Pre-Wedding Photoshoot with CL Studio - 8-Jul-2011

Finally, with the all the preparation, our photoshoot day has come...

It was a mad rush with our planned schedule. Rushing to change and have to gooble down our McDelivery for lunch in between our shoot.

Unfortunately, our photographer had informed us tt day that the cafe that we planned is now charging couple $100 for taking photos at their cafe. After a quick discussion, we decided to look for another cafe along the way to save time and money. It was really not worth $100 to take photo at the cafe for 20 mins. But we regretted after the photoshoot for not spending the money to take at the cafe. :(

After all the mad rush, we still did not have time to take photo at our last location. So i didnt manage to wear the wedding gown that i have bought for the photoshoot. :(

Although there are so many hiccups, the photoshoot was still fun. Thanks to Dick, who is quite funny, making us less tense. =)

We deserve a treat after a long tiring day... a nice korean restaurant near RAM....

Sneaks preview of out pre-wedding photo coming up soon!

-Adeline-

Photoshoot Preparation and Gown Selection

It is quite disastrous not taking up pre wedding photoshoot with bridal studio. Everything is on our own...... -_-''

First of all, we have to meet up with the photographer to discuss on the photoshoot we want, the location and effects we like and the props we have. After which, we need to discuss on the gowns that we will be wearing/changing, the props to match with the gowns and plan out the best time saving route..

The tree that SC like very much.. :) Our number one outdoor location!

*pic credit to Chris Ling

Old School Delight.. Our second outdoor location..

With these information, we begin sourcing our clothes, shoes and accessories that we will be wearing. In total, i will need to have 6 gowns for photoshoot, 2 indoor gowns (wedding gown + evening gown), 1 casual set, 1 short gown and 2 outdoor gowns. 4 gowns from the bridal studio and the other 2, the casual and 1 wedding gown were bought. Yes! I bought a wedding gown. Sounds crazy! Thanks to my shopping buddy, Jenn! Both of us bought wedding gowns!! Double crazy! LOL!

But unlike the bride that have so much to change, the groom only have 2 sets from the bridal studio and 2 bought sets, then we mix and match so that there will be 6 sets for the groom to match the bride :D

I spent a total of 4 hours in the bridal studio choosing the gowns i need for the photoshoots.


With all the outfits ready, i have to inform my MUA and send her pictures of the gowns, so that she can come up with matching hairstyle.


As the time draws nearer, i have to prepare myself for the shoot. Facial Time!! and also.. mani/pedi!!!


Love my bridal nails!!

-Adeline-

Trial Make Up

Since my pre-wedding photoshoot is not with my bridal boutique, my package doesnt come with the pre-wedding photoshoot makeup. It will cost $180 for the pre-wedding photoshoot makeup and we will need to go back to the bridal studio for the change of look. A very good price but a hassle for us to go back to the bridal studio for the change of look.

For bridal make up, the hair styling is as important as the make up. However, trial make up does not usually come with hair trial and i was informed that hair trial will cost $80 for one style. But in the end, i have 4 different hair style trial and the bridal studio did not charge me.

So far, unlike the reviews that i have read about all the hidden charges from bridal studio, i am quite happy with Rico always closing one eye with the additional charges that is required.

My MUA from Rico was Milly. A very sweet chatty girl. Someone i know i can work well with. :)

1. I told Milly that i am worried that the hairstyle will make me looked old. So she suggested a side chignon with my fringe swept sideway.

2. But i always prefer the fringe to be pulled to the back with a messy bun instead.





3. For a less formal look or for evening gown, a simple half pin up..





4. Or she even suggested this messy bun which i can remove some pins to create the previous half pin up hairstyle. Very economical for me for AD where i can have more looks without spending extra money! :)



But we decided not to take the makeup from Rico for our photoshoot since it will be troublesome and time consuming to travel to and fro photo taking location to change the look.

After shortlisting a few MUA, i have chose Cleo.

After our photoshoot, it was announce that she was voted Top 100 most loved beauty professional by CozyCot Holy Grail. Good choice made ! :)

Although i saw and like her work, Kiasu me still decided to have my make up trial with her for my photoshoot.

Before the trial, we have discussed on the outfit and Cleo have sent me the different hairstyle that she thinks is suitable for me.

1. As what i have told Milly, i have also told Cleo that i want a hairstyle that doesnt make me look old. She has also suggested a side chignon with fringe swept to the side.

This is the planned hairstyle for my outdoor shoot formal wedding gown shoot at Upper Seletar.

2. As before, pulled back fringe and bun up..

Formal look for the formal indoor shoot

3. And then a half way pin up hair..

For the less casual shoot

After the trial and looking at the pictures of the back of my hairstyle tell me how good Cleo is. The details of the hair, the twist, the bun are all very nicely done. :)

-Adeline-

Our Wedding Band

We wanted to take our pre-wedding pictures with our wedding band and in case there are no available ready made size for us, it will take 1-2 months for the jewellery shop to get it made. So our "kiasu" attitude kicks in again.

We started shopping our wedding bands in Feb-Mar2011 (formally..LOL! Informally, i have begin looking at my wedding bands in Dec-2011).

1. Love&Co

Love&Co seems to be every girls dream with it beautiful shop interior and lovely packaging (ring box pillow and the couple bear). I have shortlisted an embedded half eternity ring ($799 before discount) which i saw in Dec-2010. We have went Love&Co so frequently until the sales assistant can recognise us. It was quite embarassing since we went and tried for 3-4 times and stayed quite long in the shop each time but not buying in the end.




(without the rose gold)


When we went back in Feb-Mar2011, it was already discontinued. Although Love&Co was able to have it made for me, i did not want in the end since i couldnt try it in the shop before they make it.


Although i prefer an eternity ring, SC prefer to have a plain ring with no diamonds at all. So it is not exactly a pair. So, i did look around a the wedding bands in Love&Co. Shortlisted one pair with criss cross design with a row of diamonds for the lady and no diamonds for the gentleman. But the price of this pair cost $2+k which is way off our budget. We didnt want to spend too much on the wedding band, especially for eternity ring which is not possible to alter the size in the future.

2. Lee Hwa

Saw same design of Love and Co at Lee Hwa both destinee and non destinee. However, i have read a few reviews on Lee Hwa where they complained the diamond dropping which makes me super paranoid. Although i think it can happen to any ring, i do feel that Lee Hwa is overpriced.


3. GoldHeart

Saw both the embedded and mounted eternity ring which is approximately the same price. Like the mounted eternity ring design more. However, was deciding that it was not too convenient for daily wear. So the decision was always the embedded eternity ring.

4. Soo Kee

Having gotten my proposal ring from Soo Kee, it would be nice to have my wedding band from the same brand as well. But when we went to Soo Kee ion to check out their eternity ring, they do not have any besides brillant rose.

We happen to pop by Soo Kee at Ang Mo Kio and found a nice eternity ring. Unlike Love and Co eternity ring that i like, the eternity ring at Soo Kee was mounted instead of embedded. After seeing this, then i decided that i like the mounted one more than the embedded one. However, compared to Goldheart, each diamonds carat for the mounted eternity ring at Soo Kee was much bigger.

Finally, since i prefer the mounted eternity ring, it came down to only Goldheart or Soo Kee. For daily wear, a smaller carat will be more comfortable thus, Goldheart was the final choice! It took me weeks to decide my wedding band but SC took only 30 mins (or lesser) and so, we bought our wedding band on 20-Mar-2011! And then collected it on 30-Mar-2011....

Intercontinental Hotel Open House - 27-Mar-2011

"InterContinental World of Weddings.

Create a wedding celebration that is distinctively you, with the help of our dedicated wedding managers who can tap into the local knowledge from all InterContinental hotels around the world.
The Grand Ballroom has over 547.2 sq metres of space, accommodating a maximum capacity of 370 guests. Equipped with modern facilities, the ballroom's majestic panelling and opulent crystal chandeliers set against French windows set the scene for a stylish yet grand wedding.

The pillar-less ballroom reflects the old-world charm of 1930s Colonial Singapore where its unique features include natural light filtering in from the windows, ideal for daytime functions and romantic moonlit weddings. Damask inspired patterned floor carpets in transitional hues of grey and gold lend a subtle touch to the new décor while the rich golden palette sets itself against off-white frames of the doors and panelling. Together with padded walls in velvet damask sandwiched between bevelled mirror panels and ribbed black granite bases, they set the stage for a classic setting. The impressive 10-metre ceiling at the entrance of the ballroom, offers a regal setting for guests to enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and photo opportunities by the classic grand staircase. "

-Quoted from Singapore Brides Intercontinental Singapore -

We have signed with Intercontinental viewing only the ballroom without the setup. So we decided to head down to the Open house to view the themes:

1. Vintage Affair - a grand affair that is set to impress. Champagne and cream hues create a sense of splendor while muted greens and pastel accents add to the soft dreamy feel. revel in the celebration of love with this romantic vintage chic theme, promising to create memories that last a lifetime.









2. Fairytale Romance - brings your elegant fairytale wedding to life where wedding couples and guests enter the ballroom filled with white and rose petals and glittering crystals. With soft lights bathing the ballroom in a magical glow of white and silver, this is truly magical moment to behold as you proclaim your everlasting love to each other.










3. Pink Grandeur - in a captivating setting with sweet shades of pink adorning the ballroom, intertwined with enchanting hues of gold to add a touch of glamour and sophistication for a perfect wedding celebration.









4. Enchanting Dreams - captivates with luscious hues of purple and cream, epitomising romance and more to come. Fine music and elegant decoratins completes the contemporary chic style.





At the open house, this setting was also done with red roses:




We are able to mix and match all the table cloth, flowers, table centre piece and walkway settings. All the themes are so nice.. i can foresee that i will have a big headache trying to decide which theme to use...

The very nice reception area and the staircase where our ROM will be held..

-Adeline-

Wedding Gown Selection

I feel like a hard-to-please bride.

Before signing with Rico-a-mona, I went to the bridal studio twice and in total tried at least 10 gowns both evening and wedding gowns.

My ideal wedding gown is princessy, with a big poofy bottom and a very long train.

I like this gown, because the bottom look big and long.. but not exactly the material that i wanted.




Maybe something like this.. but still not poofy enough.



This looks like a long train...


But if it is this long in tulle material will be very nice!



And this tube top look very intricate....

I was still deciding if i am going to MTM or taking OTR for my first gown selection. So i showed her the pics and tried a few that she suggested.

One of the gown that i have tried:

Not poofy or long train enough. And then we spend some time discussing on the material that i want.

For tulle material, it will be more poofy but the material is softer and thus will be more messy. Whereas for organza, it will not be able to create the poofy effect that i want but it will have a clean neat look.

It was a difficult decision to choose the perfect ideal wedding gown. But as i discussed with Jessie, she gets what i want and told me that she have something that i want in her new design ready only in April.

Since i couldnt decide if i am going for MTM, she have to rush her new collection in case i decided not go for her new OTR collection and there will still be sufficient time for MTM.

i went for the 2nd gown selection.. and indeed, i like the gown that she mentioned! It was so rushed that she have not sewed any embellishments.

But the train was still not long enough and although it is OTR, Jessie allows me to alter the gown. I have requested the train to be longer. Initially, she have informed that there will be additional charge, but in the end she didnt charge me. I have not added any embellishments for the top part but i am given the choice to add if i decided to.

There were many misunderstanding, miscommunication with the bridal studio but unlike reviews read on other bridal studio, so far, Jessie was very nice and easy to talk to. *thumbs up*

This is not the end.. 5-6 hours was spent at the bridal studio just to finalize my wedding gown. Coming up... evening gown!

-Adeline-

AD VG & PG

There is just so many things to prepare for wedding. Being overwhelmed by the unavailability of hotel ballroom , we learn our lessons that we need to be more typical Singaporean -- KIASU.

So after we have finalise our hotel, we decided to start shortlisting our actual day wedding photographers and videographers.

I have emailed a list of photographers and videographers for their quotation for the actual day. Based on their price we have shortlisted a few to decide.

AD Photographer

1. CL Studio
Having taken pre-wedding shoot with CL studio, we will be entitled to take AD photography with them at a better rate. However, as they have recently increase their price, the discounted rate is still pricey.

2. Avenue 8
I was impressed with their pre-wedding photoshoot when we visited their studio. Unlike CL studio, Avenue 8 have a different style. I remembered one of the portrait of the couple taken in black and white and with good lighting on the portrait, the portrait looks very alive, the clouds seems so real. But then not to forget, we were there for the actual day photography, not pre wedding photoshoot. The quotation that we receive was pretty reasonable but that will also depends on the photographer we choose.

3. Rico-A-Mona
As we have opt out for their pre-wedding photoshoot, we can convert the same amount for the actual day photography. We have seen the bridal studio album for AD and like it pretty much. So in the end, we have chose to take AD PG from Rico-a-mona since it is the cheapest and the photos are pretty good standard. *finger cross

AD Videographer

1. CL Studio
As before, we were considering CL studio as we have our pre wedding photoshoot with them. However, their actual day VG was very very pricey.

2. VisioWorks
Was a bit difficult to locate the studio, but overall the price for AD PG VG was affordable. We were quite neutral about the works that we saw.

3. TheMontageGuy
Saw his video highlights online and quite like it and the price was also quite good. However, his only meet up place is at Marine Parade and when we tried to arrange another location, there was no response. So we decided to find someone else instead.

4. TeamDavid
The price was still affordable and their works we saw was not too bad but when we met up with them (VGs) we realise they were very very young. Although the amount of work they have showed their good experience, we were still a bit surprise that they were so young.

5. IrisWave
Met up with Alvin, the VG and he seems a very nice person. Although we didnt show any signs of intention of choosing him, he did give us his opinons of our other shortlisted VG. I felt he is honest enough to give his praise. (Unlike some Bridal studio that we encountered earlier which will belittle others. It just dont reflect too good on them either. No?) His price is good and he honoured this price when we finally decided to sign with him, although he has already increase his price. His photo montage also look very nice but it is not very cheap and we decided to save the cost.

Wedding PG and VG are so important on AD. The couple will be so busy that day to remember or go through all the moments with family, friends, and relatives. It is so important that the PG and VG are then there to capture all the memories for this once in a lifetime Big DAY!

-Adeline-

Hotel Hunt 18-Dec-2010 to 14-Jan-2011

Confirming the wedding date and finding the hotel venue should be the first step for the couple.

However, we had started with the bridal studio first instead as confirming the date was a difficult task!

We didnt want to hold our wedding too early before our house is ready or too late and clash with SL wedding.

The dates we had were:
1. 11-Sept-2011 (Sun)
2. 13-Sept-2011 (Tue)
3. 9-Dec-2011 (Fri)
4. 19-Dec-2011 (Mon)
5. 5-Jan-1012 (Thurs)
6. 7-Jan-2012 (Sat)

The dates were mostly weekdays and so we finally decided between 9-Dec-2011 and 7-Jan-2012 and begin our hotel hunt!

*In Red: important to hubby

1. York Hotel 18-Dec-2010
The hotel is not too expensive, overall the lobby looks nice. The ballroom is with privacy as it is the only ballroom on the level, but the reception area is right outside the lift. And as the reception area is small (and only separated with the ballroom with a room partition), it would be very crowded when guests start coming in.
Did offer to serve us drinks but we didnt take any.

2. Hilton Hotel 21-Dec-2010
We were very happy when we contacted hilton that they are still available for one of our calculated date 20-Nov-2011 ( nice date 2011-2011). Overall the hotel is nice and the rate is good but as good things doesnt come cheap and cheap things doesnt come good, the reason for the availability was due to the recent incident of the groom accident in the hotel on the wedding day. Our parents was quite strongly against us choosing the hotel.
Serve us drinks. Both of us took coke.

3. Sheration Hotel 23-Dec-2010
Overall, the hotel was ok, not too new but not too bad. The major drawback was the L-shaped ballroom. Although all seated guest will be able to see the stage, one side of the guests however, will not be able to see the c0uple march-in. In addition, the coordinator that was assigned to us was not very helpful nor friendly. It only took us less than 10 minutes for her to show us around and then she seems to be rushing off.
Why will drinks be served if she appears to be not interested?

4. Grand Hyatt 28-Dec-2010
My sister held her wedding here and i thought it is one of my top choice. The hotel is nice and the price is reasonable. However, the ballrooms were different from my sister time. The ballroom that is suitable for our guest size had 4 big pillars and some tables will not be able to see the stage at all. The grand ballroom which is very nice big with private reception area however required a minimum of 45 tables.
Did offer us drinks but we didnt take any.

5. The Regent 30-Dec-2010
Regent was a very nice hotel. The ballroom and the theme was lovely and i had immediately set my eyes on it. It would have been better if the reception area is more private but nevertheless, it is still my first choice at that moment. However, our coordinator wasnt helpful at all. She informed us that both our dates are no longer available and asked us to look for her again if we have other dates. I was upset about this over New Year. Having read very good reviews of the Hotel and on one of the coordinator, i decided to give this coordinator a call. Indeed, she has helped us and soon the ballroom is available for us on 9-Dec. However, after all the delay, i have then changed my mind and decided to go ahead with another hotel. Nevertheless, my impression of Regent is still very good and would hope to attend friends wedding there!
Drinks were not offered.

6. Orchard Hotel / Marina Mandarin Hotel/ Fairmont Hotel / Pan Pacific / Oriental - 1-Jan-2011
Orchard Hotel sounds like 5-star hotel to me until i stepped in and i was overwhelmed. The hotel lobby looked a bit sleazy and the tables setting in the ballroom was a little cramped. However, the price was good and the coordinator was friendly enough.

Next, as some of the hotel at marina area would not like to entertain us if we are not confirm, we were told to view the ballroom ourselves. So we decided to pop by all the hotels at the area.

Marina Mandarin was nice and reasonable priced and we can consider.
Fairmont ballroom was very big but we wasnt too impress with the stage setting,the reception area is open and there can be more than 1 wedding on the same level on the same day.
Pan Pacific pacific ballroom on level 1 is nice but the minimum table is 45 tables.
Oriental ballroom was beautiful and the ballroom settings comes with themes as well. However, it is too pricey for us to consider.

7. Intercontinental 5-Jan-2011
Was very impressed with the hotel ballroom and the reception area. The hotel ballroom has high ceiling, with english interiors, and nice chandeliers. There are also nice themes to choose from and a long march in for my ideal long train gown. In addition, i was being caught by the private reception area with a staircase leading to it and would very much want to hold my ROM there. However, our preferred dates were tentatively booked. BOWS was also coming and we knew that intercon participated and we could get better deals signing at the show. Thus, we decided to risk and wait till BOWS. It was definately a long anxious wait...
Drinks were served at the hotel lounge. Nice cosy lounge. I had coke as usual and SC had his favourite tea.

8. Marriott 6-Jan-2011
Marriott ballroom, as Jenn has told us, has a weird smell. The price and minimum tables for marriott however flunctuates throughout the year. So for a decemeber wedding, it is actually quite pricey and the minimum table was high.
Marriott mineral water was served.

9. Four Season 6-Jan-2011
The ballroom was very english style with a private reception area where ROM can be held there. Overall impression of the service and the hotel was very good. However, as we had read from reviews, there are some hidden charge. The price is slightly more expensive than Intercontinental, so Intercon will still be our first choice. The coordinator is very friendly and brought us to the members/guest only area. Ambience was very good.
Serve us drinks. I had coke and SC has tea.

10.M Hotel 7-Jan-2011
Didnt see this hotel as the hotel coordinator last minute cancel our appointment and ask us to pop by and see ourselves. Bad service.

11. Conrad 8-Jan-2011
The ballroom was very nice with beautiful settings. However, we found out later that the settings was done by the couple and not by the hotel. The coordinator then showed us the pictures of the table settings that will be done by the hotel and it didnt impress us. The grand staircase that will lead guests from the hotel lobby to the hotel ballroom was indeed very grand. However, like four season hotel, there are hidden costs. It is a table of 12 and requires a minimum table of 30.
Serve us drinks. I had coke and SC had a unforgettable tea set.

12. Goodwood Park 8-Jan-2011
I always had very good impression of Goodwood Park Hotel because of its English looking exterior. However, i was a bit disappointed as the interior was a bit old. The ballroom was also a bit old and the reception area was small and will be very cramp when guests start coming in. ROM can be held at the outdoor cafe but there will be an additional charge for that. The coordinator was rather friendly and the themes and flowers can be changed.
Drinks were served at the Cafe.

After visiting so many hotels, it only came down to Intercontinental or The Regent. I have chosen Intercontinental and SC have chosen Regent. But he gave in to me :)


So we took leave on Friday, 14-Jan-2011 and camp 10+am outside Bows (BOWS only starts at 12nn) in case the couple that have tentatively booked Intercon on 9-Dec-2011 is also waiting to sign at BOWs.

And then we have gotten my dream hotel after viewing a total of 16 hotels! But then, i thought that we should have visited Marina Bay Sands, Fullerton, St Regis, for the sake of viewing.. LOL!

-Adeline-