11 ideas for a magical, fairytale themed solemnisation and wedding

Ang Shaowen, 29, and Bernard Low, 33, had six events in two days, including an adorable Disney-themed solemnisation!

By Felicia Tan and Cassandra Koh - 16 Feb 2017

10 ideas for a magical, fairytale themed solemnisation and wedding

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Romantic proposal

Bernard asked my family to take me out to dinner while he made preparations to propose to me in my home. When I got back, candles lined the floor in a heart shape, and an LED sign with the words “Will you marry me?” was shining brightly. He played his ukulele and sang Grow Old With You before going down on both knees. I said “yes” in the presence of friends and family who’d helped him put everything together.

A fairy-tale affair

As we are both very shy, we envisioned an intimate wedding with our loved ones and closest friends. However, my parents wanted a large traditional Chinese banquet, so we celebrated over two days. The first was a solemnisation ceremony and dinner reception at Raffles House, which we fell in love with the first time we saw it. Our solemnisation was inspired by Disney movies like Up and Beauty And The Beast. We had fairy lights, lush flower arrangements and golden arches, which gave the venue a magical look!

Our outdoor wedding nearly didn’t happen!

It was raining the week before the wedding, and the weather forecast showed that there was a high chance of showers on the actual day. Thankfully, the weather was beautiful and we exchanged vows under clear blue skies in Fort Canning Park.

Day two

We had the gatecrashing and tea ceremonies on the second day, which was held a week later. After a rest, it was on to a traditional banquet at the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore.

Good times!

One of the highlights at the second banquet has us making our entrance to Jian Dan Ai by Jay Chou. Another memory we cherish was giving guests personalised door gifts with thank you postcards. We also made postage stamp stickers inspired by a drawing done by Bernard’s niece.

On hindsight

Having two events in two weekends was the best way to accommodate everyone’s preferences, and avoid being overwhelmed by a tight schedule. We were really happy to see our closest friends lined along the aisle during our dinner banquet, and we were extremely grateful to our brothers and sisters for helping during both weekends!

1. Shaowen & Bernard

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Shaowen and Bernard wrote their vows separately, so they could surprise one another during the ceremony. “I was so touched by what he had to say that I had to choke back the tears,” says Shaowen.

This story was first published on Her World Brides Dec 16.

2. Shaowen & Bernard

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“We met at a gathering and starting talking from there. As we both worked in the same industry, and had studied in the US, we had lots of common experiences,”

recalls Shaowen.

This story was first published on Her World Brides Dec 16.

3. Shaowen & Bernard

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The groom on his way to the wedding venue.

This story was first published on Her World Brides Dec 16.

4. Shaowen & Bernard

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She carried a pink and peach bouquet on her actual day. The arrangement, done by E’an, her childhood friend from Cotton and Sage, comprised peonies, eryngiums, hypericum berries, spray roses, matthiolas, eustomas and astrantias.

This story was first published on Her World Brides Dec 16.

5. Shaowen & Bernard

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The chairs at their solemnisation venue.

This story was first published on Her World Brides Dec 16.

6. Shaowen & Bernard

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The magical atmosphere during their dinner reception at Raffles House after their solemnisation ceremony.

This story was first published on Her World Brides Dec 16.

7. Shaowen & Bernard

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Decor included fairy lights, lush flower arrangements and golden arches.

This story was first published on Her World Brides Dec 16.

8. Shaowen & Bernard

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Cheers and lots of toasting. For their dinner after the solemnisation, they had a buttercream rose and lychee cake from Cupplets. “I am a big cake lover, and always wanted to have a real cake for my wedding. Ours was utterly delicious!” says Shaowen.

This story was first published on Her World Brides Dec 16.

9. Shaowen & Bernard

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Seranading his new bride at the first dinner reception.

This story was first published on Her World Brides Dec 16.

10. Shaowen & Bernard

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A shower of confetti on their entrance to the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore banquet.

This story was first published on Her World Brides Dec 16.

11. Shaowen & Bernard

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Venues Solemnisation and dinner: Raffles House at Fort Canning Park (1800-471-7300); second banquet: Tower Ballroom Shangri-La Hotel Singapore (6213-4339/4340)

Wardrobe Gowns for solemnisation and morning of second wedding: Blush Blush Bridal Couture (6835-1353); gown for banquet: Amanda Lee Weddings (6333-6678)

Hair & makeup Jyue Huey Low and Bobbie Ng, The Make Up Room (6235-8901)

Photography Alvin Choon Photography (8133-2096)

Videography Arson Production (8686-1534)

Decor Flowers and indoor decor for solemnisation: Inside The Knot (www.insidetheknot.com); outdoor decor and fairy lights: One Host (www.1-host.sg); bouquet and car decor for actual day: Cotton and Sage (hello@cottonandsage.sg); flowers for hotel banquet: CC Lee Designs (6294-7975)

Cake & desserts Cupplets (www.cupplets.com)

Wedding planner & stylist One Host (www.1-host.sg)

Stickers One Day Print (www.onedayprint.com.sg)

This story was first published on Her World Brides Dec 16.