We had two separate celebrations: A solemnisation dinner at the Vineyard @ Hort Park for 40 of our immediate family members and close friends, and a bigger dinner party at the Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa.
Highlights included dancing in the dark during our second march-in with glow sticks attached to the clothes of our wedidng party at the Amara. It was amazing!
The exchange of vows was amusing and touching. I am incredibly lucky to be with Brian. He’s my best friend, who makes me a better person, and we make such a great team! As an ex-lawyer, my speech was filled with legal jargon. Brian went straight to the point and pledged all his money to me!
We were happy that guests had a blast. But if I could have turned back time, I would have gone for a more casual dinner reception at the Amara, so we could mingle more. I would also have had a separate formal Chinese dinner, which I know my parents and their guests would have appreciated more.
The bride’s top tips
- It’s your big day. You and your groom should agree on what you both want. You also have to be clear with must-haves.
- Don’t bother about what other brides have done or are doing. Do what you fancy.
- Simply be yourselves, and guests will love you for it.
- Whether you’re going for an off-the-rack creation or a custom dress, be clear about your style options and expect nothing but the best.
- Enjoy the ride and don’t take your husband-to-be for granted. Shower him with TLC!
CHECKLIST
Venue Vineyard @ Hort Park (6479-7977); Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa (6825-3888)
Wardrobe Wedding gown and after-party dress: The Wedding Present (Patrick Chan, 6323-2182); evening gown: Zac Posen at Pois (6238-0151); ROM dress: Time Taken To Make A Dress (Jade Letitia, 6391-9802); hairpiece: The Prelude Bridal (6221-4982); suit: Hugo Boss (6238-9328)
Hair & makeup ROM: Jonathan Wee of Urban Hair by Ginrich (6737-7813) and Jyue Huey of The Makeup Room (6235-8901). Jyue also did the hair and makeup for both dinners.
Photography Fai by Fai (9639-0612), Edwin Tan Photography in Malaysia (+60-3-7731-9100); photo booth: Hello Stranger is Forever (9193-6221)
Wedding planners Party Perfec (enquiries@partyperfect.com.sg)
Gelato Station Papitto Gelato (8123-9912)
Decor Stationery and monogram signboard: Papypress (6745-9311); flowers: The Olive 3 (9843-0800); other decorations: Merry Love Weddings (hello@merryloveweddings) and Knock Knock (www.knockknockstuff.com)
Special thanks to Chris and Diana Fletcher (9737-3195) for the live entertainment.
This article was first published in Her World Brides Dec 2014 – Feb 2015.