Wedding Guide Asia

Fresh from the FIFOTO blog are these awesome photos of Chang Chang & CJ’s recent wedding. Firstly, congrats to the couple who we hear have been together for 10 years! Who says there are no modern day fairy tales?

Their wedding ceremony was held at St. Mary’s Cathedral, a beautifully well-aged church, that has a slight vintage feel to it. Which if you ask me, perfectly befits the classic black & white photos below.

Unlike most Chinese weddings with separate photo sessions, Chang Chang and CJ did it the Australian way and shot for 14 hours continuously. More than impressive when you think about the heat and humidity that comes along with shooting outdoors. Not to mention the stamina needed to stay in high heels for that amount of time!

Brides often tell us that photographer Fiona Lim & her team from FIFOTO are always easy to work with. Which may explain why they got this terrific shot of Chang Chang flinging her gown. For some of you, it may feel kinda weird posing in your bridal gown. After all, not all of us are like Posh & Becks where posing is mandatory.

Thus when choosing a photographer, remember to not only look for someone who is credible and good – but who makes you feel at ease. You don’t want to be posing with someone you don’t feel comfortable with right?

Next up, photos from the reception dinner: (more…)

Just got these pics from WGA vendor Andy Lim! He recently shot Pascal & Mishell’s traditional Chinese wedding  and dinner reception at Hotel Equatorial in Kuala Lumpur. Rather than send us an array of photos, to be a bit different this time, Andy kindly edited the pics into a video. Makes checking out the photos easy peezy!

http://www.vimeo.com/13454526

Wonder what Andy’s style is like? He aptly describes it as “capturing emotion in pictures.”

If you like Andy and his work, give him a buzz and contact him through his Little White Book page by clicking here.

P.S – If you feel like you’ve been attending a few too many weddings of late, (more…)

‘Find the hen a veil!’, my bossy friend said. Everyone else had more pressing duties in organising the hen weekend. I had the one task and I was determined to get it right! My instructions were: nothing tacky or lacy, just simple and elegant. Oh, and can it be in the bride’s favourite colour, teal please!

I recalled Sereni & Shentel’s bridal accessories which have been previously featured on WGA. Their collection are timelessly chic and elegant, all wrapped up in one big bow. Each piece is laboriously put together and lovingly hand-stitched. They only use high quality grosgrain ribbons and have at least 29 different colours for their rhinestones alone. Perfect, I thought!

Kiss me please, bride-to-be

The very popular Kiss me please, bride-to-be veil is made of layers of tulle attached to a headband adorned with creamy pearl satin finished off with a very stylish bow. What I liked best was the ‘bespoke’ service they offer. I contacted the duo, asking:

Can I have it in teal? Yes…

Can you add extra layers on the bows? Yes…

Can I have pearls on the veil as well? Yes of course!

Can you promise my hair will never be frizzy? Unfortunately, the pair had to say no, but they did recommend their other hairbands that would be a definite head-turner!

Below is an example of how a bespoke headband comes to be:

Ideas, ideas, ideas! Firstly, it’s pen to paper… (more…)

Remember our posts on WGA jewellery vendors Chris Lim and Sara Ooi? Maybe it’s the constant Wedding Guide Asia links appearing on their Facebook homepages or (more realistically!) maybe it’s just the right time, because Chris got down on his knees recently and proposed to Sara!

They shall now go down in history as our first WGA vendor to tie the knot! Haha.

Below, Sara has kindly shared with us the story of Chris’s ‘fishy’ proposal. Enjoy!

The Proposal

Hi! We are Chris and Sara, creators of Goldilocks and morethandiamonds.com.sg, who you will be seeing here on Wedding Guide Asia as we give you the lowdown on buying jewellery, choosing the right design, budding trends and interesting stories! As an introduction, I thought we’d start with sharing our own engagement story. (Yes we are a couple AND we work together – we even share a desk!)

For Chris’s 30th birthday, he organized a fishing trip in Thailand with some close friends. As our jewellery shop was just in transition between Paragon Shopping Centre and our new service showroom, we decided to make it a company trip as well and invited Chris’ parents (our bosses) and Steve our Diamond expert along.

The day after Chris’ birthday, we rented a boat for everyone to go fishing and snorkeling around the islands. After hours of fishing, some wanted to continue while others were getting restless. It was then when Chris made his catch of the day. He asked me to help him reel it in (since I hadn’t caught anything all day). I walked over, started rolling up the fishing line and saw that there was no fish at the end. “The fish must have gotten away”, I said, slightly disappointed. Chris quickly responded with “Pull it up and I’ll re-bait it for you.” After I pulled up the tackle, Chris’ mum suddenly shreaked: “It’s a ring! Oh wow! You caught a ring!”

I saw the ring attached to the fishing line and looked at Chris. When I saw his nervous face, I realized what he was about to do, and burst out in tears! I was wearing sunglasses and I cried so violently that the tears bounced off the inside of my glasses, like something out of a cartoon.

Chris just stood there like a statue without saying a word. “Get on your knees you moron!” one of our friends shouted. (more…)

When you come from East Malaysia, you’re naturally a small town kinda person whether you like it or not. Everyone knows everyone, life is pretty chill (road rage? where got) and the big city lights seem a world away. However, growing up in a small place can also make you a big dreamer (it did for me!). Louis Pang may hail from Sabah but he’s made quite a name for himself not only in Malaysia, but internationally. Last year, Louis was one of the four prestigious Grand Award winners of the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) print competition 2009.

Quite an accomplishment yes!

So I was pretty stoked when Louis recently joined WGA’s directory, the Little White Book. I asked him to send me some of his favourite photos to showcase and I got this wonderful array of pics! This is just a teaser and we’ll show more later (such as his WPPI winning photo) when I interview Louis.

Capturing the emotions. Louis runs his studio together with his wife Jasmine. You can’t beat the teamwork of hubby + wife!

Lighting is an integral part of good photography. You need a photographer who is not only skilled but understands how to use lighting to his advantage (and yours – because you’ll look better, hehe). (more…)

To be a true supermodel in Asia, then you have to make a name for yourself in Hong Kong. I met Danielle Graham during my early years of modeling, when she had just achieved supermodel status with her prestigious Olay Ad campaigns, countless magazines covers and first movie role in the film “2002″. But life at the top is never an easy one, and the same goes for the ever fickle HK paparazzi (love you/ love you not).  Post good and bad press, Danielle took a surprise step away from the limelight when she fell in love with a Malaysian lad, Patrick. Though her wedding was held last year, it hasn’t been featured on any wedding portals, so I thought it was perfect for WGA!

Especially since it was simply beautiful :)

What made you turn 360 and go from glitz and glamour to something more homegrown?

Honestly, I met the right guy. And it was the right time, as I was ready to settle down.

Do you ever miss the lifestyle?

Not really. I feel like I have been there and done that. I like my privacy now and am enjoying a quieter life with my new family. Recently, I did go back to HK for a Mother’s day event and was surprised that the press hounded me after the event. I even had three cars chasing me back to the agency! It was scary. My friends and I went out for dinner after and we couldn’t believe that they followed us in to the restaurant and took pictures. That’s HK for you.

So how did Patrick muscle out all those suave Hong Kong fellas (so I hear bout men over there!)

I was on my way to Beijing to study Mandarin and planned to move back to Hong Kong after. Then I met Patrick. I just dropped everything and followed my heart. He proposed six months after we got together and a year later we were married! He had actually arranged for the ring to be made in Hong Kong and kept it from me for two months, as he was waiting to meet my mum before he popped the question in Tokyo. Patrick has old school manners and charm which I find so attractive. Also, Patrick is smart and I find his confidence such a turn on. And he is romantic. For one birthday he surprised me and took me to see my favourite singer Andre Boccelli perform under the stars up in the Tuscan Hills in Italy.  At the end of the day, we have a really good time together and he completes me.

When you are married you play as a team. Remember that you are not in the relationship as individuals but as a couple. You need to work at it constantly to make it strong. Its important to make the other person feel special and appreciated.

And you must become an expert in compromising! I have learnt to negotiate and meet half way. So that both of us are happy. (more…)

Many Chinese couples usually opt for a more western-styled reception nowadays, so it’s nice to see a classic chinese wedding. These pics are from Kam Soon & Wendy’s recent reception and tea ceremony that was organised by WGA Vendor and wedding planner, Natasha from The Peak Xperience. Enjoy!

Why Classic Chinese?

Natasha: Wendy wanted a wedding theme which was more pinkish, sweet and romantic whereas Kam Soon wanted a wedding that was majestic, festive, red and oriental. To compromise, we suggested they go with a Shanghai-inspired wedding, sort of a ‘Paris of the East’ theme which was oriental yet sexy. But after many rounds of changes and discussions, the theme became more and more classic, which was of course pleasing for the older folks! From the morning session right through to dinner, every customary step was properly adhered. We had quite a lot of restrictions given to us – strictly no candles, no bird cages, no butterflies, no black. Hahaha… plus Kam Soon and Wendy didn’t want the standard jazz band where the guests probably wouldn’t know half the songs. So moving along the lines of this theme, the older folks also had a wonderful time singing along to timeless tunes from the 1940-50′s Shanghai era and evergreen English songs from Ben E King, Bee Gees and more.

Kam Soon & Wendy’s Little White Book:

Wedding Theme: Classic Chinese

Wedding Day Photographer: Edwin Tan, Exes – Studio (more…)

Maple Loo, Entrepreneur and owner of Bobbi's Pole Studio M'sia

Before the big day most of us are in a mad, frantic rush to tone up fast. Now I know that many a DIY bride will proclaim that you will no doubt shed a few KG beforehand, but would you rather appear toned and fit or tired and thin?

Let’s forget the latter shall we? If so, then welcome to the new era of pole dancing. Yes, once a taboo subject – pole dancing has now become a fitness craze from continent to continent. Thanks to dance guru Maple Loo, the renowned Bobbi’s Pole Studio from Australia has now opened its first Malaysian branch.

Getting fit has never been so easy… and yet so fun!

Here’s our 5 minutes with Maple Loo, the owner of Bobbi’s Pole Studio Malaysia:

You’re an entrepreneur, dancer and now top pole instructor with a school to run – how did this all happen!
Hahahaha… the secret is to NOT plan :) When I reach an achievement, I simply move on to the next. Well, dance has always been an undying obsession since young. No one in this lifetime has inspired me more than Madonna, not just in dance but in life – she’s my ‘sifu’, the voice in my head to always be in charge of my own life and she’s the power over my dream to dance better than myself.

Years ago, I remember my girlfriends in London going mad over ‘pole dancing’. Then it went to Australia and now it’s making waves in Singapore & Malaysia. Is this just a buzz or does it really, really work?
Oh gosh I can’t begin to tell you how fantastic pole dancing is. And that’s not just from the physical aspect which focuses on muscular and core strength, but also in terms of how it builds tremendous self-esteem. Which is why pole dancing IS addictive. Because it requires hard work and determination, which gives you that feel-good factor that arises once you go air-borne! Like any other exercise, consistency and a long-term goal will set you up for success!

How has your figure changed since you took up pole?
I’ve been fitness-crazed since my teens and swear by weight-training, aerobic workouts and dance rehearsals to stay in shape. But I never quite got the body I dreamt of until I did pole. I have a much leaner physique now, with very toned elongated muscles in my body and core strength I would never have gotten from just abdominal exercises.

What can we sign up for at Bobbi’s Pole Studio!
We teach pole for beginners right up to the advanced level, SLAP lessons (combining Strip + Lap dancing) and Flexibility & Strength training too. All of which will compliment your workout. We put great emphasis in a dance style which is uniquely Bobbi’s, one of the world’s most respected pole dancers, who has developed the techniques for our syllabus. Students however, don’t require a dance background at all to start. One term (8 weeks) costs only RM550. And those who sign up for one pole term enjoy 50% off on a full-term SLAP or Flexibility classes!

We heard there have been a few Hens Parties at the Studio. Do tell! (more…)

As promised here is part 2 of photographer Andy Lim’s post! We continue to cover Davinder and Shahlini’s five-day wedding:

And it begins! Here are shots from the early morning. For the bride she’s busy getting ready and dressed into her traditional sari, while the baraatis (groom’s party) are received by the bride’s family at the entrance to the wedding venue. Here, the bride’s mother welcomes the groom by performing the aarti (traditional Indian welcome ritual with a lamp or diya placed on a thali) to welcome her son-in-law and places a tilak on his forehead.

What do Hindu and Chinese weddings have in common? Both seek consultation to find out which dates are considered the ‘best wedding days’ with the most ‘muhurta’ (auspicious timing). However in Hinduism, this is decided by the vedic calendar known as Panchang.

I wonder what happens if you have a Chinese/ Hindu marriage!

The last event for the day is the Saptapadi, which is considered the most important rite where the bride and groom recite specific vows that touch on love, respect, commitment, fidelity and their eternal union.

I think every religion and culture more or less say similar things. Just be good to your wife! And husband, hehe. (more…)

One of my favourite shots by Andy Lim!

Indian weddings are well known for being long, lavish affairs that can sometimes last for days on end – yes, some cultures really know how to celebrate love! These pics from WGA vendor Andy Lim showcase Davinder and Shahlini’s wedding that took place over a period of 5 continuous days. As it was a Punjabi Sikh and Ceylonese Hindu marriage, there were a mix of different traditions that were upheld – a gold-melting ceremony (Ponnurukku), groom’s party (Sangeet), bride’s oil ceremony, groom’s oil ceremony, a Hindu temple wedding, a Sikh temple wedding and finally the dinner reception at the Sheraton Subang.

The celebrations started with the Ponnurukku ceremony on Day 1. During this ceremony, the gold is melted so it can be made into a thaali (the gold chain that the groom fastens on the bride’s neck at the height of a Hindu wedding). It is said that after the Ponnurukku, both bride and groom are not allowed to meet or eat meat! I guess a lot of cultures don’t like the bride seeing the groom before the big day hmm? :)

Day 2

Good evening it’s Sangeet time! The Sangeet is a party held for the groom and his friends and family where one can expect a lot of singing, dancing and celebrating! Sounds like a must, hehe.

On Day 3, it was time for the bride’s oil ceremony. Don’t Indian weddings have the most amazing gowns and details? Great if you like colour! (more…)