From The Straits Times    |

“Jared and I met through a mutual friend during one of our study breaks. He was studying at the Australian National University and I was at Wellesley College in the US, so our relationship was long-distance. 

We were apart for two years before returning to Singapore together. 

It wasn’t easy, but this saying is true: “Distance means so little when someone means so much.”

We couldn’t imagine another time in our lives when we would have all the people we love in the same place at once, so we decided to seize the opportunity to throw the celebration of our lives, with four events over a span of three weeks. 

This allowed us to spend more quality time with everyone.”

“Our tea ceremony and solemnisation took place three weeks before our church wedding and dinner party.

 

We did the tea ceremony at The Peranakan, and it was an occasion to pay our respects to our parents, as well as homage to Jared’s Peranakan roots.”

 

 

 

Jiezhen wore a beautiful kebaya her mother-in-law bought for her in Malacca just for the occasion. 

 

 

“It was something special to take our vows in a church packed with loved ones from all over the world. I hadn’t seen Jiezhen all morning and the anticipation had me crying my eyes out when I finally saw her at the top of the aisle.

One of Jiezhen’s bridesmaid sang You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban as she made her way to me and the moment was sublime,” says Jared.

Jiezhen adds: “My heart was so full of gratitude. I was beaming as both my parents walked me down the aisle to Jared.”

See also: “THE FIRST TIME I SAW…” – WHAT OUR REAL COUPLES FELT WHEN THEY SAW EACH OTHER ON THEIR WEDDING DAY

Jiezhen’s wedding dress was made by Julianne, her friend of 18 years: “When we met, she immediately knew what I was going for.”  

See also: 7 STYLISH REAL BRIDES WHO ROCKED AN ALTERNATIVE WEDDING DRESS

Her bouquet was an elegant arrangement of phalaenopsis orchids with monstera and palm leaves. 

“Our dinner was held at a black and white heritage building known as The Canvas Gallery.

 

We made sure there was adequate seating for everyone. However, instead of a sit-down meal, we laid out the seating area in a way that guests were able to eat while they mingled, and they wouldn’t be stuck in one spot all night.”

 

 

 “Whether we were holding hands or waiting for the guests to arrive in the garden, the little moments we shared throughout the day kept us connected and reminded us why we were there.”

 

 

The bridesmaids wore dresses in different styles and varying shades of blue.

 

See also: MIX IT UP! 8 WAYS FOR STYLISHLY MISMATCHED BRIDESMAIDS

 

 

 

 

“People were able to wander through the rooms curated by us – which showcased different aspects of things we loved and people who had been a huge part of our lives.

 

Live stations on the ground floor served satay and prata, while desserts were served on the second level. Around the pool, there were inflatable armchairs and open bars.”

 

 

 

 

 

Tropical decor was the focal point of the venue. 

 

 

 

 

 

“What was great was that our parents’ friends really took to the idea; it was different from the weddings they normally attended.

 

Everyone was connecting and the entire place was just buzzing. It was truly one of the best nights of our lives.”

 

 

 

“What’s heartening is that the people we  brought together have kept up the friendships forged at our wedding.” 

 

 

They had sparklers, a rousing series of toasts, and even a line-up of deejays, who kept the party going till the next morning. 

 

 

See also: “WE ARRIVED IN A SMRT BUS!” – THIS SINGAPOREAN COUPLE’S SIMPLE, BEAUTIFUL CHIJMES WEDDING WILL INSPIRE YOU


Wedding Checklist

Venue

Tea ceremony: The Peranakan (6262-4428); solemnisation: FOC Sentosa (6100-1102); wedding mass: 
Church of St. Teresa (6271-1184); dinner: 
The Canvas Gallery (8799-2179)

 

Wardrobe

Gown: In Personam Custom Clothiers (hello@inpersonam.cc); suit: Hwa Seng Textiles (6345-5145)

 

Hair & Makeup

Crylai Makeup 
Artist (cryslaimakeup@gmail.com)

 

Photography

Li Haolun of Framewerks 
(www.framewerks.sg)

 

Videography

Substance Films (www.substancefilms.com)

 

Decor

Khim’s Kreations (khimoei@gmail.com)

 

Flowers

Bouquet: Whiff 
(www.whiff.florist)

 

Caterer

Spize Singapore 
(www.spize.sg)

 

Alcohol

Asher BWS 
(www.asherbws.com)

 

Wedding coordinator

Kevin Kwan (cranium1966
@gmail.com)

 

Special thanks to

Aunty Khim Oei, Claire Oei and Kari Tamura for leading the decorating crew, and to all our friends who turned our vision into a reality.


We are always looking for great wedding stories to share! E-mail us at cassk@sph.com.sg if you’d like to see your wedding in our magazines and website.