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…)

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…)

How timely – I was in Bali last weekend for Elaine’s Hens party and at the same time received these pre-wedding shots from Fifoto photography! Yes, Bali seems to be the place to be nowadays! Even Amber Chia held her wedding there as you can’t beat the picturesque scenery of Balinese cliffs, beach and greenery.

These shots are of soon-to-wed couple Emilia and Kit. While in Bali last year, Kit got down on his knees and proposed in a church there (can’t say ‘no’ when in church now, hehe). So it was only fitting that the couple return to Bali for their pre-wedding shots.

Upon arrival in Bali, the team headed to Uluwatu in the southern west tip of the island to catch some sunset shots (see above). Uluwatu is a bit of a drive from the airport but is well-known for it’s temple and cliff that come with a spectacular view.

These shots were done at the Villa where everyone stayed – Villa Baliku. You’ll find in Bali that there are many amazing villas scattered all over the island to choose from. They tend to vary from the very modern to traditional Bali architecture. Villa Baliku is a 3 bedroom villa with private pool and maid service, which as you can see also made for a good location to snap some pics!

I love Balinese architecture and design. Great angle of Emily’s gown here as well!

Emily is a very pretty bride I must say! Lucky Kit :) (more…)

They say behind every successful man, is a good woman.

Well, behind every successful wedding – there should be a good wedding planner!

Ask any DIY bride, and they’ll most likely tell you that the days leading up to the big day are stressful and full of a million and one things to do. If you’d like to skip on the worry and sail your way to a smooth wedding – then perhaps hiring a wedding planner is for you. One of our latest vendors, Wedding planner Natasha Khoo from The Peak Xperience, has just sent us these batch of pics from a recent wedding she organised. As the couple reside in London, Natasha planned the whole affair while liaising with them via emails and phone calls.

The end result? A quaint, English-styled wedding held in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Do scroll to the bottom for the couple’s own Little White Book!

Wedding planner: Natasha Khoo of The Peak Xperience

Wedding Venue: The Banker’s Club

Michael & Jun Yee’s story:

Michael is a pediatrician who has been working in London for over 10 years. It was through mutual friends that one fine day, he met Jun Yee, a lawyer (smart kids on the way!).

To get to know her better, Michael rang her up on the pretext that he needed some expert legal advice on property law. A few coffees later, and the rest as they say, is history.

A year later, the couple went on a holiday to France. Jun Yee thought this was the trip where he would pop the question – but surprisingly he didn’t. To Michael, that would of been “too predictable”. Thus, keeping her on her toes (and probably a bit puzzled!) – Michael waited till they got back to London.

Funnily enough, they eventually made it back to Paris to shoot their pre-wedding shots with WGA photographer, Jim Liaw!

Theme: Classic English with sunny yellow and orange as the dominant colours. (more…)

Isn’t this a breathtaking photo? I love how Fiona has captured the light at that right spot and moment. Sometimes, the simplest shots (like holding hands!), can posit the most meaning. Here are another batch of superb pics by WGA vendor, Fiona from Fifoto Photography.

Fiona’s just back from a shoot in Bali and still made time to send us these pretty pictures done at Hulu Langat. Okie, for those of you still thinking “where??”, HL is a town that is apparently famous for durians (but that’s not why they went there!) and their eco-tourism spots. You can take your pick from the Sungai Gabai Waterfalls, the Semenyih Water Reservoir and the Congkak River Forest Recreational Center.

Sure beats going to the KLCC park for some greenery doesn’t it? Sorry, I’m being cheeky now :)

From Fifoto’s blog: “Two weeks ago, Jason & I ventured into the depths of Hulu Langat. After an adventure on trunks roads and graveled driveways, we found ourselves in a beautiful hideaway, Dusun Fairies (a place I found out about through Debra of the Olive Branch). Specially catered for wedding ceremonies and photography shoots, Dusun Fairies is a quaint garden, tucked away in the hills of Hulu Langat.” (more…)

Ah, the wind gently brushing against your face, surrounded by the fresh seaside air and the perfect kiss under the red sky and setting sun. Yes, there are certain elements to a beach wedding that you simply can’t replicate in any grand ballroom or garden affair.

If it’s sun-kissed cheeks and a picturesque scenery you’re after, then you can’t go wrong with a destination wedding. We got these lovely photos from WGA reader Joanna Hon, who recently tied the knot on the tropical shores of Phuket, Thailand. Joanna is originally a Kuchingnite (spot WGA contributor Elaine in the pics!), who moved to Perth and fell in love with a lovely aussie boy, Aaron Gort.

Scroll down for Jo’s own Little White Book and thoughts on her dream wedding!

Why a destination wedding and why Phuket?

We chose a destination wedding to recreate the moment when Aaron proposed to me during a romantic candlelight dinner on the beach at The Westin Resort and Spa Langkawi. In the end, we decided on Phuket as we’ve both never been there before, plus it’s famous for its exotic, amorous and beautiful beaches. Aaron’s parent’s opinions and their previous romantic escapades also influenced us in making this decision.

Bridesmaids

I had my bridesmaids dressed in red! The one with the ribbon in front is my younger sister, Audrey and the other is Rina, one of my best friends from childhood days (from the age of 7!).

Joanna’s Little White Book

Venue: Catch Beach Club, Surin Beach

Number of guests: 40

Wedding Planner: Ms Nitiwadee Manabut and the wedding planning team from Twin Palms.

Theme: White & Green (to symbolise naturalness and simplicity)

Bridal gown: Hobnob Bridal, Perth (actually the dress is designed by Halobridal)

Resort (where you stayed): Twin Palms Resort, Surin Beach

Photographer: Suan Luang Studio, Phuket

Entertainment: (more…)

Ah, the life of a wedding photographer! Jet-setting around the world shooting weddings in wonderful locations… all in the name of love. For many wedding photographers here in South East Asia, the ‘hottest’ destinations are definitely the ones nearby. Australia, Bali and Langkawi are no doubt popular places for couples to have their pre-wedding photos.

These lovely photos were taken by LWB vendor, Andy Lim, who flew to Brisbane to shoot Malaysian couple, Pinar and Kien.

Pinar and Kien are both working in Brisbane but will be holding their actual wedding in Malacca this July.

The couple decided on Andy because they liked “the way his pictures show a lot of emotion and how they appear very natural…” (more…)

Remember our earlier posts from the lovely Joleen Soo on her marriage preparations and romantic proposal from her beau Adrian? Set to have her wedding reception at one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful and exclusive hotels, The Peninsula, Joleen was a DIY bride with that dream wedding just ’round the corner.

Well, the big day finally came and Miss Soo is now a married woman! She kindly took some time out from wedded bliss to write to WGA on “Getting Married in HK (Part 2)”!

The Big Day

Well, we almost forgot to exchange rings. At the alter we looked at each other quizzically – something was missing. OH YES! Haha.  Also, someone’s mobile phone rang during our vows – MY DAD’s!!!! Aside from that, everything went quite smoothly (though the groom and groomsmen might beg to differ as they set everything up!).

You were a DIY bride! No wedding planner whatsoever. Yay or Nay?

Well there are 2 types of wedding planners in Hong Kong. Very Local and Very Expensive. Neither fit me so I went with neither. I think that the only reason I managed to do everything myself while working was that Adrian was super involved. Super involved.

The Bridal Gown & shoes (more…)

I first heard that Amber was getting married when I was down in Australia last month visiting family and friends. My father, ever the avid reader of The Star Online, was actually the one who told me “Hey! Your friend Amber is married. Who to??” to which I replied “Err, no idea!”. A few press releases later and it was revealed that the lucky man was her long-time friend and manager Adrian Wong. Much respect to Amber for keeping things on the down-low and keeping mum when silly rumours of her dating ‘so and so’ were rife.

Last week, Amber made headlines again but this time for announcing that she was newly pregnant! So it was perfect timing that I bumped into the couple at the recent Adidas Street party. In between trying to dance with some b-bop dudes, I managed to squeeze in an interview with Amber & Adrian on their secret wedding in Bali and her secret baby bump!

How, when, why!

AC: Haha, we’ve been dating quietly for about 2 years now. But before that we were friends for quite awhile and then I don’t know – it just happened!

So tell us who made that ‘first move’?

AW: Hmm I can’t remember, I don’t think anyone really did – just one day we suddenly realised we felt something for eachother. We knew one another for about 5 years before anything happened…

And the proposal? (more…)

Here some AMAZING portrait shots done recently by one of Malaysia’s wedding photographer maestros, Jim Liaw.

Jim has just built a brand new studio (which I’m going to check out this weekend!) and of course couldn’t wait to use it ;)

Bridal gowns & accessories: Courtesy of Wedding Isle (the latest collection)

Make-up: Wedding Isle

Model: ‘Mas’ from Iran. She’s not a professional model but doesn’t she look like one? Gosh, I really feel like I need to spruce up after looking at her photos!

Top marks for the make-up here by Wedding Isle – remember to always enhance your best feature when it comes to make-up.

In Mas’s case, it’s her beautiful eyes!

Model tip: You can’t go wrong with the ‘look to the ground’ pose. (more…)