Something from the Heart

Source: Parker J

We overheard a groom sharing with his Bestman his fears about reciting his vows at the ceremony. Both him and his bride had written their own vows and he had tried his best to memorized them the night before but now with 200 people at the ceremony, he has blanked out. So what did his Bestman do? He gave the Groom a shot of vodka, patted his back and said, "All you have to do is look at her and the words will come. Don't worry, if all fails, just tell her that you love her till death do you part and recite the lyrics of the song 'I Swear' from All for One." 


And did it work? Yes! He said the most beautiful things about his bride and how much she meant to him and of course that he loved her till death do them part. 


There are many ways to make a wedding more special and having personalized vows is a start. So here are some tips:


a) Keep it short, sweet and straight from the heart. They are meant to be your promises to each other, not the chronicles of your love life. 
b) About 2-3 mins each is good. 
c) Look at each other when saying your vows. The last thing you want is reading off a folded A4 size paper and looking like a politician!


Other ideas - Having a friend or family member recite your favorite poetry is also another way. We had a bride's father recite this beautiful poem for the newly weds. We were not sure if there was any underlying meaning but we loved it and wanted to share this by Wilferd Arlan Peterson:


Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.
A good marriage must be created.
In marriage the little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, 
it should continue through the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice,
but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation
and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience,
understanding and a sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow old.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner


xoxo,
The Wedding Stylist Team
Wedding Planners Singapore

Source: Style Me Pretty

A start into 2011

This month's wedding has been fun. We were engaged just 3 weeks before the big day to create a wedding from scratch. When love happens, you don't wait, you jump on the bus that doesn't stop!! 

Our handmade signage

We have been having a lot of mixed heritage weddings and we love them. The differences in cultures are always enlightening and trying to find a happy mix gets everyone's creativity going. Meena and Shane met a couple of years back in Singapore. She is from Mauritius and he from Ireland (We love this island thingy going on!). The colour theme was a mix of pink, silver and white. The event was semi-formal filled with about 60 guests. 

When we first discussed possibilities of venues, we knew it was essential to get a place that was small enough that would create an intimate ambience. So the hunt began and we found a little gem, perch on the top of Fort Canning, perfect in every way. The Raffles House is a stand alone building with wooden/glass panel doors, air-conditioning (big plus), high ceilings with original beams, drop lights, a view of the Marina Bay Sands and the Old Supreme Court and greenery around.  

A fly away balloon

We had planned for the solemnization ceremony to be on the lawn, just beside the house but the weather was unkind and it rained in the afternoon making the grass too soggy for use. We moved on to Plan B = the steps, decorating the area with flowers, candles, balloons and streamers. The guests gathered on the steps while the Groom was stood at the bottom, looking up at the wedding party while they made their way down to deliver his bride to him. 


We loved the exchange of personal vows, the promises to each other and the big kiss to seal the deal. 

At the end of the ceremony, the newly-weds released 50 balloons together with their guests which was such a lovely gesture and a beautiful sight. Everyone (including ourselves) was mesmerized by silver balloons flying into the blue skies. 

For the reception, we used silver Tiffany Chairs from Wonderland, white linens for the tables (Marmalade Pantry provided everything related to food), a bursts of pink flowers with greens dotted with alternating candle heights (flowers and deco by The Wedding Stylist). Here are some of our favourite shots.

Vibrant colours from the bride

 

Tower of chocolate pralines 

Flower pots on the stairs

Lanterns on the grass

Shili and Adi working their magic

Lucky girl who caught the bridal bouquet

 

Peek at the Groom's speech

The evening was followed by dinner, drinks, music (by Shili and Adi), speeches, tears and laughter. It was a lovely night to remember and to Shane and Meena - May you find love and comfort in each other. To your happiness!

Love,

The Wedding Stylist Team
Wedding Planners Singapore

Ceremony Venues

Source: Arts Incubator Space

Every where we turn is a space that could potentially be used for an event. That is what we try to do, turning the least unexpected space into something different, something special and something extraordinary. 


We are so inspired by weddings from other countries. Of course, they are better equipped with a wider choice of venues... but why can't we take the risk, move out of conventional venues and just take that step to make a dream wedding? 


Here are some of our favorite inspirations.

Source: Our Labor of Love

Source: JP Wedding Photography

Source: Leigh Miller

Source: Jessie Leake

Source: Jessica Johnston

A Winter Theme

Source: lily and co

Choosing a theme for your wedding can be tricky and difficult sometimes. You can link your theme to the seasons using colours like white, silver or gold for "winter", orange, red or brown for "autumn", yellow, green or fuchsia for "summer" and lilac, pink or blue for "spring". 

Source: Apartment Therapy

Today, we are focusing on the winter themes since it is December and recent stories about snow storms and white Christmas(es) in Europe have inspired us. 

Winter weddings can be done in Singapore. It doesn't matter if you are smacked in the middle of the tropics and it is 35 degrees Celsius outside. What matters is that you create a gateway that brings your guests into your world, a winter wonderland. And oh... you do not need a snow machine to do that!

Source: Onewed

We love winter themes and we promise that it does not have to be cheesy. Instead, winter themes can be elegant with the use of clever props and the right venue. We recommend crystals chandeliers, anything white like fur, wraps, feathers and candles. An ice bar can also be a quirky addition to the theme where your signature cocktails could be placed and served. Even flowers play a part in making winter, so if you want a winter wedding, use your creativity to make it happen. Here are some pictures to give you a head start.  

Source: Style me pretty

Source: Martha Stewart

Source: Quintessential

Source: Vera Wang

Source: Vera Wang

Source: Vera Wang

Source: Monique Lhuillier

Source: Monique Lhuillier

Source: Monique Lhuillier

A Destination Wedding in Phuket

Destination weddings are such a joy to plan. Everyone is always smiling since it is considered a holiday, there are countless get- together(s) before and after the wedding day, guests get a chance to sunbathe and glow on the day of and everyone is just in such a fantastic mood. For a planner, destination weddings are always fun because the sky is the limit. The canvas is different and we are able to create a totally different style to what is typically Singapore. 

Reenie and Adam met about 2 years ago and were a delight to work with. Very easy going, happy faces and totally in love. There were no a signs of stress on their faces as we went through document by document on food selection, flower designs, seating plans, gown designs and so on. 

Reenie made her gown plus the bridesmaids dresses with Ee-lyn from We Love Yu in Singapore (she is fantastic, so please check out her website). The gown was a simple, satin bustier with pleats and gemstones on the side. The bridesmaids dresses were similar, just shorter and in lilac with a deep purple sash across the waist. The colours were lovely and suited a beach wedding perfectly.

The wedding took place along the private beach of Le Meridian Hotel, Phuket. The ceremony started at about 6pm with the magnificent backdrop of the sunset, followed by cocktails and a dinner reception after - all outdoors! Here are some of my favorite pictures for your enjoyment. 

 

We had a blast on this trip, planning, coordinating and making sure every detail was right on spec. It can be quite difficult when you are not in control of the vendors so checking and double checking is key. Be sure to expect surprises!

The only regret we have? Not bringing our cameras for the after party held in the hotel's underground club - it was a wild night!! 

So, to Reenie and Adam, here is wishing you a lifetime of happiness and joy! May your adventures begin! 

xoxo,

The Wedding Stylist Team

Tiffany What? oh.... chairs... Tiffany Chairs

Source: Style me pretty

The current "must have" at your wedding are these beautiful, elegant Tiffany chairs. They are the new hype for 2011 so Brides-to-be, watch out for them! I know many of you will be wondering, what is so special about these 'stick like' chairs... well, the answer is simple. How many weddings have you been to that "WOW" you when you walk into the event? Few? How many events have you been to are filled with common white linen covered chairs? Probably 99%. So, if it is your special day, a day you want perfect, a day you want remembered, decorations, furniture, linens, table center pieces are important, they make up the details. 

Source: Style me pretty

Many people forget how simply changing the chairs will impact the design and style of the wedding reception. The effect is powerful and the change is small. If you take any overseas wedding magazine and flip through it, you will notice that Tiffany chairs are used extensively in events, it has become part of the deco, like lights, candles and flowers. So, why would you want boring creased white linens chairs that look heavy and plain? 

Tiffany chairs bring life to the wedding ambience, it is the complementary accessory to your tables. 

When you use Tiffany chairs, they go very well with simple decorations and there, you can cut costs. You will not need 50% more flowers to add colour to the white dominated room nor do you need  large sashes and bows to tie on every chair. You can use them as they are or add a little ribbon for the perfect girly finish. They are so sweet and simple, my favorite find this year!

Source: Style me pretty

Source: Style me pretty

Now, where can you actually get them in Singapore? Well, I work with a long time friend of mine - Melissa Wang from Wonderland for Detailed Planners. She has Singapore's largest collection of Tiffany chairs in various colours (including cushions) and if you are considering having them at your wedding, you know who to contact (her for chairs, me for wedding planning)! She is having a December promotion at the moment, so do check out her website. 

Happy Happy Chair Shopping!