

His name is Dave, a New Zealander. Ang moh of course wild at dance floor plus my wedding is western style so he knows the sequence and all that.

Their company name is Wedding DJ For You. 

He has been DJ-ing for more than 30 years now and he has so much projects. He also has the licence for his music so hotels, or outdoor venues need not worry about pirating the music or something.

He has 3 packages. 

The Prestige Wedding Package. Basically its a lunch wedding reception so very ittle lighting and effects required. Around 3-4 hours

The Elite Wedding Package. Its for evening reception. Its after the wedding ceremony/solemnization. Its full sound system with lighting and effects. Roughly 5-6 hours. Good for hotel or evening outdoor reception.

and finally the Ultimate Wedding Package (MY PACKAGE!! Of course I go for the best).
8 hours from the time I walk down the aisle to the after party! Full sound system, fantastic lighting and effects and they can bring in entertainers too like dancers etc!

So I am ready to cry laugh and dance the night away and have the wedding of the lifetime!

Ok here is a real couple's video of his DJ-ing http://vimeo.com/23907681


Next update is the design of my personalized fans! Now gotta get my program moving :)

Alright till next update! 

Customized Wedding Gift

As my fiance and I would really like to make our wedding as personal as possible, we decided to come up with some customized wedding gifts. 

The idea is when people see it, they would always be reminded of our wedding instead of just 'some wedding' they attended, or one of the many weddings they attended. 

We would really like it to be special and memorable and reflect us.

So the idea we had is a Customized wedding fan program. It suits the outdoor wedding theme, so they can fan themselves especially with the hot weather here in singapore. At the same time, the program is a guide of what is the sequence of the whole wedding ceremony so the guest are aware of what is going to happen next. Isn't it creative?! haha

Anyway, a sample program for a christian wedding  (I have put the meaning of each title of some unfamiliar terms but of course it won't appear on the fan!) :

Prelude

Generally some sort of music is played in the church or other gathering place beginning anywhere between 15 to 20 minutes before the wedding ceremony begins.  This may be live or prerecorded music.

Processional

(This is where the Maid of Honor and the Bridesmaids walk the aisle to the front of the church where the Groom’s men and the Groom wait.)

Pastor Greeting and Introductions

(Welcome and Explanation. Minister tells the audience the purpose of the gathering).

Presentation of the Groom

Presentation of the Bride

Praise and Worship

Message from God’s Word

Pastor preaches the message about the importance of marriage and commitment.

Exchange of Vows

Exchange of Rings 

Pronouncement of Marriage

Unity Candle

Holy Communion

Closing Prayer

(Pastor prays a blessing on the marriage, the Bride and Groom and all who are gathered)

Introduction of the new Husband and Wife

Reception

The Wedding Entourage:

Officiating Pastor.................... Pst....

Parents of of Bride............ Name Surname

                                         Name Surname

Parents of Groom........... Name Surname

                                       Name Surname

Maid of Honor......... Name Surname

Bridesmaids.............Name Surname

                                Name Surname

                                Name Surname

Bestman................. Name Surname

Groomsmen............Name Surname

                               Name Surname

                               Name Surname

DJ.............. Name Surname

Wedding Planner............ Company

So here it is! A sample program..

Below are some of the sample fans so we all have an idea how it would turn out

 

Anyway I have found some people who can make this fan possible! So looking forward to it! 

An update, the material that might be used is PVC (the ATM/Credit card material)

Will update again!

THE DREAM DRESS

Went to see Val today and she drew sketches for us and I was so happy! She drew my bridesmaids dress, my maid of honour dress and of course my wedding gown!

Okay the first one:

 The bridesmaids dress! 

This is the sketch of the bridesmaids dress! Its a toga, baby

pink with white belt. 

Final measurements to be taken latest June. 

But I had something else in mind so below is the photo of what I want. So it's still pink but the flower and the belt is white! So Val has to draw another sketch! She is so patient with me! Haha

Second one:

My maid of honour! Of course worn by my beloved sister :)

A toga with flowers that run from the front to the back and 


a belt with a big ribbon at the back.. Also pink and white!

AND FINALLY! The 'dream dress' finally drawn out!!!

TADAH!!!!!!!!

With a long veil of 2.5m. A sweet heart cut with blings at the 

bust area and blings that run from the right side (front) to 

the back. The back is bare back till slightly above the butt 

with criss-cross. So its sexy but playful..

So yeah I am super excited! For now, LOSE WEIGHT! 

Ok bye for now! :)