It was one fine afternoon when bride Elaine & her maid of honor Stephanie thought to themselves wouldn’t it be great if there was an Asian wedding portal that was simple, stylish and trustworthy? And thus over coffee and tea, the Wedding Guide Asia arrived. Our witty, savvy contributors write on an array of wedding topics, from fashion to planning to honeymoons.
Perhaps, the next step is who do you call? Which photographer? Which venue? At WGA, we only recommend vendors whom we believe can truly cater to your needs. We put little details such as a google map, photos and our personal opinion to help you decide who belongs on your shortlist. Our directory listing is aptly called the Little White Book and features only the best wedding vendors around your town.
So sit back and relax, as getting married has never been so easy!
The Team
Stephanie Chai (Founder & writer)
Stephanie Chai embarked on a modeling career at the age of 18, which saw her juggle university while shooting campaigns for top brands all over Asia. Post-graduation with a Finance & International Business degree from the University of Auckland under her belt, she decided it was time to follow her passion and make the transition to television. Having hosted numerous TV shows from music to reality to travel, she also dabbled in acting which this year saw her picked for a cameo role in the Hollywood movie “Fair Game” acting opposite Naomi Watts. However, as a girl with many hats she has now followed her dream to be an entrepreneur, and hopes that the Wedding Guide Asia will up the ante in the region. Why weddings? “Why not? After all, love makes the world go round!
Jonathan Chan (Editor)
Jonathan was born in London and has spent most of life between his two homes, Malaysia and the UK. After a brief stint at the Institute of Contemporary Music in London where he studied music performance, he went on to read philosophy and theology at the University of Bristol. In his spare time Jonathan enjoys playing football, golf, reading, drinking beer and playing progressive metal on his guitar. As the only man on the team, JC hopes to provide a helpful male point of view (i.e. – logic!) to the female dominated WGA.
Samira Albana (Assistant Editor)
Samira jumped at the chance to work at the Wedding Guide Asia, partly because it provided an outlet for her to carry out her passion for writing and also because it seemed like a very productive way to spend her time before further pursuing her studies in the U.K next year. If her plan doesn’t work out, you may find her flamenco dancing in the streets of Seville, Espana (a secret dream, well not a secret anymore!). As assistant editor, Samira is certain she can contribute to the ever-expanding empire that is the Wedding Guide Asia!
Sylvia Tan-Jong (Writer)
Sylvia resides in London but still calls Penang her home. Between juggling a career as an orthodontist and wife to a Kuching boy, she is an enthusiastic writer, a keen globe-trotter and above all, a hopeless romantic. Life is too short to blend in; this unconventional bride celebrated her engagement with an afternoon tea party and a dream wedding in the Maldives.
She believes that all a successful woman needs, is an abundance of confidence and a stylish pair of shoes. If like her, we could all dream a little, live a little and have that extraordinary wedding along the way. And for those who are not yet ready to say “I do”, remember that Louboutins look fabulous be it on the wedding aisle or on the dancefloor!
Elaine Ho (‘Occasional’ Contributor)
Having known Stephanie since the age of 3, it was a given that Elaine would appoint her as one of her maids of honour. Having just moved back from Perth, she found it tough googling for local information to help her plan the wedding. After long chats with Stephanie, they both felt Asia could do with a simple, chic and trustworthy site that made life easier for brides-to-be.
Elaine is currently working on her business, and in her spare time calls Steph 5 times a day about wedding matters!
