To date

I'm not meant to carry out any wedding preparations during the Hungry Ghost Festival month (August - Sep 7), but I guess it shouldn't really matter if I'm actually fine with it.

Gave the list of peeps I'm inviting to my hen's night to drea. Glad she actually sent an email to chase me for it. I've been wanting to do it but there's just quite a number of things to deal with at the moment.  Think there'll be a total of 14 of us.

Things left to do:
1. Decide on wedding singer/ band (Sep)
2. Choose evening gowns for wedding dinner (Oct)
3. Not get too upset that 3 of my closer cousins aren't coming (forever?)
4. Plan the day's program (Sep)
5. Hand/ mail out remaining invitations (Sep)
6. Write out a list of things do to/ go for international guests (Oct)

Wedding preparations in Vietnam.

So yes, Anth and I were off to Vietnam last weekend for a quick family visit to hand out the wedding invitations! Little did we know that the weekend would fly past so quickly because we ended up doing more things than expected: I got my teeth done, we went for a Vietnamese-style-wedding photoshoot, visited his relatives and most importantly, tried to relax as much as we could.

The best part about this trip was definitely the photoshoot. Initially, Anth's mum and sister did one while they were there in March. His mum strongly recommended that we did it too, since we liked the style of photography. But after thinking about it, we decided to pass since we already had a shoot in Singapore scheduled.  On Friday last, we met up with his distant Uncle, Bac Thong, at his office. Bac Thong has his own architecture and interior-designing firm. He has a good eye for exquisite style (judging from his projects and office itself), very modest and a man of few words. Hearing him speak of the photographer and her style with such enthusiasm and passion, we agreed to give the shoot, a shot. It's always Anth that ends up skeptical about things, but it felt so right for him. I've always trusted his instincts.

The next morning, bright and early at 9am, we headed off to District 3 from our hotel in District 1. It took us and the taxi 25 minutes and some pretty heavy traffic before reaching a humble 5-storey shophouse. Upon being greeted by 'ground staff', we were taken up 10 flights of steep, old-fashion steps, where the photographer lives and has her studio. What we saw was a make-up artist, 2 assistants and a photographer - More importantly, they were happy to do this and passionate about their jobs. Hair and make-up first: This was done by a 40+ lady who didn't stopped smiling and had soft cold hands that smelt like a garden of roses. She was as gentle as Mum. She spoke very little, even to Anth who could speak the same language. Anth and I were changed into some Vietnamese costumes. They were familiar to the eye but foreign to our bodies. They were comfortable like pyjamas. Comparatively, this reminded me how uncomfortable some of my outfits are, yet I still wore them. How times have changed.

The photoshoot went very well and the photographer liked us so much she offered to take us on an outdoor bridal shoot the next morning. We were to turn up at 5am to catch the sunrise. We only had 4 hours of sleep that night, considering we did our annual visit to "Saigon Saigon", a famous open-air lounge on the top floor of Carvelle hotel that overlooked the city, plus, a visit to the Ben Thanh market. The second shoot took much longer, as we had 8 different outfit changes, 2 make-up changes (for me), and a large garden to be photographed in. You can't imagine the type of shots we did. Once again, very foreign but these were what our ancestors wore so we were very happy to have done it all.

The second shoot was actually a wedding gift from Bac Thong, we didn't know until the next morning when we visited his house officially. We met Anth's distant Aunties and distant cousins for his and my very first time. It was some sort of reunion although it was all our first time meeting one another.

I've uploaded some photos. Apologies for the lack in order of events!

L to R, row after row:
Bac Thong at his house.
Anth and I having drinks at 'Saigon Saigon'.
The hotel lounge from our level.
Drinks at 'Saigon Saigon'.
After getting my make-up done at the photoshoot Day 1.
Anth and I watching soccer at the hotel lounge. Anth on the phone.
Anth at his regular table-tennis shop.
Hanging lights above the hotel lounge.
Standing outside the photography studio at 5am.
Bac Thong's living room with the relos listing down the people to invite to our wedding.
12. The photographer and I.
13. The photographer and Anth.
14. Bac Thong's family doggie, Lou Lou.
15. Family potrait of Anth's grandfather's immediate family.
16. Fat lips recovering quickly.
17. ANZ in Vietnam!
18. Posing for Anth at the hotel :)
19. Me and the make-up artist
20. Vietnamese coffee cheese cake
21. Bun Bo Hue
22. Bo Kho!

We're off to Vietnam!

Anth and I are off to Ho Chi Minh city tomorrow night! We'll be visiting his relatives and formally inviting them to our wedding now that we've got our wedding cards all printed.

Some might say we're doing this too early but really, if you can get things done earlier, just do so. You never know what other things are left undone and realise it too near the wedding day.

Besides, it's a great opportunity to get away for a little while. Vietnam is awesome, I absolutely love the food so much! I'm really looking forward to Pho Bo, Banh Mi, Bun Rieu and many more dishes!

The Duck in his Tux

Anth has finally picked up his tuxedo, which was customised and made from scratch according to his choice of material, design and measurements. It took the tailor (Dezenno Uomo Tailoring) about 2.5 weeks to get this done in time for our wedding shoot happening on Monday, 5 July.

We're not putting up pictures of this one! Well, no real ones at least.

Drea

Thanks Drea for agreeing to help with writing out the birthday cards. I know it's part of your duty but I still wanna thank you beforehand! I guess you haven't seen the entire list yet :P

Don't forget we can't do any wedding preparation during AUGUST. Chinese believe that no wedding preparations/ weddings should happen during the 7th month in the Chinese calendar. Here's a list of other beliefs, for fun's sake!

Wedding invitations will be sent out to Vietnam, LA, Melbourne & Perth friends and relatives in July. Local invitations will be sent out in September.

Hungry Ghost Festival Superstition & Myths 

1. Do not wear anything black so that ghost will not come close to you.
2. Do not wear anything that has a bell on it. Example, bracelet or charms with bells. Bells attract ghost.
3. Do not hang out your clothes at night. New ghost that are being blown onto your clothes will not be able to come out. Wearing these clothes will not be good for you.
4. All clothing should be kept inside the house before 5pm.
5. Umbrellas should be kept close and outside the house. No umbrellas should be kept inside the house.
6. Do not go out at night.
7. No swimming during the 7th month. The water ghosts will pull you into the water.
8. Do not go to the beach on the 7th month.
9. Do not let anyone pat on your shoulder. If someone does that to you, do not turn and look.
10. You should not whistle, sing or scream during the 7th month. You will attract ghost.
11. No wedding/engagement preparation during the 7th month. Of course, no wedding and engagement to be held on the 7th month.
12. Do not buy any property, do any renovations, or move your house during the 7th month.
13. Do not turn and look when someone calls your name at night.
14. Do not step or cross over ashes and offerings for the ghost.
15. Do not comment/complain/feedback on the smell or burnt incense paper flying all over the place.
16. Do not travel overseas during the 7th month.

My Nam

Nam sure knows how to make a bride happy, and this is not even his own bride. Although we're countries apart, he's always there online/ on email/ on facebook somehow or rather, to hear my endless thoughts about the wedding plans.

It comes down to the hen's party, the weight of my wedding gown, flowers by whichever florists.

Wedding cake
At this present moment, Anth and I are in the midst of finding a bakery that'll bake us a gorgeous red velvet cake with mascarpone cheese frosting. I'd ideally like 3 layers (good number and not too many layers), with roses flowing downwards, or filling up the layers between. I want a real cake, not those fake ones that just look tall and taste like white-out on cardboard. Maybe Nam can show me some pictures, since he's the one who works in hospitality and in the most GORGEOUS wedding reception in Melbourne. Right Nam? ;) Maybe you can be my man-bridesmaid.

Totally looking forward to his coming to Singapore in November, I can bet he'll bring me the tastiest red wine ever. I'm not being ambitious here, he really will.

The Bridal Party

Now that we had settled the location, it was time to appoint the bridal party *gosh I almost typed "birdy party*.

ANTH'S GROOMSMEN [Contributing editor: Anthony]

Tony Le

To me, a.k.a Habib - a nick that was born from a very drunken night on holiday together with the boys.
I first met Tony at Saturday morning language school when we were around 11 or 12 years old, where I'd used to try to copy his extremely illegible homework. We were in the same class for a year until he left for another school. We met again when we started at the same high school, both with little or no friends who joined us from primary...sob. Over those early years, we'd somehow always end up in the same class, where I'd continue to slack and rely on his work. But more importantly, fall into the same group of friends and finding that we both have very similar aspirations and personalities. After a few halarious trips together with some of the boys and a healthy and friendly competition for marks throughout school and uni (I always won :P), Habib and I still practically mirror each other in view of life, career choices and humour. If there's ever a time I need a serious man to man consultation, he'd be the go to person and vice versa.

Tony has a quality that I look up to - he delivers. If the fella sets his mind on something, you can bet your hard earned dollar that he will show the tenacity and discipline to achieve his goals. E.g. he didn't evolve from a festively plump kid into an athletic runner he is today by just reading Men's Fitness.
From all the life learning's we've shared, to some of the biggest and memorable laughs together, our friendship has always been natural and real, which is the reason why I've asked Tony to be my Best man.


Matt Burfitt

This little man in the little hole is like a white brother I never had. I met Burf in early high school long before he budded into the oozing hunk of a male you see here...lol. With his bowl haircut and oversized 'Gangsta G' clothing, I admit I never expected for him and I to be mates for this long. But the test of time proved me wrong, as Burf has wholeheartedly and has never failed to keep our friendship alive over the years, as we transitioned from high school, parted to different tertiary studies, then career paths we're on now.
The honesty in his friendship could not be more appreciated. From the random calls and sms's periodically in tune of 'miss ya bro, its been too long..' that reminds me of the fun times we had as kids, to the alert one day last year that he booked a trip out to Singapore so that we could catch up (on the way to a hop scotch holiday around Asia of course!). An absolute true friend, not just to me, but to the group of us boys. Burf has always been the one person that I believe with all of one's possible effort, to be the glue of our high school group's friendship.

Nam Nguyen

Although after high school "Nambo" moved to practically around the corner from my house in Australian terms (anything within 5 minutes), I know it's definitely not the convenience that has kept our friendship constant throughout the years. Nam and I met when he moved school and ended up in my class in year 7. After one late and halarious night working on a group assignment that year, I knew we were meant to be friends.
Growing up, he'd help me format my computer what seems like a hundred times and spend weekends out getting up to mischief during our early teenage years.
Always having a common interest of gizmos and gadgets, I have fond memories of how many days and nights we'd spend in my parents' garage installing sounds systems into our cars, ripping it out and doing it all over again to the next.
I see Nam now as sort of like the acting son of my family while I'm in Singapore, every now and then popping over to help my mum and dad with any technical problems and occasionally sit in at dinner.
One stand out moment that I really never thanked Nambo was NYE of 2008 when Viv returned home to Singapore first without me. The one and only person that burnt the night away with me playing video games to take my mind off that extremely sad day. Thanks mate.  

MY BRIDESMAIDS

 Edrea Teo

It was the first day of Primary school (Year 1/ Primary 1) when Edrea and I first met. We were both only 7 years old and I vividly recall her putting both legs up on the desk and letting out a tired yawn. "Er, ok," I thought to myself.

We always ended up in the same class (bottom class) throughout the six years. Unfortunately (for me anyway), we ended up in different high schools and hence lost contact with each other.

Fate brought us back together when we met up again in Melbourne. Though at different unis, we frequently caught up and became even closer than ever! She's always filled with thoughtfulness - She would surprise me by putting a bag of my favourite jellybeans (green lime) in my mailbox. We share the same lame sense of humour and would text each other random jokes even when we're in different countries. The best thing we have in common? Eggplant dip. We'll eat it everyday with anything.

Ng Ying Zi

Ying ZI and I both met when we were in Primary 5. She was a newcomer in my primary school and the teacher made her sat next to me. She wore a different uniform which made me turn to look at her. "Er, ok", I thought to myself. (I guess that was my favourite phrase as a kid).

We discovered that we lived a few streets away from each other. This sparked off afternoons of roller-skating, roller-blading, playing in the park, hanging out at her house etc. Best of all, this girl taught me how to ride a bicycle. Method: Get to the top of the hill (we literally lived in "the hills"), mount yourself on the bike, push yourself off and ride along with the speed. "Eventually," she claimed, "the momentum would give you the balance you need". I managed with a number of crashes into her gate, her dad's car and a few trees.

Another fond memory was that I used to doodle in her Chinese textbook during class, to the point where her Mum rang me and gave me a good scolding. I still think her Mum dislikes me until now.

Just like Edrea and I, we went to different high schools but with Ying Zi, we kept in contact with our pagers (pagers!!). She's someone I'd turn to mostly to do sports although I'll never give up persuading her to wear high heels and go shopping with. We've never ridden a bicycle together since primary school but she's the first one I'll call to go for a run with.

Tina Le (My soon-to-be sister-in-law)

I was honestly scared when I first met Tina. She's Anthony's sister and sisters can get pretty nasty to their brother's girlfriend. I really hoped she'd like me and I guess since I'm still standing here today, I've done well? :)

Tina and I got closer as I visited Anth's family during weekends when we were living in Melbourne. I felt very honoured when she started trusting me with her secrets, of which I've kept until today. (Some of these secrets are no longer valid thought because she got herself busted).

I started loving Tina heaps when I realised she's like a younger sister I've never had. She'd turn to me for advice and it'll remind me of advice I would ask my own older sister. Like Edrea and me, we've got a very lame sense of humour as well, sometimes we even forget why we laughed in the first place, then we'd laugh at that. One awesome thing we share in common: Gorgeous hair extensions!!!

Wenona Lok (Maid of Honor)

AND MORE...

Master of Ceremony(s)

Garry Sien & Jeremy Lee

Red Packet Box Bearer

Alistair An

Flower Girl

Anne Le (My other soon-to-be sister-in-law)

Page Boy

To be confirmed

The Wedding Banquet

I had no idea how to begin planning for my own wedding. The first things that came into my mind were: Wedding banquet location and cost, wedding gown, period. I honestly didn't know what else to think of. I only thought of the guestlist when we were narrowing down the potential locations. Yes, when people actually started asking me "roughly how many tables".

I knew I wanted something out of norm. Hotels were very common and almost too "Singaporean". It's worse when it gets very expensive just because it's a hotel.

Then I recalled admiring a tent wedding held at a restaurant on St. Kilda Road (Melbourne) and loving the romantic feel of a lush green forest, being surrounded by lots of roses and serenaded by love songs of the 60s'.

It looked something like this:

There're only a couple of places in Singapore like this and probably only 1-2 that are capable of holding wedding banquets. We finally decided on:

The Legends @ FORT CANNING PARK

According to the government's national parks website:

Fort Canning Hill was once known as "Forbidden Hill". This is because Malays in the 19th century believed that it was the seat of royalty for rulers of Temasek (or "Sea Town", an old name for Singapore) in the 1300s. Later, Singapore's colonial leaders made their residences there, and the hill became a military base during the Second World War. Today, ancient relics dating back to the 14th century have been unearthed and the Fort Gate, remnant of the fortress built in the 1860s, is a reminder of Singapore's colonial past.

Most of you will be googling the address/ photos of the location. Not to worry, here it is:

NOVEMBER 13th, Saturday

6.30PM (Solemnization)

7PM (Drinks & Canapes)

7.30pm (All guests to be seated) 

 

The Legends Fort Canning Park
11 Canning Walk
Singapore 178881
Tel: 65 6338 1212
Fax: 65 6334 3020

Map Location:

We're engaged!

Hi everyone, Anthony and I have been together for close to 5 years now. On the morning of New Year's Eve 2009, as the 8am sun shone majestically on the intricate marble carvings of the Taj Mahal, Anthony asked for my hand in marriage. 

PS: Photo taken before the proposal. Hence our semi-awake faces and slight bed head.

Both families were happy for us and whole-heartedly gave their blessing for this marriage to happen. Dad invited Anthony to a family dinner, expecting Anthony to officially ask Dad for my hand (Poor Anth didn't know this)

Here's our very first family photo: 

PS, there were two other tables full of relatives behind the camera!

It was only the weekend after that Anth came over to my house to officially ask my parents for my hand in marriage. No papparazi allowed in this one!

After that came the process of getting Anth's parents to Singapore to do the same thing.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE METHOD:

According to ancient traditions, once a groom identifies his bride-to-be, a middleman is sent to sound out the bride's family with a gift. Once the bride's family is acceptable of the groom, the bride's birth date and hour is recorded on an official document. This document is placed on an ancestral alter for 3 days, by the groom's family.

If there are no quarrels or loss of property between the parents, the same process is repeated for the groom, by the bride's family.

"The matchmaker] must carry the proposal to the girl's family and ask for the young lady's 'eight characters' (the year, month, day of the month and hour of the boy's birth and of the girl's birth) and later conduct the negotiations concerning the gifts. If the girl's family hands out the 'eight chraracters', this is a sign of preliminary consent."

Hsu 1971, 84 

Finally, once both date/ hour of birth are "approved", will both families finally meet.

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED:

Anth invited his family to fly into Singapore to officially meet my family and ask for my hand in marriage. I was thrilled to learn that his sisters (Tina & Anne) AND his grandmother (who lives in LA) were all coming along too.

Both families officially met on March 13 for lunch at

Wah Lok Restaurant, Carlton Hotel:

On the morning of March 14, Dad, Mum & Sis officially accepted Anth's family proposals.

Both families exchanged an abundance of gifts!

(L to R): Anth's Maternal Grandmother, Anth's Mum, Anth's Dad, My Mum, me, My Dad.

(L to R): What appears to be two happy Mums!

Other photos from their visit: