A retro Shanghai Night wedding with getai and lion dance performances!

Sheena & Ben

1/20

"We were set up on a group date by a mutual friend and I was immediately captivated by Sheena. On the night of our first solo date, I brought her to my office and surprised her with a glow-in-the-dark heart I had drawn in the middle of the room. The look on her face was priceless. She thought I was crazy – but it worked!

We started dating from then and always exercised patience, respect and love in our relationship. There have been arguments, but there has never been a tear we couldn’t mend."

Sheena & Ben

2/20

Early morning proceedings.

Sheena & Ben

3/20

Arrival of the groom with the bridal bouquet of white roses which the bride wanted as they signify new beginnings and the unity of two people. 

Sheena & Ben

4/20

Gate-crashing activities!

Sheena & Ben

5/20

Gate-crashing activities!

Sheena & Ben

6/20

“From the very beginning, Ben has consistently treated me with a lot of love and affection. Even when I wasn’t looking my best, he would still tell me how beautiful I looked. While I find it hard to express myself in words, I do love him a lot,” says Sheena.

Sheena & Ben

7/20

"To create a venue that fitted our wedding theme, we transformed the hall at the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations into a vintage Shanghainese lounge with harem tents, drapes and lighting.

Sheena selected each decor item and decided where they should go. Guests were encouraged to come in traditional Chinese attire – or at least the fashion of the time," says Ben.

Sheena & Ben

8/20

"For us, the soul of a wedding celebration are the guests. Their mood was of utmost importance, and, thankfully, our wedding planner was on the same page."

Sheena & Ben

9/20

A real-life trishaw (that you could sit on) and lanterns were part of their interactive photo-taking corner for their guests. 

Sheena & Ben

10/20

“My in-laws are very traditional, so we wanted a theme and celebration that they would find enjoyable,” says Sheena.

Sheena & Ben

11/20

Sheena and her sisters spent three months sewing all the pouches for the wedding favours. Each contained goodies like traditional biscuits, shopping vouchers and even soya sauce in fish-shaped bottles.

Sheena & Ben

12/20

"The banquet was catered and this proved to be perfect because there was more flexibility in terms of budget and food selection.

Also, to ensure guests weren’t left waiting for too long, a new dish arrived every 15 minutes."

Sheena & Ben

13/20

"For entertainment, getai artiste Li Pei Fen was the emcee and Marcus Chin made a guest appearance for some comedic relief. We also had professional geitai performances."

Sheena & Ben

14/20

The groom in his chang shan or traditional long tunic. 

Sheena & Ben

15/20

No great party is complete without a lion dance!

Sheena & Ben

16/20

There was laughter and applause all evening!

Sheena & Ben

17/20

One of the performances that gave their guests plenty to laugh about. 

Sheena & Ben

18/20

“I had a load of rushing around to ensure everything was ready before the ceremony. That allowed me to be completely relaxed on the day itself, so I could enjoy myself,” says Sheena.

Sheena & Ben

19/20

"While we were exhausted by the end of the celebration, knowing our guests truly enjoyed themselves made it all worthwhile. We had guests coming up to tell us that ours was one of the best weddings they've been to."

Credits and Vendors

20/20

Venue

Banquet: Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (6354-4078)

Wardrobe

Wedding gown and groom’s suits: The Warehouse Bridal by The Warehouse Company (www.thewarehousebridal.com); evening gown: Fame Bridal (www.famebridal.com) 

Hair & Makeup

Valerie Lim of SGMakeover (sgmakeover@gmail.com)

Wedding Planner

A Different Kinda Wedding (S) Pte Ltd  

Photography

Day: Smittenpixels Photography (www.smittenpixels.com); evening: Stanstills Photography (www.stanstills.com)

Videography

Day: Captured Moments (www.capturedmoments.com.sg); evening: Walter Tan Productions (www.waltertan.com)

Flowers

Whenitsforrealitsforever (8233-8342)

Decor

Harem tents, lanterns and drapes: Singapore Tentage & Rental Service (www.singaporetentage.com); tables, chairs and linens: Singapore Events (8399-5665)

Wedding Favours

The Warehouse Company Pte Ltd (9237-0327)

Entertainment

CID Productions (www.cid-productions.com)

Condiments

Kwong On Cheong Condiments (S) Pte Ltd (6257-3466)

Dinner Caterer

Cheng Hong Restaurant & Catering (9155-9929)

Special Thanks to:

Samantha Qiu, Creative Director of The Warehouse Company, Melly Cheam for introducing us, and Katherine Cheong, Managing Director of Singapore Tentage & Rental Services. Edwin Tan of CID, Jimmy Song of Kwong On Cheong Condiments, our sponsor for the condiments we used in the favours, and Kenny Lim of Hair Creatives for styling the bride’s sisters.