three.months.before

Summary:


13.02.2014  Thursday

Dinner with maternal family


End___



Day 1 -  11.03.2014  Tuesday

Morning - Chinese Ceremony
Noon - ROM


End___



Day 2 -  16.03.2014  Sunday

Morning - Tea Ceremony
Noon - Lunch
Late Noon - After Party!


End___




Lunch venue for day 1 has been planned ages ago and so we went down to Park Palace@Grand Park City Hall couple of weeks back for "site visit". Dad joined us on the second visit to discuss about the menu and we did a little food tasting, courtesy of Mr CK Shek. I was glad CK gave us great recommendations for the dishes. Plus point, we didn't have to put a deposit.

So then we confirmed Park Palace for Day 1.



Being tempted by the fabulous food they'll be able to provide, our decision of the 5-star view venue was shaken. After doing the sums and much persuasion from my parents, we've decided to change day 2 lunch venue from Mt Faber to Park Palace. CK gave us a good discount for both the days.


Now another item strike off from the list of to-dos.
Phew~ this is months of hard work for a day of celebration.

Preparing for Taiwan

Do you remember that I mentioned about the pre-wedding photo shoot in one of my earliest post?

Now that I am starting to prepare for the trip, I will also included my itinerary for the trip (but maybe later .. god know when).

TAIWAN.

A place most familiar to me. Spent all my childhood vacations there. A little bit of selfie - My mum was born and bred in Taiwan, thus part of my family are still there. My granny and uncle (foster family) passed on some years back. So, other than to have gathering and dinner with the other family members, the most important activity on my itinerary is to pay my respects to granny and uncle.

So that's, dinner with many different groups of people, photo shoot, and visit the graves.

And since the fiance is crazy about herbal jelly (仙草) now, I found a little shop in TaiChung where they make herbal jelly from scratch and sells limited portion everyday.

Of course there are some must-do stuff in Taiwan, like hot-springs, eat shaved ice in XiMenDing and the list goes on. Seems to me like 90% of the list is about eating; eating with family, mum's friends, eateries, night market...


Right now, about three and a half months to the trip, I have yet to purchase the air tickets and to book the hotel; all I can think of is to buy my all time favorite winter wear.
I've also confirm the dinner location.

That's all for now.



 November updates:


Air Tickets - CHECKED
Taipei Accomodation - CHECKED
Le Meridien Hotel Dinner - CHECKED

five.months.before

Certainly, it has been a while.
Of course there's updates.


Gown - CHECKED.

Damage: $600


The first and only shop I've been to and it's set.

Maybe I'm missing the bride genes, I actually don't feel as excited while trying the dresses exceot that it was pretty warm from all the moving around. But thanks to all the help from my "childhood friend" - Stephenie and The Gown Warehouse owner - Anabelle, I finally found The Dress, after trying like a dozen of them. And on the first look, it looked so fluffy I was afraid I'ld look like a cupcake.

Wanted to rent, but final decision is to made-to-measure.

We are so glad that another item on the list can be strike off.

shine.bright.like.a.diamond

I bought this set of stones some time ago, been searching for a goldsmith to set them.
Then my mum told me about this old friend of hers, who owns a decent little shop in Lucky Plaza. This uncle Hung, used to "alter" some of my mama's jewelries. He did the extension of a diamond/gold bracelet that the future MIL will be giving me on the wedding. So now, my stones are with him to set into a pair of earrings. Happy much.

He's been in this trade for more than 30 years and is very reliable. I'm so lucky he charges me super cheap rates.

If anyone is reading this and would like to have his shop location and contact number, do post your email on the comments, and I'll get back to you with the details.


P.S. I'll update the "after" one month later when I pick them up.





Updated:

Actual Day Photography

Damage: $1000


This is the most worthy of money I felt we have spent in the whole wedding second to the rings.

After much contemplation, we have confirmed our actual day photographer from 9frames. 
We met up with Gilbert, the main photographer/ boss of 9frames, also listed in the Wedding Photographers Network (WPN). Had a discussion, signed the contract for AD photography  and now I'm tempted in getting Gilbert to shoot for my pre-wed album in Taiwan. Yes, I don't deny I'm kinda regretting this package I got from the Taiwan studio. I keep thinking about all the what ifs, but we would be bursting our budget if we hire Gilbert.

There are many things to consider in hiring individual photographers to shoot overseas. Because you have to be prepared to pay for his/her airfare, accommodation and food if these are not included in the package. Plus, you, bride and groom, also have to arrange for transports and your own make up artist. On top of these, it's all bring-your-own suits, gowns, props, accessories for the shoot.

Anyway, the fiance says we may not have enough budget for overseas shoot with Gilbert, Nay!  but we can always do a lifestyle shoot after the wedding. Yay !

Alrighty, back to topic, my advice to all bride and groom -to-be, get a professional,otherwise be prepared for either works that are not up to expectations or hypocrites with attitude.


P.S. I had friends, plenty of them, who shared with me their story of horrible experiences with non-professional photographers.

Cartier.Adventures - la deuxième partie

After much dawdling, I've finally made space and time to write this post. I even had to wash my hair for this.

Now, I begin by - I really believe this is all happening. *walking on air*

Exactly nine months before the wedding, 11 July 2013, we spent 3340 dollars.
It may not be the most unique ring, but this little red box carries the ring that bonds 2 individual.

We both got a ring one size bigger, just in case we get any fatter.

Here's this pixelated photo which the single ring box.

P.S. Time to fix this spacebar on my old macbook.

Cartier.Adventures - la première partie

Wedding band – CHECKED.


And so we made a trip to Cartier earlier, splurge couple of thousands. all we brought home was some boxes, papers, 2 catalogs, cleaning kit and a pretty red paper bag. Not to forget we drank 2 glasses of water.

Anyway the engraving takes about 10 days or so. Right now, we shall wait patiently for the phone call.

Venue: Jewel.Box

Venue Confirmation.

Damage: $3841.73

30% of 10 tables x $1088++

 

Money matters

So, the fiancée kept bugging me to write on this blog. 

Here's my contribution. 

I believe this is the concern for any couple about to walk down the aisle, be it at a church, or throwing a lavish dinner for family and friends. But that is just the one big sum that could possibly be covered by red packets. 

What about other things that require money? Note, I didn't say miscellaneous stuff. I meant there's a whole lot more than the wedding reception. 

First of all, the engagement ring aka proposal ring, which the fiancée have been harping on. Thankfully, it's been omitted to lessen the budget. Estimated two to three grand, depending on the rock.

Besides the abovementioned ring, of course, there's the wedding bands. Rock optional. Works out to another two to three grand for a pair. We've decided on rose gold Cartier bands. Costs about 3.5k for the pair.

Then, comes the bridal shots. There are many choices for this. Whether to have it done locally (the in thing lately is the Marina Bay and Marina Barrage area. The old school ones are Botanical Gardens, *insert name here* Gardens, Sentosa etc.) or overseas (Asian countries like Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan. Europe is romantic too, if you have the budget.) Well, thanks to the package we signed, that's 2k for the shoot in Taiwan (air tickets, accommodation etc. excluded).

To finish up phase one of the planning/spending, is finding a venue for the actual day reception. Tables should range from $800 plus (restaurants) to well over $1,000 (hotels' ballroom). The number of tables is dependent on the number of guest invited. We've managed to keep the number of invited guest low, mainly family members and at most 3 tables of close friends cum colleagues. Still, the number came up to 12 tables. At $1,088++ per table, that works out to a little more than $15k, less alcohol and corkage charges.

Phase one costs: $20.5k

More to come.

The.Party

My advise, Never allow stag/hen's night ruin the wedding.

DON'T do things that you wouldn't want your other half to do.

People always say that stag/hen's night is to celebrate the end of single life, but I say it is the first test of trust that both parties will have to go through. At least you need to have enough trust in your other half that he/she doesn't get stripper/hooker or such.

Actually stripper is fine for me, only have 2 conditions for the HTB.

I will say that my fiancé do have evil friend who will encourage paid entertainment, but of course he's got a "monk" friend around, so I reckon they won't be doing much either. It's funny how they all turn out to be since they are all from Monk school. And I trust the fiancé ain't gonna be too adventurous either. 

As for me, guess I'll just be spending time with the group of "bridesmaids" doing some last minute beauty fixes. Partying is just too tiring.


D.

Big C vs The Rock

Did I mention the first thing we have surveyed, viewed, considered, gazed at or even stared at, is the wedding band? And since I have no proposal to parade with, thus it should be obvious that I do not own any sparkly rock to blind myself with.

We happened to walk into LeeHwa earlier. While the bestman browsing through what to buy for his girlfriend, I scanned the shop for jewelries that can be added to the collection for the event. After much explanation and sales talk, I set my eyes on the Destinee collection. The three of us paced up and down the shop, drank countless cups of tea, spent at least an hour.

I puppy eyed the fiance, hoping he'd change his mind about at least buying me a rock, instead he asked me if i want the rock or the big C. I struggled and chose the big C instead. Although the big C may not worth as much, but i know, we both love the design and what it signifies. I was given the option to get a rock as my engagement ring which will also be my wedding band. But I can't be possibly wearing this shiny rock everyday right. Thus, I still choose my Big C gold band. Meanwhile, I try to dig whatever diamond my mummy has.


22/05/13:  The future MIL has asked me to try on a gold bracelet with diamond. She says to ask me try it on and if it fits, she's gonna give it to me during the tea ceremony. Well, it almost fits. just have to change the hook/clasp thing and also polishing.


Seriously, I wonder who reads all these.

mark.the.calendar

The dates have finally been set.

11 March: Chinese customary and solemnization.
16 March: Luncheon

ten.months.before

While other fret about all sorts of other miscellaneous stuff, my headache is about the date. There may be a little  gloomy clouds here and there but after the rain, comes the rainbow.

The auspicious date turns out not so auspicious for the both of us after all. We wanted 1/3/14 to get everything over and done with, ended up having the customary and solemnization  on 11/3/14 (Tuesday) and luncheon on a sunday. This is the date being calculated by my Shifu from Hong Kong.

With the date set, I can now:
1. Confirm date with venue coordinator.
2. Wait to file notice of marriage with Registry of Marriages.
3. Book Solemnizer.

Damage: $188

D.

Being left to make choices of my own became quite a hectic thing for me these days. Somehow, this research thing has made me kinda cranky. Have been staying up till late looking for hairstyles, viels, gloves, bridesmaid dress / tie, corsages and the never-ending list.

Sometimes, i wish i ain't so excited, like the husband to be.



-D.

eleven.months.before

This happened so abruptly that I still feel I'm being cheated. Who would have thought we would move on to the next chapter this fast.
All these planning didn't start with him proposing and me saying 'I do'. Instead we were being talked into signing the pre-wedding photography package with a huge discount given in the name of being a half-Taiwanese. Perks. Turns out, he was as excited as I am, while being $500 down for the month. So, before I was formally known as 'the girlfriend', I am now officially the fiancé, the bride-to-be.
I am definitely amazed by what I was able to research and confirm in just half a month's time. How can anyone contain that much excitement and happiness? It's impossible. 

Wait a minute, right, checklist.

I've already bought 2 wedding magazine within the first week. 

Informed parents of both sides.
Rings, chosen. Engraving details, discussed and confirmed too.

Notify and confirmed bestman, maid of honor and bridesmaid. I get three and he gets one; maybe another brother as the driver. 

Setting the date and get it 'authorized' by my shifu. Apparently it turns out to be quite an auspicious date plus it's definitely one nice number for a date to be permanently printed on my marriage certificate.

Called and emailed the whole world, to get packages, menu, services and rates. 

Research for wedding gowns. Contacted designers for MTM gowns.
Set up meetings to drop by the various hotels aka venue search. 

Went to Raffles Hotel on Monday but we left with disappointment. Plus, impromptu trip to Hotel Fort Canning. Nice, we were already putting it into our 'consider list'.

Venue search just before the meet up. Yes, we are still on Monday this week. After urging the HTB to meet up with Mr L, to discuss and to engage him as our wedding emcee. Turns out he gave us quite a bit of tips and pointers, what to look out for and what's not.   Anyways, the meeting was at Jewel Box, it's located at Mount Faber if you were wondering, and could you believe it's my virgin trip up here?!  L suggested that Jewel Box would be a nice place with an awesome view to hold the event. You know what?! He's right. We manage to get someone, that'll be Alexis, from the sales team, to introduce us their packages and also to show us around the place. 

Finally, we found the perfect venue for our wedding. 

 View from inside the function room.

 Cable car right above. sweeet

Even the view from the toilet looks pretty.

Till we make another trip to Jewel Box, shall I update again.

D.

The beginning of a "WE"

People always says that their new chapter starts from the day they sign on the dotted line;
I say, it starts from the minute she says "yes" to the proposal.

Well, at least for me, this new chapter begins from the day we signed up for the pre-wedding photo shoot. *unrolls the map of the planning journey*