From The Straits Times    |


The couple’s pre-wedding portrait was taken at Victoria Concert Hall by Rico-A-Mona Bridal.

When YES 933FM’s Jiahui announced her engagement in June, it was a surprise to many. The deejay, who has been quiet about her personal life, revealed that she was about to tie the knot in a traditional Chinese ceremony this November to a man whom she will only refer to as Mr. T.

Her World Brides: Hi Jiahui, thanks for meeting us. How did you get to know Mr. T?
Siau Jiahui: We were introduced by a mutual friend. I actually asked if she had anyone interesting I could meet, and it took her six months to find someone I might like. When we first met, it wasn’t love at first sight, but things progressed from there.  

HWB: What do you like about Mr. T and how did you know he was the one?
Jiahui: He’s honest and has a sense of humour. He makes me laugh, which I appreciate. He also makes me feel very safe and secure. Plus, he’s a home boy, which is great. The way he interacts with kids makes me feel he’ll be a great father. We both went into this relationship with marriage in mind, and would talk about it at length at times. I knew he was the one when we went on a week-long trip to Australia last August and didn’t have a single argument. I felt very comfortable and realised we had reached a stage in our relationship where our differences were settled, and we could finally come to a compromise. When we returned to Singapore, we went looking for rings and settled on a design from Larry Jewelry.

HWB: How did he propose?
Jiahui: We were in the midst of preparing for our wedding, and he still hadn’t proposed! I actually had to push him to do it although he’d had the ring with him for over two months. It finally happened before our trip to Korea last December as I’d told him I wanted to be engaged before we left (laughs). He asked me at the place we went to on our first date. It wasn’t anything elaborate or too romantic. He got down on bended knee, and proposed with a very sincere speech, both of which I really wanted him to do.  

HWB: That’s so sweet. How did you begin planning for the wedding?
Jiahui: We started looking for our venue soon afterwards as we’d heard that most hotels had to be booked a year before the wedding, and we didn’t want to take any chances. We chose the hotel based on the vibe it gave us, and the minimum number of tables available. It had to be a venue where we wouldn’t have to invite more people just to make up the table numbers. I also bought a bunch of bridal magazines, and went on Pinterest to research gown designs, as well as hair and makeup looks I liked. 

HWB: What kind of look were you going for?
Jiahui: A sophisticated, elegant look. I will be wearing two made-to-measure gowns on the actual day, and four dresses for the photo shoot. They’re all from Rico-A-Mona. For my wedding day, I’ve decided on a round-necked, cap-sleeved lace ballgown with illusion back and a train. It’s a little conservative, but hides my flaws well. Besides, I wanted a bit more bling so I could make an entrance and leave everyone entranced by my dress! For dinner, I will be wearing a purple gown with plunging back and emerald beading. My hair and makeup will be taken care of by Jyue Huey. Most of the makeup looks I liked from my research were done by her. 

HWB: You seem very well prepared in terms of your gown, hair and makeup. What about your decor and settings?
Jiahui: At this time (when the interview was done in July 2015), I only know I want fairy lights. I’m still looking at decor options for the ballroom, but it’s not a priority. We will be using the hotel’s invitation cards because I feel that there’s no need to spend extra money on things guests will likely toss out after a while. Our money would be better invested in a house.  

HWB: Are you spending a bit more on your photographer and makeup artist for the actual day? 
Jiahui: Yes. Besides our pre-wedding portraits and actual-day photography, I feel that there are more special moments to capture with loved ones. With hair and makeup, I know what suits me, so I’d rather pay more to get someone who can give me what I want. 

HWB: How is your fiance helping with the wedding prep?
Jiahui: Erm, mostly by ferrying me around to meet the vendors and see venues (laughs). I’m making most of the decisions when it comes to these as I have high expectations. He just wants me to be happy and satisfied. However, he does have an opinion about our outfits. He was quite particular about his suit, and wanted something that was more stylish to match my gowns. He also gave me his opinions on my gowns.   

HWB: How have you been juggling work with your wedding prep?
Jiahui: I was struggling with that for a while. Most of my close friends are already married with children, so I didn’t want to trouble them with my wedding preparations. I tried handling everything on my own at first, but it got to be a bit too much, so we decided to hire Chere Weddings & Parties to help with the last stage of my preparations. Most of the things have been confirmed, but the planners will need to handle questions about the set-up from our parents, as well as tie up loose ends and help coordinate events on the actual day.  

HWB: So what’s your tip for couples when it comes to parents and in-laws?
Jiahui: Let somebody else take care of them. Chere Weddings & Parties told me: “At one point, your parents will pepper you with questions, especially with the details, which leads to unnecessary stress. It’s something you can let us handle.”  

HWB: Lastly, any budget tips to share?
Jiahui: You don’t have to splurge on everything. List your priorities and see what’s worth spending money on, and where you can afford to cut corners. 

This story was first published in Her World Brides September – November 2015.

See Jiahui’s personal practical tips on planning for your wedding, here.