From The Straits Times    |

Vanessa Ho, 29, and Joseph Kien, 30, who met during their final year in university in Sydney, Australia, had a beautiful celebration in Danang, Vietnam. She tells us:

vanessajoe2.jpgThe couple held their solemnisation ceremony atop a hill on the terrace of a French-inspired mansion overlooking the ocean. They also had a simple vow ceremony in France prior to their proper celebration; it was one of the first places they visited together.


The bride’s bouquet comprised roses, moth orchids and filler flowers.

“Our wedding was classic and elegant. It meant a lot to us that our families and friends were able to fly in from Singapore, Australia and the UK to celebrate with us. Many played a big part in our journey as individuals and as a couple, so it was important that they had a good time.

The mood was very festive – there was a buzz in the air as it was a mini holiday for everyone. We hadn’t seen many of our friends for nearly a year (some for several years).

vanessajoe3.jpgReady to meet her groom at the altar.

Joe was in tears when he saw me walking towards him at the altar. Both of us will never forget how we felt at that moment. Nothing else beats seeing your best friend and life partner standing there smiling back at you.


White blossoms and paper umbrellas lent elegance to the venue.

I’m happy with how everything worked out, but I would have liked a few days to unwind before the big day instead of going straight into it right after our European trip. We had a simple vow ceremony in France prior to this, as it was one of the first places we visited together.


Guests’ well-wishes were displayed for all to read.

My top tip: Be decisive. Make the important decisions early on. Prioritise while everything is still fresh and exciting or your to-do list will start to snowball towards the big day. Also remember: This is your day as a couple and the final outcome should reflect that.”


“I will never forget the moment I first saw Joe with tears in his eyes at the altar. Then, nothing else beats seeing your best friend and life partner standing there smiling back at you.”

CHECKLIST


VENUES
Reception: La Maison 1888 Terrace and The Summit at Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort Hotel, Vietnam (+84-511-393-8888)

WARDROBE 
Gowns and suit: Vera Wang Bride in Sydney in Australia (+61-8203-0903), Fendi in Italy (+39-027-602-1617), Max Couture (6841-1146) and Givenchy (6235-4438)

HAIR, MAKEUP AND WEDDING PLANNER
Halos in Danang (+84-096-808-6610)

PHOTOGRAPHY 
Actual day: Mott Visuals (justin@mottvisuals.com and Aaron Joel Santos, a@aaronjoelsantos.com); Paris photographs: One and Only Paris Photography (+33-678-877-126); Venice and Provence photographs: Zoomstudio from Hanoi in Vietnam (+84-042-240-3425)

Vanessa & Joe’s wedding was first featured in Her World Brides Dec 2013 – Feb 2014.

See also: 5 tips for a classic vintage wedding.