The List #251, May 15, 2016

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ISSUE 251 15 MAY 2016

EVERY M O N T H

T H E M A G A Z I N E T H AT K N O W S

Make your dream wedding work for you 01 Cover May 15.indd 1

Make your dream wedding work for you

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CONTENTS

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06

09

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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HOT TICKETS Ode to Joyce French singer-songwriter Joyce Jonathan hits town

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GIVEAWAY

18

Get pampered at Korean spa Oracle Skinland

DATE NIGHT

FEATURE Wedding Bills

New eco-workout tops made of coffee grounds from Rumi X

Where to save dollars on your dream wedding

Lookbook Handbag designer Queenie Fan on her fashion classics

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Craft coffee shop paradise

We try the Eminence facial at The Face Spa

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WOMEN IN FOCUS Jessica Choi

What’s In

The founder of online party hire platform Hirely talks about women in tech

Be the best dressed at a wedding

Hot Dates Get cozy over lobster dinner and a movie at Lily & Bloom

HAPPENING ’HOODS Tai Kok Tsui

Beauty and Wellness

K-Spa Time

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WISHLIST Trending

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MRS. KNOW-IT-ALL Out of the Box Alternative wedding venues in Hong Kong

KNOW & TEL

Gowns p.26

Wedding Checklist p.30

Destination Weddings p.34

Hair and Makeup Artists p.38

Photographers p.42

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TH E M AGA Z I N E THAT K N OW S

South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd Morning Post Centre, 22 Dai Fat Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, New Territories, Hong Kong Tel: 852-2680-8888 Fax: 852-2660-5378 Email: thelist@hkmagmedia.com

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief | Luisa Tam Senior Editor | Adam White Editor | Evelyn Lok Staff Writers | Leslie Yeh, Jessica Wei, Sophia Lam Contributors | Charmaine Ng, Danielle Harris, Kate Lok, Jack McCormack, Jasmine Ng

PRODUCTION Senior Art Director | Pierre Pang Designers | Elaine Tang, Joyce Kwok Production Supervisor | Kelly Cheung

ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION Sales Director | Gary Wong Senior Sales Manager | Joyce Wu Assistant Sales Manager | Kent Ma Senior Account Manager | Karen Chow Sales Coordinator| Ling Tse Advertising Executives | Celia Wong Head of Marketing | Karrie Lam Senior Marketing Manager | Pauline Wan Marketing Manager | Janice Fung Marketing Executive | Ricardo Ng

Editorial enquiry

Sales enquiry

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2565-2222 or advertising@hkmagmedia.com

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Copyright 2016 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. The contents of The List are the property of South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. The List may not be distributed without the express written consent of South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. Contact the Advertising Director for ad rates and specifications. All advertising in The List must comply with the Publisher's terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, N.T. Before you decide to purchase or use the products and/or services that our magazine introduces, you should gather further information about the same in addition to the representations or advertising contents in our magazine. The contents in articles by guest authors are the author’s personal views only and do not represent the position of our magazine or our company. Please gather further information about the products and/or services before you decide to purchase or use the same.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

IT’S WEDDING SEASON! For those like me who’s always been on the receiving end of wedding invites, weddings can seem a drag: endless preparations, trials and fittings and stress for the couple and their immediate family.

But working through this issue of The List and putting together everything you’ll need to organize your nuptials for you, I’ve been reminded that when it all comes down to it, a wedding is all about tying the knot with your favorite person, not all the flashy excess.

In fact, breaking it down to the necessities can be fun! In our feature (p.18), we put together some

alternative tips and tricks for putting together your wedding without breaking the bank. We’ve also got gowns for different budgets (p.26), a handy wedding checklist (p.30), plus ideas for destination weddings (p.34), as well as the all-important hair and makeup artists (p.38) and photographers (p.42).

For those of you getting hitched soon, congratulations! We hope this will be indispensable information, and we wish you the very best on your big day!

I’d love to hear from you! Email me with ideas, concerns or chit-chat at evelyn.lok@hkmagmedia.com.

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HOT OPENING

HOT TICKETS

MAKE A DATE Our picks for the month

Jun 7

COMIN G UP

Ode to Joyce French singer-songwriter Joyce Jonathan may have started tinkering around with a piano and guitar at home, but aged just 16 her MySpace account caught the attention of the world. Since then, her heart-rending folk and upbeat pop tunes have won her a platinum-certified album and a whole bagful of music awards.

Following the release of her third album, “Une Place Pour Moi,” she’ll be playing at the Vine Center in June.

8pm. Vine Center 2, 29 Burrows St., Wan Chai. $380-580 from ticketflap.com

Throughout May

Drinks On Us! It’s our sister publication HK Magazine’s 25th anniversary,, and they’re showing appreciation to readers by making happy hour a little happier and offering $25 drinks in Hong Kong’s rowdiest area code, at 19 of Lan Kwai Fong’s best bars. Head to the website, register for the promotion, and present the SMS confirmation to get in on the deal. Now go make us proud.

Through May 31. Sign up at promotions. hk-magazine.com/25years/LKFHH

Throughout May

Rhapsody in Blue See how French photographer Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze captures Hong Kong in blue in his latest exhibition, “The Blue Moment,” at Blue Lotus Gallery. Capturing the fleeting moment when the city is lit by street lights beneath a daytime sky, his monochromatic images are mesmerizing, melancholy and beautiful all at once.

Through Jun 25. Blue Lotus Gallery, Unit 1606, Chai Wan Industrial City, Phase I, 60 Wing Tai St., Chai Wan, bluelotus-gallery.com

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HOT TICKETS

May 22

Liminal Spaces Indie singer-songwriter and multiinstrumentalist Charlie Lim has been building up a name for himself ever since last year’s double EP release, “Time/Space.” Don’t miss his eclectic blend of indie pop, folk, R’n’B, electronic and acoustic tunes when he plays with his seven piece band The Mothership in May. It’ll be a double bill too, featuring jazz trio The Beat Brothers who are releasing their latest CD.

Through May 26

Street Smart For their new “Streetease” exhibition, the walls of Opera Gallery, which have previously held works by Chagall and Picasso, will be graced by the canvases of two of the best known street artists around: the controversial Mr. Brainwash from LA and long-time New York veteran, SEEN.

7pm. Hang Out, 1/F, Youth Outreach Jockey Club, 2 Holy Cross Path, Sai Wan Ho, $280 from charlielim. pelago.events; $300 at the door

Opera Gallery Hong Kong, G/F-3/F, W Place, 52 Wyndham St., Central

Through May 29

Killer Kicks Amber Ambrose Aurèle doesn’t

just make shoes: She constructs personalities and creates statements.

From 3D printed metal heels to stilettos delicately collaged with flower petals, her shoes have caught the attention of Lady Gaga and other avant-garde celebs. She’ll be exhibiting her work as part of the Dutch Days festival. Who knows: maybe Gaga will drop by?

Mon-Sat noon-7pm or by appointment.

Gee Chang Hong Centre, 8/F, Factory D, 5 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Wong Chuk Hang, amberambroseaurele.com

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THE LIST

GOODIES AND GIVEAWAYS Check here every month for beauty, travel and dining treats

PR U IZE P S TO V $4 AL ,6 UE 40 D !

Get Pampered, Korean Style Looking to primp and prime your skin for that dewy and youthful look all those K-pop stars seem to be sporting? Specializing in treatments combating pigmentation and acne, as well as offering body sculpting and laser hair removal services, Korean medical beauty clinic Oracle Skinland— the largest beauty franchise brand in Korea— is offering two lucky The List readers each a $2,000 treatment voucher plus a cosmetic gift of an EPL Sunblock *1 (worth $320)— a sunblock designed for use after laser treatment.

About Oracle Skinland: A Korean aesthetics and laser center based in Tsim Sha Tsui, Oracle Skinland aims to spread Korean-style beauty services across Hong Kong. Their services are done by a staff of Korean medical experts and skincare therapists, with treatments based on Korean know-how and the brand’s own cosmetic products.

13/F, Taurus Building, 21A and 21B Granville Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3956-5216, hk.oracleclinic.com

Tell us about your dream wedding, in 50 words or less. Email your answer to thelist@hkmagmedia.com with the subject line, “The List Giveaway.”

WRITE IN TO W IN !

Deadline: May 31, 2016

Psst… Congrats to our lucky winner Tina L., who won $1,000 to use on the beauty booking app BloomMe. We’ve been in touch, so don’t forget to check your email!

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DATE NIGHT

HOT DATES Couples’ night out

May You Love Art For all you Francophile couples out there Le French May’s Art Festival may be just the thing for you to nurture your artloving side too. With countless exhibitions, events and workshops across the city throughout the months of May and June, you’ll have endless choices to admire France’s specific blend of art de vivre— like this photo exhibit, “Paris Extended,” by Jean-Philippe Lebée (through May 28, City Hall).

Le French May runs through Jun 30. Various events and locations, frenchmay.com.

Don’t Miss: “Paris Extended,” Jean-Philippe Lebée

Lobster Low-Down

The Way You Move

Grapes of Germany

Chowing down on lobster while enjoying classic cinematic feats?

Sounds like the perfect date night to us. Pop over to Lily & Bloom for their Lobster Sunday dinners, where you can take down plates of fresh, premium lobster while making googly eyes at each other in the dark, with popular films playing in the background.

A highlight of course is the popular Lobster Mac and Cheese ($275), which is tossed in a wheel of parmigiana and torched with a little cognac tableside before serving. Or for some surf and turf action, dig into the rib-eye steak frites and grilled lobster combo ($345). Stop by this month and catch film classics like The Godfather 1 & 2, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Wizard of Oz, and the Indiana Jones series and more.

There’s no better way to ignite the passion than through sexy, sultry salsa dancing. Several of Hong Kong’s salsa venues offer free salsa nights throughout the week—the perfect opportunity to throw caution to the wind and get moving instead of a quiet night in. One of the most popular weekly events takes place at Rula Bula, an “After Work Salsa Party” starting from 8pm that welcomes everyone from beginners to advanced dancers to show off their moves on the floor.

There’s a mini class at 8:30pm to teach everyone the basic steps, and then it’s time to let loose!

Do you and your partner share a love of discovering new wines? Here’s the perfect opportunity for you to expand your wine knowledge, and have a little fun while you’re at it: The annual Wines of Germany festival is back, with a month-long campaign of “Riesling Weeks” to discover the best of German wine. Check out their wine tasting event on May 30, where you can sample a wide range of bottles to find the one that best suits your palate. Following the event, a number of participating restaurants and retailers will be offering special German Riesling promotions throughout the month, including Aberdeen Street Social, FINDS, Alibi and Darcy & Liz.

5-6/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham St., Central, 2810-6166

Mondays, 8pm. 58-62 D’Aguilar St., Central, 6081-5092, free entry

May 30, 6-10pm. Hotel ICON, 17 Science Museum Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui. $240 for wine pass, $380 for wine and food pass, all from ticketflap.com/rieslingweeks.

Includes a Lucaris wine glass, discount for wine purchase and $200 Hotel ICON dining voucher

Lobster Sundays at Lily & Bloom

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WISHLIST

TRENDING

The coolest happenings around Hong Kong

Achilles’ Heel Well-heeled Hong Kong ladies will want to look out for the launch of London shoe brand Aruna Seth, which will begin to stock in June.

If you’re in the midst of planning your wedding, you might also want to check out the latest bridal shoe which was designed in honor of their new Beijing store—the Beijing Blue Fleur—a periwinkle lace pump with the iconic Aruna Seth butterfly front. arunaseth.com

Pretty in Pink Previously known as The Kinnet Cafe, the recently revamped The Restaurant by The Kinnet offered a special pink menu in honor of Mother’s Day, which also doubly helped to support the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. The pink menu—lasting throughout the month of May—will also donate $5 for every pink dish you order. With beautifully presented items like the Pretty in Pink Greek yoghurt and fruit bowl ($80) to the Pink Panther Benedict ($118), it’s a range of eight light and healthy items perfect for a girly brunch. Don’t forget to wash it down with plenty of rosé sangria ($90)!

3/F, 33 Hillier St., Sheung Wan, 3968-7623, facebook.com/RestaurantbyTheKinnet

Once You Go Black Just last month, we sipped on espresso martinis at the launch of Aussie coffee liqueur Mr Black in Hong Kong. The award-winning tipple is not your average Kahlua—a cold-extracted coffee liqueur made from the best seasonal blends of specialty Arabica beans from all over the world, delivering a consistent flavor profile that isn't too acidic nor bitter. The result is like an intense cup of cold brew, with alcohol added (of course)—but it may be on the slightly sweeter side for some. Mr Black is now available for retail at $480 for a bottle at Lane Crawford stores, and comes in a badass tattooinspired bottle. $480 from Lane Crawford, 3/F, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central, 2118-3388, lanecrawford.com

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WISHLIST

Good Enough to Eat Swimwear Steals Beloved Hong Kong swimwear brand Sabina Swims is sadly closing its doors after 13 years of business, and it’s holding a farewell sale through June 15 with discounts starting from 40 percent off. Never tried Sabina Swims? The brand is the brainchild of Sabina Wong Sutch, whose fine art background led her to create the swimwear in assorted bold colors and prints.

After July 1, the remaining collection will only be available online.

If espadrilles themselves don’t already scream summer, Soludos’ newest collection will add some cool into your sunny weather wardrobe. Collaborating with The New Yorker and New York Times illustrator Jason Polan, the new collection pays homage to Soludos’ “Smoking Slipper” food collection and plays with designs using donuts, pizza, hamburgers and more.

In a city full of food geeks, these kicks are probably selling like hotcakes. We’re eyeing the pizza one in particular for ourselves... $699 for men’s and women’s. Kapok, 3 Sun St., Wan Chai, 2520-0114, ka-pok.com

Closing sale May 3-Jun 15. 7/F, Union Commercial Building, 12 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2115-9975, sabinaswims.com

Rumi Says Hong Kong-based yoga performance brand Rumi’s just rebranded as Rumi X, and has just added a series of tops and sports bras to its repertoire of leggings, shorts and headbands which are made from recycled plastic bottles.

They aren’t just any tops: To go with the brand’s eco-conscious theme, the new items are all made with coffee grounds, which are embedded into the fibers and adds a touch of tech for odor control, UV protection, quick drying and rapid cooling capabilities. rumixfeelgood.com

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Status Quo We’re always on the lookout for well-made accessories, and we’ve discovered Aussie leather goods brand Status Anxiety, which just recently started getting stocked at Log-On stores citywide.

Launched in 2004 in Sydney, Status Anxiety’s got two main lines at the moment: Distant Lover, a bucket bag made from soft Italian calfskin which comes in black and tan, and Alfred, a slim men’s wallet that holds at least six cards. The latter comes in four different colors—the bright blue is our top choice for summer.

Prices range from $520-2,180. Main stockist: 22 Degrees North, 88 Nam Cheong Street, Sham Shui Po, 2568-1148, 22-n.com

Tute Your Horn With the launch of online tutoring service Tute.hk, kids all over Hong Kong will be able to learn from anywhere, as long as they have access to the web. With a host of British tutors and qualified teachers in the UK, Tute.hk provides tutoring for UK school entrance exams, GCSE/iGCSE, A-Level and IB subjects, as well as university aptitude tests. Booking an individual or small group class is simple and intuitive on the web platform, and as a plus, parents get the chance to watch and review courses taken by their children and they can message tutors to keep track of progress.

Group classes are $400, individual classes $600. tute.hk

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WISHLIST

LOOKBOOK After working in the US as a handbag designer for brands like Rag & Bone, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Coach in New York, Queenie Fan came back to Hong Kong last year and started her own label Cafuné with close friend Day Lau. Her affair with Cafuné is gentle and intimate, which is also reflected in her everyday style. The List’s Jasmine Ng checks it out. ca-fune.com

Cafuné Edge crossbody bag

Céline sunglasses

I like this one the best out of the three styles in our collection because it easily fits everything I need: wallet, phone, lipstick, cardholder. It looks dressy enough for a night out but also fit for a more laid back look. I prefer black because it’s edgier.

I am very particular about sunglasses.

To me, the shape of the frame is more important than the stylish elements. This pair’s got a timeless design, and the frame is thick enough to cover my round face while not being too huge. I like the honey-colored tortoiseshell too.

YSL lipstick

Nike Cortez Classic sneakers

I really like lipstick as an accessory; it really livens up the whole outfit and look of the day. This color is not too bright but a bit darker, so it’s wearable for night or day. This lipstick is also durable and has a finish between matte and shiny.

I am so happy that the sneakers is still all the rage. People are crazy about the Adidas Stan Smiths, but for me, I needed something slimmer. The black-and-white Nike Cortez Classic may require a bit more effort to stay clean, but they look really nice. I think these might actually be the next Stan Smith

Camel coat I got this in New York - the Uniqlos in North America carries more fashion items than those in Asia. The camel color suits winter. It has an inner silk layer and creates a slimming effect at the waistline. Most of my clothes and items are kind of staple- I’m happy to wear them every day.

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WISHLIST

BEAUTY & WELLNESS Your guide to looking fit and fabulous TRIED & TESTED

Eminence Organic Facial at The Face Spa The Basics: Offering a range of cosmetic dermatology treatments from tailor made facials to laser treatments to cosmetic injections, The Face Spa has the latest beauty technology down pat in its cozy but convenient Wellington Road location. With a room for each type of treatment offered, there’s also the choice for two to have their treatments done at the same time in the same room.

The Experience: This was one of the most elaborate but wellexecuted facials I’ve ever tried. Using products from Hungarian spa brand Eminence Organics to create a tailor made spa treatment, my dry and oily combination skin felt nourished every step of the way, from the fruity aroma and mildness of the cleanser to the cool verdant toner and strawberry-scented mask at the end. Even with a high pain tolerance, extraction and the microdermabrasion ($680, free for first-time trials)

did cause a little discomfort, with the latter especially feeling like a cold metal point was sloughing away at my forehead.

However, our chatty therapist distracted us enough to make it almost painless and everything moved on quickly enough.

The head, neck and shoulder massage towards the end of the session was hands down the highlight, with firm movements that loosened up my hard shoulders, a common symptom of long hours sitting at a computer.

The Takeaway: I woke up from the facial feeling groggy but fully blissed out—and my skin feeling radiant and softer than a baby’s bottom, completely remedying my dry scaly cheeks for the next few days. A facial I’d definitely treat myself to another time. Evelyn Lok Eminence Organic Facial, $1,080/75 mins. The Face Spa, 14/F, The Loop, 33 Wellington St., Central, 2815-1580, facespahk.com

Good Hair Don’t Care GHD may be famous for their stylers, but all that curling and straightening can damage even the most well-coiffed person.

They’ve just launched the Advanced Split End Therapy hair treatment, made of conditioning oceanic plant proteins. It’s meant to be used on the hair while wet to achieve a smooth and healthy shine after blow-drying. Seal in all that goodness by straightening or curling your hair with a GHD styler afterwards. Until May 20, you can give the split end therapy a try for free when you book a blow dry at Airplay salons (Central and Tsim Sha Tsui branches only, airplay.com.hk) or at DAZ Salon (2/F, Tung Chai Building, 86-90 Wellington St., Central, 2956-3668). $240, available at Lane Crawford, 3 Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2118-2288, ghdhair.com/hk

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WISHLIST

GET THE LOOK:

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It’s a no-brainer to keep yourself protected against the sun’s harmful rays, but having a full face of makeup and sunscreen in the Hong Kong heat isn’t something we’d ever wish upon anyone. Tatcha’s Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen, with SPF 35, gives you nongreasy sun protection while also doubling up as a primer.

One less layer to melt, one more layer to keep your face looking flawless.

SUMMER SKIN

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Right Back Tatcha

Sunkissed Goddess

We’re drooling over Tom Ford’s summer Soleil collection, and if you have to get one thing (aside from the sexy shimmery highlighters and the beautiful cream cheek colors for that healthy flushed glow), it just might be the Shimmering Body Oil—just so that you can slather yourself in luxurious gold-flecked goodness and feel silky smooth even without stepping a foot into the sweltering heat outside.

$580 from Joyce Beauty, Shop G106, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, 3-37 Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2367-0860

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Vino Time

A more advanced sister of Caudalie’s cult product SOS Thirst Quenching Serum is the Moisturizing Sorbet, which not only sounds perfect as a summer quencher for thirsty skin, it’s a gel-cream that does so with delightful sounding ingredients such as mandarin blossom, lemon tree leaf, cucumber water and fresh mint. It’s part of the (very prettily packaged) Vinosource series of hydrating products, which all feature almighty organic grape water.

$830 from Lane Crawford, 3/F, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central, 3572-0184

$260 from Caudalie, 3 Gough St., Central, 2319-1006

Summer time at

Whale Spray Pool

Butterfly & Bug Chair

$299

$199

Mustela Sun Care

First Swing Ball

Wooden Lidded Sandpit

Snoozeshade Plus Deluxe

$999

$399

$150

$275

onanoff Headphones Travel Buddies

PrémiChèvre Organic Goat Milk

Raleigh Bikes 3yrs+

Lil Sea Turtle Ride On

birth-36 mths

$249

from $360

$1,399

$125

from

Horizon Plaza Store, Ap Lei Chau T 2552 5000 Pedder Building Store, Central T 2522 7112

Sai Kung Store, Sai Kung T 2976 0223

Stanley Plaza Store, Stanley T 2555 6318

D Park Store, Tsuen Wan T 2799 2923

www.bumpstobabes.com

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WHAT’S IN Best dressed guests

Marks & Spencer G/F-1/F Central Tower, 22-28 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2921-8323

Rebecca Minkoff Shop 149, 1/F, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2874-5033

NEW OPENING!

Canali Shop 302, 3/F, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2196-8793

Ted Baker Shop GW2216, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, 3-37 Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2377-9710, tedbaker.com

The Mae playsuit $599 from Archive by Alexa Chung for Marks & Spencer

Two Part Platform Sandals with Insolia $499 from Michael Van Der Ham for Marks & Spencer Mini Suki saddle bag $2,490 from Rebecca Minkoff

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WISHLIST

HIKICKJ Debonair checked wool jacket $5,095 from Ted Baker

Cahron monochrome waist belt jumpsuit $2,750 from Ted Baker

Red leather shoe $TBC from Canali

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COVER STORY

Alternative wedding idea: how about a small afternoon tea party?

g n i d Wed s l l i Thr

and

Make your dream wedding work for less. By Evelyn Lok

H

B ill

ong Kong weddings are notoriously expensive, with the average celebration amounting to about $313,933, according to the 2015 citywide survey of newlyweds by ESDLife, which publishes yearly reports across various lifestyle topics. There’s no sign of the costs going down anytime soon, but what are some ways newlyweds could whittle down the wedding bills? We spoke to Michele Li, founder and director at wedding planners The Wedding Company (theweddingco.hk), for tips and tricks to keep your wedding under budget.

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COVER STORY

The Venue

Say your vows against the Repulse Bay magic hour

➹ Choose a weekday or an off-season wedding date. Do your research, as some venues may offer more incentives or lower prices.

➹ Find out when hotel peak seasons are.

If you choose a five star hotel as your venue, you could end up paying a premium. For starters, travel peak seasons tend to be February, July to August and December.

➹ Check VenueHub. Providing a comprehensive directory of Hong Kong venues, this website allows you to whittle down venues suited for weddings and filter your search depending on your budget as well as the catering options offered, or if they allow outside catering. venuehub.hk ➹ You could always make it simple and do it at the marriage registries. During normal office hours it’s just $715, and outside normal office hours $1,935. immd.gov.hk

➹ Choose an alternative venue. It doesn’t always have to be a five star hotel. Consider a park, beach, or historical monument which you can book out for the day from the government.

For a place like Repulse Bay Beach, which includes a seaside pavilion with an adjacent small garden, costs start from $2,500 for the first four hours, and $170 per hour thereafter. lcsd.gov.hk

Photo via Wiki

B ill s

Photo via Wiki

➹ Find a venue that allows you to bring in your own wine and liquor with unlimited corkage. You won’t have to spend on costly house wine packages and you get to choose what you drink: Perfect if your guests are picky drinkers.

Photo: Mark Lehmkuhler/Flickr

The bulk of the money spent goes into venue rental, which according to ESDLife sets couples back on an average amount of $159,629 each.

What are ways to save on the biggest chunk of your wedding bill?

Snap your wedding pics at the sundappled corridors of Béthanie in Pokfulam

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COVER STORY

Find a venue that offers free corkage—your thirsty guests will thank you!

The Details Saving for everything else: ➹ Photography. Some wedding photography hires have a much greater markup, and can easily set you back about $20,000 for the day. If you have a talented general photographer you trust, consider hiring him or her instead for a much more reasonable price.

➹ Limit your guest list. Sometimes less is more, and it’s better to have just the most important friends and family with you on your big day.

➹ Make a playlist on Spotify instead of hiring a band. All your favorite tunes, at a fraction of the cost.

➹ Consider sending E-invitations.

With the right designers, it’s ecofriendly AND saves you the money on stationery and printing.

➹ Rent a wedding dress. For more ideas for gowns and gown rentals, check out our spread on p.26.

Check p.30 for our handy Wedding Checklist for everything you need to prepare before the big day, from vendors to makeup artists and more.

Photo: Sixsixty Studios

Pho to: C entr al W e

ddin

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➹ Try to cut down on costs where it wouldn’t be too big of a difference to your guests, while still keeping it stylish and classy.

Consider using more candles, which are relatively inexpensive, or potted plants which can double up as a wedding favor!

Would you splurge on this gown by Yolancris?

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COVER STORY

The Food

Photo: Glenn3095/Flickr

How to keep your guests impressed and satiated on a shoestring: ➹ A large bulk of the budget also goes towards food and beverage costs. Is there a way you can get your own menus catered, rather than sticking with a hotel venue’s set meal plans? Again, this provides a more flexible choice of dishes, as well as helps you be selective about what you want to spend on—and what your guests get to devour on the night.

The List Grooms We asked two upcoming grooms in The List office about their wedding planning insight:

➹ Think alternative reception ideas. How about an afternoon tea party?

Real Wives of Hong Kong We asked two Hong Kong ladies about where they splurged and saved at their weddings in Hong Kong:

Jessica Wong, 33, Stay-at-home mom and part-time English teacher Married in 2015 ♥ Got married at Lafayette, a wedding banquet and registry venue in Yau Ma Tei ♥ Ended up spending approximately $90,000 ♥ What you wish you spent more on: “Extra chairs and space along with more wine!” ♥ Where you got money back: “Yun tsing [gift money] only covered about a quarter of the costs. So it really wasn’t much coverage from that.”

Noel To, 34, Kindergarten teacher Married in 2011 ♥ Got marriage registered by a lawyer on the Aqualuna junk, accompanied by main family members. ♥ This was followed by a lunch banquet at a western restaurant, and then an evening banquet at a Chinese restaurant

—Pierre Pang, Senior Art Director

♥ Ended up spending approximately $150,000 ♥ What you wish you could have saved on: “The place. We ended up spending so much money on the Aqualuna, but it was memorable” ♥ Where you got money back: “We got a lot of meaningful gifts from our friends and we got yun tsing at the evening banquet, where we only had eight tables. It covered most of the expense for the banquet, but not other expenses”

Photo: Sixsixty Studios

“It took a long planning process. I applied for membership to the Helena May for my wedding venue way in advance, and their rooms actually come out to be quite inexpensive.

However, I ended up booking multiple rooms, even though I’m doing a relatively small reception”

“It’s one or the other: you either spend a lot of time and effort and save by doing it all yourself, or you spend more money to get help.”

—Adam White, Senior Editor

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HAPPENING ’HOODS

DAYS OUT WITH A DIFFERENCE es W tK

1

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Nam Cheong Park

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Unit 2A, Kin Luen Factory Building, 89-91 Larch St., xxxgallery.hk

3 Burgerman Craving western food in an area where you are surrounded by local greasy spoons? Burgerman is a tiny store on Ivy Street offering made-toorder burgers. Previously placed first on the Openrice.com charts, this little burger shack is a hidden gem indeed.

Take your pick between the Wagyu, foie gras, or soft shell crab varieties and more. If you’re still feeling hungry, they serve a variety of tasty pastas too.

n

St

2 re e

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2 Hung Shing Temple If you’re headed to this old neighborhood hoping to have a taste of traditional culture, make sure to stop at Hung Shing Temple. As per its namesake, the small temple is dedicated to Hung Shing, a government official in the Tang Dynasty. This particular Hung Shing Temple is the only one in urban Kowloon today.

5

4

Hoi King Street

Previously located in the Western district, underground music and arts hub XXX Gallery has moved its party room all the way to Tai Kok Tsui. Now housed inside a factory building, the gallery space continues to put on indie shows—think eclectic music, experimental film screenings and unconventional visual art.

su

Ivy Street

Kok Cheung Road

1 XXX Gallery

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kT

Tai Kok Tsui Road

Head west from Mong Kok and you’ll end up in Tai Kok Tsui, where you’ll get the best of industrial cool and homey and discreet residential vibes. Once where the Cosmopolitan Dock was located, it may be a historical neighborhood known to house an aging population, but you’ll see your fill of hipster youngin’s these days: here are our picks for what’s new in town.

58 Fuk Tsun St. Olympic

4 Craft Coffee Roaster

5 The Brew Job Coffee

If you’re in need of an afternoon pick-me-up, take a coffee break at cozy Craft Coffee Roaster. This neighborhood café focuses on both traditional and cold brew coffees, offers whole leaf teas and serves a small range of sandwiches, salads and homemade desserts. If you’re around the area in the morning, they also serve up a mean full breakfast, perfect to fuel up for the day.

Another one for the coffee fans to tick off the list in the area is The Brew Job Coffee, a tiny café with a decidedly industrial-style vibe. Be sure to order their freshly roasted artisanal coffee, and don’t forget to get a bagel to go with it. A great place to get your work done as there are plenty of power sockets for laptops. An afternoon well spent that’s delicious and productive!

G/F, 46 Hoi King St., 6097-9030

G/F, 29 Tai Kok Tsui Rd., 2395-1888

Shop C, G/F, 95-97 Ivy St., 2331-3973

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New Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter

10/5/2016 4:11 PM

WOMEN IN FOCUS

THE LIST’S LEADING LADIES

JESSICA CHOI “It’s very encouraging to see women in the tech sector, but where it lacks diversity is in the mentors.”

Goldman Sachs banker turned tech business founder, Jessica Choi moved to Hong Kong with her partner Thomas Merritt last year, and together came up with the idea for Hirely, an online platform for brides and event planners to find Hong Kong’s top vendors. Choi tells Evelyn Lok about being part of the #womenintech movement.

I was raised in Canada. I went to

university there, I worked there for a bit and I moved to Asia about six years ago.

I thought I would stay in banking but I decided to leave and move to Hong Kong to be with my fiancé.

When I first moved here I realized how offline the market is in Hong Kong.

People love to party here: But if you

want to look for a food caterer? How do you do it? You don’t know.

We came up with Hirely to bring

years, covering hedge fund clients, specializing in Asian tech companies.

freelancers and small businesses online.

You can search for what you need, and receive five quotes back within 24 hours.

I kind of fell into the tech sector:

In North America, 50 percent of startups

I was the youngest person on the floor, so everyone said “you’re young, so you should go take care of tech, we don’t understand this stuff.”

are co-founded by women, but on the flip side, less than 7 percent of venture capitalists are women.

I worked at Goldman Sachs for five

But I loved it. The more you study

a company the more you understand how things are run.

My parents always told us entrepreneurs are born, not made, it’s not in our DNA. Both my sister and I ended up getting accounting degrees because they told us we needed to be professionals at something.

If you’re trying to fundraise for VC

money, you’re trying to sell your vision, but if 93 percent of VCs are white, middle-aged men, they just don’t understand what you’re trying to do.

It’s very encouraging to see women in the tech sector, but where it lacks diversity is in the mentors. There aren’t that many who have been in the startup world for a long time.

It’s great working with Thomas.

We don’t even have to talk to understand what we’re doing.

We’re very productive.

The downside is there’s no

boundaries, and it’s hard to switch off even on the weekends.

The best thing I learned along the way

was to start small. When you have this idea and you’re so ready to start a business, it’s very easy to throw all the money into it. Talk to as many people as possible. Don’t assume anything.

We’re also organizing our own wedding next summer through Hirely. In Hong Kong, many weddings are done by planners that do everything for them, which we are trying to disrupt—you can actually do it yourself.

It is very overwhelming, but we encourage Hong Kong brides to at least do half DIY. Find your own food caterers, go for tastings, it’s very fun!

Plan your next party with the help of Hirely at hirely.asia

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May & Jun

A Taste of

Modern Living ∙∙∙ DEMONSTRATION COURSES ∙∙∙ Chinese Homemade Cooking – Two-Hour Course Students will learn Chinese home-style cooking. Those who have completed six lessons will be issued a certificate. Three recipes will be taught at each two-hour course.

By Mrs Anita Lam • Date: May 18, 25, June 8, 15, 22, 29 • Wednesdays, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm • Fee: Full Course of every 6 consecutive lessons and above $90 per lesson or individual lesson $95

European Home Entertaining Menu A 5-week course demonstrating 5 sets of party dishes which include: Lesson 1: • Chicken Green Salad • Rib-eye Steak in Green Pepper Sauce • Chocolate Almond Cookies Lesson 2: • Chestnut Pumpkin Soup • Deep-fried fillet of Sole • Cauliflower au Gratin Lesson 3: • Ham and Asparagus Omelet • Prawn Provençale • Coconut Bread Pudding Lesson 4: • Garden Fresh Tomato Soup • Savory Oven-fried Chicken • Crepes Suzette Lesson 5: • Curried Vegetables in Puff • Pesto Fusilli with Smoked Salmon • Créme Brûlèe

By Mrs Clara Tse • Date: May 20, 27, June 3, 10 • 5 sessions once weekly • Fridays, 10:30 am - 12:00 noon • Fee: Individual lesson $110

Homestyle Pakistani / Indian Cooking II A 3-week course introducing Pakistani / Indian homemade dishes Lesson 1: • Hara Masala Machi • Chick Peas Pulao • Vegetable Samosas with a Mint Chutney Lesson 2: • Aloo Paratha • Bhindi Masala • Salad Raita Lesson 3: • Rogan Gosht • Urud Ki Dal Baghar • Sesame Naans

By Mrs Rehana Sheikh • Date: June 16, 23, 30 • 3 sessions once weekly • Thursdays, 10:30 am - 12:00 noon • Fee: Full Course $270 or individual lesson $95 Photos are for reference only

Home Management Centre 10/F, Electric Centre, 28 City Garden Road, North Point, Hong Kong

☎ 2510 2828  www.hkelectric.com/hmc

To view our course information, please scan here or download [Low Carbon App] in mobile.

hmcfansclub

Ad May 15.indd 24

6/5/2016 10:25 AM

KNOW & TEL 26-28

Gowns 30-32

Wedding Checklist 34-37

Destination Weddings 38-40

Hair and Makeup Artists 42-45

Contact us: On the following pages you’ll find a huge array of practical information. We cover 120 topics a year. Tell us what you need to know!

Email: thelist@hkmagmedia.com

Photo provided by mrs-vintage.com

Photographers

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KNOW & TEL

GOWNS

Say yes to the dress‌ under a budget

3.

UNDER $5,000 1. 1970s high collar sleeveless gown, $3,980 from Mrs Vintage 2. White by Vera Wang gown, $4,600 rental from Yeechoo

1.

2.

UNDER $10,000 3. Paris top and Firenze lace skirt

by Bride And You, $9,800 from Miss Bride Wedding

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Mrs Vintage (open by appointment) 1/F, 229 Queen's Rd. West, Sai Ying Pun, 9784-8124, mrs-vintage.com

Yeechoo yeechoo.com

Hitched!

Room 1501-2, Hing Lung Commercial Building, 68-74 Bonham Strand East, Sheung Wan, 2815-8330, hitchedbridal.com

O’Bridal Unit 1401, 135 Bonham Strand Trade Centre, 135 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, 2581-2068, obridal.com.hk

Miss Bride Wedding Shop 15/F, Winning Center, 46-48 Wyndham St., Central, 2840-0108, missbrideweddingshop.com

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SPLURGE 6. Rosalind dress by Temperley London, price upon consultation; dresses start $25,000-$68,000 from Hitched!

7. Eliza dress by Vera Wang, $25,000 rental from O’Bridal

6.

4.

0

ace skirt 00 from

7.

5.

UNDER $20,000 4. Escape draped tulle gown by Monique Lhuillier, $19,000 from Yeechoo 5. Tonya bridal gown by Nicole Miller, $10,500 from Miss Bride Wedding

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KNOW & TEL

Tips for Tailormade Gowns

TIP #3 Source your fabrics well

Planning to make your own wedding gown but not sure where to start? We spoke to wedding dress expert Annkie Chan—who has 18 years of experience in the textile and design industry—for her tips and tricks to make it work in Hong Kong.

Some man-made fabrics incorporate nano-technology that makes them breathable, water resistant and antidirt, which some may say is crucial for a white wedding dress! Sourcing good fabrics in Hong Kong is getting very limited. Try to ask a wedding dressmaker or even a suit tailor for their contacts, as they may have more international fabric and lace suppliers.

Contact Annkie at: Studio Bonmot, Unit A1, 10/F, Cheung Fat Building, 7-9 Hill Rd., Shek Tong Tsui, 2524-2669

TIP #1 Choose breathable,

natural fabrics Mass-produced wedding dresses normally use materials like organza and a more shimmery polyester. Yes, it is less expensive—just a couple thousand dollars for rental—but it’s not as delicate, and very stuffy to wear in the Hong Kong heat, especially for girls who are wearing control underwear underneath the whole day! The best fabric to look for is raw silk, or good silk satin—they’re the most suited for that luxurious look and feel of wedding gowns, plus they’re very breathable.

TIP #2 Features before fabric You need to look at the features and cuts you want before you choose the right fabric for it, not the other way round. For example, silk taffeta will puff up more easily than others, and it weighs differently depending on how it’s weaved—which work for different effects. Your tailor should know what works and what doesn’t. If you don’t listen to them, the dress may turn out looking floppy, and you’ll end up having a lot of arguments. Ask more questions and voice all your concerns.

TIP #4 Nail a flattering fit Even if you’ve got a curvier body, a well-fitting, body hugging cut can still be very flattering. If you’ve got wider hips, make the skirt slightly looser, for a more wavy effect when you walk.

If you have chubby arms, you don’t necessarily have to cover yourself with sleeves. Choose details in the neck, with an interesting collar or a V-neck to draw the eye up.

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KNOW & TEL

WEDDING CHECKLIST We’ve got your back with our prenuptial planner

NINE TO 12 MONTHS BEFORE

SIX TO NINE MONTHS BEFORE

Your partner finally popped the question and now you’re engaged! Congrats!

But now what?

It’s time to book your vendors and choose the friends who are going to stand next to you on your big day.

Choose your…

oo Select wedding date oo Decide on the type of wedding you want. Formal or relaxed?

Traditional or contemporary? oo Lay out your budget and decide who’s paying for what oo Create a rough guest list: What’s your ideal wedding size? Are you inviting children? oo Hire a wedding planner, if needed

Hirely

Just launched this year, Hirely THE LIST LOVES is a one-stop shop for you to find all your vendors for all your event-planning needs, from musicians to entertainment to caterers. Check out our interview with founder Jessica Choi on p.23.

Best of all, it’s all free!

Hirely.asia

oo Pick your wedding gown (see p.26 for our picks for different budgets) oo Paperwork: Find out what you need to apply for a marriage license

oo Photographer and videographer (see p.42 for more) oo Caterers oo Musicians oo Florists oo Organize your wedding party oo Select the best man and ushers oo Select the maid of honor, bridesmaids and flower girls and organize their outfits oo Assign the wedding party their responsibilities oo Set up a gift registry

FOUR TO SIX MONTHS BEFORE Time’s ticking, so finalize your guest list and start planning the honeymoon. oo Book a venue decorator oo Have fittings for bridesmaids’ dresses oo Buy bridesmaids accessories and shoes oo Finalize your guest list oo Pick invitations and wedding stationery oo Book wedding day hotel room oo If people are coming from overseas, arrange accommodation for them oo Buy lingerie oo Choose wedding bands oo Start planning honeymoon

CATERERS

MUSICIANS

Club Chow

Johnson Ho Music Production

While their whole-floor private dining room could be an ideal engagement party venue, Club Chow’s much-praised Western menus are especially tailored to your needs.

From humble beginnings as a solo performer at a restaurant, founder Johnson Ho has been playing weddings since 2009. The team has their unique interpretation of classic songs and wedding songs with an array of instruments.

9/F, The Pemberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand East, Sheung Wan, 2907-1968, clubchow.com

Relish Kitchen Known for their attention to detail and presentation, Relish Kitchen offers tailormade menus that are sure to impress with personal and stylish touches. The food is downright delicious too!

Shop F, G/F, Hoi Sing Building, Block 2, 128 Second St., Sai Ying Pun, 3481-1924, relish-kitchen.com

Starts from $8,000 for two hours.

9555-0032, johnson-ho.com

Ladybird & the Diamonds Jazz Band Offering a jazzy, fun and sensual personality with kickin’ rhythms, professional wedding band Ladybird and the Diamonds has enchanted more than 2,000 shows since forming in 2015.

Room 302, Tower A, Hung Hom Commercial Centre, 37-30 Ma Tau Wai Rd., Hung Hom, 9018-0167, ladybird.com.hk

Club Chow

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KNOW & TEL

TWO TO FOUR MONTHS BEFORE

TWO TO SIX WEEKS BEFORE

THE DAY BEFORE

Now’s when you need to sort out the fiddly bits that can’t be done any sooner.

Get your vendors to confirm. Detect any problems? There’s still time for a Plan B.

oo Order your wedding cake oo Book a car for on-the-day transportation oo Order party favors oo Address and send out invitations oo Start doing makeup and hair trials oo Pick your ushers and MC and give them a rundown of what they need to do

oo Make final call on F&B oo Final confirmation of rundown with officiant oo Finalize all details with vendors oo Give your photographer a list of any particular shots you want oo Final fitting for wedding gown and bridesmaids’ dresses oo Make an on-the-day itinerary and give a copy to vendors and the wedding party oo Get a floor plan for the reception venue and create a tentative seating plan oo Follow up with guests who haven’t sent their RSVP yet oo Pick up wedding rings oo Pick up tickets and travel itinerary for the honeymoon

The calm before the storm. Get a good night’s sleep and try not to fret about minor details.

SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE People will be starting to RSVP, so make a note of who’s coming, and stay calm! oo As RSVPs start coming back, keep a record of who’s coming and who’s not oo If not provided by the venue, buy accessories for the ceremony and reception, including guest book, ring pillow and signing pen oo Make sure the groom, best men, and fathers of the bride and the groom all have their suits sorted out

Ms B’s Weddings

by Bonnae Gokson Due to popular demand for her cakes, bridesto-be can also indulge on the delicate, feminine creations by food icon Bonnae Gokson at her own dedicated brand, Ms B’s Weddings, featuring her iconic butterflies. msbscakery.hk

THE LIST LOVES

THE WEEK BEFORE Everything should be sorted now, but chances are there’s tons left to do. Delegate!

oo Drop all accessories, decorations and signage at the venue oo If you need to bring anything else to the venue on the day, make sure it’s packed oo Pack vendor fees into envelopes, so they’re ready to give out at the end of the night oo Make sure men all have black socks oo Get a manicure

THE DAY ITSELF DAH DA-DA DAAAHN...

DAH DA-DA DAAAHN... oo Be sure to eat a big breakfast oo Move your engagement ring to your right hand oo Hand a wedding day itinerary to someone responsible oo And above all, remember to relax and enjoy yourself!

oo Give the caterer/venue a final headcount oo Pack for the honeymoon oo Collect and wrap party favors oo Get all your waxing and tweezing sorted oo Finalize seating plan for reception

FLORISTS

Boris & Matthew

Solomon Blomen

Established in 2005, the duo’s knack for creatively selecting the right blooms and eye for colors have made them floral consultant of the Venetian Macao Resort and the Four Seasons Hotel.

Owned by award-winning floral designer Dr. Solomon Leong, this design studio shows off his extensive knowledge of history and culture in his arrangements. His list of clientele ranges from celebrities to socialites.

G/F, 25 Jervois St., Sheung Wan, 2854-2834, bnm.hk/index.html

6D & 6H Winner Building, 27-39 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2521-1798, solomonbloemen.com

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KNOW & TEL

Take Five: Cultural Wedding Traditions Five ways people get hitched around the globe Chinese Wedding

Indian Wedding

If you’re a guest at a Chinese wedding, there are plenty of little details and traditions to observe. Red and gold are auspicious colors, found on anything from invitation cards to decorations to the gown; while white is avoided for its associations with funerals. There is no gift list from Chinese couples, and you’re expected to give a lai see red packet of money instead to the bride and groom, predominantly meant to cancel out the costs of the wedding: call up the chosen venue to enquire for the average cost per head. Be sure to not put anything in multiples of four, as it is deemed unlucky.

If you’ve been invited to an Indian wedding, bring along your prettiest envelope with the gift money amount ending in the auspicious number “one.”

There are plenty of small rituals at an Indian wedding—usually days long— one such popular one including the “Joota Chupai,” the mischievous shoe-stealing game where the groom is required to take off his shoes before approaching the wedding altar, and the bride’s family subsequently try to steal his shoes.

For the groom to get his shoes back, he will have to negotiate a price.

Tayyaba Yousaf via Flickr

Korean wedding

Japanese Wedding

Korean Wedding

It’s all about details for a Japanese wedding. Don’t get too confused with all the fancy gift cards, go only for the particular type of wedding card called “shugi-bukuro” specially designed to include “Goshugi,” or gift money. As for wedding-appropriate attire in Japan, women should dress up discreetly, without revealing the shoulders, knees, toes, and of course the number one rule is: nothing in white.

Having hundreds of people at a Korean wedding is not unusual, all invited by both sets of parents (and sometimes even hired to fill the venue), so make sure to greet the couples’ families for their hosting the party.

Above all, Korean weddings are never a long drawn out affair—the ceremony takes no more than half an hour while the meal is served right after: you are ready to go within two hours after arrival.

Shugi-bukuro

Tying the knot

Kayla Comtols via Flickr

Irish Wedding While an Irish Celtic wedding is all about the color green, it’s actually blue that’s said to bring good luck to the bride, and Irish gowns were traditionally blue, not white. The couple usually carries a horseshoe upright to bring good luck to the day, but nowadays the tradition is seen through dainty accents made of porcelain or silver. The Celts were also the ones to bring the phrase “tying the knot” into common use, using it on a literal level where the couples are tied together symbolizing the joining of husband and wife.

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KNOW & TEL

DESTINATION WEDDING VENUES Get away and get hitched

Alila Villas Uluwatu Couples looking for thrills can head to Alila Villas Uluwatu on the vast plateau of Bali, where the limestone cliff towers over a sapphire sea. You’ll get a kick out of the Cliff Edge Cabana Wedding package which includes airport transfers, breakfast and a morning yoga session.

The start of the package is of course the Sunset Cabana, perched on the ledge of a cliff surmounting the raging waves of the Indian Ocean. Walk down a petalcarpeted aisle, through sweet-scented floral columns, to meet your handsomely slicked up groom. Leave it to the crew to prepare the welcome drinks and wedding programs for your guests.

And to rewind after the craziness of the big day, the resort’s wedding gift—two 90-minute spa treatments—would be the perfect remedy for the newlyweds.

Cliff Edge Cabana package from $45,000.

JaIan Belimbing Sari, Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu, Bali, Indonesia, (+62) 361-848-2166, alilahotels.com/uluwatu

Dive in the Master Pool Suite at Ani Villas

Ani Villas Sri Lanka For those longing for a fuller house at your wedding, Ani Villas Sri Lanka caters for up to 120 guests with their exhaustive reception and dining services. The ocean-view event pavilion will provide a stunning backdrop for your nuptial day. You won’t even break a sweat as the efficient management team will make your day perfect in every way. Choose from the fifteen

thoughtfully designed two-story beachfront suites, all of which overlook the open sea and are equipped with high-tech media amenities. You’ll be primed and pampered as a full team of butlers, chefs, security and housekeepers are kept at your disposal during your stay.

Kalukatiya Watta, Maliyadda, Dickwella, Sri Lanka, MH 81200, (+1) 718-577-1188 / (+66) 96-97-37-621, anivillas.com

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KNOW & TEL

Celebrate at the Banyan Tree Macau

Say “I do” in the secluded Residence Maldives

Banyan Tree Macau For those who don’t want to travel too far, Banyan Tree Macau provides an attractive option for a wedding venue close to home. Their gorgeous seafood and grill room, Belon, offers Weddings in the Sky up on its 31st floor, which can accommodate as many as 120 guests. You and your guests can feast on an extensive menu of succulent oysters, braised lamb neck and pan seared Hokkaido scallop, while drinking in the panoramic views of Cotai from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Last but not least, toast to the newly weds with wine handpicked from France, Portugal and other prestigious brands.

Galaxy Macau, Avenida Marginal Flor de Lotus, Cotai, Macau, (+853) 8883-6888,banyantree.com

Belmond Napasai Soft sand under your feet and the sound of lapping waves sound like an ideal backdrop for your intimate wedding? The Belmond Napasai might

be just the ticket. Take your pick from Buddhist, Catholic or non-religious ceremonies in front of an audience up to 20 at Koh Samui’s north shore. After exchanging your vows, take a stroll in the serene resort sandwiched between botanical gardens and the shimmering waters. Enjoy the ultimate luxury in the Oceanfront Pool Residence which features a lavish king-sized bed and a private pool. Add to your matrimonial bliss with a Thai medicine spa duo at the Napasai Spa and simmer down after all the excitement on your special day.

65/10 Baan Tai, Maenam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84330, Thailand, (+66) 77-42-92-00, belmond.com/napasai

Kata Rocks

Mövenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket Say your vows by the sparkling ocean at the Mövenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket. Spare yourself the trouble and let their experienced staff decorate the wedding space. The resort also prepares a professional master of ceremonies and a secret wedding gift for every couple. Opt for a video shooting service with supplement cost to freeze the magic moment in your memories.

Make the most out of the seaview pool suite on your wedding night, and wake up to a hearty breakfast in bed the next morning. $13,826 per package for ten people.

35 Moo 4, Cherngtalay, Phuket, Thailand, (+66) 76-310-400, movenpick.com

Conveniently located within a half-hour drive from Phuket Town, Kata Rocks presents itself as a fantastic location for a memorable destination wedding. Get a taste of an exotic tropical wedding with the Traditional Thai Wedding Package: You’ll kick off the ceremony with a prayer, followed by a sacred blessing by Buddhist monks and a Barring Groom Ceremony, where the groom must pass through a number of obstacles before uniting with his bride. Declare yourselves husband and wife with the blessing ceremony at the water blessing table. Rely on the Kata Rock team to line up transportation and post-wedding group activities, like zip wire adventures and helicopter rides.

Thai Wedding Ceremony package starts from $16,500. Kok Tanode Road, Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand, (+66) 76-370-777, katarocks.com

Surround yourself with tropical palms at the Belmond Napasai

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KNOW & TEL The Datai Langkawi

Relax after your traditional wedding at Song Saa Private Island

Song Saa Private Island Eager for a special day all to yourselves? Cambodia’s secluded islands provide the perfect sanctuary for you and your loved one. A mere 40-minute boat ride from the port of Sihanoukville will take you to Song Saa Private Island, an untouched oasis of plush rainforest, tropical reefs and pristine beaches. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, you can arrange a combination of traditional wedding and Buddhist blessing ceremony under shades of orchids and

jasmine blossoms. After the ceremony, head on a romantic sunset picnic, just the two of you on the white sands, or dine in the Vista Bar and Restaurant hovering over the sea—both of which are catered by the executive chef and his team. Whether it’s an explosion of fireworks or the accompaniment of a live band, the resort’s professional inhouse team can definitely promise the most spectacular night of your life.

Wedding packages start from $34,914.

Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia, (+855) 23-886-750, songsaa.com

Enveloped in a 10-million-year-old rainforest, the Datai Langkawi is an altar in paradise for nature-loving couples.

Tie the knot in the traditional Malay way, in the Gulai House, a kampong village house beneath thick tree canopies. Celebrate according to the local customs—think a dais decorated with flowers and a lively percussion performance. Feast on a Halal banquet exquisitely served in hand-crafted ceramic bowls to draw the curtain on the sacred rite. Contact their on-site wedding specialist in advance to custom-make the wedding getaway of your dreams, which can easily segue into the most stunning honeymoon in their resort, as you take guided walks in the rainforest and come face to face with incredible wildlife such as monkeys and lemurs. For the most intimate nature experience, check in their romantic rainforest villa.

Jalan Teluk Datai, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia, (+60) 4-9500-500, thedatai.com

The Residence Maldives Exchange your vows as deep as the ocean at the Residence Maldives…with its Underwater Matrimony Package.

Take the plunge literally in the crystalclear ocean and get married amidst kaleidoscopic reefs and tropical fish.

Back on land, you will be presented with a wedding certificate and an extravagant wedding cake. After that, you’ll be able to ride off into the sunset with a glass of wine in hand. Feast upon a private barbeque dinner on the golden beach and wrap up the night with a couple spa treatment at The Spa

by Clarins to rejuvenate your minds.

Falhumaafushi, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Republic of Maldives, (+960) 682-0088, cenizaro.com/theresidence/maldives-fm

Say your vows by the Andaman Sea at Kata Rocks

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KNOW & TEL The Ritz-Carlton, Bali Think weddings at chapels are too ordinary? Think again. The RitzCarlton, Bali boasts a glass chapel by the Sawangan Beach, where you can exchange rings right by the clear turquoise waters. The Ritz-Carlton Cliff Villa is also ideal for a glamorous after-party. The spacious villa, complemented by the unimpeded view of the Indian Ocean, tops off your big day with a charming good night. Treat your guests with the comprehensive island excursions which explore bird sanctuaries and game reserves, or sign them up for water sports like kayaking and scuba diving.

Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selaton Lot III, Sawangan, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, (+62) 361-849-8988, ritzcarlton.com

Tie the knot like a Malaysian at the Datai Lankawi

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KNOW & TEL

HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTISTS

Shine like a diamond

Annie G. Chan Makeup Centre

AS Makeup

Makeup artist Annie G and her team provide makeup services for local and overseas stars, celebrities and models—as well as your wedding of course! They were the hairstylist sponsors for our 2015 Wedding Guide photoshoot, so we can attest to their beautiful work.

Ah Shek used to specialize in makeup for models and artists before switching over to the wedding industry, so you know her final product is always topnotch. Shek and her team also organize makeup courses for brides-to-be.

Aimee Bridal Agency “Perfection” is the key word at Aimee’s.

The team of stylists is experienced in working with celebrities and prominent figures in television and film. They have no problem creating the latest hair and makeup trends from the world of fashion, music and advertising, but still aim to reflect your unique style.

Dora Chan After much experience overseas as a popular hair and makeup artist in the UK, Dora Chan is now offering bookings in Hong Kong. She has worked closely with photographers Edward Liu and award-winning Kodak UK Wedding Photographer Ken Lam, so feel free to knock out three of your major wedding tasks at once.

Flat F, 2/F, Po Ming Building, 2-6 Foo Ming St., Causeway Bay, 9221-1565, dorachan.com.hk

Joey Tang Makeup

Flat A, 2/F, Wing Lee Mansion, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3176-7223, facebook.com/ AnnieGChanMakeup

3590-5253, facebook.com/asmakeup

9503-6208, aimeebridalagency.com

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Joey Tang Makeup

Spa Beaute Par Zai

Founder of Joman Makeup and Joman Wedding, award-winning makeup artist Joey Tang is extremely passionate about working with brides. Joman Wedding is the bridal makeup division of her business that focuses on the big day and everything that goes with it.

Based in Hong Kong since 1975, this longstanding beauty parlor and spa headed by Nigar Qureshi offers makeup classes on top of bespoke makeup styling services, and even creates tailor-made foundation to suit your complexion. Its Bridal package includes everything from body sculpting treatments to its signature Oxy Essential oxygen and aromatherapy treatment—starting up to six months before your big day.

6B, 8 Wing Lok St., Sheung Wan, 9222-7992, joman.co

Hollywood Hair

Kala Makeup

Known for their warm, friendly service and flawless styling, the beloved hair salon has vacated their Duddell Street space but you can still find them at the Sai Kung branch (which is particularly kid- and pet-friendly), or book the stylists to pamper you wherever you are on your special day. Don’t forget to book the bridesmaids and mother-in-law, too!

Ka Lam has been responsible for over 500 brides looking like flawless, natural beauties on their wedding day throughout her past 10 years of hair and makeup styling in Hong Kong. She specializes in creating the most stunning image of the bride’s genuine self, so she feels 100 percent comfortable on her big day.

210-211 G/F Wong Chuk Wan Village, Tai Mong Tsai Rd., Sai Kung, 6903-7710, hollywoodhair.com.hk

Room 101, Ivy House, 18-20 Wyndham St., Central, 9757-4220, kalamakeup.com

Jacky Ip Makeup

Kiko believes in enhancing a woman’s unique and natural beauty on her wedding day, and has the skills and professional attitude to do so. She promises to accomplish this for you through her combination of passion and outstanding cosmetics knowhow.

Makeup artist Jacky Ip knows how to make sure you’re the center of attention on your special day. Wedding Magazine named her one of the up-and-coming bridal makeup artists in 2014, as well as a top ten professional bridal makeup artist in 2015. She offers her services for hair styling too.

Room 204, Wing Fu Building, 18-24 Wing Kut St., Central, 5616-1523, jackyipmakeup.com

12/F Sea Bird House, 22-28 Wyndham St., Central, 2524-1272 / 2522-5945 / 93645271, spabpz.com

Kiko Makeup

Office B, 14/F, Waterloo Plaza, 53 -55 Waterloo Rd., Yau Ma Tei, 8100-9484, kikomakeup.com

Joey Tang Makeup

Joey Tang Makeup

Joey Tang Makeup

Kala Makeup

KNOW & TEL

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KNOW & TEL

Take Five: Wedding Essentials

Pearl beaded garter set, $199 from The Ragged Diamond, TheRaggedDiamond.etsy.com

Gretta vintage bridal hair comb, $1,063 (US$137) from Down the Aisle Atelier,

Luna bracelet,

downtheaisleatelier.com

$1,319 (US$170) from BHLDN.com

Silver embossed crocodile clutch, $4,268 (US$550) from Kotur @ Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 3968-2668, koturltd.com

Asia cap veil, $4,800 from Untamed Petals @ Miss Bride Wedding Shop, 15/F, Winning Center, 46-48 Wyndham St., Central, 2840-0108

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Sponsored Feature

A series of stories, recommendations and tips on Hong Kong from people in the know. Explore our city based on the travel experiences that interest you and get itineraries for off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods.

Spotlight on: Sha Tin In the easterly New Territories, Sha Tin has grown from a huge area of farm land popular with migrating groups from mainland China into a new town that boasts one of the city’s largest populations. If you visit the district today you’ll be able to spot a real cultural mix: from 19th century walled villages and Chinese traditional temples to modern, spacious parks.

Old House, Wong Uk Village

Enduring Culture Wherever you look in Hong Kong you will see how immigrants from around the world have impacted on the city’s culture; from its culinary tastes to its artistic forms and traditional festivals. There are thousands of experiences that will take you back centuries: whether it’s in the traditional Chinese festivals, cultural arts, or family-run restaurants.

A night at the Opera Hong Kong is underpinned by the Cantonese culture evident in the city’s food, music and festivals. For an artistic expression of this you only need to watch Cantonese opera: an elaborate art form combining singing, acting, martial arts, acrobatics and incredible costumes. Ko Shan Theatre is one of the last remaining venues to showcase this art. Operas are held here on an almost daily basis, some of which are free.

Taste the Culture Another notable cultural influence on Hong Kong comes from the city’s Chiu Chow and Hakka descendants.

The Chiu Chow people’s movement south from the Chaozhou region in eastern Guangdong can be traced back thousands of years, and you can also experience the culinary side of their culture at Chan Kan Kee Chiu Chow restaurant. For a taste of the Hakka population’s offerings, head to one of the branches of the popular Chuen Cheung Kui chain.

Fire dragon dance

Built on History Some of the earliest immigrants to Sha Tin from the mainland were the Hakka people, who built walled villages upon their arrival to protect them from rival clans. You can still see some of these villages remaining: Tsang Tai Uk was built in the 19th century by the Hakka Tsang clan, while the “Old House” is a remnant of the historical Wong Uk Villages.

Culinary Heritage Sha Tin is renowned for its roast pigeon, in part thanks to the area’s iconic restaurant, the Lung Wah Hotel. Built in the 1930s, it was transformed into a hotel in 1951 and has attracted celebrities such as Bruce Lee over the years. For more

of a taste of old Hong Kong dishes, seek out Chan Kun Kee: this dai pai dong on a public housing estate in Sha Tin is a hub for the community’s residents.

Natural Resources Besides the traditional Chinese cultural elements on offer, Sha Tin has lots of beautiful natural resources for recreation. Add the Shing Mun River to your itinerary along with next door Sha Tin Park, a garden with traditionally styled Chinese archways and ponds.

Head online to www.DiscoverHongKong.com/ InsidersGuide to create your personalized itinerary for Sha Tin.

Get insights and tips on your tablet from Hong Kong Insider’s Guide

For more insider info on Hong Kong, head to www.DiscoverHongKong.com/InsidersGuide

Ad May 15.indd 41

9/5/2016 5:44 PM

KNOW & TEL

PHOTOGRAPHERS Capture your big day

Ann Choi Ann Choi honed her craft in Germany and the US, and produces truly original wedding portraits. She lets the moment speak for itself, producing natural, candid shots rather than stuffy, posed photographs.

2866-8674, annchoi.com

Bozz Production Bosco Shum, the artist behind Bozz Productions, creates memorable wedding videos that are sure to impress. The expert coupling of sentimental romance and lightheartedness allows for his videos to feel like real life.

Room E, 3/F, Mai Luen Industrial Building, 31 Kung Yip St., Kwai Chung, 6770-2030, bozz-production.com

Chris But Photo + Film With experience in the movie industry, Chris But is sensitive to sharp contrasts and rich colors. His services range from pre-wedding/wedding day shooting to

KC Chan Photography

production of behind-the-scenes videos.

emotions in a natural way.

Room 9, 11/F, Thriving Industrial Centre, 26-38 Sha Tsui Rd., Tsuen Wan, 6464-9496, chrisbutphoto.com

9727-2800, fufuleung.com

Fu Fu Leung Photography Unlike some of his counterparts, Jeff Leung doesn’t go after the glamor and glitz of the grand banquet. He is more interested in creating a friendly, laid-back environment for couples, and documenting their moments and

Gallery C Award-winning photographer Billy Kwok uses simplicity to bring out the beauty during your special day. His use of natural light and simple posing ensure fantastic quality pictures with a touch of elegance.

2/F, 14 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 6114-2482, galleryc.com.hk

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hotography

KNOW & TEL

Ann Choi Photography

Luxe Pictures

Nicola Lemmon Photography

Coordinate with photographer Tom Liu to create a unique and undeniably sentimental theme for your wedding photographs. With a personal touch that caters to your own wedding story, Luxe Pictures provides impeccable service and photographs.

Based in between Hong Kong and Brisbane, Aussie photographer Nicola Lemmon makes magic look easy in her wedding snaps, effortlessly capturing a carefree and romantic touch. Lemmon is available for bookings worldwide.

Unit 16C, 11/F, International Plaza, 20 Sheung Yuet Rd., Kowloon Bay, 6985-6935, luxepictures.com

Martin Aesthetics Martin Aesthetics

Joseph Photo Capturing the precious moments in your life, Joseph Photo provides a wide range of photography and videography services from portraits to capturing your big day. Seasoned in overseas photographing, the team has travelled with couples to Taiwan, Thailand, Japan and lately photographed for celebrity couples at Bali. Also offers planned routes for overseas pre-wedding photography.

2/F, May Lun Apartments, 23 Shu Kuk St., North Point, 2566-4020, josephphoto.com.hk

KC Chan KC Chan specializes in creating a relaxed atmosphere to capture wedding pictures in the most natural environment possible. The beauty of his work lies in the emotion of his subjects.

Shop 101, 1/F, 168 Queen’s Rd. Central, 9264-2380, chankichun.com

Photographer Martin Lui specializes in using soft light in his wedding photos.

Lui thinks it is important to understand the couple’s story and experiences before taking on any project.

9266-3071, martin-aesthetics.com

Me Photography Majored in graphic design, Rance Ho is an expert at using lighting effects to create dramatic moods. With nine years’ experience in shooting loved-up couples, Rance’s work is elegant, classy and unique.

Room 5A, 5/F, Wing Hong Centre, 18 Wing Hong St., Cheung Sha Wan, 3568-3977, mephotohk.com

More Productions

nicolalemmon.com

Sixsixty Studios This hip studio created by Tobias Chu has a quirky, contemporary touch in their work, both energetic and artistic.

The studio has a whole pile of prewedding and wedding photographs taken both nationally and internationally. sixsixtystudios.com

Terry Focus Production Terry Heung’s background in documentary and television work is clear when watching his wedding videos. The high level of production and the ability to flawlessly tell a story ensure that your day will be memorialized in the best way possible.

B1, 5F, Chung Hing Commercial Building, 62-63 Connaught Rd. Central, 3568-7599, terryfocushk.com

Woody Woo

A small but professional video team is what you get if you hire More Productions, founded by Freddy Ma. An attention to detail and a desire to capture the little moments that usually go unnoticed elevate Freddy’s videography to a thing of beauty.

Woody Woo won the bronze medal for Best Wedding Documentary at 2015’s Hong Kong Wedding Videography Awards, and a quick peek at his work should reveal why. If you want your wedding video to cause even the most grizzled man to get emotional, Woody Woo is your guy.

Flat B, 2/F, 162-164 Wan Chai Rd., Wan Chai, 2815-1782, freddyspov.com

Flat G, 25/F, Hanford Garden Block 6, Hoi Wing Rd., 5365-5837, woodywoo.com

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KNOW & TEL

Take Four: Alternative Wedding Photoshoot Locations Cape D’Aguilar Lighthouse Difficult to get to and a little off the beaten path, this destination is only for the most adventurous couples. Perched atop its peninsula, the lighthouse and the surrounding scenery will prove a gorgeous background for your pictures and serve as a reminder of your exciting relationship.

Southern most tip of Shek-O. Get there: From the Shau Kei Wan station, take bus 9 until the Cape D’Aguilar stop, then cab it to the lighthouse

Red-sailed Junk Want to make a Hong Kong icon the backdrop of your Hong Kong romance? Hop onto the famous red-sailed Aqua Luna—one of the last remaining Chinese red-sailed junks in the city—and become the captain of your pre-wedding photos. Available for day or night charter, the city’s beautiful sunset skyline against the fiery red sails will produce top-notch photos that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Cape D’Aguilar Lighthouse

Aqua Luna bookings through 2116-8821, aqualuna.com.hk

We’ve Changed.

We’ve got an all-new website, just for you.

More amazing stories!

More stuff that matters!

More silly jokes!

Much bigger pictures!

Go check it out! On web and mobile (and totally sexy).

hk-magazine.com

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KNOW & TEL

Nan Lian Garden A green oasis in the middle of Diamond Hill, Nan Lian Garden’s unique botanical styles will make your pre-wedding photos stand out from the rest. Gorgeous ponds, architecture and nature paths make this classic Chinese garden a picture-perfect spot.

60 Fung Tak Rd., Diamond Hill, 3658-9366, nanliangarden.org. Get there: A quick walk east from the C1 exit of the Diamond Hill station

Hong Kong Wetland Park

Nan Lian Garden

Position yourself against the greenery for the appearance of a photo in the middle of the wilderness. Then, turn around to expose the high rises in the background and the photos will exude confidence as you both stand firmly together in the midst of nature and city.

Wetland Park Road, Tin Shui Wai, 3152 2666, wetlandpark.gov.hk. Get there: From the Tin Shui Wai station, take the E34A bus to the entrance

Hong Kong Wetland Park

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MRS. KNOW-IT-ALL The List’s very own mom-in-theknow shares her Hong Kong tips and tricks with readers.

Dear Mrs. KIA, We’re looking to get married next year but we don’t want to have the same old hotel reception in Hong Kong. What are some alternatives?— Nuptial Nonconformist

Like HK Magazine on Facebook www.facebook.com/HKMagazine Like us on Facebook to stay up to date with the best of everything in Hong Kong, in easily digestible and extremely likeable, shareable bites. We’ve got exclusive giveaways and more, plus you can argue with idiots in the comments.

What’s not to love?

NN, our city may be packed and can only accommodate small spaces, but there are plenty of unique venues in Hong Kong that are often overlooked.

If romance is what you’re looking for, an intimate venue we like is Le Marron (12/F, Ying Kong Mansion, 2–6 Yee Wo St., Causeway Bay, 95885942, marron.com.hk), a small venue serving French fare, complete with all the warm details of a provincial French home. It has a capacity of about 100, and on top of provided catering and wine lists you can also BYOB, which ensures you’ll have a good time. Plus, they offer help with wedding photography and planning if you need it.

Another tried and tested romantic setting is The Peak Lookout (121 Peak Rd., The Peak, peaklookout.com.hk). Serving generations of Hongkongers, the grade II historic building fits about 400 people, plus it’s got one of the prettiest alfresco terraces in town.

If you want a wedding that screams “we got hitched in Hong Kong!” the breathtaking views from this vantage point will do it. Plus, they’ve got food and live music sorted so you won’t have to stress.

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eres Kong icks ers.

One of the newer venues around town in the form of an alfresco garden setting is the roof garden at the Greater China Club in Lai Chi Kok (10/F, D2 Place, 9 Cheung Yee St., 2743-8055, greaterchinaclub. com), which opened late 2015. While not a total member’s club per se (although if you join, you can get better dining rates there), it offers the seclusion and top-notch service of one, and you can also opt for outside catering if you so wish.

And finally, if you’re looking for something to wow your guests and make them reminisce about it for years to come, why not host your nuptials on the roof of the Central Pier? Available for booking through venuehub.hk, it’s a complete blank slate for sure, which will require effort on the decorating and catering front, but it’s arguably the best outdoor venue in the city. If you’re celebrating the joining of two Hongkongers, do so against the best skyline in the world as your backdrop—there’s no better place to say “I do” than that.

Need help?

Send your questions and conundrums to thelist@hkmagmedia.com

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HIDDEN GEMS

GARDEN STATE Sham Shui Po may be infamous for its cheap wares and noisy markets, but a respite from all that is hidden in plain sight. Just above the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Nam Mo Shan—fondly named Garden Hill due to its proximity to the Garden bakery factory nearby—is a short escape where you can get a peaceful glimpse of the city twinkling away below you.

Prepare yourself for a long staircase trek to the top of the hill for a (literally) breathtaking view.

Get there: Walk 15-20 minutes towards SCAD (292 Tai Po Rd., Sham Shui Po) from Sham Shui Po MTR Station (Exit D2)

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