A colourful and festive Indian and Chinese cross-cultural celebration

"We had a simple, meaningful ceremony at the Four Seasons Ballroom that was attended by 70 close friends and family members. My brother, a reverend, presided over the ceremony, making it extra special for us. 

We had shades of lavender everywhere - from the chair ties to flower arrangements and even our invitations. Dinner was a 10-course affair, after after a cocktail reception with beer and wine. There was a Peking duck station as well as a candy counter offering chocolate bars, lilac-tinted candies, and pretty cupcakes that went in a jiffy. Each guest also took home a bag of sweet treats.

We surprised guests with a bhangra dance performance complete with impressive stunts. Two guests even joined the dancers on stage and tipped them, which got much cheering and applause.  

A heartwarming moment with Dharmaraj's mum during the bride's speech.

I felt like royalty in my three gowns. I wore an elaborate crystal-encrusted saree with matching jewellery for the solemnisation. 

During dinner, I wore a made-to-measure metallic silk gown and then changed into the saree I wore during the day. My final outfit was a Persian green saree with Kundan jewellery, which is a traditional form of Indian gemstone jewellery.

Dharmaraj also had three wardrobe changes, going from a black suit to the solemnisation’s cream sherwani to a sharp grey tux. The four bridesmaids and flower girl also wore gorgeous sarees, all of which were bought on a three-day trip to India.

At the end of the day, if you still have extra cash, spend it on upgrading the menu. The food always leaves a deep impression!

CHECKLIST

Venue Four Seasons Hotel Singapore (6734-1110)

Gowns & flowers Vaughn Tan (6299-0503)

Hair & makeup Eddie Norman & Liza Haron (Make Up For Ever, 6333-0678)

Photography Actual day: The Peepshow Machine (Lawrence Teo, 9026-2334); Reception instant prints: PhotoPlay (9239-4315)

Videography The Peepshow Machine

Stationery Invitation & monogram label: Canopy Design (6226-3988)

Desserts Candy table: Sweet Favorz (Ko Chen, 9657-6586); Cupcakes: PollyDoodle Cupcakes (pollydoodlecupcakes@gmail.com)

This story was first featured in Her World Brides March - May 2013.