From The Straits Times    |

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

  1. 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.
  2. Don’t bother about what other brides have done or are doing. Do what you fancy.
  3. Simply be yourselves, and guests will love you for it.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.