My Singapore Summer Garden Wedding - Page 5
I usually hate that someone else does my makeup. Yes, I’ll feel pampered and all, having someone tends to me and my needs. I do want to feel pampered after all these backbreaking wedding planning on my own. Yes, my husband disappeared again on one of his business trip and has his head deep into his work. I do talked to him at night after his work over FaceTime and we are getting excited as the day drew nearer and nearer. One good thing about long distance relationship is that you will never want to argue with your loved one over little stuff because time is too precious over FaceTime to fight over. There is no way to make up in FaceTime and feel good about it so we usually tries to accommodate each other and avoid any fighting if we can.
Back to why my husband and I hate getting my make up done by someone else because usually I won’t look like myself and the makeup artist will make me look like an overdo monkey going to a party. So this time round, I know whom I will get. Someone who had made me up before during one of my ex-company’s event and I love her! She is none other than Zann’s Creations (Link: http://zanncreations.com/). I contacted her via Whatsapp and she agrees to block her time and advice me to do some homework on the makeup style I want. So below are my homework that I handed over to her in time. Tough teacher! Haha!
 "Bridal hair and make-up")
I love this make up and this is the hottest trend in Korea right now. But it will look pale on me because I am very tanned due to all the swimming I do to lose weight.
 "Bridal hair and make-up")
This one is romantic! I just love the make up on her eyes but my friends says it will look too pale on my lips.
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So I tried this look but it looks very gothic on me because I have such a small face. Do you know my face can fit into my palms? But with this picture I am fixed on having a red lipstick look.
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This is a very classic look and I think this look will last for many years to come!
 "Bridal hair and make-up")
Finally, this is my first look. Red lips to match my blood red roses.
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This will be my second look to keep it cleaner and simple. Not so washout that I will look pale by adding colours on my lips to make it rosy. Keeping my eyes simple will make me look dewy and fresher.
After my make up, I want to research on my hair. I used to have long hair until my waist but due to a lot of traveling, it’s a hassle to have long hair when you are on the move most of the time. I cut it pretty short, chin short. But for my wedding, I tried to let my hair grow to a certain length so I can bun it up or have some kind of style to it. My hair then was shoulder length and despite the heat in Singapore, I endured it until the end of my wedding, I immediately snip it super short like Scarlett Johannesburg short! Because it will be Zann who will be doing my hair at the same time as she does my make up, she requested that I do some research on my own and send it to her so she will know what kind of style I like. She specifically specialized in having fresh flowers in my hair. I told her I am having blood red roses but her suggestion is to get white roses to match my wedding gown. I had to pay extra for the white roses but the effect was worth it!
 "Bridal hair and make-up")
As much as I love this look, very fairy like and matching with my green surroundings, it is a no no for a hot humid country like ours. I probably will melt in the heat.
 "Bridal hair and make-up")
This is very pretty and classic looking but my photographer suggested to get a bigger flower for a much obvious look.
 "Bridal hair and make-up")
I found this and I like it but my hair is not long enough to do this style.
 "Bridal hair and make-up")
So I continue to research on the same direction, hopefully to find something suitable for my hair.
 "Bridal hair and make-up")
I love this look but my wedding planner reported back that the florist does not have a bloom that big and it is probably fake flower. So to take in the same idea, I replace it with two white roses like the one below. Voila! My hair is done. Simple, classy yet elegance. I did not feel that my head is heavily burdened with adornments and I do not have to hold my head at a certain angle so that something will not drop.
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When I was researching for the decorations to display at the reception table, I couldn’t help but oohs and ahhs at some of the overall decorations. I knew it then I want to get some to decorate the restaurant otherwise, I think it will look too bare. I know I can get my wedding planner to assist in getting those items but I am a hands on bride and this way I can control my budget as well as I get to choose the kind of effect I want.
My husband says he doesn’t know how am I going to lug everything on a plane. I’m going to try, I am determine to try. So fingers crossed that I don’t exceed the luggage weight limits! I have already pre-empted that I might be overweight hence I chose the cheapest flight home and purchase additional baggage in advance.
Moreover, my husband is going to fly over to help me to move out of Shanghai. Speaking of which, I am excited at the new chapter that I am embarking however, I am also sadden by the fact, I am leaving a lot of good memories behind. Two years in a foreign place can create a lot of memories and good friends. I would like to say I am going home but I am only going back for a short while before moving to Malaysia to be with my husband.
Before I get out of point, these are the decorations we bought! Yes, we managed to lug all home but no, we didn't use them all because it would have been overwhelming.
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Link:https://detail.tmall.com/item...
Love these specially air flown balloons from Korea.
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Link:https://item.taobao.com/item...
Something for the aisle. We did not use this in the end because my husband is afraid I would slip and fall like I always do.
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Link:https://item.taobao.com/item...
Too bad our wedding is in the afternoon... But we did use it for something else at home so its not a complete waste.
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Link:https://item.taobao.com/item...
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Now to my knowledge, I read somewhere in one of those bridal magazine that I should have an emergency bag of some sorts. Things to carry around with me in case of any accidents especially my wedding are outdoors. According to the chart below (I found it on Pinterest), I will need the following items and more:
- Band-Aid – For the new bridal shoes. I am not going to break them in, I am going to wear the new shoes on the day itself. You may think I am silly for doing that but the Chinese believe in good luck in wearing new shoes for the first time. So Band-Aid, I definitely need.
- Hair pins – I know I can get it from Zann however, she is only going to be around for the morning and my wedding lasts until 3pm, so between then and now, hair pin is for precautionary sake.
- Safety pins – enough said especially for someone as accident-prone as I am
- Baby Powder – This is a secret weapon for brides. Scatter this before you wear your gown to prevent chaffing on the inner thighs. This is especially so since Singapore is a hot and humid country.
- Sanitary pads – Take the long night heavy duty ones and you will never have to go toilet. You think I am extreme? Try going to toilet with your poufy gown, chances are you will need at least two of your bridesmaids in the toilet with you otherwise you might get pee all over your white gown. I am so glad I wore that on my wedding day!
- Deodorant – Singapore. Hot. Humid. Sweat. Outdoor.
- Chalk – It is for covering any stains, chalk will be your best friend if you happen to pour coffee all over yourself like what happened to my friend.
- Nail Polish – For quick cover-up any chip on your nicely done nails. The photographer is going to take a close shot of those hands especially when you exchange your rings!
- External battery – For my iPhone since I probably will get a lot of congratulation messages across the globe and for selfie purposes!
- Oil blotter – Singapore. Hot. Humid. Sweat. Outdoor. Make up artist has left.
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With so many things to carry around, I need a bridal bag!! Where better to find a good bridal bag that doesn’t break the bank other than my trusty online websites. I want it to be small but not too small that it can’t carry the stuff I want it to hold yet not to big for it to steal the show. Especially since my hands are full, one hand lifting my gown and the other holding my bouquet of roses. Below are some that I have found that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
 "White wedding headpieces, veils, cover-ups & brooches")
Link:https://detail.tmall.com/item...
I love this simply yet classy design and I can see myself reusing this again and again for other events. However, I am a clumsy girl and I can see this bag being full of scratches at the end of our wedding day.
 "White wedding headpieces, veils, cover-ups & brooches")
Link:https://item.taobao.com/item...
Ooohh, which girl doesn't love her bling blings? This will be perfect for an evening night out paired with a gorgeous black evening dress but my wedding is in the afternoon. :(
 "White wedding headpieces, veils, cover-ups & brooches")
Link:https://item.taobao.com/item...
Isn't this adorable? I love how dainty it looks! Very girlish and brings out the feminine side of me too!
 "White wedding headpieces, veils, cover-ups & brooches")
Link:https://item.taobao.com/item...
Oh holy mother of pearls! This is so antique, if not for the price, I would have thought I need to sell my house to get one of these.
 "Grey wedding headpieces, veils, cover-ups & brooches")
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Link:https://item.taobao.com/item...
I got this finally after searching for like a few hundreds bag to compare with. I am crazy about bags, I know. In my wardrobe, I have just about twenty different bags for different mood and occasion. I just love how this can be carried via the handle or if not, via the bottom of the bag like a clutch (the handle can be kept).
Now I just need to remember to buy all my emergency items in miniature sizes so they can all fit in.
When I received a huge parcel on my doorstep, I relished as I tore the box open slowly. My napkins have arrived! Yippee! Now I can do more work with them. Sighing heavily on one of the key items have arrived, I quickly searched on YouTube on how to fold a napkin in a professional way.
I found some videos:
First I was ambitious and I thought this look so cute as a dinner jacket. But two hours later, I was tearing my hair off my head.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch...
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Then I still can’t believe I am so bad at handicrafts, I went for another DIY video on how to fold your napkin into a rose.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch...
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That took me another 2 hours. Frustrated, I turned to something a little easier, figure that I probably will master it soon. So I found this adorable bunny napkin tutorial on YouTube.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch...
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Close to tears, I admitted defeat and chose to do a fan shaped napkin, the ones I have seen the Chinese restaurants do it. Bound to be easy right?
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch...
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Wrong! I admitted defeat and decided to go straight into simple and easy. Roll it! Even that, I need tutorials to guide me how to do it. I’m hopeless at origami!
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch...
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You probably can see the below steps on how I did it.
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Ta-dah! It took me two sleepless nights to complete 100 napkins! I'm so proud of it!
Nowadays, having entertainment in weddings are getting popular and since we wanted our wedding a successful mingle session among our loved ones, we decided to have something to break the nice. We decided to have a 3 piece band. Both my husband and I took time to go through websites and YouTube channels to look for some of the best wedding singers in Singapore.
Let’s share some of our finds:
https://www.youtube.com/watch...
Ms Regina Han have a fantastic voice plus we love the unique beat-boxing part.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch...
I always love Maroon 5’s She will be loved. Good vocals, www.redkite.com.sg.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch...
Lovely duo by MerryBeesMusic
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Now for our choice, you can see who we have chosen. The below footage is shot live during our wedding by The Wedding Serenata!
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Our favourite song: Its De-lovely
https://www.youtube.com/watch...
More of them in our wedding here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch...
In the end, it was a great choice to have a band because our guests enjoyed themselves tremendously so much as we even had a guest (my overseas china friend) sang with the band.
Searching for the right gown have not been easy. First of all, I have been changing my mind about what kind of gown I want to wear according to the years of changing trend. This has been my dream to wear a gown, not only a wedding gown but also any other gown. You see, unlike the West, Asians doesn’t have much opportunity to wear any kind of long dresses that touches the ankle especially in this hot humid weather. Even at other parties or wedding events, the guests do not wear any long dresses or gowns, risking the impression that she wants to steal the limelight from the bride.
This is the princess gown I always dreamt of when I was a child. Fluffy, full, dreamlike.
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But I am a daredevil, hence this is something I would love to wear too!
 "Closed wedding dresses")
I love lace and I think dresses with lace are so hard to wear! I wanted this so much but when I tried it on, its a little disappointed how it actually turned out.
 "Mermaid wedding dresses")
Looks nice in photographs doesn't guaranteed look nice in person!
On the advice of the bridal gown consultant, I tried the mermaid gown... And I don't like, the way my legs are restricted from movement.. I need to climb up and down the stairs, this will just increase my accidental rate. Call my insurance agent!! Haha!
 "Long wedding dresses")
I also have to choose a second gown for my second march in as the married couple. First march in as a virginal bride and second march in as the Mrs.
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I would love to have something like this but after asking three different bridal studios, they didn't have anything even close to similar, I gave up!
So my final choice are:
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My first gown for the first march in..
 "Long wedding dresses")
My second gown for the 2nd march in..
Searching for my honey’s tux is a breeze after the mental turmoil I have been through. He is a simple guy with a simple taste, who wants everything fuss free. Basically, it only boils down to 3 different type of suits for him. As he already have a tailored business suit for work, so we will be avoiding getting that. There was a bit of struggle there when I expressed my wishes to have my gown made-to-measure instead of renting it however; the biggest problem is where to store it. I know people kept their gown for memories sake so I asked around my friends who purchased and kept their gown, most of them said their gowns have not seen the daylight ever since their wedding day with exception of a friend who took out her wedding gown every year to take photo with and another friend who took it out every two years to dry clean it so that she can preserved for her daughter who is six years old currently.
 "Black groom style")
My husband already have something like this so we just bought him a red tie to pair up with this suit for the 2nd march in. He looks like Hit Man: Agent 47.
 "White groom style")
We did consider getting him something different for the 1st march in. Perhaps a white piece however, the bridal studios seems to be running out of white.
 "Groom style")
Haha! I chose this to fit him so I can have a look at his face when he tried it. I just know my guy hate it when I make him look dorky!
 "Grey groom style")
This is super cool if not for the fact, the material is wool which is a no no unless I want to cause my husband to collapse from heat stroke.
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This is the one we both love. Its a Mandarin collar suit. You may think it looks simple but wore on my man, he looks so charismatic! This is the suit for him and both of us knew it at once. Call it telepathy!
Ever since I have moved to Shanghai, my skin especially my face has been going haywire all year round. Due to the seasonal changes, my body is not used to have the switch four times a year. I used to live in a country where there are no four seasons, there are only rain and sunshine and of course, humidity all year round. You would have think I save quite a lot on clothing!
The problem is that I don’t have so much time to lay down in a dimly lit room, dozing off to nice waves crashing into each other, breathing in deeply to the special formulated aromatherapy oils while, my therapist draws circles on my face to lead me into a sound relaxing sleep. That is an illusion for me, in fact, you probably will hear me screaming in pain at next door while my therapist tries every fiber in her to squeeze out that nasty stubborn pimple.
But as a bride, beauty is nothing compare to pain. So as I humbly submitted myself to my facial therapist in Shanghai while enduring her sighs and her nags on how I mistreated my skin, I went for facial treatment once a week. Instantly, after a few treatments, my skin glows and softens. Even my husband saw the difference.
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This is the place where I go for my facial and hair needs in Shanghai.
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Beautiful and bright salon
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The entrance to the spa.
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This is where I will do my facial, a room all to myself!
Alas, the moment I came back to the humid hot Singapore, my skin shouted in protest and outbreak started to plant itself onto my supple face. What used to be glowing is now greasy. Luckily, in Singapore, I have a savior. She used to do all my facial and my body contouring aka slimming. In fact, she is very good at it. Just within two weeks before my wedding, my face glow once again, all the outbreak has been chased away by her and most importantly, she is, by far, the only therapist I know that hasn’t made me want to avoid my facial appointments due to pain.