It is the Bride’s moment…..
from editor
Lovely October We’re back on October issue…. Its been a terrific year for all of us! A big Congrats to those who are finally getting hitched, those who are expecting the arrival of their lil’ bubs and to those who are taking a big step towards a brighter future! We’re so excited at this time of the year as we have so many *New things* coming up in store for SA. First things first, getting back our rhythm was our biggest challenge as there were so many obstacles during the making of this issue. Finally its done! Woohoo. And for this month’s issue we’re featuring our very own beautiful CoFounder Didi & her dashing partner Leigh. Thank you for letting us share your wedding story! It was so inspiring. to share how your love blossomed into a real fairytale Romance! True love does exist it’s just a matter of believing.. Congrats on your 2nd Anniversary ! Having to decide to keep this issue more simple and utmost classy, we would like to introduce our monthly Editor’s Picks, 2013 Wedding Trends and a permanent base for Little Birdie Corner. We’re ecstatic for all the awesome responses from you guys! And now presenting October 2012 issue for you Loyal fans out there. Thank you for all your support ! We love you long time! Yours Truly
S.Salleh
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Features 8
Love Story
18 The Wedding Affair 32 The Wedding Theme 39 The Wedding Attire 46 The Interview
Other Stories 6
Editor’s October Pick
48 Birdie: 9 Ways to Keep Your Wedding Organized 50 Instant Inspirations: 2013 Bridal Gown Trend
RIGHTS & PERMISSION
We, SONGKET AFFAIRS take great care to ensure all elements within the website & the magazine are accurate and correct. However, we accept No Liability for any misprint error or mistakes that might appear on the website or in any published form of media. All opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. Consent of the usage of photographs and materials supplied to us is entirely between us and the clients or vendors. COPYRIGHT SONGKET AFFAIRS 2012 ALL RIGHTS RESERVE
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It has been an ongoing trend these days to have a rustic or vintage look when comes to weddings . Whether its a ceremony or plain pre wedding shots, barn reception seems like a perfect idea. Not only does it showcase a unique visual appeal but it also gives the feeling of comfort and intimacy amongst their family/close ones. These “Going green” concept also lends a perfect backdrop to incorporate recycled materials, organic and rustic elements while staying very modern and chic.
Favorite of the month..
What’s
Over the last couple of years we’ve seen budgets tighten, couples become more savvy about their spending, starting to embrace DIY elements for their day and move in a more eco-friendly direction. Therefore it is no surprise that herbs have started to have a bit of a moment in wedding planning – a brilliant cheap and easy decorative idea. – Herbs like rosemary, thyme, mint and sage makes a lovely table decor, sweet smelling and can even double as favours. These herbs are definitely one coming trends of 2013!.
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This new trend of Invites are those which comes in a variety of layouts, like magazines, flyers, books, giving the details of the celebration in a cute and quirky way, interspersed with the couple’s love story. Quite popular recently, these type of stationery are perfect for those who are into artsy & fun; less formal kind of weddings.
Hot & Exciting
Another hot pick would be the ever fabulous Ombre cake designs. Ombre’ refers to a gradual change in one color into another. This is a unique way to blend your colors together without being overpowering. On the other hand, ruffles are not strangers in the wedding cakes industry. The texture of ruffles creates softness and a romantic feel to your wedding day. Imagine this, the newest combo of both; perfectly incorporating both romance and pop, making a unique fabulous visual appeal for sweet confectioneries.
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Their The Untold Version
“Everyday with you is like a gift from god ”
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“The first time we hung out as friends, we were already telling each other our deepest
secrets”
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the Bride
Irda Nurhidayah, 29 a pastry lover who currently runs an online boutique, co founder of SA and a mother of a ten month old baby.
the Groom Leigh Sullivan, 27, creative mind with a passion for Muay Thai. Currently running a fitness business.
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Nazatul Najla Abdul Rahman, 29; currently working at CMC Engineering as Account Director.
“ Falling in love came naturally, and even though with all the differences that we had, still didn’t stop us from being together ”
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How did they meet? The Bride’ sStory
How I met him is pretty straight forward, we met through our work place, but how we fell in love, till today its a mystery for me. “I guess its true what they say, you may not understand it, you may not believe it, but its fate. Its meant to be.” The first time we hang out as friends, we could sit down and talked for hours and tell about each others deepest secrets. The warmth of his company lightens me up. There was no fear of being judged or any expectations. And we just clicked right from the start. Falling in love on the other hand came naturally, and even though with all the differences that we had, (different religion, background, culture) still didn’t prevent us from being together. After a year being with each other, we decided to take our relationship to the next level. He came down to Malaysia for a visit and asked my parents blessings for my hand in marriage before proposing. After the short trip, we went back to Perth, then on a beautiful Sunday, he surprised me with an elaborate plan, where he left clues all over our favourite spots (like a treasure hunt) and at the end of the hunt, there he was waiting for me at a lake with a ring and a marriage proposal. The rest is history <3 (Checkout the proposal video)
The Groom’s Story how u tricked me to fall for you? :P Quite an elaborate story but the most romantic angle would have to be when I first caught my eye of her at work just walking in and sitting down with a mutual friend at the same table as Didi being able to talk to her as if we were old school friends. She was never short of a witty comment, which proved challenging. It wasn't long before I was captivated by her. After being invited out for a karaoke session with our mutual friends and being blown away by her beautiful voice, my mind was set. Thinking how I could get her to go out without looking too sleazy I arranged an invite for her to help me look for a present for a friend of mine.. (Esther I have only you to thank for that:D ). A fashionably late entrance and a not too impressed Didi we set off looking for a gift. After a couple hours searching through Myers and David Jones we ended up settling with a Jb Hi-fi voucher haha.. Quick to thinking this was all a ploy to get her out I whisked her off to Jaws sushi bar to dull her senses with an endless supply of food! After we were full to the brim we chose to relax under the shades of the city park where we were free to talk about anything and everything... A few dates later it wasn't long before I started to fall for her and this is just the beginning.....
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“ After being blown away by her beautiful voice, my mind was set.. ”
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Their The Events I had 4 events for my wedding,, The solemnization & The home reception was held at my Parents house in Damansara Heights., whereas the tea ceremony and a dinner reception was held at Sime Darby Convention Centre. When: 2nd Oct 2010 Where: Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sara Heights (Brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home) Theme: Roses Dulang count: 9 his & 7 hers Flowers: The oversized coral/ tangerine roses with greenery around it. Dais: by Flora Etc Traditional Act: Majlis Merenjis ,Menepung Air Tawar (Act of Blessings to the Newlyweds), Majlis Memotong Pulut Kuning & Adat Menyuap (Cutting Traditional Yellow Glutinous rice) Makan Beradab, Ambo Ambo (The Act of throwing sweets & coins
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I t sure did feel like I was on top of the world..â&#x20AC;?
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The Moments The morning of my Nikah, honestly; I wasn't that nervous or emotional at all, in fact I was more eager to see Leigh because we haven't seen each other for over 2 weeks. When the moment arrives, as I walked towards the lovely dais, I couldn't stop smiling when I saw a glimpse of Leigh. I said to myself, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wow..Leigh looked so handsome in white baju melayuâ&#x20AC;? and there i was as giddy as ever . Everything on that day was perfect; peaceful and happy just as I imagined as it should be. Most importantly, I am happiest that all my close family and friends were present on my special day.
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And my favorite Candid moment would be when They declared “Sah“ after the solemnization. I was beaming with excitement and couldn't hold my giggles any longer... My sister was saying I was showing to much (a bride has to be prim & proper), that my mom had to give me “the Relax Look" But at the time, my feelings were indescribable.. Hehe how can i relax? It sure did feel like I was on top of the world!
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It’s all about her desire…
Their Even though I had a wedding planner, I was still involved in every aspect of the events.
The Untold Story
During our planning stage, some choices (Eg venue etc) was decided by my parents, however overall we still made sure that we had a touch of our personalities embedded into the wedding.
The Makings of Oversized Flowers It was a busy year as my sister just got married in March, so we had plenty of time till my wedding which was in October. So in the meantime we decided to keep on researching on ideas for themes and designs. Zuriee, our project manager, often corresponded some ideas through email, and when he was ready with his design proposals, we set up a meeting to have a peek on this ideas. June came and honestly it wasn't what I expected. I wanted something fresh and something that intrigues me all the way. Then, my mom came up with a brilliant idea, she said she wanted to see huge flowers on dais/decor! In the beginning Zuriee looked puzzled, silently he was figuring out how to do execute such an idea. He asked us to give him a week to discuss it with Razak on how to make the idea into reality. As promised, one week later, he came back with a new proposed design. Only this time with the oversized roses as the main concept. The moment Zuriee showed me the new design, I was over the moon.... Instantly I knew that was it. And amazingly this is how oversized flowers on dais designs was born.. and till this day, oversized flowers on dais are still famously used on thousands of weddings. Page 23 | Songket Affairs | Oct 2012
Their
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Their
Home Reception Their Home Reception was held after the Solemnization Ceremony at the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home. My father wanted to host the event to last a whole day to allow our guests & relatives from Johor to come and celebrate our marriage.
We had a typical Johorian tradional ceremony. Where when the groom arrives at the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house entrance, he had to go through several tollbooths (was set up by the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family members) , where he either had to answer questions or he needs to present money packets to get through the them. It was memorable & fun. In the end, he gets to meet and sit next to the bride at the dais. We also had Merenjis ceremony, where the elders in the family give their blessings to the young couple ;Cutting Traditional Yellow Glutinous rice cake and Ambo ambo; where all young guests & children gathered to the middle and then the bride and groom throws sweets and coins.
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Their The Untold Version
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When: 3rd October 2010 Where: Sime Darby Convention Centre Theme: Roses Reception Attire: by Phillip Hair & makeup: Deqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sha Flowers: Purple hydrangeas, oversized deep purple roses, purple blooms Dais:: Flora Etc Entertainment: Cultural dances, performance sang by my friend, and wedding singer Doorgifts: Maxwell Williams Floral mugs with Pindang Eggs inside..
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“ Most Importantly it was one Affair to Remember ”
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Their The Untold Version Since our wedding was based on roses,.For the reception we wanted to create an elegant twist by incorporating the oversize roses. The dais & the hall entrance were decorated with oversize deep purple roses, with coloured blooms surrounding it..
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The Photographer:
Ministry of Moment was
my photographer for our entire wedding event. At that time they were fairly new and they were recommended by my sister.
The Videographer
Mafizam from The
StoryTeller was our video person. They did our wedding video beautifully capturing every essence of our special moments.
The Entertainment
we had cultural
dances. Also there was performance sang by my friend Adni, and Anne as the wedding singer.
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Their The Nikah Event â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Rise of Big Flowers
The Concept Overall my theme would be Roses. From my dais, door gifts, dresses to my jewellery â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all has a touch of roses. For the Nikah, I wanted to have green surroundings with a splash of colours. So my dais had coral/ tangerine roses with greenery around it.
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Dulang Girls Attire:
The
material was custom-made by batik Dimas, where the common colours was green and purple, but the pattern was one of a kind.
Door gift:
â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted to give
something that our guest can use and not as a decor purposeâ&#x20AC;?, One day by chance i saw a Maxwell Williams printed roses mugs at Bangsar Village and that was it, we found our perfect door gift
The hantaran: The bride gave 9 trays including, an ipad, wedding ring, Prayer mat, Cupcake with red roses fondant icing (to match the wedding theme) ,a watch and cufflinks, shoes, etc The groom reciprocated with 7 trays with roses, gifts includes shoes, wedding ring, jewellery, dowry money, Prayer attire etc.
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A moment for inspiration www.InspirasiSongketAffairs.com
Their The Untold Version
The Concept Our family designer did 3 of my wedding attire, which I am very happy of the end result. They were all absolutely stunning- all three were beautifully adorned with such delicate details, each symbolizes its own brilliance for my wedding concept!. For the Solemnization, I had a specific design in mind, but for the home reception and the SDCC reception, Phillip came up with some ideas and we worked through those ideas with adding some of my own ideas.
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My Nikah Outfit The Nikah attire was the hardest amongst all because I wanted to look elegant, simple yet conservative. I went through so many magazines looking for ideas. Finally, I went with a Modern Kurung with extended length of the top and layers on the bottom. Phillip the designer added speckles of crystals and pearls on my kurung top and a touch of rosettes on the bottom of my kurung skirt. For my veil, Phillip made a long veil that is non see through at the top and netted at the bottom.
My Henna: My innai was designed especially for me since the lady who drew it for me is a good friend of my auntie Venni. Page 40| Songket Affairs | Oct 2012
Shoes: I wanted to wear a colour other than white, so I wore a peach/coral hued open toe sandal with platform, T-strap with flower detail to match my roses theme. Jewelry: I wore my mothers pearls as I envisioned pearls to be elegant. The pearl earrings and ring had a flowery design to match my theme. Groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Songket: The design of Leighâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s songket was specially customed- made by Batik Dimas and the colour chosen was to match the coral/ tangerine feel. Makeup: Deq Sha did my makeup for all my wedding events. For Nikah, we went for a side sweep hair arrangement with a soft makeup look.
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HerSanding Outfit For the Home Reception, I wore a modern Kebaya with rose petals as the motif of the material. The intricate beadwork & crystals on the kebaya were hand sewn by Philip, which took him 7 months to finish the whole attire.
Jewelry: I wore am emerald set Hair accessories: I wanted a simple do, so Deq Sha made up a side bun and decorated it with a simple crystal sanggul together with some fresh roses on my hair.
Shoes: I wore a beautiful vintage open toe black with gold trimmings shoes from Perth.
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My Reception Outfit Every bead, and the Swarovski crystals ,were all hand made & sewn by Phillip, our designer. For my reception, I wore an off white, long sleeve fine Chantilly lace mermaid gown with organza pleated bodice and a sweetheart neckline adorned with delicate crystals & beadwork and oversize rosettes at the bottom of my layered clouds of tulle skirt.
Jewellery: My dress was full with extensive beadwork & rosettes, so I opt for simple diamond necklace tiara and bracelet. I paired them with diamond pearl drop earrings, added with an oversize diamond rose ring to match my wedding theme.
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Shoes : I am ecstatic i get to wear the shoes that were given to me by Leigh from the hantaran. It was a silverish metallic pumps by Jimmy Choo
Wedding Party Attire: My sisters & my mom attire were also made by Philip.
His Reception Outfit Leigh had his suit custom- made in Perth and his silverish vest was made by our designer, Philip.
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with Didi & Leigh
1) If you could go back in time, what would you do over at your wedding?
Wouldn't change a thing. 2)When planning your wedding, what was your biggest obstacle?
We didnt have any big obstacles,. It must be, because we have plenty of time to plan and we slowly did many things ourselves .(eg. Door gift, ambo ambo
items)
3) Who would you say that gave you the biggest support & help throughout your toughest time as a bride to be?
My husband and my family 4) Any words of wisdoms to Brides to be out there?
Brides, plan ahead to avoid panicking at the last minute. Other than that, do a lot of research, follow @Songketaffairs for more inspirations 5). Any word of wisdoms to the Vendors in the wedding industry
Treat all customers equally. & do not discriminate. Whether they are rich, royalty or plain jane, I believe they are still a paying customer. We all deserve equal treatment and respect. Page 46 | Songket Affairs | Oct 2012
Lil Birdie Corner: Planning Your Wedding,..
Your Wedding You’re so excited on your engagement news you barely feel your feet on the ground. Suddenly, there is an overwhelming emotions flooding your mind. With so many things to do, you barely have time to focus. Relax.. Wedding planning doesn't have to be as hectic as one thought. To plan well, the bride has to be centered and sane. Here are these Simple easy tips for you to stay on track as you plan your big day so that you don't end up being the Godzilla of Bridezillas. If there is any time in your life to pick up a habit, the time is now. Checklists, to-do lists, electronic lists, and written lists… any of them should become a part of your wedding planning ritual. Not only it will keep you on track, but you will want to reference, rank what’s important, & use them as late night reminders. For a start , you may download Wedding Check List here
2. Embrace an Excel Sheet Budget budget budget. Brides on a MAJOR budget need to keep track of your expenses and payments as major part of the planning process. If you are lucky enough to have a family member helping you financially, pretty sure they will definitely appreciate your attention to detail when it comes to their dime. Money can be one of the biggest worries of your otherwise stress-free experience,. Download these samples from WeddingWire and The Knot for similar budgeting options.
3. FOLDERS ARE YOUR FRIENDS
There are many books about staying organized that have pockets, but the best would be separate folders to keep you most organized. Have one folder that you can add initial ideas, pictures and inspiration. Also additional pockets for vendor contracts signed or receipts of payments. On that note, keep copies of everything you sign and all payments you make.
4. Utilize Sources of inspiration Internet research is the perfect way to save tons of money from wedding magazine obsession There is so many websites currently provide inspiration source for your wedding planning. Follow our Songket Affairs Blog to get more inspiration on wedding gowns, themes , DIY tips etc. Page 48 | Songket Affairs | Oct 2012
Take note that Planning a wedding is not a solo project. Although ultimately the day is all about you, but there is no reason you should keep your planning a secret . It is healthy to bounce ideas off rather than internalizing your worries and having haunting nightmares about them. Ask a friend who had recently tied the knot as your sound board. Knowing she had been there, done that and it made sense to have her expertise and advice on an otherwise unfamiliar experience.
6. Hire a Day off coordinator For those weddings on budget, hiring a wedding coordinator is definitely out of the question .However, as your big day comes, there will be little things that you will be anxious about. Hiring a day-of-coordinator can help you solve problems .Eg: A coordinator will take care the day event’s mishap . Just be sure you delegate tasks and prep them well prior your wedding to keep it running smoothly.
7. Turn the Wedding Switch Off
It is so important to set a time limit on your wedding agenda where you take a step back and focus on other aspects of your life. Your busy wedding schedule can afford a night off where you keep in touch with those you love. Letting your life be overshadowed by wedding planning is a disastrous aisle to walk down (no pun intended).
8. Your Health and Wedding Plans should go Hand-in-Hand Just because you’re too busy with cake flavors and table décor, doesn't mean you can neglect your gym schedule. Make sure you schedule in your work outs just like you do your wedding appointments. This is important for your overall health. Do try the 6 month fitness makeover by The Knot.
9. Remember yourself Outside of your Wedding Planning For every time you stay insanely organized throughout your wedding planning, give yourself a Pat on the back. Do sign up for a welldeserved pampering. Spa with the gfs or “me” time to squeeze into that busy schedule of yours. Note that, a relax session will leave you feeling great and looking radiant on your big day. If you are finding it difficult to save room for other activities besides wedding planning it may be necessary to re-evaluate your schedule.
So brides, organizing your Big day is a key to a beautiful, well thought out day but it is also the most important way to be a glowing stress-free bride from beginning to end.
Little Birdie Page 49 | Songket Affairs | Oct 2012
A new emerging trend came into town, Vera Wang never cease to amaze us with her ethereal elegance. This time, Vera's newest collection boasting bridal's original color palette and yet still pushing the boundaries of tradition featuring modern corset bodices, waterfalls of ruffles, and statement-making tulle adornments. Bringing you the latest & newest collection from Oct 2012 runway from #Bridal Fashion Week Oct 2012 in NYC.
2013
Trend 2. Gatsby Inspired Veils Reem Arca Fall 2013 show was a flurry of Old World elegance, glamorous beadwork, and rich, heavyweight lace, which features the look inspiration from the Great Gatsby 40s era...
Highlights of this season , metallic & gold succeed in bringing on the demure glamour look on the runway. Alfred Angelo collection delivered the princess glamour, with plenty of beading, lace, and organza.
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4. GRECIAN INSPIRED A true inspiration from the heavens for their Fall 2013 bridal collection, Badgley Mischka named their16-piece ensemble gowns after zodiac symbols, planets and the Greek alphabet. Amongst the talk of the night would be "Mercury.”, crystal beading on a silk chiffon mermaid gown.
Floral embellishments and appliqués has always been designers favourites. Many designers inclduidng JLM Couture, Badgley Mischka this season eponymous bridal collection are more inspired by a mixture of 1940s and '50s couture, antique gowns, and nature. Floral details—like oversize satin petals and beadwork—pepper many of the looks, including a glossy, full-skirted trumpet d delicate gown ideal for ballroom weddings
6. Old Hollywood Glam Another top highlights of the runways were Jenny Packham and her modern-vintage aesthetic collection, inspired by the leading ladies of Old Hollywood Glamour during 1930s such as of Vivienne Leigh & Bette Davis. The shoulder details, which featured sleeves embellished with lace, rhinestones, or both brilliantly made by ethereal chiffon, French lace, and antique metallic crystals. Page 51 | Songket Affairs | Oct 2012