THE PROPOSAL We were in Sentosa and having a romantic discussion about our relationship in the car. Then he pulled out a rose, got very serious and said he was really nervous. Before I knew it, he’d proposed! When we exited the car, he came around to my side, went down on one knee and proposed again. I knew at that moment that I was in for a wonderful life of spontaneity and randomness.
LOTS OF DIY ELEMENTS Our wedding was whimsical and fun. There were handmade decorations in blue, coral and pink, including 1,000 origami cranes that friends and family helped us make. We used them at the tea ceremony, which was held at my family house that’s across the road from the church, where we said our vows and had lunch with guests.
We also had handmade crepe paper tassels, white lace paper buntings, mini printouts of our photos, different jars of beautiful flowers, colourful pinwheels, fairy lights, paper lanterns, a light box from Typo as well as a photo booth with a backdrop. We recycled most of the decor and the photo booth props at a more formal banquet for the same guests and others the next night.
NO TURNING BACK The happiest, most meaningful time was when we exchanged our vows and rings. I remember Nick holding my hand and whispering how much he loved me. Despite all the excitement of the day, he still made it an intimate moment for us. And I’ll never forget how he made me feel that night.
BUDGET TIPS Remember that a wedding is done in a day, but a marriage is meant to last a lifetime. Set a budget that you can both stick to – and don’t deviate. At all times, have an open, non-emotional discussion with your husband-to-be about where your money is going. Men tend to listen better when we women keep to the facts.
This story was first featured on Her World Brides June 2016.
See also: 6 ways to have a modern Peranakan-inspired wedding.