Weddings by SingaporeBrides Issue 4

by singaporebrides

issue #4 singaporebrides.com

The Trends Issue D e s i g n e r s | P h o t o g r a p h e r s | Ve n u e s & m o re !

connect with singaporebrides!

The Team CEO Ng Chin Leng Editor Michelle Tay editor@singaporebrides.com Sub-Editors Audrie Soh Tansey Tang Senior Sales Manager Christine Kang sales@tian.com.sg Sales Managers Bob Mubarak Janis Heng Layout Design Michelle Tay Webmasters Eileen Aw Andre Ng

The Contributors Alfred Phang, Ckay Liow, Clifford Loh, Dewi Mahoney, Dollei Seah, Edel Ang, Emma Haddock, Eunice Yeo, Evon Chng, Harry Lam, Iroda Daminova, Jimmy Yap, Leong Gwowei, Lydia Thong, Melissa Yeo, Randolph Tan, Sara Ng, Skyy Woo, UKay Cheung, Watson Lau Cover Image of Yun Jia & Wee Jian: A Little Moment Photography Weddings by singaporebrides is published by Tian Dot Com Pte Ltd. 50 Ubi Crescent #01-08 Ubi TechPark Singapore 408568 Tel: +65 6254 1026 Fax: +65 6404 5478 Reproduction of this magazine in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Copyright Š 2013-2014 Tian Dot Com Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

04/

�eddin�

A

e��erience

like no other, only at Peach Garden.

On your special day, you and your partner deserve an experience that is truly and uniquely yours. From exacting décor details to a delightful menu of your preferred taste bud, every touch point at Peach Garden is exquisitely designed to enthrall you and your guests.

Peach Garden serves up a refined sensory experience of sight, hearing, scent, touch and taste. We have extensive experience in creating opulent ambiences that are adorned with luxurious linens and fresh blooms.

Exquisite Cantonese dishes are paired with immaculate service to heighten your senses.

Not to mention, a premium sound quality system to lend music to your ears.

At Peach Garden, every detail is thoughtfully looked into to create wondrous moments.

Let your everlasting union be accompanied by the name you can trust.

For enquiries, please call 6838 0082 or email: banquet@peachgarden.com.sg

Like us on facebook.com/peachgarden

Follow us on pinterest.com/peachgarden

www.peachgarden.com.sg | www.peachgardennoodlehouse.com.sg Peach Garden Chinese Restaurant - Novena Gardens 6254 3383 • OCBC Centre 6535 7833 • Hotel Miramar 6736 3833 • Thomson Plaza 6451 3233 • Orchid Country Club 6759 3833 Peach Garden Noodle House - Changi Airport Terminal 1 Transit Lounge 6546 7383 • White Sands 6585 3833 • Gardens by the Bay 6604 6733 Peach Garden Chinese Dining - ChinaTown Point 6702 0603 • The Metropolis 6334 7833

STAY IN LOVE.

The moment of a lifetime should always be perfect.

Which is why at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre, we'll plan your wedding with you in mind.

From menu selections and contemporary banquet halls, to small thoughtful touches, we'll make sure your wedding is special from start to end.

What's more, we can add a touch of fun to your dream wedding with our advanced on-site live streaming capability.

Chinese Wedding Package Starts from $708++ onwards To make enquiries, please call (65) 6730 0123/ 0138 or email weddings.hisinorchard.ihg.com 11 Cavenagh Road, Singapore 229616 www.holidayinn.com/sin-orchard

In This Issue Weddings 101

Essentials

16 Article How Much Is That Wedding In The Window?

248 Styled Shoot A Woodland Tea Party 270 Article 6 Questions To A Perfect Wedding Cake

26 Article Adopt These Attitudes For A Happy, Fulfilling Marriage 36 Article 8 Don’ts In Any Healthy Relationship

Fashion

278 Do-It-Yourself Editorial Rustic Chic Boutonniere

The Groom Room

52 Fashion Editorial In The Painter’s Den

154 Article How To Keep Your Friends After Marriage

70 Fashion Editorial Colours of Gion

162 Article Men, Take A Bow (Tie)

98 Fashion Editorial L’Amour En Fuite

170 Article Groomsmen Dress Trends You Should Know

130 Article Gorgeous Bridal Hair Accessories You’ll Love 140 Article 6 Bridesmaids Dress Trends You Need To Know

Photography & Videography

Beauty & Health

184 Real Weddings Moments Of Love Around The World

288 Article Simple Skincare Tips For Your Wedding

194 Real Weddings Charming Solemnisation In An Old Chapel Garden

297 Article 12 Tips To Eating Your Way To Weight Loss

204 Real Weddings Lighthearted And In Love

Venue

214 Real Weddings When A Ray Of Sunshine Falls On An Angel 224 Real Weddings The Perfect Kombination of Sweet And Vintage 234 Real Weddings Stylish Fun Homage To The Past

312 Article Five-Star Outdoor Courtyard Wedding Venues 324 Article 10 Intimate Wedding Venues In Singapore Part I 336 Article 10 Intimate Wedding Venues In Singapore Part II

/07

Shirley li

Flamingo Bridal

31 Duxton Road Singapore 089495

TEL :

6226 2728 www.flamingobridal.com

Model: Lauren R (Upfront Models)

Hair & Make-up: Shirley Li

Stylist: Vik Lim

Photography: Toon Liang (www.lightspade.com)

EDITOR’SNOTE It’s Wedding Show Season! If you check our Events page on singaporebrides.com, you’ll see at least one wedding fair every weekend, from now until way past July. So while The Fiancé is catching up on some sleep due to FIFA World Cup™ fatigue, grab your girlfriends, attend open houses to eyeball a few potential wedding dresses, and have some high tea after that.

However, you do have to do your own homework first. In fact, we’ve done some research for you so you can cheat a little. Do you know what the latest bridal trends are? We’ve got some Gorgeous Bridal Hair Accessories (page 130) and Bridesmaids Dress Trends (page 140) you should look at. Have no idea how your wedding photo album will turn out? See the work from photographers from some of our Real Wedding couples (page 184) for some examples.

Want a real wedding cake at your party? We speak to

TRENDING

by Michelle Tay

some bakers to help you find your Perfect Wedding Cake (page 270). Looking for something special and different for your wedding celebration? We’ve put together Five-Star Outdoor Courtyard Venues and 10 Intimate Wedding Venues in Singapore for you, so you can see the many kinds of beautiful venue options out there.

Many thanks to those who helped with our Woodland Tea Party wedding styled shoot (page 248). You should check it out for wedding decoration and dessert table inspiration, especially if you’re a big fan of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Adorable cupcakes and pretty table settings!

If you’ve already had your wedding but are still reading our articles for the pretty pictures (we know you’re there), submit your wedding photos to us so we can feature them. For the rest of you, Happy Planning!

/09

101

WEDDINGS101

by Fu Jinming

Budgeting for your wedding can be a long, emotionally draining exercise.

Especially when you don’t have much in the coffers to begin with. We reveal the signs of nuptial budgeting woes, and how to deal with them.

Ah… weddings. They’re lavish. Romantic. And expensive. Couples often underestimate the costs of putting together a wedding. Unless your parents or in-laws have very generously offered to cover your big day, chances are, the math can be rather daunting. Especially if you’re a young couple with equally young careers.

To make matters worse, discussions about budgets can often turn into full-blown arguments. Not just with your better half, but with your family, and hers. Handled the wrong way, it’s an affair that can quickly drain your emotions and energy, way before it drains your resources.

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The good news is: there are ways to cut out – or at the very least, minimise – the drama. And it all boils down to planning, teamwork, and a generous dose of reality.

For budgeting is something best done with your feet firmly on the ground. Know what you can afford, and celebrate within your means. After all, your wedding is but a single day. Your marriage on the other hand is a journey that’s far more important than all the gowns, flower bouquets, and wedding favours put together.

Set a Budget

And look on the bright side: wedding planning is a precursor to how you’ll deal with future problems together as Man and Wife. The financial bit is an important part of it all. So just take it as a warm-up for your life together.

You can also think about who’ll be able to help financially. Whether it’s your parents who would like to contribute, or a loan you’d like to take out, knowing how much you can start with will help you decide how much more you can afford to spend.

Here are some tips to help you loosen up:

As a general guide, try putting aside at least 15% of your wedding budget as backup cash for burst budgets and other surprises (like the floral decoration that will cost extra with a ribbon bow the size of a cat).

Research, Research, Research

Pretty much the first thing to do after she has said “yes”, and your folks have patted you on the back.

Sit down together and decide how much of each other’s savings you’d like to allocate to the wedding.

Then discuss how much money each of you can save between now and the desired date of your wedding.

Unlike our parents’ generation, a wedding these days can cost an arm, a leg, and a shoulder blade.

Especially if it includes all the traditional trappings, as well as other new-fangled wedding peripherals like photo booths, candy bars, and live musical performances. Not to mention the venue and food.

The key here is to start researching early. Wedding magazines and fairs are a good place to start getting a sense of how much things cost. There are also online wedding forums you can join to suss out the latest wedding rates, tips and bargains.

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WEDDINGS101 Do It Yourself There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with rolling up your sleeves and putting together your own wedding yourself. Especially if you’re a creative by profession, or someone who has a knack for organising parties. Or better yet, if you can call on small favours from good friends and relatives.

Know a cousin who can decorate? A best friend who can help you design your invites? A sister who can sing?

But if you don’t have the aptitude for arts and crafts, nor the connections – and time – it’s better to leave it to the professionals. Oftentimes, they are small businesses that charge what they charge for a reason. To make sure their price matches their quality, ask to see their recent portfolio. Or visit online forums and ask couples there who have used the particular establishment’s services. Then make your call from there.

Marry on a Weekday Weekday weddings are another great money saver. Most, if not all, wedding venues have cheaper rates on weekdays. Which means sizeable savings off your dinner banquet if you were to hold it during mid-week instead of the weekend.

Conventional wisdom dictates that weekday weddings will inconvenience your guests. Particularly those who’d have to work the next day – which basically means three-quarters of your guest list. Truth is, the people who truly care will be there, no matter the day. Besides, a shorter guest list will mean less food and drinks you’d otherwise have to pay for.

Or instead of a lavish dinner, you can opt for a cosy little lunch reception. Lunchtime affairs are usually cheaper than dinner. Shorter too. Though it makes more sense to hold them on weekends, wedding lunches bring greater convenience to your guests; they can make your wedding, and still have the rest of their weekend to themselves. It’s a win-win match made in Heaven.

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Take Control Wedding planning is rarely down to your spouse-to-be and you. Parents from both sides of the family often get involved – even after saying they’d “leave it up to you.”

And who could blame them? The biggest day of their children’s lives is also the biggest day of theirs. Which may result in a clash of opinions in wedding matters, and added stress for you and your other half.

The key here is to take control. If you think what your parents – or hers – are demanding is unnecessary, unreasonable, or out of your budget, tell them so. Explain that you’ve reached breaking point. And that they need to stop obsessing over the wedding favours. Or the bridal flowers. Or whether the vases have sharp edges (bad luck … allegedly).

This can be tricky to manoeuvre, especially if they’re picking up the bill for your wedding. But keeping them on budget will mean a less stressful wedding for you and your partner. At the end of the day, as much as you love them, they’d need to understand that it’s your wedding. Not theirs.

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WEDDINGS101

20/

Take it Easy At the end of the day, your wedding is what you choose to afford. You’re stuck with the budget you’ve planned with your partner, so make the best of it. As your wedding day draws closer, you’ll start focussing less on the details of the wedding that frankly, no one will ever remember (like the laser light show timed to the Imperial March to accompany your first march-in), and more on the fact that you’re marrying the love of your life.

Because when it comes down to it, if you end up getting married at the end of it all, your wedding will have been a resounding success.

So pop open that bottle of champagne. Put your feet up. And enjoy the ride. ■

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402 Orchard Road #05- 05 Delfi Orchard Singapore 238876 Tel: 63336678 www.amandaleeweddings.com Atelier: 46 Niven Road Singapore 228394 (strictly by appointment)

WEDDINGS101

ADOPT THESE ATTITUDES FOR A HAPPY, FULFILLING MARRIAGE

by Jaclyn Lim

A happy, fulfilling marriage is no accident. Just because you have exchanged vows does not mean that you should stop working on your relationship with each other. Our writer, Jaclyn Lim, lists five attitudes you should adopt to keep the spark alive.

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I got hitched in May last year. It has been 10 months, and our married life has since settled into a reassuring routine.

We line weekdays with kopitiam breakfasts before heading to work, shop at the neighbourhood supermarket for groceries, pay bills at the AXS machine together, have quiet conversations before bedtime, and sneak in some quality time during Sunday brunches.

In the humble and ho-hum, my marriage mirrors the steady flow of a river. As we dated for seven years before he got down on one knee, we have long passed the initial “madly in love” stage. In fact, we have discovered the best way to live with – and not annoy – each other. I understand how he needs regular doses of “alone time” and do not resent him for wanting to escape to a café with a novel in hand. Meanwhile, he knows exactly how to cook instant noodles the way I like it, knows not to complain when I ask him to take out the garbage and quietly endures my mood swings.

The writer Robert Johnson calls this “stirring the oatmeal” love. This means that instead of the emotional upheavals of a tender, thrilling romance, we infinitely prefer the calm, nourishing and down-to-earth blend of daily companionship, true friendship and intimate love. That said, we are both aware of the need to actively maintain our marriage so that we do not end up as a divorce statistic. Here are five attitudes that we have consciously adopted to build the kind of marriage we want to have.

Attitude #1: Be fully present.

Hands up if you are a switched-on, tuned-out and plugged-in technophile who is constantly fiddling on your Samsung smartphone or Apple iPad. There is a problem with our increasing obsession with the latest gadgets – “iSolation”. According to professional ethicist Dr. Bruce Weinstein, we have “swapped electronic connection for personal relationships.” But connectivity has its price – you could be sacrificing your emotional connection with your significant other. So, it is time to be fully present whenever the two of you are together.

First, set boundaries. Determine when you should put away your gadget, such as during mealtimes and movies.

Next, focus on each other. For my husband and I, dinnertimes are not meant to be spent staring at the small screen while scooping rice into our mouths. Instead, we would leave our gadgets in another room, play a piece of vinyl record and have conversations over a simple, home-cooked meal. It may not seem like a big deal, but the truth is that being fully present makes you a better listener and lover. Nobody feels neglected, and this builds a long and lasting marriage over time.

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WEDDINGS101 Attitude #2: Be affirmative and affectionate.

It takes more than just saying “I love you” to cultivate a blissful marriage. So, be sure to pepper your sentences with affirmative phrases like “thank you” and “I really appreciate you” instead. For instance, I make it a point to show my appreciation whenever my husband does the dishes or walks our dogs. He, on the other hand, says “thank you” whenever I set the table. Not a single day goes by without us reaching out to each other with such positive affirmations.

Besides verbal affirmations, the power of human touch should not be underestimated. According to recent research by the University of California, Berkeley, momentary touches – whether it is an exuberant high five or a warm hand on the shoulder – can communicate a wider range of emotions than gestures or expressions. And in romantic relationships, couples who touch more report more satisfaction than those who don’t. So, be sure to hold hands, hug and even give each other a neck rub!

Attitude #3: Be open to trying new experiences together.

Somewhere along the way, married couples tend to lapse into a mundane routine of daily work and household chores – and lose the romance they once had. But while we are all creatures of habit, there is no need to get stuck in a relationship rut. Rich Walker, a psychologist at Winston-Salem State University, looked at over 30,000 event memories and over 500 diaries, before coming to the conclusion that people who engage in a variety of experiences are more likely to retain positive emotions and minimise negative ones. In fact, doing so can reignite that spark in your marriage.

So, give it a shot and make it a point to try new experiences together. Make a reservation at a new restaurant serving your favourite cuisine. Or, pick up a new skill together. Although my husband is your typical basketball-loving dude, he had no qualms heading to a trial session of Bikram Yoga with me.

He didn’t shy away from trying his hand at floral arranging either. And these have done wonders for our relationship because we could talk – and laugh – about our experiences after!

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WEDDINGS101

30/

Attitude #4: Be committed to having fun.

Embracing the realities and responsibilities of married life is never easy, and in the process, couples inevitably forget to have fun. In fact, many research studies show that couples have the most fun when they were dating. But the demands of career, children and caring for a household soon take a toll on the marriage. If you don’t learn to have fun with each other, marriage – and life – may end up stressful and unsatisfying.

So, if you have already forgotten what fun means for the both of you, start thinking about the activities you enjoyed together while you were dating. Then, commit to a date to have fun together. In fact, adopting a sense of child-like fun – like taking turns on the swing at the neighbourhood playground – can sometimes work wonders to soothe your overwrought adult minds and boost your marriage.

Attitude #5: Be forward-looking.

Even before we exchanged vows, my husband and I agreed to look only to the future – and never dwell on the past. This means we made a conscious effort to leave certain fears and doubts behind. Like how I worried at first that I would walk in my parents’ footsteps and be trapped in a tumultuous marriage before ending up in a messy divorce. But now, the ring on my finger only serves to remind myself to look forward to the future with the man that I love.

One way my husband and I achieve this is to map out our future as a team. We discuss renovation plans for our Build-To-Order flat that will arrive next year. We consider the number of children we can afford to have – and the way we want to bring them up.

We talk about taking sketching classes together. Doing so helps us to focus on the future – and the potential to grow as a couple keeps the marriage stimulating. After all, marriage should be an exciting journey for both parties involved! ■ SB

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39A Keong Saik Road Singapore 089145 +65 6223-8829 enquiry@dangbridal.com.sg (by appointment only) www.dangbridal.com.sg

WEDDINGS101

by Fu Jinming

There are some habits and behaviour that can be toxic to a healthy relationship. Fu Jinming lists eight things we shouldn’t be doing with or to our other halves.

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It takes two to tango. But when it comes to your marriage, it only takes one to turn that dance into a firewalking exercise. Especially if you persist in bringing bad relationship habits into your little waltz.

Of course, the onus doesn’t just lie with you. Your partner has as much responsibility to avoid behaviours and attitudes that will harm the union you have both worked so hard to build. But as with all good partnerships, you’d have to put a foot forth first, before the other can follow. And as gallantry would dictate, the gentleman always makes the first step.

To help you on your way, here are eight toxic relationship habits you’d do well to fix now:

1. Don’t keep score Remember when your siblings used to throw your past mistakes in your face during an argument? Remember how that made you feel?

Now remember that the next time you’re tempted to use your partner’s past wrongdoings to justify your moral high ground. Not only are you not dealing with the issue at hand, you’re trying to guilt her into feeling wrong over something that has very little to do with the present. That’s low. And pointless.

Unless it is related to your current situation, don’t bring up the past. By choosing to be with her, you’ve chosen to be with her past, present, and future – warts and all. So deal with the problem in the present tense.

2. Don’t be passive-aggressive If you have to sulk, pout, or find petty little ways – like the silent treatment – to hint at your displeasure with your significant other, the two of you are obviously not comfortable communicating openly with each other.

Finding ways to press your partner’s wrong buttons to make your point is not only unhelpful, it’s juvenile. Be a man. State what you’re unhappy about and why, calmly and clearly. She may not agree with you, but you’d at least have shown your maturity; it shows your desire to discuss the problem like an adult, not a petulant child.

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WEDDINGS101 3. Don’t threaten the relationship More specifically, don’t turn every little argument, complaint or criticism into a reason to question your partner’s commitment to the relationship. It’s the kind of emotional blackmail that creates unnecessary drama.

And ironically, in questioning her commitment, you put yours into question. For how lightly you must take your relationship to dangle it over the sharks every time a perceived crisis occurs.

It is important for both of you to feel safe enough to communicate your displeasures to each other without having to feel that you’re putting your relationship under threat. That calls for a stay of judgement, an understanding ear, and above all, a rational mind.

4. Don’t take it out on your partner We all have days when anything that can go wrong, does. That doesn’t make it OK to take it out on your other half. When you’re tired and emotionally wrung-out at work, it’s easy to expect the person closest to you to be sensitive about how you’re feeling. And to take it upon herself to make you feel better. When she doesn’t, you get upset.

Let’s get something straight: your partner is not wholly responsible for how you feel. You are. Blaming her for your emotional state is selfish and unfair. Being supportive is not the same as being obligated to your every whim and fancy. If you’re upset about something and think you need some support from your companion, tell her so.

But don’t expect her to just suddenly drop all her plans for you. There’s a difference between needing a supportive shoulder, and being a needy crybaby.

5. Don’t try to improve her There’s no such thing as a perfect person, so don’t try to turn your significant other into one. That means not inflicting your unrealistic expectations onto her. It’s one thing to ask her to change the brand of her toothpaste, quite another to get her to change her personality. Like switching from being an introvert to an extrovert, for instance.

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Picking on her perceived character flaws doesn’t make her a better person. It makes you an overly concerned partner at best, and a presumptuous, self-righteous jerk at worst. Apart from the obvious disrespect you’re showing her, you’re ignoring the reasons for why she is the way she is. Worse, it suggests that you’re unsatisfied and unhappy with her and who she is.

So quit trying to ‘improve’ her, even with the best intentions. She accepted you for all your imperfections.

Return the favour, for goodness’ sake.

6. Don’t be excessively jealous While a little jealousy is normal – and can even be adorable sometimes – getting constantly obsessed about whom your partner calls, texts, talks to or hangs out with can turn you into a controlling, mistrusting, overbearing psycho. Think Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver. Before long, you’ll be checking her phone messages, tracking her emails, and following her to her yoga class – or worse, to the mall.

You may consider your jealousy a form of affection. But it’s behaviour that shows you up for who you are – a small, insecure man.

And if you can’t trust her to be around other men, it implies that you believe her to either be a liar, or someone who easily has her head turned. It’s demeaning, and destructive. So rein yourself in and curb your suspicions.

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WEDDINGS101

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7. Don’t blame her family When the argument heats up, it’s easy to drag both your families through the dirt and into the fight. But blaming her family – or anyone else’s for that matter – rarely solves the issue. If anything, it heightens the hostility, and makes for a tensed affair at your next family dinner.

Where possible, focus on resolving the issue, not on her family’s alleged involvement in it. Criticising her family, even if they are the cause of your conflict, just serves to worsen the disagreement. After all, her family is now yours too. So tread lightly.

Solve the problem. Then move on.

8. Don’t buy your way out Here’s every guy’s magic bullet to resolving any major relationship conflict: buy something nice and all will be forgiven.

Covering up your problems with material superficialities is hardly a long-term solution. The crisis may have temporarily been swept under the rug, but the underlying issues will still remain. Even with the deepest pockets, buying your way out of trouble doesn’t make you accountable for your actions. And it usually results in an increasingly bitter woman who is tired of being unheard.

While there’s nothing wrong in buying or doing something nice to make up after a fight, you should never use it as a way to avoid dealing with the problem. So rather than reaching for the wallet, you should learn to deal with the argument the oldfashioned way – by sitting down and talking about it. ■

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Fashion

By appointment only www.divinecouture.com

5 Tank Road #04-03 Nagaratha Building Singapore 238061 | 6235 7951/52 Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel Lobby Malaysia | 03-2161 2886 facebook.com/divinecouturesg

instagram.com/divinebrides

In The Painter’s Den

Long-sleeved satin gown with lace and crystal applique and illusion lace back from Sophia Wedding Collection. Hair accessories from Accessorize.

Lace bodice with heartshaped neck-line and offshoulder straps and tulle skirt from Divine Couture.

Strapless blush satin gown with floral applique and off-shoulder drape from Silverlining Bridal Couture. Hairband from Lovisa.

Strapless pleated chiffon gown with pearl neck-line and thigh-high slit from Flamingo Bridal. Erickson Beamon necklace from On Pedder. Rings from Lovisa. Shoes by Jimmy Choo.

Strapless silk georgette gown with sequin underskirt from Flamingo Bridal.

Headchain from Lovisa.

Short-sleeved full lace gown with lace applique from Silverlining Bridal Couture.

Blush chiffon gown with bateau lace neck-line from Silverlining Bridal Couture. Hairband from Accessorize.

Short sleeved chiffon gown with lace insets from Flamingo Bridal.

Erickson Beamon earrings from On Pedder.

Toga-style full lace gown with trumpet skirt from Divine Couture.

Strapless satin sweetheart gown with lace and beaded embroidery from Sophia Wedding Collection. Chantilly lace veil from Divine Couture. Headband from Lovisa.

Strapless satin gown with pleated sweetheart bodice and lace overlay from Divine Couture. Headband from Accesorize. Hand accessory from Lovisa.

photography: Clifford Loh photography assistant: Sara Ng styling: Evon Chng styling assistant: Edel Ang hair: Jimmy Yap from Kenaris make up: Melissa Yeo using Yves Saint Lauren Beaute model: Anastasia N / AVE

Strapless trumpet gown with floral appliquĂŠ and organza rosette detailing

by Amanda Lee Weddings.

Embellished brass clutch

by Bottega Veneta, and Burmese lacquered wood bracelet from Hermès.

Pink and white strapless gown with pleated bodice and tulle trumpet skirt by Tirtha Weddings. Crystal drop necklace with fringe from Rada at Onpedder.

Embellished strapless ballgown with origami folds on bodice and tulleoverlaid skirt by Yvonne Creative Bridal and Photo Studio. PVC scarlet leopard pumps from Gianvitto Rossi at Onpedder, gold-plated cuff from Saint Laurent, and floral necklace used as headpiece from Michelle Jank at Club 21 Ladies.

Sweetheart gown with pleated bodice, floral embellishment and ruffled organza skirt by Seletar Broadway. Floral necklace used as headpiece from Michelle Jank at Club 21 Ladies.

Sweetheart A-line gown with origami pleats and floral embellishment by Seletar Broadway. Oxidized silver, gold-plated and rock crystal necklace from Bottega Veneta, and floral necklace used as headpiece from Michelle Jank at Club 21 Ladies.

Floral print sleeveless gown with sheer panels, metal-embellished collar, architectural skirt and origami sash by Le Grand Wedding. Empire rose hairband from Sereni and Shentel at Quintessential.

Sweetheart A-line gown with oversized origami bow and pleated detailing on the back by Tirtha Weddings.

Swarovski multi-coloured gem necklace from Lanvin.

Strapless sheath gown with origami detailing at bust, pleated bow appliquĂŠ, and rose patterned sheer overlay

by Style Bridal and Beauty.

Empire rose hairband from Sereni and Shentel, and mix material necklace from Setu at Quintessential.

Cap-sleeved trumpet gown with lace panels, wrap bodice and oversized bow detail by Amanda Lee Weddings. Oxidized silver, gold-plated and rock crystal necklace used as headpiece from Bottega Veneta.

Sweetheart empire sheath gown with pleated bust and bow detail by Tirtha Weddings. Sac De Jour Nano Baby mini leather tote from Saint Laurent, tribute leather sandals by Saint Laurent, empire rose hairband from Sereni and Shentel at Quintessential.

Dusty bronze strapless ballgown with origami pleat detailing on bust and skirt with pick-up details by Style Bridal and Beauty. Oxidized silver, gold-plated and rock crystal necklace used as headpiece from Bottega Veneta, and Dementa folded calf clutch from Alexander McQueen at OnPedder.

Strapless mermaid gown with pleated bodice and organza rosettes on fishtail train by Yvonne Creative Bridal and Photo Studio. Oxidized silver, gold-plated and rock crystal necklace used as headpiece from Bottega Veneta.

Asymmetrical trumpet gown with floral appliquĂŠd lace long sleeve, sheer back detail, sculpted panels edged with zipper finish, and metal stud embellishments by Le Grand Wedding.

Strapless ballgown with floral embellishment, open cage back, fabric and cage peplum, and architecturally detailed skirt by Le Grand Weddings. Oxidized silver, gold-plated and rock crystal necklace used as headpiece from Bottega Veneta.

styling assisted by: Iroda Daminova hair and make up: Dollei Seah using Chanel Makeup and Redken hair and make up assisted by: Lydia Thong model: Rui Yang / AVE

Choosing the

perfect

Congratulations, you are getting married!

(Note: This is not your run off the mill wedding dress selection guide!)

The first thing most brides think of is “how should my gown look like?” While some dive directly into amassing a treasure trove of bridal magazines and scanning through pictures on Pinterest, there are some areas to consider that will be very useful in guiding you through your path to finding “the one”.

dress Thirdly, while all of us want to be wowed at, ask yourself what aspect do you want that to be? It could be your gorgeous back that no one knew or the figure hugging mermaid dress that flaunts your figure. Either way, you need to play your cards well and know what you want to highlight. While going all out and experimenting with your wedding may be interesting for some, it may not be the best choice if you don’t want to pile on more stress than you can take with the extra risk. You certainly do not want jaws to drop for the wrong reason of trying too hard!

Lastly, do not forget your man! Is he slim, tall, muscular or chubby? Remember that the two of you together is what makes for the picture perfect moment! Drowning yourself in the biggest romantic ball gown could make you look bulky beside your lanky groom. Also consider carefully before you ask your fiancé to comment on the dress. Many men dread this for a very real reason for they cannot really tell the subtle differences between the last ten white gowns you tried on. Most of them are truly happy with anything you choose, as long as you are happy. Do not fault them at not being helpful. Many a time their choices could lead you disappointed if it is not the same as the one you have in mind.

Firstly, ask yourself where do you want to hold your wedding.

Is it a grand, luxurious ballroom or an outdoor garden setting?

Making sure the dress and the location complements each other in terms of style is almost the most important criteria to start off on the right footing.

Secondly, understand yourself and be very clear how your body type is. Consultations with brides with self awareness often leads to very constructive sessions where they are able to find their dream gown much more effectively, avoiding the agony of indecisiveness and self doubt.

Never reported in bridal magazines are overlooked areas that come only with real dress fitting experiences we have gained with more than 2,000 brides. These are the width and angle of your shoulder and the evenness of your spine, which makes a difference for certain low-cut back gowns.

The curvature of your ribs below your collar-bone also makes a difference. Flat, protruding or concave, it affects the fit of bustier dresses and can move your decision towards a boat neck dress.

Go on and short-list as many dresses as you want with an open mind. After all, it is a once in a lifetime experience. If you ever find yourself lost with too many choices, the above guidelines will definitely help you in narrowing down your selection! If you are still feeling overwhelmed, drop us an email and our qualified consultants will help you find your “Say Yes to the Dress” moment!

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l’amour en fuite

Cobalt strapless mermaid gown with embellished, pleated bodice by Volans Couture. Shirt, pants, belt and tie from Ralph Lauren.

Strapless sweetheart pink and grey gown with contoured bodice, laced corset back, and architectural folds and ruffles

by Z Wedding D’Sign.

Three-piece suit, shirt and tie from Gieves & Hawkes; belt from Hugo Boss; straw boater and bag from Berluti.

Yellow sheath gown with waterfall skirt, black sash and corset detail to the back

by WhiteLink. Shirt and blazer from Berluti; pants from Roberto Cavalli; shoes from Ermenegildo Zegna.

Blush and purple highnecked trumpet gown with sheer lace bodice and dramatic open back

by Volans Couture. Shirt from Giorgio Armani; vest from Neil Barrett.

Double-breasted suit and shirt from Giorgio Armani; white and black shoes from Bally.

Black leather cutout ballgown with origami detailing at waist and polka-dotted tulle textured skirts by LeGrand Wedding.

Ombre fuschia and purple mermaid gown with glittering pleated tulle by La Belle Couture. Shirt and pants from Giorgio Armani.

Champagne ball gown with black lace appliquĂŠ, black sash and spaghetti straps by WhiteLink.

Shirt and vest from Roberto Cavalli; straw boater from Berluti.

Strapless sweetheart blue ballgown with black lace detailing by La Belle Couture. Black strappy pumps from Jimmy Choo.

Shirt from Giorgio Armani; vest from Neil Barrett; pants from Ermenegildo Zegna.

Strapless cream and dusty purple ball gown with lace corset, asymmetrical peplum and tulle detailing by Z Wedding D’sign.

Shirt, pants, tie and blazer from Ermenegildo Zegna Couture.

photography UKay Photography photography assistant Alfred Phang styling Harry Lam @ Harryland Creative & Production make up Emma Haddock using CHANEL Make-up hair Ckay Liow @ Not Just A Hairstylist featuring Melody Chen & Randall Tan special credits to CafĂŠ & Bar Gavroche Heaven in a Wildflower

FASHION

GORGEOUS BRIDAL HAIR ACCESSORIES YOU’LL LOVE

by Tansey Tang

Weddings are about love and commitment, but there’s no denying that dressing up in the most special outfit you will ever wear adds to the fun.

One of the most girlishly exciting things to check off your long wedding planning list is your wedding outfit, including wedding gown, shoes and bridal hair accessories. To help you make good fashion choices for this most-photographed-of-days, here are some gorgeous bridal headpieces that we’ve curated from Etsy, in a myriad of fashions to suit any hairstyle.

SPARKLY STONES This utterly gorgeous Art Deco inspired headband looks like something Daisy of The Great Gatsby would wear. Channel the glamorous opulence of the 1920s with this rhinestone bridal headpiece on wavy curls, and Jenny Packham’s Eden gown.

Hattie rhinestone headband by dcbouquets/ETSY

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FLORAL ACCENTS

ETHEREAL HALOS

How truly gorgeous is this ethereal floral crown?

Perfect for a romantic garden wedding, this bridal headpiece has delicate pearl droplets and soft white blooms. Wear this bridal band with a soft, flowing gown in blush, add a glow to your cheeks with light makeup, and you’re ready to frolic in fields of wedding dreams.

This bridal headpiece puts a bohemian spin on pearls and crystals, creating an elegant yet ethereal feel. I love how wearing it lower on the head allows the pearls to float across the hair and accent the sparkle in a bride’s eyes. Tousled curls complete the boho vibe.

Bridal crown by sibodesigns/ETSY

Bohemian bridal headpiece by gadegaarddesign/ETSY

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FASHION WOODLAND BRIDES For a woodland wedding, how about this lovely moss and berries elven circlet? Real preserved moss and dainty berries create a fairytale circlet that looks beautiful worn over a simple drop veil, or rustic and sweet on its own.

Woodland circlet by NoonOnTheMoon/ETSY

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PEARLESCENT PINS

SOMETHING BLUE

If you’ve got a lot going on already with your wedding gown, accessorize your bridal updo with these shimmering bridal hair pins to add a subtle gleam to your hair. These pearl and crystal pins are crafted with gold wire to resemble delicate flowers, and you can cluster them together for a more dramatic effect.

I love this minty fresh take on the famous flapper headpiece. Wear something blue on your wedding day with this rhinestone bridal headband, which you tie across your forehead for a 1920s look, wear as a headband, or wrap around a bun.

Pearl bridal hair pins by PowderBlueBijoux/ETSY

Bohemian bridal headpiece by gadegaarddesign/ETSY

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FASHION

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GLAMOUROUS GLITTER Sweep your hair up and add a little glamour with these gold and rhinestone bridal hair pins. Keep your hair sleek with a twisted knot, and stick them into the knot.

They’ll sparkle and keep your hair tidy at the same time!. ■SB

Rhinestone and gold hair pins set by BellaMiaDesign/ETSY

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FASHION

6 BRIDESMAIDS DRESS TRENDS YOU NEED TO KNOW

by Audrie Soh

You’ve got the date, venue and even the wedding dress set and now it’s time to decide on what your bridal entourage will be wearing on your big day. Whether you’re giving your bridemaids the freedom to pick their outfits or are doing the picking yourself, neither of you will find it difficult to pick one from the many stylish bridesmaids fashion available today. We’ve put together the most popular bridesmaids dress trends you ought to know about.

LACE The one style that will never go out of trend: lace dresses. Whether it is for your own wedding gown or your bridesmaids’ dresses, whether it is a fully laced dress or used to accent one, laced bridesmaids dresses are perfect for all kinds of weddings!

Image cc licensed ( BY NC ND ) flickr photo by Albert Palmer

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PASTEL SHADES Feminine and flattering, these pale sweet shades of nudes, pinks, purples, greys, baby blues and more are a crowd favourite and perfect for Springtime and pastelthemed weddings.

Image cc licensed ( BY NC SA ) flickr photo by MandyMayberry

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FASHION DARK SHADES Pastel shades not your cup of tea? Then dress your bridesmaids in dark hues like deep turquoise, eggplant purple or even black as a contrast against your white wedding gown.

Image cc licensed ( BY NC SA ) flickr photo by MandyMayberry

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MISMATCHING COLOURS & STYLES Who says you have to dress your bridesmaids in matching colours, designs and styles?

Let your bridesmaids’ fun personalities shine through by giving them a mix of colours and dress styles to choose from!

Image cc licensed ( BY NC ) flickr photo by Lianne Nichols

CONVERTIBLE DRESSES An extremely popular choice among brides these days, and rightly so. Convertible dresses can be worn as a sweetheart, toga, halter or tube dress and fits women of all shapes and sizes. You can even pick between a maxi or kneelength convertible dress!

Image by 10eyesGallery

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FASHION

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SHORT DRESSES ■SB

Image cc licensed ( BY ND ) flickr photo by Corey Ann

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Our philosophy is to make your wedding dreams come true.We believe every couple has their own perferences,and offer custom designed photography to tailor to your needs. A professional interview is arranged to understand what you need and what you want-simply choose your favorite theme and location!

And we will do the rest.

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Enquiry Hotline

6438 1237 HONG KONG

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e-mail: contactus@mydreamwedding.com.sg

Photos provided by our partners:www.monalisabridal.com & www.francebridal.com

Fax : 65-6438 0260

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THEGROOMROOM

HOW TO KEEP YOUR FRIENDS AFTER MARRIAGE

by Fu Jinming

Does the beginning of marital bliss mean the end of bro-hood? It doesn’t have to be, says Fu Jinming, as he shows you how to maintain your friendships after marriage.

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There was a time when Saturday nights meant football, booze and bros. Then you got married, and suddenly, hanging out with your friends becomes an event as rare as the solar eclipse. You’re confronted with the prospect of not seeing the people with whom you’ve spent the best parts of your bachelorhood. Sometimes for weeks. Most times for months or even years on end – if ever.

To be sure, it’s painful for your buddies too. They call you up for a quick round at the pub after work, and you politely explain that the wife’s expecting you for dinner.

They text you about a spontaneous weekend trip to Bangkok, and you tell them about weekend lunch with the in-laws. They ask if you’d like to catch the match together, and you groan about rom-com movie night.

And as your wife may (gleefully) have told you: this is all entirely to be expected.

After all, isn’t she supposed to be your best friend now? The person whom you are attracted to, and with whom you now share your secrets, joy and experiences?

She’s right, of course, but only just. While it’s natural for you to adopt new priorities and pull back a little from your friends after marriage, you are also, by nature, a social being.

Fact is, keeping friendships outside of your marriage is just as important to your personal wellbeing, as it is to your marital one. Friends can give you fresh insights and perspectives. They feed you with inspirations and ideas for work and life.

More importantly, your chums can be a source of comfort, solace and support.

They’ve been through thick and thin with you before you’ve given your promise to do the same with your wife. Surely, they still deserve a place in your blissfully domesticated life.

Besides, studies have suggested a couple that focuses only on each other without any time for or interest in other people is often a recipe for martial disaster. So explain to your better half about your need for male bonding sessions – and how they can actually be good for your marriage. Then heed our seven tips for keeping your bro-hood alive.

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THEGROOMROOM 1. Be honest One of the things you and your friends have to accept is the reality of your new life. You now have a wife and possibly a family who will expect to be your number one priority. Clue your friends in on your new routines and don’t make promises you can’t keep. Don’t pretend that you can still have as much time for everyone as you once did. Be firm about when you will be available and when you won’t.

Inevitably, this may mean losing a few friends. But that’s OK. Chances are, the ones you lose were never the close ones to begin with.

2. Make them her friends too A great way of getting more face time with your friends is to let your wife know who they are, and vice versa. That means introducing new habits that include both. Have your friends around for movie nights with the both of you. Or invite your wife to after-football lunches with the boys. The key here is to make having your spouse around as routine as having them around the both of you.

You should obviously break both sides in slowly and as gently as possible. Devote the majority of your time to couplehood. But set at least once a month aside for a social activity that includes both your wife and your friends.

Word of caution though: don’t invite them over for regular match nights unless you’re absolutely certain she’s ok with their company. It’s her home too. And we all know she rules it.

3. Make time Easier said than done, you say. Maybe so, but maintaining old bonds may take nothing more than a 30-minute coffee break, a quick chat over the phone, or even an SMS about the game last night. It’s just like they taught you at school: be smart about how you manage your time, and you’ll find time for almost anything.

If dinners don’t work for you, set up a lunch date. If the weekends are stay-at-home-husband days, try weekdays. And instead of meeting one friend at a time, gather a few of them and catch up with everyone in one sitting. It’s two birds – or more – with one stone.

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4. Don’t monopolise the conversation You may want to talk about your married life – its ups, downs and all-arounds – but your friends may not share the same enthusiasm. It’s not that they’re not interested; it’s just that they’d like to talk about their days too.

At the end of the day, they need to know that you still share the same interests and experiences that brought you guys together in the first place. Besides, having a marital conversation with someone who’s not at the same stage in life may bore and alienate him. So give bro-time to the things that matter to your buddies, like their work, their girlfriends and their passions.

5. Remember their birthdays Or any special occasion that warrants well wishes from you. Take it as a cue to send a congratulatory text. Or better yet, a present – from both you and your wife. It shows that you still care about what’s going on in his life.

And that your other half does too.

In fact, sending gifts as a couple will reinforce the idea that you and your spouse are a team now, and may help your friend get used to the idea of you as part of a duo.

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THEGROOMROOM

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6. Invite them over Nothing gives your friends a peek into your new life than front row seats at your home. Talk to your wife about organising dinner for a few of your mates. Nothing fancy, just a simple home-cooked fare with dessert and enough wine to wind the evening down.

They’ll see for themselves how your life has changed, and how they can still fit into it. They’ll also get to know your spouse better, and perhaps understand now that when you said you couldn’t meet them down at the pub, you had a good reason.

7. Make new friends As your life changes, so too will your friends. Friends who are single may find it difficult to adjust and relate to your newfound marital routines. And you may in turn find more in common with married folks like you and your wife.

Consider joining a marriage course or parenting class to meet other couples. You’ll get to know people at a similar stage in life, with similar goals and challenges. As you form your new social circle, you’ll meet new friends and find new experiences that are every bit as interesting, fun and enriching as your old ones. ■ SB

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FB: www.facebook.com/volansscouture Email: volans2046@gmail.com Add: 33 Liang Seah Street #02-01 S189054 Tel: 6327 7767

THEGROOMROOM

MEN, TAKE A BOW (TIE)

by Fu Jinming

The classic bow tie has seen a comeback in recent years. Fu Jinming reexamines its place in the modern gentleman’s sartorial arsenal.

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Long seen as something you only wear at weddings and formal dinner functions, the bow tie has had its fair share of critics, most of whom unfairly dismissing it as a fuddly-dudley thing to hang around your neck; something only our grandfathers would wear.

But the fashion world has since witnessed a revival in the once-classic menswear accessory. Thanks in no small part to the slew of trendy personalities who have been seen wearing bow ties – and exuding oodles of cool doing so. From ‘it’ guys such as actors Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ryan Gosling, to hip game-changers like musician Pharrell Williams and basketball star Lebron James, the bow tie has since become a great way for the sartorial man to achieve that classic, smoky-cool look, or a playful, preppy one.

Not bad for a piece of fabric first forged in war.

Croatian mercenaries during the Prussian wars of the 17th century were looking for a way to hold their shirt collars closed out on the battlefield. They tied a scarf around their necks in a uniquely knotted manner.

The unusual, picturesque neckband look was soon adopted by the French (who else), who dubbed it the cravat.

By the 1920s, it had evolved into the butterfly bow tie we know today, and had become a staple in the formal menswear attire. It cemented Frank Sinatra and Sean Connery as icons of cool. And even crossed the gender divide when female legends of the silver screen like Marlene Dietrich and Katherine Hepburn picked up the look.

Redefined and re-imagined over and over again, the modern bow tie is now typically associated with tuxedoes and black-tie affairs. Yet it can be worn just as well – and as stylishly – as a casual fashion item for the dapper dude. One that can inject a little chic-cred into your everyday style.

Here are a few tips to help you choose the right bow tie:

1. Choose your material Think bow tie and chances are, you’d think shiny, silky, and black. Well, think again. There are options these days that make use of textured fabrics to create a look and feel that’s a little more interesting. You can now choose from ties made from wool, flannels, and even denim. So you can match your tie to the occasion, your outfit, and even the weather.

If you’re having trouble choosing, just remember that satin is classy and elegant, while textures like wool give a modern yet sophisticated demeanor – a smart choice for the office.

2. Colours and patterns Who says bow ties are boring? Besides the standard black and white staples, the bow tie now comes in a wide assortment of colours and patterns. Beau Ties, a company specialising in handmade ties from the US, offers a great selection of shades and patterns – from classy black to stylish stripes to quirky polka dots.

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THEGROOMROOM When choosing your colour, wear one that complements the rest of your outfit. So if you’re wearing a black-and-white shirt, try a black-and-white tie. It doesn’t always have to match though. You can pair a cheery yellow bow tie with a clean white shirt. Just avoid colours that take the focus away from your face, especially screamingly loud ones.

3. Formal and black When it comes to formal wear, nothing beats the class and elegance of black. Any other colour, and you run the risk of re-living your 80s prom night at best, and being mistaken for the wedding singer at worst.

If you’re wearing a slim dinner jacket, go for a similarly slim black bow tie. For that slick, classy look, try silk or soft cottons.

4. Size matters While subjective, there is a right size to your bow tie in most cases. First rule of thumb is: when worn, the width of your tie should not overcome the width of your face. It should also keep within the width of your collar. Or for a more accurate sizing, keep your finished bow somewhere between the width of your face and the outer edges of your eyes.

Too big, and you’ll look like a clown. Too small, and you’ll look like you have a balloon for a face.

5. Keep it simple One thing to note when picking out a tie: your bow tie is already a novelty item. Do not let it stand out anymore than it already has with overly garish designs, size or colour lest it becomes a sore thumb, and you become a character off a Saturday morning cartoon.

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If you really want to be sure and safe, avoid matching a patterned bow tie with a patterned shirt. Unless you know what you’re doing, too many patterns in one outfit can produce a confusing look. Not to mention a tragically comic one.

6. Imperfection is perfect Deciding between a self-tied bow tie and a clip-on is like deciding between a bicycle, and one with training wheels. While clip-ons are every bit as stylish as self-tied ones, the ability to tie your own bow is what separates a man from a boy. Besides, a pre-tied bow can look a little too perfect. It’s the asymmetrical, slight irregularity of your hand-tied variant that will lend a unique, somewhat roguish flair to your getup.

This is why it’s almost always more preferable to go for a self-tied bow tie, as opposed to a clip-on or pre-tied one. All you have to do is learn to tie it. Which brings us to our next tip…

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THEGROOMROOM 7. Tie your own tie This is what sets a gentleman from a mere pretender. The good news is, it’s not at all hard to properly tie your own bow. All you need is some guidance – and as with most things in life – practice, practice, practice. Treat it like an essential man skill to learn, much like shaving, drilling and driving. Once mastered, you’d have gained another party trick with which to impress the ladies – and the other guys. It’s like discovering an old, lost art. Then making it cool all over again.

Here are some easy-to-follow instructions on the right on how to tie one from Beau Ties Ltd, a premier men’s fashion accessory brand specialising in bow ties and neckties online.

All bow tie images courtesy about Beau Ties Ltd. ■ SB

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THEGROOMROOM

GROOMSMEN DRESS TRENDS YOU SHOULD KNOW

by Audrie Soh

Give your groom-to-be a head’s up on what’s trending and help dress his groomsmen in dashing outfits to complement your beautifully dolled up bridesmaids for a picture perfect wedding. To help you do that, we’ve gathered the most popular groomsmen’s dress trends! Now, all you have to do is just pass the message along!

CLASSIC BLACK Formal and smart-looking, you can’t go wrong with a classic black-tie suit. Opt for a navy blue or grey suit instead for a more contemporary twist on this trend.

Image cc licensed ( BY NC SA ) flickr photo by Avangard Photography

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THREE-PIECE SUIT The elegant and sophisticated 3-piece suit Ă la Simon Baker in The Mentalist is a great alternative to the classic black-tie one. Made up of a blazer, vest and pants, your groomsmen have the option of leaving the vest out for the later half of the wedding for a different look.

Image cc licensed ( BY NC ND ) flickr photo by Lea Ann Belter

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THEGROOMROOM VESTS Although the weather in Singapore may not be suit-friendly most of the time, your groomsmen can still look stylish by opting for vests instead of blazers.

Image cc licensed ( BY NC ND ) flickr photo by Lea Ann Belter

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SUSPENDERS There’s just something about suspenders that makes a man’s outfit sexy, fun and modern all at one go! It also reminds the ladies of Ryan Gosling in The Notebook or Louis Tomlison from One Direction. So go ahead and dress your boys in these, and watch them channel their inner sexy. Suspenders also make a cute addition to your ring-bearer’s outfit as well.

Image cc licensed ( BY ND ) flickr photo by Ryan Polei

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THEGROOMROOM MATCHING DETAILS Make your groomsmen’s outfits fun and colourful by injecting small doses of those elements into their ensemble and dress them in matching ties, bow ties, shoes and even quirky socks for your big day!

Image cc licensed ( BY NC SA ) flickr photo by Avangard Photography

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THEMED OUTFITS Nothing spells fun like a themed wedding entourage! Dress your groomsmen up as superheroes FBI agents or even minions for a unique spin on your wedding day! â– SB

Image by Bloc Memoire Photography

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Photography

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PHOTOGRAPHY

REAL WEDDINGS

MOMENTS OF LOVE AROUND THE WORLD

by Tansey Tang

Yun Jia and Wee Jian met while undergoing their housemanship in the same hospital, and sparks flew while they saved lives together. On her 29th birthday, he proposed, and happily, she said yes. Read on to view their love story documented on the streets of Hangzhou and Shanghai.

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THE COUPLE Tan Yun Jia, 29, Doctor, & Tan Wee Jian, 27, Doctor

THE STORY Why did you decide to shoot your pre-wedding photos overseas?

Yun Jia: I spent a few years in Shanghai for my medical studies.

Ever since I got back, I had always wanted to revisit Shanghai.

Moreover, Wee Jian hasn’t been to China, so I thought it would be a good opportunity for us to do our pre-wedding photography in Shanghai and Hangzhou.

For Shanghai, we were inspired by the quaint old culture and customs of old Shanghai – hence the focus on architecture and buildings, along with my cheongsam which was made by my mum. For the Hangzhou, we wanted to capture a slice of the beautiful evening scenery of the West Lake.

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PHOTOGRAPHY What was your experience like, flying to a different location for your shoot?

Yun Jia: Over there, the weather was cooler and less humid, so it was more comfortable to be moving and shooting in outdoor throughout the day. Transportation was manageable because we could get a cab easily most of the time. Of course, wearing gowns and moving about does attract some attention from the local crowd!

Overall the two days’ experience for Wee Jian and I was more like traveling and sight-seeing with our awesome photographer documenting our love story.

It was exactly what we’d wanted.

What was the most memorable moment of your shoot?

Yun Jia: In Hangzhou, as Wee Jian and I were walking on the bridge in West Lake, I realized although there were a lot of people around us, but we felt like there were only two of us in the whole world. It’s a bit strange but that definitely counts for the most memorable moment for us.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

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THE DETAILS Her gown: Bridal boutique in China His suit: G2000 The makeup and hair: Jovie Tan from TheLittleBrush Makeup The photographer: Teo Sze Lee from A Little Moment Photography

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PHOTOGRAPHY

REAL WEDDINGS

CHARMING SOLEMNISATION IN AN OLD CHAPEL GARDEN

by Tansey Tang

The venue is lovely, the flowers are sweet, the wedding finery is sharp, but what really charms us in this solemnisation is Eileen’s and Julius’ fun personalities, beautifully captured by AndroidsinBoots in photographs full of character, love, and laughter. Don’t miss this gorgeous inspiration on holding an intimate reception, perfect for an ROM solemnisation ceremony or a sweet, close-knit wedding.

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THE COUPLE Eileen, 24 & Julius, 27, Dentist

DATE OF ROM SOLEMNISATION 6 October 2013

THE STORY How did the two of you meet?

Eileen: I first got to know Julius through my good friend, Candy, who’s in the same clique as him back in first year. I never actually paid much attention to him, maybe because he looked so geeky then but we did exchanged the occasional hellos and byes! Well, we were each also seeing someone else then. So it all started when Candy secretly matchmade us during third year finals.

It started with Candy persistently inviting me over to study with her in the library, which I agreed to without knowing she had other agendas up her sleeve. She would make me sit at the same table as Julius and

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PHOTOGRAPHY we would exchange awkward smiles. The days went pass, the awkward smiles became random small talk, and later continuous Whatsapp conversation. Little did I realize, I was also beginning to notice him more, like how his trousers were always so badly shrunk in the wash, they looked so silly on him!

That year, my exams ended first, so I baked some cookies for Candy and brought them to the library.

Candy shared the cookies with Julius and I guess that’s when it all started for us! We went on a date shortly after Julius completed his exams. So thank you Candy and the cookies that sealed the deal for us or else we wouldn’t be here sharing our stories!

Julius: We met while studying in Melbourne. See, Eileen had a very unique dress sense. The first time I met her, her jeans had so many holes in them you really wonder why she’d even bother. That was the first time we met. Mixed impressions at first, but we only got to know each other better three years later during the dreaded year end exam period. I’d see her walking around in hot pink trackies and carrying a big environmental friendly bag. Really couldn’t help but notice her. Took up an opportunity to fix her computer for her and the effort paid off, the rest is history.

So either Julius’ techie know-how or Eileen’s mugging munchies sealed the deal. Do you have the same versions of the story of your proposal?

Eileen: Julius totally caught me off guard with the

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proposal! All I could remember was me screaming followed by me crying and finally saying the big YES before dancing like a maniac. I can’t even recall what he said to me or whether he was kneeling down when proposing! I wish I had paid more attention to him at that point of time instead of just screaming and crying!

Picture petals on the floor leading to a big bouquet of peonies in the middle of a room overlooking Melbourne’s sleepy city, with a hand typed letter and a box of macaroons on the bed. Everything was perfect, but with Julius around, there’s always room for bloopers even with the proposal! One of the funniest bloopers from that night was me asking him innocently if he’d gotten me a hair dryer as he revealed the last location of my present. What happened was, the hair dryer was in this black bag next to the safe where the ring was kept and when Julius pointed to the safe, I thought he meant the black bag!

Julius: I had to fly to Melbourne and set up a surprise proposal for her. She was already surprised to see me and even more so when I brought her to Sofitel that evening (we always loved walking there at night) and surprised her with a night’s stay. I had a wonderful friend to help sort logistics in Melbourne for me and the room was perfect. The ring was in the safe and I had her open it. Her expression of utter disbelief made it all worthwhile… and luckily she said yes. I don’t really remember her actually saying yes, but her dancing around in circles with the ring was good enough.

That is so adorable! Were you just as excited about preparing for your charming ROM solemnisation?

Eileen: The ROM preparation was very easy going as we wanted to take it slow, since it’s only the first part of our three-part wedding event. Plus, I am not the most hardworking bride out there! My sister did a big portion of coordinating for me while I was still away in Melbourne, whereas Julius’ friends helped with last minute decorations.

I didn’t want any extra decorations for The White Rabbit initially as I thought it was already beautiful as is, but Julius thought it would be too bland with my white dress against white walls, white table cloths, and white chairs, and the restaurant name is also white! I wanted minimalist and he wanted colourful balloons, fine. Turns out, the balloons were a nice touch!

The balloons did add a great pop of colour and fun. In fact, everyone looked like they were having a great time! Tell us how everything went.

Eileen: I was such a nervous bride and everyone kept telling me, before you know it, it will be over.

Exactly what I felt as just when I was having fun and letting loose, The White Rabbit wound up our party and started cleaning up the place!

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PHOTOGRAPHY The car ride to White Rabbit felt like forever and man, I was so nervous when I was waiting with my dad at the entrance to walk in. The moment we started walking in, time just went past so quickly. BAM-my dad handed me over to Julius, BAM-we proceeded with the registration, BAM-we had a little photo taking session, BAM-dinner was served, BAM-we were mingling with guests and before we knew it, BAM! We left The White Rabbit that night as a married couple!

Many of our relatives and friends said the registration felt like a full fledge intimate wedding and I did too!

It was indeed a beautiful night that took place in a beautiful place filled with beautiful people.

Julius: Everything happened so quickly. I was so tense waiting for the walk in but once Eileen was by my side and we exchanged vows, the entire night seemed to be on fast forward. A few beers and many smiling faces later, the night came to an end. We had a chill out session in the garden with my close friends after the guests left – that was really rewarding and ENJOYABLE.

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Did the night slow down for any special moments?

Eileen: There were two moments which were particularly special to me and I still think about them today. The first one would be Julius surprising me with his personal vows which made me tear. Such a cheeky sneak as we agreed beforehand that we were not sharing our personal vows during our registration!

The other was just before the ceremony started. My ingenious brother ran to us with a small wine bottle. I think he felt equally nervous as I was at that point of time. I quickly took a gulp, then passed it to my dad who was a little nervous too. We high five-ed and I said to him, ‘Let’s do this!’ and hand in hand we walked in. It remained such a hilarious memory up until today!

Today that small wine bottle contains our personal vows we shared in private after the registration.

Julius: The walk in was during sunset and the setting could not have been better. That walk probably took 1 minute to complete, but it felt like eternity ,and I

enjoyed every moment of it. If something could make time seem to stop, it’s got to be really amazing… And it was.

THE DETAILS Her gown: Sass & Bide Her heels: ASOS His suit: Paul Smith His shoes: Florsheim The venue: The White Rabbit The florist: Magic Flower The hair and makeup artist : Yanti Huang The photographer: AndroidsinBoots (Still + Motion) The macaroons: Confecti The wine: Merchants Wine Cellar & Store /199

PHOTOGRAPHY

REAL WEDDINGS

LIGHTHEARTED AND IN LOVE

by Tansey Tang

Planning a wedding can be one of the first big challenges couples face, but Gloria and Desmond knew what was truly important to them from the start.

Pick up a few tips on making practical decisions together from this couple, as they celebrate their sweet wedding with light hearts full of love.

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THE COUPLE Gloria Wong, 27, Social Worker & Desmond Lee, 32, IT Consultant

DATE OF WEDDING 25 November 2012

THE STORY How did the two of you meet?

Gloria: We met through organizing a church activity in 2006. Initially, I thought he was an irresponsible person because he did not turn up for the first meeting in planning the event. But eventually, I found out that it was a misunderstanding and became inspired by his life story. He, on the other hand, thought I was a bossy and domineering person!

Desmond: After a while, we got to know each other better and even became very good friends for the next two years. We started to date in August 2008.

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PHOTOGRAPHY What was the proposal like?

Gloria: There were a couple of lies Desmond told leading up to the proposal. A group of friends organized an outing to Sentosa, and the day before, Desmond told me that a married couple of ours booked a hotel room at Sentosa with their children. Before I arrived at Sentosa, Desmond told me he was unwell and was resting in that room. He then asked me to drive his car from the beach to the hotel to meet him there.

After spending a couple of hours on the beach with my friends, I drove a few of them to the hotel room. I was worried that Desmond was unwell and wanted to enter first to check on him. When I opened the door, I saw that it was beautifully decorated with balloons, Hershey’s kisses and rose petals. On the bed, rose petals were used to form the words “Marry Me”. It was so surreal for me. I was completely caught off guard and for a few moments I backed out of the room in disbelief. Desmond held me by my hands and pulled me back in. He said some things which I can’t remember anymore. Haha! But before he ended his speech and popped the question, I asked him “So is your money, my money?”

Everyone laughed and he reluctantly said yes. Then he knelt down with the ring and I said yes.

Wedding preparations are usually financially stressful. Tell us, did the ‘your money is my money’ attitude help during the wedding planning?

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Gloria: We started serious wedding planning in January 2012. We didn’t hire a wedding planner as we liked to be in control of the details of the wedding and felt that the wedding planning was part of the marriage too. I used Singapore Bridges to gather reviews of various vendors as well.

Desmond: Both of us are very practical and make choices based on what we view as practical, affordable and comfortable for us. We did not opt for a bridal package nor did we take pre-wedding photo shoots. Gloria and I are camera shy and we reckoned that most wedding albums just end up under the bed or in a closet. We also ruled out some activities that did not mean much to us, like cutting the wedding cake, popping the bottle and pouring the champagne into a tower of wine glasses, intertwining our hands to drink the wine, having a second march in for the banquet, taking photos with every table etc.

Gloria: Choosing the location was the trickier part. It seemed like everyone was getting married in 2012, perhaps because it’s the dragon year. Hence, the cost of wedding banquets increased everywhere. Many did not fit our budget of $900 per table. In January 2012, we attended a wedding exhibition in front of Park Mall and saw a booth by Sea Bliss @ Changi Beach Club. They had canepes on display and the pictures of the venue looked like it was beautifully decorated. I always wanted a light filled, rustic themed wedding that felt lighthearted and informal.

Hence, I became captivated by this venue and the decorations themes they offered. The package Sea Bliss offered was within our budget and at that juncture, their package also included decorations of the venue. The only disadvantage was that Changi Beach Club is not central and accessible by public transport. We managed this issue by chartering buses from the nearby MRT station.

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PHOTOGRAPHY It’s wonderful to see couples working together to stick to a wedding budget! So how did everything turn out on your wedding day?

Gloria: Thankfully, everything went as planned.

Gate crashing was super fun. I made my mum and grandmother join my bridesmaids in ensuring Desmond and his band of brothers comply with the games. The most nerve wrecking part for me was the surprise I had for Desmond – playing on the keyboard and singing a song by JJ Lin. I barely made it through that! But it was a huge surprise for him. For Desmond, he was most nervous about reciting his vows which he tried so hard to memorize.

I absolutely love that my wedding dinner started on time at 6:30pm. I was very blessed to have 3 friends who sang 8 songs and played the guitar and cajon to entertain us. There was also a special performance by a lovely cousin, Eugenia Yip from Riot !n Magneta, which thrilled the family and awed the guests.

Desmond and I were free throughout the wedding dinner to mingle with our guests and chat. By 9pm, my dinner was over and guests cleared the restaurant by 9:30pm. After that, Desmond and I caught a midnight movie with our friends!

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What did your family and friends have to say about your wedding?

They love the view that the restaurant offers and the decorations that compliments the view. They also love that the wedding was timely! Many also complimented that the food was good. A year after my wedding, a friend told me that “the fish at your wedding was the best I tasted so far. I can still remember its taste even now”. My mother’s friends loved the dessert – Chilled Cream of Pumpkin. Many also complimented the wedding video by Ichiro films.

Were there any moments that were particularly special to you?

It was a bitter sweet moment for my mother to walk me down the aisle. In Western countries, it is not unusual for both parents or even mothers to walk their daughters down the aisle. But in Asia, it could seem a little strange. I couldn’t hold back my tears as I reached the end of the aisle. It was a very special moment for me, yet with a tinge of sadness from wishing my dad could walk me down the aisle too.

THE DETAILS Her gown: Evening gown tailor-made in Mandarin gallery His suit: Crown Tailor based in Thailand The venue venue: Sea Bliss @ Changi Beach Club The caterer: Pillars The florist : The Love Caravan The makeup artist and hairstylist: Joanne The photographer: Ivan Tan Photography The videographer: Ichiro Films /209

PHOTOGRAPHY

REAL WEDDINGS

WHEN A RAY OF SUNSHINE FALLS ON AN ANGEL

by Tansey Tang

She hails from Singapore and he was born and bred in Australia. They fell in love down under, and documented their story across the beautiful landscapes of Adelaide. With family and friends in both continents, Angela and Raymond held two lovely weddings to celebrate their union.

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THE COUPLE Angela Chua, 26, Medical Practitioner & Raymond Loi, 29, Personal Trainer and Fulltime Student

DATE OF WEDDING 28 September 2013

THE STORY How did the two of you meet?

We first met back in 2008 through mutual friends playing badminton at the South Australia Badminton Association. We both had a passion for playing badminton and a lot of our mutual friends also played.

Through countless badminton exchanges we quickly became friends and got to know each other better as time went by.

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PHOTOGRAPHY We heard that the proposal hit some hiccups.

Could you tell us about it?

Raymond: Unfortunately my proposal to my wife to be was an utter failure and disappointment. It was destined to fail as I made some crucial proposal 101 mistakes. After all, it was my first time proposing to a girl. First of all it lacked the element of surprise because I ended up buying the engagement ring in Singapore from a shop that my mother-in-law introduced to me.

I struggled to determine her ring size, so in the end, Angela, her mum, and myself went into the shop together to see what she would like. I didn’t want to spend so much money and end up getting Angela a ring she didn’t find perfect. It was a risk I was unwilling to take. So she knew I was going to propose to her – no secrets there.

Secondly, the proposal was done in Singapore – a country I was not familiar with. I was born and grew up in Australia and had no idea of what Singapore was like or where a good place to propose would be.

In the end I proposed in Marina Bay Sands Hotel the day after Christmas. There was no fancy dinner, no breath-taking surprise. I just asked, when she was lying in bed about to fall asleep: “Babe, please marry me?” (note I was less than half dressed in PJs). The final issue was also that she was already wearing the ring even though I had not proposed yet, hahaha.

Anyhoo she said yes but wasn’t very happy. Not Angela’s idea of a fairytale proposal. On a brighter

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note, I did repropose a couple of times later back in Australia and it was done much more romantically with surprise and fun. However it still didn’t make up for the initial proposal. To this day Angela still goes on about it!

Tell us what went on behind the scenes of your beautiful wedding video and engagement shoot.

Angela: Our photo shoot in Australia was at McLaren Vale winery which has a lot of nice greenery and scenic backdrops. We wanted something that had a natural setting but at the same time look beautiful and epic.

The great thing about Adelaide is that we have the vast farmlands and wineries which makes the photos look great. We also wanted the photos to look natural and not posed for every shot. Our photographers did a great job and made the experience very fun. Despite the day raining with some awful weather, the photos turned out stunning. We just did our thing and they snapped away without us even knowing half the time.

Raymond: Our video shoot was first done at our home then around the parklands of Adelaide city and also at Hahndorf which is an old German town village with sandstone buildings and vintage looking shops.

We enjoyed shooting at home to capture the moments with our dogs which I thought was really special. Both Angela and I really love our dogs as though they were our children. The parklands were chosen with a similar theme to our photo shoot, with natural greenery as backgrounds. Hahndorf was a great choice as it had

a real medieval theme and unique monuments which added complexity to the video. We also managed to shoot during sunset which I thought allowed certain moments to look even more special.

Angela: We wanted to enjoy the day and have lots of fun without letting the stress overwhelm us. I think for the most part of the day that was the case. In the end the quality of the job performed by the videographers and photographers really shone through and we didn’t have to choose from heaps of junk material as everything was really well done and looked great. It was a tiring day, but in the end we were both really satisfied with the end product.

You got married on two different continents.

What were your weddings like?

Raymond: We had two weddings. One in Singapore which was on the 28th September 2013 at the venue One Rochester, 1 Twenty-Six, where the Big Splash used to be. It was an outdoor night buffet style reception with about 200 or so guests attending.

Most of the guests were from Angela’s family and her parents’ friends and associates. The venue was stunning at night and looked amazing, something you rarely get to see. However the humidity was hard to contend with, and some seating areas were outdoor and lacked air conditioning, which certainly made things hard. I sweated a lot that night.

Our second wedding was done back in Adelaide, Australia’s Intercontinental Hotel where the majority

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Click to watch Raymond + Angela Adelaide Wedding Feature Film from BeyondPictures

of our guests were friends of Angela and myself. We had roughly just over 100 guests. The theme was definitely more fun than formal, and we had many silly performances done by friends as well as games with prizes involved. Furthermore, we engaged a photo booth to allow friends to take photos and video msgs to leave behind and stick into our album. It was a lunch reception than lasted a little over 4 hours.

What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day?

Raymond: The most memorable part of the day was probably in the morning where my groomsmen and myself went to pick up the bride. The torture and games/challenges we had to go through were hell and absolutely humiliating. It ranged from eating banana dildos, two guys licking peanut butter mouth to mouth, to dancing ridiculous themes like Gangnam Style. Luckily, all my guy friends were very sporting and lived up to the challenges. Thanks, guys!

THE DETAILS The gowns: The Feline Bridal and online The suits: The Feline Bridal The venues: 1 Twenty-Six; Adelaide Australia Intercontinental Hotel The makeup artist and hair stylist: The Feline Bridal The wedding planner: 1 Twenty-Six The photographers: Livesnapps, Jason Wong and Kevin Khaw The videographer: Beyond Pictures Credits: Photography by Livesnapps, Jason Wong and Kevin Khaw. Videography by Beyond Pictures

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PHOTOGRAPHY

REAL WEDDINGS

THE PERFECT KOMBINATION OF SWEET AND VINTAGE

by Tansey Tang

When two designers get hitched, the wedding is sure to be beautifully thought out and creatively executed. Frances and Stephen held a vintagethemed wedding to commemorate their love, complete with classic cars and a gorgeously styled dessert table full of quirky blasts from the past.

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THE COUPLE Frances Sim, 35 , Senior Designer & Stephen Chua, 35 , Freelance Art Director

DATE OF WEDDING 3 August 2013

THE STORY How did the two of you meet?

During our school days in NAFA, we were classmates.

What was the proposal like?

Frances: I’m not really fond of diamonds, so when he gave me a box, I was disappointed, thinking there was a ring inside. But when I realized it held a piece of paper with a handwritten line from my favorite song

by Mazzy Star, I was thrilled! We both had it tattooed on our backs.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

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What a unique proposal! Your wedding looked pretty special too. How did you plan for it?

It took us half a year from planning and sourcing to finalizing it. Since we didn’t want a Chinese dinner in a hotel, we opted to have lunch in the church after our ceremony. We chose a sit-down lunch over the usual standing one for a small intimate affair with family and close friends.

What was the theme of your wedding?

Both of us are designers and like vintage stuff, so we designed the invitation cards and wedding favours based on this theme. We chose the oldest Teo Chew Catholic church in Singapore—it was built in 1901—

for our venue. This church meant something to us because Stephen’s parents and relatives got married there as well. We wanted to carry on the tradition.

Your vintage wedding is lovely. What did your family and friends think of it?

They loved our cosy wedding, especially the dessert table, vintage Volkswagon Kombi and Vespa!

Were there any moments that were particularly special to you?

Frances: I was happy to see everyone enjoying themselves, and especially so when my dad walked me down the aisle.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

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THE DETAILS Her gown: Tailor-made by Olive Suites His suit: Clothes from Muji / Shoes from Vans / Bow from Benjamin Barker The venue: Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary The caterer: One Paradise for buffet / Carpenter & Cook for dessert table The florist : Carpenter & Cook The makeup artist and hairstylist: Manisa Tan The photographer: John Lim Photography The wedding cars: Volkswedding /229

PHOTOGRAPHY

REAL WEDDINGS

STYLISH FUN HOMAGE TO THE PAST

by Tansey Tang

We’re captivated by this stylish wedding that pays tribute to tradition!

With her infectious smile and his debonair style, Evelyn and Kelvin threw a glamourously retro celebration where their sense of fun shone through as brightly as the sequinned costumes of their dancers. Their beautifully designed wedding pays creative homage to the past with old records, quirky vintage wedding favours, and lots of fun and laughter.

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THE COUPLE Evelyn Yap, 30, Client Services Director & Kelvin Mak, 39, Executive Producer + Creative Director

DATE OF WEDDING 17 November 2012

THE STORY How did the two of you meet?

Kelvin: My cousin took me out to St James Powerhouse for a night out when I was visiting Singapore, to encourage me to meet some local ladies. At that time, I had just ended a long relationship and wasn’t feeling very optimistic about such things but went anyway, if only for the booze.

After a few encounters, I started to feel bored and decided to leave.

On the way out, my cousin was walking in front of me and in a moment of absent-mindedness, left his empty cocktail glass on someone else’s table. And that table turned out to be Evelyn and her friends’ table. Following a few steps behind, I was held back by Evelyn’s best friend May who was a little annoyed at the leftover glass

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PHOTOGRAPHY and decided to “punish” me by having me drink a whole glass of Martell neat!

Evelyn: That was when I met Kelvin. We both started chatting and got on rather well. I was planning to go to Yunnan for holiday in a couple of weeks, and Kelvin having lived in China for several years provided further intriguing conversational pieces. We both left with email contacts and utilised the internet to continue knowing more about each other.

And one thing happily led to another. So what was the proposal like?

Kelvin: It was via Skype, during one of our daily chat sessions. But this time it was somehow different.

Perhaps we were feeling like we were missing each other a lot more than usual. Or perhaps due to a lot of loving feelings. It’s hard to explain, but there was this no-doubt-about-it deep conviction that Evelyn is the one for me. So the words came out from me with the usual nervousness and slight fumbling with words, and as for Evelyn, she replied “Yes” after her initial shock. Upon the positive outcome, we both teared up with happy emotions.

That’s so sweet. Now tell us how you made your

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beautiful retro-themed wedding happen.

Mainly because we are both in the film production business, we are used to creating a spectacle out of an event. Evelyn’s past work experience in hospitality along with Kelvin’s creative background made us very clear as to what we wanted and how we wanted to execute it.

After doing some scouting in cities like Beijing, Hong Kong, KL and Singapore, we ended up choosing Penang for her authentic colonial charm and also the reasonable costs of holding a wedding there.

Once we got inspired by Penang, it was very easy for us to come up with our theme, “Homage to the Past”. We felt strongly about the theme because of our shared appreciation for vintage and artistic items.

Furthermore, we felt that this theme could serve as a way to bond the generation gap of the expected guests as well as fusing their Eastern and Western backgrounds all in one go. And it’s also always a fun experience for people to dress up in creative outfits!

Aesthetically, we set the Wedding Colors to Blue, Orange, Yellow and White for consistent visual direction for Isabell Wedding to work with. We also personally designed our wedding logo, wedding

invitation and several other printed materials. Evelyn also made sure her handicraft skills were utilised by making her own Bridal and Bridesmaid bouquet out of vintage buttons.

About two weeks before the big day, we flew down to Penang as we felt it was crucial to manage the wedding properly. All of our guests were flying in from different parts of the world and they deserved to experience the best possible wedding party along with us.

All your work must have paid off! Can you tell us how your wedding day went?

With Old World jazz in the background, our guests mingled with Coke & Fanta served in their original glass bottles and treated themselves to the snacks and candies we used to enjoy when we were kids.

Right from the start, they could feel like they’re being taken back to the past where things were less hurried and more elegant, with the lack of social media distraction (which worked out great as they had neither 3G nor Wifi in the building).

We exchanged our vows in an open courtyard space with a lovely arch above our heads and rose petals under our feet. Despite the heat, we exchanged our

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PHOTOGRAPHY own vows with humor as well as a few tears. After the tea ceremony, we went with our wedding party for a rickshaw joy-ride around the streets of Penang for some unique photo-ops. During this time, the guests were treated to an open bar serving classic cocktails by our guest Japanese and Singaporean bartenders who flew in just for this. Another treat for them was a hawker who served freshly made Penang-only snacks called Apom, as well as a table of French petit-fours created by a French baker.

Evelyn: We decided to serve a carefully taste-tested Fusion Fine Dining cuisine that combined Western cuisine with Nyonya inspired flavors as I come from a Nyonya heritage. For entertainment, we hired a team of dancers, some of whom were in drag. We encouraged our hostess to go bawdy and silly, and the dancers to pull off their sexiest moves for constant laughter and the disposable cameras we handed out were snapping away all night.

Kelvin: We also personally handed out gift bags that contained a Vintage Chinese Comb, Old School Chinese Perfume and Face Powder, Vintage Handkerchief and the famous White Singlet often worn by Kopitiam uncles. We both felt this was a great way for the guests to take home the experience of us paying “Homage to The Past.� The party, however, only got started right after with more music and free-flowing alcohol and everyone, including the

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elders dancing to Gangnam Style.

We’re sure that your family and friends had fun at the wedding. What did they have to say about it?

One thing for certain, everyone has told us that it was a wedding they’ll never forget and probably will never experience again. We’re just happy and touched they came and shared the memory with us. And if it becomes the best memory in terms of a wedding for them, then we’re proud that our efforts paid off.

Were there any moments that were particularly special to you?

Evelyn: The special moment was not about the wedding itself, but rather the whole journey we took as a couple working hand-in-hand to create the best wedding we could for our families, friends and ourselves. Amazingly, we rarely disagreed on most things and even when we debated, we understood how to get to a compromise. I think that’s a great way to start our marriage together.

Kelvin: There were simply too many but I think the most special for us was when we were both crawling to bed after the end of the whole wedding and we looked at each other with blurry eyes and smiled at the fact that we are now husband and wife.

THE DETAILS The Gown: Bridal gown custom-made by Jing Ooi of Maison De Poupée; Evening gown by Calvin Klein The Suit: Bespoke suits by Ellis Kreuger of Moustache Hong Kong; Groom’s and Groomsmen’s bowties custom-made by Yukiko Goda of Holy No.2 Tokyo The Venue: The Blue Mansion The Caterer: Traders Hotel Penang The Photographer: Alvelyn Alko The Florist: Grace of Isabell Wedding The Makeup Artist: Sharon Ong of APT Salon & Academy The Hair Stylist: Jerry Kwok of Vidal Sassoon Shanghai, Bobby Du of Toni & Guys Beijing and Sharon Ong of APT Salon & Academy The Wedding Planner: Isabell Wedding The Rings: Boucheron Image credits: Photography by Alvelyn Alko /239

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A Woodland Tea Party Wedding Styled Shoot

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Themed wedding dessert table and tablescape are all the craze recently and spotted in every hipster wedding across the globe. We want every single one of our brides to enjoy the hipster wedding of their dreams, so we’ve put our heads together with Heaven in a Wild Fleur to create a woodland wedding styled shoot you can emulate for your big day. Inspired by the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and rich jewel hues, this woodland styled shoot features an eclectic mix of vintage floral China, gold rimmed dinner plates and cutlery, deep orchid purple goblets and a dessert table full of scrumptious cakes and macarons.

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Carpenter and Cook and Goobycakes sure know their desserts well! Their mini lavender bundt cakes, naked strawberry shortcake, blueberry cheesecake and Mad Hatter themed fondant cupcakes and cookies are just what every woodland themed wedding dessert table needs.

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The cafe’s hanging ceiling lamps were decorated with vines, leaves and dangling flowers by Heaven in a Wild Fleur for an extra woodsy touch that complemented the faux grass table runner and floral arrangements.

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Give your guests something pretty to look at and bring home with Kalo Make Art‘s beautiful set of wedding stationery. These designs were first hand-painted in watercolour before they were digitally printed out onto invites, table place cards, personalised menus and the like.

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CREDITS: The Photographer: Apic Moments Venue, cakes and floral China: Carpenter and Cook Styling, flowers and props: Heaven in a Wild Fleur Fondant Cupcakes and Cookies: Goobycakes Macarons: Bonheur Patisserie Stationery: Kalo Make Art Dolce Vita Flute (purple) and Gold cutlery: Robinsons Brunswick Gold Dinner Plates: Takashimaya

ESSENTIALS

6 QUESTIONS TO A PERFECT WEDDING CAKE

by Audrie Soh

Image cc licensed ( BY NC ND ) flickr photo by Lea Ann Belter

If you’re a bride who cannot live without her slice of cake, then you’ll find wedding cake hunting your favourite part of wedding planning. But choosing your wedding cake is not as simple as you might think. While you dig into slice after slice of goodness during your cake tasting, there’s a host of things you should consider before you invest in a wedding cake.

We spoke to Yun Chan from Pine Garden’s Cake, Nursyazanna Syaira from Fluff Bakery and Jie Hui from Goobycakes and invited them to share with us the seven questions you should ask your wedding baker for the wedding cake of your dreams.

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How big should my wedding cake be?

The size of your wedding cake depends on two factors – the size of your wedding and wedding budget. “We usually recommend our couples to go for a 3-tier wedding cake made up of 6, 9 and 12 inch layers,” Nursyazanna Syaira , owner and head baker of FluffBakery, advises. “Although the midsized 3-tier wedding cake is a popular choice among couples, we do have couples opting for an elaborate 5-tier wedding cake as well,” Yun Chan, Sales and Marketing Manager at Pine Garden’s Cake, adds.

“We are also able to create 10 or 13-tier wedding cakes for bigger celebrations.”

What other alternatives besides a whole wedding cake can I go for?

These days, you don’t have to get a wedding cake for your big day if you don’t want to. Add an element of fun to your day by replacing it with creative

All images on this page courtesy of Fluff Bakery

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ESSENTIALS Cake images cc licensed ( BY NC ND ) flickr photo by Lea Ann Belter alternatives like cake pops, a chocolate truffle or waffle tower or even a pizza cake! Or you could just go with everyone’s favourite bite-size dessert, cupcakes, for your wedding day. Depending on your budget and needs, you can opt for the standard cupcakes or customise them to complement your wedding theme. “The popular requests for wedding cupcakes are usually florals, the shuang xi (double happiness) characters and a pair of wedding gown and tuxedo illustrations,” Jie Hui, owner and head baker of Goobycakes, reveals.

How much should I set aside for a wedding cake or a set of wedding cupcakes?

How much your cake actually costs depends on how big it is, how intricate and elaborate the design is and if it is covered in cream or fondant art. “Fondant art takes more time and effort to hand-craft, especially if

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Cupcake images by Goobycakes its an intricate design, and therefore, they are slightly pricier,” Jie Hui explains. For bakeries dealing with fondant art like Pine Garden’s Cake, a mid sized 3-tier wedding cake will cost approximately $480 on average, while Fluff Bakery’s 6 inch cream based cake starts at $120 and goes up as the cake gets bigger.

At Goobycakes, non-customised cupcakes begin at $36 a dozen and can go up to $50-$90 for a dozen of customised cupcakes.

Therefore, you should set aside at least $300-$500 for your wedding cake or cupcakes. But regardless of how much you actually spend on your cake, don’t forget to set aside a small sum to accommodate for any additional services such as fresh flowers, set up, styling and delivery services.

When should I start approaching bakers for my wedding?

As soon as you have an idea of what you want for your wedding cake and a baker in mind. “Three to six months before your wedding day is a good time to start discussing your wedding cake,” Yun Chan discloses. “Although we do take in last minute orders up to 3 days in advance, it is subject to our availability, as we limit our production to 8 wedding cakes a day because all our cakes are lovingly handmade and decorated by our wedding cake team. So the earlier you can come to us with your order, the better.”

For bakeries like Fluff Bakery, you’d be wise to place your orders at least 6-12 months ahead due to the overwhelming requests Nursyazanna Syaira gets for wedding cake orders. “Some have even placed an order for a wedding cake 2 years in advance!” she quips. While Goobycakes doesn’t require their couples to place an order that many months ahead, Jie Hui recommends them to order at least 3-4 weeks in advance, or 1-2 months ahead of time if their wedding falls on the peak wedding months like February, November or December.

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ESSENTIALS All images on this page courtesy of Goobycakes

How long can I keep my wedding cake or cupcakes for?

To maintain freshness, fresh cream cakes should be best consumed within 2-3 days once they’ve been cut and packed. “Should couples wish to freeze their cakes, they should freeze it for no more than 2 weeks,” Nursyazanna Syaira recommends. As for cakes or cupcakes with fondant art, Jie Hui advises couples to consume them on the same day for freshness.

“Fondant tends not to refrigerate well as it turns hard in the fridge but melts if its too humid, so it’s best not to keep them overnight or for an extended period of time,” she stresses.

I have a small budget for my wedding cake. What are my options?

You don’t need a big budget to enjoy a beautiful

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Fluff Bakery is famous for their deliciously moist Halal cupcakes with luscious fillings such as creamy Nutella and Milo custard, decadent tarts and pies, and scrumptious whole cakes. Styling and dessert table set-up services are available at additional costs. Their first stand-alone store is located at 12 Jalan Pisang.

Goobycakes specialises in fondant art and cream based cakes and cupcakes in a myriad of flavours such as berry yogurt, spiced pumpkin and kitkat. They are located at 170 Bukit Timah Road, #04-19, Bukit Timah Centre.

Pine Garden’s Cake is an unassuming local bakery specialising in customised wedding tiered cakes, Guo Da Li gift sets and wedding favours. They also have sliced cakes and fresh baked goods for walk-ins. Styling and dessert table setup services are available at additional costs. They are located at 529 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, #01-2329/69.

wedding cake on your big day. You just need to get creative. “Dummy cakes are a great way to cut cost,” Nursyazanna Syaira suggests. “You can still have a 3-tier wedding cake with only one tier made of real cake. No one will guess that two tiers are inedible and you’ll get to stay within budget while having your dream wedding cake!” Another way of cutting costs is to opt for cream based cakes rather than fondant ones. “They look just as elegant, tastes better as the cream lends an additional flavor profile to your cake and is usually cheaper,” she adds.

Downsizing your cake to a smaller 2-tier is another option couples with a tight wedding budget can go for.

“Couples don’t have to worry about compromising the cake’s design with a smaller cake, as we are able to modify the design according to the size of the cake,” Yun Chan reassures. Or opt for a mix of fondant and regular frosted cupcakes, or mini cupcakes if you have a smaller budget.

Final Tips:

“Go online and research on the different types of wedding cakes before you decide on the traditional fondant covered wedding cake decorated with a ribbon,” Nursyazanna Syaira urges. “And be adventurous with the flavor profile of your wedding cake! It should not only look good, but taste fabulous as well.”

“Approach a baker only when you’ve decided on these four critical areas: your wedding cake budget, wedding theme, a general idea of your ideal wedding cake and its size,” Yun Chan advises. “With these information in hand, your baker can then better advise you on a wedding cake that meets all your requirements.”

“Most wedding cupcakes tend to sport pastel shades like pink and mint, but we did an oriental themed wedding cupcakes embossed with the shuang xi characters in bright colours for Kelly Latimer’s wedding earlier this year, and it was extremely memorable,” Jie Hui shares. “So couples shouldn’t be afraid to ask for something different in brighter colours like red or yellow!” ■ SB

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ESSENTIALS

DIY OF THE MONTH

RUSTIC CHIC BOUTONNIERES

by Tansey Tang

You’ve been planning on handcrafting every little detail of your special day, but like sand through the hourglass, the recent days of your busy life have been slipping away. Don’t worry! If you can’t give your 500 guests a handmade wedding favour each, you can inject your personal touch in the details that make a big impact, such as in your beloved’s and his groomsmen’s wardrobes for the day. Perfect for weddings in rustic chic style, this easy-to-make boutonniere adds a dash of dapper to your man’s sharp suit.

Time taken each: 10 minutes Average cost each: About $3

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HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED: Burlap or similar textured fabric Wooden skewers Dark grey ribbon Striped navy and white ribbon Twine Three kinds of buttons Feathers in different colours Pin backs Cardboard in cereal box-weight Needle and thread Scissors Craft glue

1

Trace these leaf templates onto the cardboard, one small leaf and one large leaf per boutonniere.

Cut them out. You can get the template from this link: http:// articles.cdn.singaporebrides.com/ wp-content/uploads/2013/12/ Rustic-Chic-BoutonniereTemplate.pdf

2

Holding a cardboard leaf against the burlap, use the leaf as a pattern for cutting out a leaf shape on the burlap. Cut out one small leaf and one large leaf per boutonniere.

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ESSENTIALS

3

Glue down the small burlap leaf on the small cardboard leaf, natural colour side up. Let dry for a minute or so, then trim the edges of the burlap, or tease out frayed edges with your fingers if you prefer a more rustic look.

4

Measure out about 12cm on a wooden skewer, score with scissors, and break.

5

Apply glue along two-thirds of the skewer, and wrap the dark grey ribbon tightly around it. Cut the ribbon and let dry for about a minute.

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6

Glue the skewer to the middle of the back of the small leaf.

7

Apply glue on the cardboard back of the small leaf and the skewer, then cover them with the large burlap leaf, pressing down to help secure the skewer in place.

8

Choose one dark feather and one patterned feather and glue them onto the front of the small leaf.

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ESSENTIALS

9

Play around with the arrangement of three different buttons, just below the feathers.

Once you’re satisfied with your design, glue them down.

10

To make the bow, first loop the ribbon twice and hold in place. You should have two loops on each side.

11

Sew the loops to secure them, without cutting the ribbon or the thread.

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12

Wrap the ribbon around the centre of the bow and snip off any extra at the back. Sew in place, being careful to hide the thread under the front of the bow.

Tie off.

13

Glue the bow under the buttons. Glue the pin back onto the back of the boutonniere and you’re done!

These boutonnieres are a stylish step up from the traditional rosebud, and make smart accessories for your wedding party. With so many elements to play around with, you can personalise these boutonnieres to coordinate with your wedding theme by choosing ribbons or buttons in your colours, or substituting the feathers with dried flowers or painted twigs.

They’re so simple to make, and unlike perishable flowers, can be readied weeks ahead!

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BEAUTYHEALTH

SIMPLE SKINCARE TIPS FOR YOUR WEDDING

by Audrie Soh

It is every bride’s wish to look her best on a day as important as her wedding day but sometimes, a flawless complexion is just out of her grasp, especially when wedding planning stress and anxiety worsens existing problems or triggers new ones. But it is not completely impossible to walk down the aisle with Liv Tyler’s well-known alabaster clear complexion if you put your heart to it. Ponnie Hsu, professional hair and makeup artist from PonnieHsu Makeup Studio, helped SingaporeBrides put together a simple guide on wedding skincare tips you should follow for a radiant clear complexion on your wedding day.

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The Basics For brides who wish to look naturally beautiful even with makeup on, having a clear and smooth complexion is vital. Why? “Because makeup applies easier and better on clear and smooth complexions,” Ponnie reveals.

“Having a flawless complexion also means a lighter layer of makeup can be applied, resulting in a more natural look.” The key to a flawless complexion is having a daily skincare routine that includes the 3 basic steps of cleansing, toning and moisturising. This 3-step routine removes dirt and dust that settles on your skin throughout the day, tightens pores and moisturises the skin, and should be practiced twice a day without fail.

Even if you are tempted to skip this at the end of a busy and tiring day, don’t. The dust and dirt accumulated during the day needs to be properly removed to prevent it from clogging your pores and causing pimples to form.

“That being said, you should refrain from cleansing your face more than twice a day, especially for brides with dry skin condition,” Ponnie warns. “Over cleansing strips the skin of its essential oils, and may cause more harm than good.”

Beauty Add-ons Daily cleansing is just the basic step to achieving a flawless complexion. To combat specific problems such as dark spots or fine lines, invest in reputable facial serums that target these problems and incorporate them into your daily skincare routine for better results. Exfoliate your skin at least twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells, dirt, grime and blackheads completely. If you have the time and budget, book yourself for a professional facial treatment once or twice a month to keep your skin in a hydrated and supple state. Alternatively, you can open your pores by taking a warm shower and get rid of blackheads by squeezing them out with a piece of tissue and clean hands. Splash your face with cold tap water to close pores and soothe skin by applying a moisturising facial mask afterwards. For brides who do not have the habit of going for regular facial treatments, you should go for your first one at least two months before your big day and only seek out more established or well recommended beauticians to prevent anything untoward from happening.

“Brides with dry skin should consider exfoliating once a week only to prevent overdrying the skin out,” Ponnie advises. “It is also advisable for extraction to be done at least a week before the wedding day to allow skin time to recover from any redness and your pores time to close up for a smoother application of makeup.”

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BEAUTYHEALTH Two Steps You Should Never Skip If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to make sunscreen and makeup remover your new BFF. Regardless of whether you have makeup on or not, or whether it is a sunny or cloudy day, you should always wear sunscreen if you’re planning to head out. “The sun’s rays are extremely harmful and overexposure will result in the formation of brown spots,” Ponnie cautions. “It may also result in the tanning and premature aging of the skin, causing one to look older than they really are.” At the end of the day, sunscreen should be properly removed with a makeup remover before cleansing your face.

In fact, even if you aren’t wearing anything on your face, it is recommended to clean your face with makeup remover to completely remove all traces of dust and dirt before proceeding with your facial routine.

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Image cc licensed ( BY NC ND ) flickr photo by Albert Palmer

Eat and Drink Your Way to A Better Complexion A flawless complexion is the result of a good skincare routine and diet. Stay away from oily and fried food to prevent your skin from producing too much oil, which may trigger the formation of pimples. Instead, try to include more vegetables and fruits such as carrots and berries into your diet. Carrots contain Vitamin A and C, which are essential for glowing skin, the production of collagen and keeping wrinkles at bay while berries such as blueberries and strawberries are a great source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These keep out skin healthy by blocking out cell-damaging free radicals from UV exposure and pollution, boosting hydration and collagen levels, and reducing skin inflammation. If berries aren’t your cup of tea, look to kiwis and green tea for your daily dose of antioxidants.

Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day to keep your skin hydrated and avoid drinking beverages that may stain your teeth like coffee and tea. “Although keeping yourself hydrated is important, drinking too much water may cause water retention,” Ponnie reminds. “Try to avoid drinking too much water or consuming fruits high in water content such as watermelon the day before your wedding to prevent bloating.”

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BEAUTYHEALTH

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Last Minute Miracles Sometimes, even the best precaution measures cannot prevent mishaps from happening such as facial puffiness and stress-induced pimples. “Brides who show signs of water retention or puffiness on the morning of their wedding day should apply an ice pack on their face for 10 to 15 minutes,” Ponnie suggests. “To treat last minute pimple breakouts, brides can seek out over-the-counter pimple cream or try to extract the pimple as best as they can and apply an anti-inflammatory cream after the extraction to prevent an infection and bring down swelling.”

Flawless complexions aren’t an overnight achievement so start prepping your skin at least 6 months or more before the actual day, as your skin will need time to get used to any changes made in your skincare routine and diet before any result is visible. ■ SB

Image cc licensed ( BY NC ND ) flickr photo by Albert Palmer

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BEAUTYHEALTH

12 TIPS TO EATING YOUR WAY TO WEIGHT LOSS

by Tansey Tang

Feature image cc licensed (BY NC ND) by abeachcottage.com

SingaporeBrides asks Ms. Angena Teo, Senior Dietician at Changi General Hospital, and Dr Roger Tian, Consultant Sports Physician at Singapore Sports Medicine Centre, to weigh in with advice on losing weight. Get tips on improving your diet, find out the calories hiding in some of your favourite local foods, and discover how health foods could be hindering your weight loss! /297

BEAUTYHEALTH Every bride wants her dream dress to accentuate her beautiful figure on her wedding day, but starving yourself on a crash diet one week before the wedding is not the healthiest way to lose weight. Save yourself bad, uneven skin or still-flabby arms by going on a healthy, calorie-counting diet a couple of months ahead. Check out these 12 easy ways to lose weight simply by watching what you eat.

1. Lower your calorie intake You lose weight by consuming less calories than you burn. First of all, figure out how many calories you burn a day with your height and weight, then count how many daily calories you need in order to lose your goal amount by your wedding date. You can use a free online calculator to do this. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to drop the weight safely. A recommended weight loss rate is about half a kilogram to 1 kilogram per week, by burning about 500 more calories than you eat a day.

2. Track your calories The only way you know exactly how many calories you’re eating is by calculating the calories of every item you put into your mouth, instead of fudging a hopeful guess at those healthy-sounding yet deliciously sweet oatmeal cookies. Search for foods online and record their nutritional values in a food journal, or better yet, download a free calorie tracking app to track your calorie intake throughout the day.

3. Eat at home Cooking your own meals gives you control over the amount of fat that goes into your food, and allows you to increase portions of lean protein or swap fibre-rich wholegrains for refined grains.

“Eat at home more often. The food outside tends to be higher in calories and lower in fibre,” says Senior Dietician Ms. Teo of Changi General Hospital. Check out our handy calorie chart for popular local foods to know what you’re consuming. You can also look up the nutritional values of other Singapore foods with the Health Promotion Board’s Food Info Search tool.

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BEAUTYHEALTH 4. Check the portion sizes of health foods Even healthy foods can be fattening when there’s too much of a good thing. You might have been making better choices about what you eat, but haven’t been losing any weight. Without being aware of it, you could be piling on the calories because you assume that something as healthy as whole-wheat pasta can’t hurt your diet. While foods like oats, nuts and yoghurt are rich in nutrients, that doesn’t mean they aren’t rich in calories as well. Reap the health benefits of avocado by limiting yourself to half the fruit for 160 calories, and load up on calcium but not on calories by sticking to one cup of low-fat yoghurt for 120 calories. Check the recommended portion sizes for your health foods to gain the nutrients but not the kilos, and be aware that ‘low-fat’ or ‘non-fat’ products actually don’t have a lot fewer calories than their full-fat counterparts.

5. Stop loading up the salads Salads are definitely one of the healthiest meal options around, but rich dressings and add-ons will load up the calorie count of your greens. Before you pile on your favourite salad toppings, be aware that 1/8 cup of almonds adds 80 calories, ¼ cup of feta cheese adds 90 calories, 10 garlic croutons add 100 calories, and 2 tbsp of bacon bits add 50 calories. Not all salads are created equal, so check the nutritional values of your choices when you’re trying to lose weight.

Image cc licensed (BY NC ND) by abeachcottage.com

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6. Don’t stock up on junk For a cleaner diet, clear out your junk food stores and stop buying snacks to keep at home or in your workplace.

Keep the junk out of sight and out of mind to decrease the chances of you succumbing to a snack attack. Ms. Teo tells us, “Not having the treat accessible immediately can help decrease your intake of excess calories.”

If you really must have those chips, you’ll have to walk out and get them, and the extra effort will either deter you or burn some calories.

7. Eat on smaller dinnerware The normalcy of ‘up-sizing’ fast food meals has made us accustomed to larger portions. Besides skipping the up-size, trick your eyes into thinking you’re eating a large portion by placing your servings on smaller plates.

“The larger your plate, the smaller a piece of food will look, and the more food you will put on it. Use smaller plates for dinner and larger plates for salads,” advises Ms. Teo. Get rid of those kilos simply by managing your portion sizes.

8. Rev up your body’s fat burning power You’re probably sipping from a cup of metabolism-increasing liquid right now. Dr. Roger Tian, Consultant Sports Physician at Singapore Sports Medicine Centre, reveals, “The caffeine found in coffee or tea increases fat burning.” As the caffeine kicks your brain into high gear, it’s also revving up your metabolism to help you lose weight. Don’t overdo your java, however, as Dr. Tian warns, “Excessive consumption can give rise to sideeffects such as palpitations, tremors, insomnia and gastrointestinal irritation.”

9. Slow down It’s not a pie eating contest. Avoid that sudden stuffed feeling when you get up from a meal by simply eating slowly. “Rushing through a meal means your brain won’t get a chance to register that you feel full. Learn to listen to your body and stop eating when you feel almost full,” Ms. Teo advises. Try not to eat in front of the screen so that you savour each mouthful and feel more satisfied. You’ll also be more aware of how much you’re eating.

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BEAUTYHEALTH Image cc licensed (BY NC SA) by VancityAllie .com

10. Drink less smoothies and fruit juices You know that carbonated and sugary drinks hinder your weight loss progress, but did you know that smoothies and fruit juices can be high in sugar and calories as well? According to the stats from caloriecounter.com, one 250ml glass of orange juice has close to 2.5 times the sugar, only 1/3 the fiber and twice the number of calories of the fruit. A creamy smoothie packs a delicious punch, and is full of vitamins and nutrients. However, even a homemade all-fruit and non-fat yoghurt smoothie adds up to about 200 calories. The verdict for increasing weight loss? Eat fresh fruit and hydrate with water.

11. Fill up on fibre To fight off those hunger pangs, substitute refined grains like white rice with brown rice, and choose high-fibre foods. Ms. Teo advises, “Eating high fibre foods may help with weight loss as they can sustain you for a longer time. Some examples are brown rice, wholemeal breads, whole-grain cereals, chapatti, fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and lentils. Whole-grains are also higher in vitamins than refined grains like white bread and white rice. Most fruits and vegetables are low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre.”

12. Budget for rewards One of the main causes of diet failure is extreme vows to never touch a sweet or a potato chip again. Depriving yourself of your favourite foods can lead to binge eating and demoralization, so allow yourself to snack within your diet and weight loss plan by budgeting for certain treats. For example, you could enjoy four squares of chocolate or an 18g bag of chips for a modest 100 calories! ■ SB

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Venues

VENUESHOTELS

5-STAR OUTDOOR COURTYARD WEDDING VENUES

by Tansey Tang

Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa If you’ve always been swayed by the romantic sight of the ocean hugging the shore, a wedding by the sea may be the perfect way to celebrate your union. Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa is the only beachfront resort in Singapore, and is a gorgeous wedding venue for your special day. Pledge to love each other forever against a beautiful sunset as your guests enjoy the view on the waterfront, whether you opt to embrace nature’s glory or sit in air-conditioned comfort at the Horizon Pavilion with floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

Ideal for: Both casual and formal parties Capacity: Max 150 seated guests (Outdoor Solemnisation); Min 200 guests (Outdoor Venues); Min 200 guests (Horizon Pavilion) Cuisine: Western, Chinese Package details: Prices start from $1,318 per table for 8-course Chinese set lunch or dinner, from $141 per person for 4-course Western set lunch or dinner, and from $138 per person for International Buffet.

Address: 101 Siloso Road, Sentosa, Singapore 098970 Contact: +65 6371 2985 Email: events.sen@shangri-la.com Website: www.shangri-la.com/singapore/rasasentosaresort/

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Grand Copthorne Waterfront Relive your dating days of romantic strolls along the riverside with a wedding on the waterfront. At Grand Copthorne Waterfront, the gentle river breeze will keep your guests in comfort as you say your vows under an azure sky or the glittering stars. Hold your solemnisation in the charming gazebo at The Promenade, a lovely alfresco wedding venue where you can treat your guests to cocktails and canapes at a summer garden reception, or feast them in a fine dining setting. You can also bring the party indoors to the grand ballroom, where you can still see the gazebo and gardens through its unique glass wall.

Ideal for: Formal parties Capacity: Min 300 guests, Max 650 guests (Grand Ballroom) Cuisine: Chinese Package details: Prices start from $988.00 per table for 8-course Chinese set lunch and $1,028.00 per table for 8-course Chinese set dinner. Wedding package includes one night’s stay in the Bridal Suite, 30 litres of beer, a champagne pyramid fountain and a wedding cake, amongst other things.

Address: 392 Havelock Road Singapore 169663 Contact: +65 6233 1199 Email: weddings.gcw@millenniumhotels.com Website: http://www.millenniumhotels.com.sg/grandcopthornewaterfront

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VENUESHOTELS The Sentosa Resort and Spa, A Beaufort Hotel There’s no need to fly to Bali for an indulgent resort wedding when the idyllic island of Sentosa offers so much in the way of sun, sea, and tropical beauty. Perched atop a cliff amidst lush fauna, The Sentosa, A Beaufort Hotel is privy to a panoramic view of the South China Sea. Pledge your love at the romantic Spice Island Point on a verdant lawn, with the sunset as a natural backdrop, or at the tranquil courtyard next to waterlily ponds, before adjourning to the ballrooms for a banquet lunch or dinner while enjoying sea views. Your beautiful open ceremony might well be graced by the resident peacocks strutting around the resort. For an intimate solemnisation, book yourselves into the private Garden Villas, each with its own pool and garden terrace.

Ideal for: Both casual and formal parties, guests who are out-oftowners Capacity: Max 80 guests (Spice Island Point); Min 200 guests, Max 260 guests (Straits Ballroom) Cuisine: Chinese, Western, International, BBQ Package details: Prices start from S$1,118 per table for 8-course Chinese Set, from S$121.80 per person for 4-course Western Set, from S$111.80 per person for International Buffet, and from $145.80 for BBQ Set. Wedding package includes a Bridal Suite, a Spa Botanica voucher, and special room rates for guests, amongst many other things. A wedding consultant will also be on hand to offer guidance.

Address: 2 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa, Singapore 099891 Contact: +65 6371 1267 Email: wedding@thesentosa.com Website: www.thesentosa.com

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Resorts World™ Sentosa Singapore The thrilling Resorts World is a great wedding venue for couples looking to give out-of-towner guests a fun time as well as share in the joy of a beautiful outdoor wedding. Walk up a stylish spiral aisle strewn with fresh flowers in a lovely garden wedding, lifted by the fresh sea breeze. Exchange your vows in the rosy glow of a sunset, and capture memories against a beautiful landscape, or hold your solemnisation in comfort indoors at the glass pavilion while still enjoying the beauties of nature. Follow the ceremony with a garden high tea party on the perfectly manicured lawn with the hotel’s delightful international menu. Or throw a tropical pool party with exclusive use of Hard Rock Hotel’s poolside cabanas and make a splash!

Ideal for: Both casual and formal parties, guests who are out-oftowners Capacity: Min 80 guests (Equarius Lawn and Glass Pavilion), Min 50 guests (Hard Rock Hotel, Cabanas) Cuisine: International Package details: High tea starts at $118 per person for solemnisations at Equarius Lawn or Glass Pavilion, and $108 per person for solemnisations at the Cabanas. Wedding package also includes one night’s stay at Equarius Hotel or Hard Rock Hotel, fresh floral arrangements, and use of portable outdoor AV system with two wireless microphones.

Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway Singapore 098269 Contact: +65 6577 6868 Email: weddings@rwsentosa. com Website: www.rwsentosa.com

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VENUESHOTELS Goodwood Park Hotel The historical hotel has played host to many happy occasions over the past century. With beautiful tablescapes laid out on the long tables, next to a sparkling pool and colonial opulence, a wedding held at Goodwood Park Hotel marks your own historical event with elegance and charm. Toast to your happiness in the sunlit terrace after your solemnisation at the alfresco timber deck, and revel in the old-world glamour of the heritage hotel. Couples can choose to dine under the breezy comfort of the outdoor pavilion, or continue the celebrations in the hotel’s ballrooms under crystal chandeliers.

Ideal for: Both casual and formal parties Capacity: Min 30 guests, max 50 guests (Poolside Terrace); Max 380 guests (Windsor Ballroom) Cuisine: International, Chinese Package details: Prices for Poolside Solemnisations start from $90, $ 75, and $110 per person for International Buffet Lunch, High Tea and Dinner respectively.

Rates for only renting the Poolside Terrace begin from $1,200. Prices start from $988 per table for an 8-course Chinese set lunch, and $1,088 per table for an 8-course Chinese set dinner. Wedding banquet packages include fresh floral centrepieces for each table, one night’s stay with breakfast for two, 5-tier wedding cake and champagne pyramid tower.

Address: 22 Scotts Road Singapore 228221 Contact: +65 6730 1821 Email:banquet@ goodwoodparkhotel.com Website: www. goodwoodparkhotel.com

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Marina Bay Sands® Exchange your vows with the city’s glittering skyline as the backdrop to your wedding celebrations. At this spectacular wedding venue, your guests can take in the unrivalled 360-degree view from Sands SkyPark® 200 metres above the bay, or breathe in the scent of the flowering arches at the intimate Garden Bay Bridge while indulging in exquisite cocktails and canapés. Let wedding specialists take care of the nitty gritty details while you extend your wedding party at this luxurious center of entertainment. And if you’re celebrating with more than 20 tables of friends and family, you’ll get to choose a ‘wish’ from a variety of options and Marina Bay Sands will make it come true. What will you wish for, a couple’s massage at Banyan Tree Spa or a second night’s stay in the Bridal Suite?

Ideal for: Both intimate ceremonies and grand galas Capacity: Min 200 guests Cuisine: Chinese, Indian, Vegetarian, Muslim Package details: For an 8-course Chinese Set, prices start from $988 for lunch and from $1,288 for dinner per table.

Wedding packages include one bottle of champagne for toasting, floral centrepieces and 8 fresh floral stands, a 5-tier model cake and a wedding cake, and one night’s stay in Marina Bay Sands Hotel Bridal Suite with breakfast for two in Sands SkyPark. A wedding specialist will also be on hand to take care of every detail.

Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue Singapore 018956 Contact: +65 6688 3138 Email: celebrations@ marinabaysands.com Website: www.marinabaysands. com

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VENUESHOTELS

10 INTIMATE WEDDING VENUES IN SINGAPORE PART I

by Tansey Tang

The White Rabbit image from AndroidsinBoots (Still + Motion)

Your wedding is one of the happiest occasions of your life, and a big part of that joy is being surrounded with your closest family and friends on this special day. A cosy, intimate wedding venue is the perfect space to gather all your loved ones round and revel in warmth, well wishes and love, so in no particular order, we’ve rounded up 10 unique wedding venues in Singapore that are lovely for solemnisation ceremonies or small weddings. Here’s part one of the list.

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1. MASONS AT GILMAN BARRACKS MASONS is housed in a beautifully restored black and white bungalow built in Singapore’s colonial 1930s.

Against the lush greenery and open grounds, MASONS’ classic architecture offers a sophisticated venue for your elegantly charming wedding. It’s perfect as a night wedding venue for glamourous couples looking to emulate the roaring twenties, or as a pretty garden wedding venue with its lovely outdoor space. You can hold your solemnisation ceremony out on the lawn, then clear the chairs for dancing under the stars, or take the party indoors to comfort and colonial charm. With a wide choice of international cuisine to suit any taste and budget, and a dedicated events team, you can rest assured and capture picture perfect memories at this stylish and relaxed setting.

Ideal wedding venue for: Garden wedding; vintage themed wedding; outdoor wedding Capacity: 150 guests with an option of expanding capacity outdoors; 64 seated guests indoors; 50 seated guests in alfresco dining area Cuisine: International plated and buffet dining Rates: Wedding packages begin at $8,000++ for up to 50 guests, and includes welcome cocktail, champagne to toast, 10 bottles of wine, 1x30L barrel San Miguel, 3-course plated set or buffet, complimentary use of 2 wireless microphones, complimentary pre-event tasting for up to 4 persons with min. spend of $5,000, and event management service team.

Address: 8 Lock Road, Gilman Barracks, Singapore 108936 Contact number: +65 8222 3875 Email address: queenie@verve.sg Website: www.masons.sg

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VENUESHOTELS 2. ALKAFF MANSION

Wedding set up images by Plush Photography

Built in 1918, Alkaff Mansion has the beautiful colonial architecture of an English estate, including a sprawling 19-hectare of landscaped grounds atop Telok Blangah Hill. For a garden wedding, the terrace and lawn provide a splendid cocktail reception venue with a charming ambience. In the mansion, wow your guests with a beautiful wine cellar in a jewel-cube enclosure on the first level, and private dining rooms and a bar on the upper level.

Alkaff Mansion offers a larger than most capacity for Singapore garden weddings; you can host up to 400 guests in the air-conditioned, chandelier-lit Grand Marquee as you exchange your vows against a backdrop of ornate fountains and a romantic gazebo.

Ideal wedding venue for: Garden weddings Capacity: 100 guests at the Terrace; 180 guests in the Mansion; 80 guests on the Lawn; 400 guests in the Grand Marquee Cuisine: Italian set menus, canapes or buffet; Chinese banquet option available for Grand Marquee Rates: Solemnisation packages begin at $2,388++ for up to 80 guests, wedding packages begin at $88++ per guest for lunch and $100++ per guest for dinner.

Address: 10 Telok Blangah Green Singapore 109178 Contact number: +65 6510 3068 Email address: events@alkaff.com.sg Website: www.alkaff.com.sg

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3. SKYVE Conveniently tucked into a nook off Orchard Road, Skyve is a charmingly nostalgic bistro featuring sheltered alfresco dining and an air-conditioned lounge area for intimate solemnizations. Set in an old campus, the wine bistro has three relaxed spaces that are great as fun wedding venues, made romantic with twinkling fairy lights and floral accents. Hold a cosy ceremony out on the deck and continue the party in the old school dining area with cute mismatched chairs.

Ideal wedding venue for: Casual weddings; fun weddings; old school weddings Capacity: 120 seated guests; Min. 20 pax Cuisine: Modern European Rates: Wedding packages begin from $45++ per pax for canapes, $80++ per pax for buffet menu, $80++ per pax for 3-course sit down menu, and $95++ per pax for 4-course sit-down menu, and includes exclusive usage of the alfresco lounge, complimentary white linens on all tables, pipe-in sound system, full sound equipment for live band performances, up to 4 microphones and a complimentary food tasting session.

Address: 10 Winstedt Road Block E, #01-17 Singapore 227977 Contact number: +65 6737 1975 Email: enquiry@skyve.sg Website: www.skyve.sg

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VENUES 4. FABER PEAK SINGAPORE (FORMERLY THE JEWEL BOX) Reach the peak of happiness on your wedding day with a gorgeous vista as a backdrop to your solemnisation.

Set at an awe-inspiring 106 meters above sea level, Faber Peak Singapore, formerly The Jewel Box, offers a magnificent view of Singapore’s cable cars and harbour with its luxury cruises. With an array of unique wedding venues with beautiful views to choose from at Faber Peak Singapore, you can exchange your vows in a garden setting, then proceed to Spuds & Aprons, The Ballroom or The Private Dining Room for a Western or Chinese feast.

Ideal wedding venue for: Garden weddings; hilltop weddings; rooftop weddings; panoramic views Capacity: 200 seated guests in The Ballroom; 210 seated guests both indoors and alfresco at Spuds & Aprons; 60 seated guests in the Private Dining Room.

Cuisine: Western; Chinese banquet available in The Ballroom and Private Dining Room Rates: Wedding packages begin from $1,138++ per table for Chinese banquet lunch, $113.80++ per pax for Western or buffet lunch, $1,138++ per table for Chinese banquet dinner on weeknights, $113.80++ per pax for Western or buffet dinner on weeknights, $1,238++ per table for Chinese banquet dinner on weekends, and $123.80++ per pax for Western or buffet dinner on weekends. Solemnisation lunch and dinner packages begin from $68++ per pax.

Address: 109 Mount Faber Road, Faber Peak, Singapore 099203 Contact number: +65 6377 9616 Email: events@mountfaber.com.sg Website: www.faberpeaksingapore.com

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5. THE BLUE GINGER For couples who wish to celebrate their roots, The Blue Ginger’s historical architecture and authentic Peranakan cuisine makes a stylish statement on tradition. The ornate timber features and artwork by local painters create a cultured yet relaxed space for a vintage wedding venue. The conserved shophouse is split into 3 cosy levels, where you can dine in intimate groups. Peranakan dishes, a subtle blend of both Malay and Chinese cuisine with plenty of local herbs and spices, will charm your older relatives and give out-of-towner guests a taste of local heritage. For this most special of occasions, The Blue Ginger’s experienced event planners will take the meticulous work out of planning and ensure you enjoy your bespoke wedding.

Ideal wedding venue for: Heritage wedding; retro wedding Capacity: 110 pax; 30 pax on first level and 40 pax each on second and third levels Cuisine: Peranakan Rates: Wedding packages begin from $60++ per pax for lunch and $65++ per pax for dinner, and include solemnisation table with flowers, floral centerpieces, colour theme of choice, sash from staircase railings, and floral tieback for couple’s chairs.

Address: 97 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088518 Contact number: +65 6224 4028 Email: alan.foo@theblueginger.com Website: www.theblueginger.com continued on page 336...

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VENUESHOTELS

10 INTIMATE WEDDING VENUES IN SINGAPORE PART II

by Tansey Tang

Image from Tanjong Beach Club ... continued from page 329

Your wedding is one of the happiest occasions of your life, and a big part of that joy is being surrounded with your closest family and friends on this special day. A cosy, intimate wedding venue is the perfect space to gather all your loved ones round and revel in warmth, well wishes and love, so in no particular order, we’ve rounded up 10 unique wedding venues in Singapore that are lovely for solemnisation ceremonies or small weddings. Here’s part two of the list.

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6. THE WHITE RABBIT

Images from AndroidsinBoots (Still + Motion)

Housed in a charmingly restored 1940s chapel in Dempsey, The White Rabbit’s stained glass windows, intricate architecture and European cuisine make the restaurant a gorgeous and unique venue for your garden wedding.

Walk down an aisle full of old-world charm in the beautiful conserved chapel, or outdoors in garden wonderland, and complete your celebrations with classic European dishes with a modern sensibility. The White Rabbit has a range of wedding and solemnisation packages to suit small gatherings of your loved ones, big blowout bashes, or sumptuous feasts in honour of your union.

Ideal wedding venue for: Old world weddings; chapel weddings; garden weddings Capacity: 150 seated guests indoors, 60 seated guests outdoors, 200 guests indoors, 250 guests outdoors Cuisine: European comfort food Rates: Solemnization packages begin from $1,688++ for 30 guests, and includes 2 bottles of Laurent Perrier Brut L-P, pre-reception canapĂŠs, free flow of soft drinks and juices, solemnization table with table linen and flowers, ring pillow, bird cage for red packets, and personlized signages. 4-course set lunch for 120 guests begins from $150++ per pax and includes 20-litre barrel of Tiger beer, table centrepieces, and 10 magnums of French wine.

Address: 39C Harding Road Singapore 249541 Contact number: +65 64739965 Email: eat@thewhiterabbit.com.sg Website: www.thewhiterabbit.com.sg

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Images from Samuel Goh Photography

7. NOSH Tucked into the charming enclave of Rochester Park is Nosh, a restaurant set in a restored, two-storey, colonial black and white house. Hold your outdoor wedding in the pretty Greenhouse with its outdoor deck surrounded by lush greenery, or feast on the international cuisine in elegant comfort indoors. Nosh dresses up beautifully for a Bohemian or rustic wedding surrounded by lush greenery.

Ideal wedding venue for: Rustic wedding; outdoor wedding; Bohemian chic wedding Capacity: 120 seated / 200 standing in The Greenhouse; 30 seated / 30 standing at The Country Kitchen; 50 seated / 70 standing at The Dining Room Cuisine: International Rates: Weddings of 80-150 pax average a min. spend of $15,000++. Intimate wedding packages customisable.

Address: 9 Rochester Park Singapore 139220 Contact number: +65 6779 4644 Email: events@nosh.com.sg Website: www.nosh.com.sg

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8. SPRUCE AT PHOENIX PARK Create the illusion of tree-house dining for your wedding party at Spruce. Nestled in Phoenix Park, minutes from Orchard Road, the rustic alfresco with its timber deck and open space dining has an inviting, retro vibe. You can also hold a garden themed wedding or solemnisation ceremony in the outdoor courtyard before proceeding into the restaurant for unpretentious Modern American cuisine.

Ideal wedding venue for: Garden wedding; outdoor wedding; casual and relaxed wedding Capacity: 60 seated indoors; 100 in alfresco area Cuisine: Modern American Rates: Lunch buffet for min. 30 pax begins from $33++ per pax, and dinner buffet for min. 30 pax begins from $56++ per pax.

Address: 320 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247980 Contact number: +65 6836 5528 Email: enquiries@spruce.com.sg Website: www.spruce.com.sg

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9. TANJONG BEACH CLUB This sunkissed playground is an ideal venue for a sophisticated beach side wedding. Sumptuous coastal cuisine complement the beautiful views of sea, sun and sand for a fun and memorable occasion with your loved ones. Choose from a variety of spaces to suit your wedding party; dine in comfort inside the restaurant, have a meal under the open sky in the restaurant bar and terrace spaces, or lounge with cocktails at the cabana or beneath the retro striped umbrellas.

Ideal wedding venue for: Beach wedding; retro fifties-styled wedding Capacity: 100 seated in Indoor Restaurant and mezzanine; 40 seated in Restaurant Bar; 24 seated in Cabana Space; 50 seated in Restaurant Terrace; 28 seated in Pool Lounge Cuisine: Coastal Rates: Coastal inspired buffet for min. 50 pax starts at $65++ per guest; Canapes menu for min. 50 pax begins at $45++ per guest, and sit-down menus are customizable for up to 100 guests. Min spend for the Cabana, Restaurant Bar and Dining Room is $1,500++, $4,000++ and $10,000 respectively, for weekday events.

Address: 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa, Singapore 098942 Contact number: +65 6270 1355 Email: tbc@tanjongbeachclub.com Website: www.tanjongbeachclub.com

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10. HOUSE Reminisce your romantic Dempsey date nights with a cosy wedding at HOUSE. The restaurant has 3 separate function spaces that serve as unique wedding venues, each a chic juxtaposition of industrial design and handpicked vintage furnishings. Gather your loved ones around for a gastronomic feast and sweet treats under the canopy of Dempsey’s woodlands. With alfresco deck dining and experienced bartenders to whip up creative cocktails, HOUSE is the perfect place to throw a wedding party.

Ideal wedding venue for: Cosy and sophisticated weddings; wedding parties; industrial chic weddings Capacity: 120 seated / 300 standing in HOUSE (entire restaurant); 45 seated / 70 standing in HOUSE C; 24 seated indoors / 30 with outdoor extension in Bette Davis Cuisine: Western buffet. 3-course set available for 30pax and below.

Rates: Min. spend of $20,000++ on weekdays and $30,000++ on weekends for HOUSE (entire restaurant); Min. spend of $4,000++ on weekdays and $10,000++ on Fridays for HOUSE C; Min. spend of $700++ on weekdays and $1,200++ on weekends for Bette Davis; booking rates include use of projecter, projecter screen, wifi, microphones and sound system. Buffet menu for 30 guests begin at $48++ per pax.

Address: 8D Dempsey Road, Singapore 249672 Contact number: +65 64757787 Email: enquiries@dempseyhouse.com Website: www.dempseyhouse.com

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