Two Ends Of The Extremes

Today is my 1st year wedding anniversary. Is it a milestone? I think it is. Of course, I know, the journey had just only began. Living as a married couple - as we all know, means a lot of give and take and mutual understanding and compromises. But I'm not about to go into all the "Tricks Of Making A Marriage Last" as I am no expert (although - I can offer this to those whose husbands are football fans - always ask for something when he is watching football :P).

This time last year, I was enjoying the glorious day that was my wedding - together with my other half. This year, I sit back and watch in glee as my partner-in-crime - Leticia gets ready for her wedding - which is just around the corner. Of course, given my position now as a 'guest' - I can tease her endlessly and laugh at her predicaments. Ok, ok. In all fairness, I also did offer my help (still sore that I am not doing that reading!!!).

You see, Leticia and I are really two ends of the extreme. She had been planning her wedding since she was a little girl, playing with her Barbie and Ken while I never thought of a wedding even after the proposal! When we had a dinner gathering last week, I was told that I lost hands-down in terms of over-the-top wedding demands. *grin*. Whilst I had threw tantrums in keeping my wedding as simple as possible (and guests list as small as possible : read post here), she's been driving industry friends nuts with her bridezilla demands. We were told right from the beginning that we could slap her if she became bridezilla - but you know what? We couldn't and we wouldn't because we love her. Just as most of our friends from the industry let me have some of my way for my wedding, we will let her have hers :) I can remember a time when Kris slapped me for requesting for a sarong as my wedding dress.... now he's slapping Leticia for the 7-layered wedding gown (or was it 8-layers??) which he's supposed to be lugging along for her to Bali :) :)

As close friends and being in the industry as well, when we are invited to weddings - we do get all excited and we try to be really supportive by going all out in the theme and making our arrangements and planning surprises (which is so difficult because some people keep letting the cat slip out of the bag!!). Me? Believe it or not - I even went to make myself a dress with Kris for Leticia's Bali wedding as I wanted to be in the correct theme (and I know I am not the only one!)

For us - who are planning that trip to Leticia's wedding in Bali - transport arrangements - Check! Accommodations arrangements - Check! Makan-makan itinerary - Check! Spa sessions - Check! Time for our own "getting ready for the wedding" - Check! Destination weddings are usually great fun for the guests as well because it is an excuse for the guests to go on a holiday too. And trust us to have our own fun ;)

For Leticia - and all the other brides out there with weddings around the corner, as we always preach - the wedding is about YOU. So what if Kris misses a spa appointment? Right? Or if I want to cancel my accommodation at Villa Diana? (Your wedding planner will take care of this, right???) Or if someone wants beef on the menu?? Hard luck. It's your day and don't side track from that.

ENJOY YOUR DAY and bask in the glow of love as all of your family and friends celebrate with you.

Pre wedding photos

I initially did not want to take pre-wedding photos because I thought that photos on D-Day would be more meaningful. At least I would get to wear my wedding gown just once, with all the hair, accessories, the full blown attire once.. which would make it even more meaningful.

Also I wanted the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride in the gown until she walks down the aisle. But thanks to Eileen, I was sucked into the glory of pre-wedding photos!

And a week after my session, I would have to say --- THANKS, EILEEN!! I DID IT! Well, if we are going to do it, do it right :) So admittedly, I went a bit overboard (a bit is understating it). My back seat and car boot was filled with "stuff" i had to bring to the venue. I had 5 different attires, shoes to match, accessories to adorn and a box full of props.

We started at 6am - yes 6am, and ended at 8pm!! No kidding!! The weather was merciful, the team was fantastic (Cindy of Beauty Haven for makeup & hair, Eddie Lee for videos, Yeh of Wondrous Vision for photos, Anies from Garden Fairies for flowers, Debra from The Olive Branch for venue)  and it made my experience from the other side of the fence (i always help setup the scene but not BE in the scene) fantabulous.

We really had a great time - as there were lots of laughter, jokes, Bollywood-scenes of us running around and even deep-water diving!! The venue - Garden Fairies - THE perfect venue for photos because we had all the picture-perfect elements -  water, white picket fences, tree houses and nature in all its wonder. We even took photos in the loo! That was how gorgeous the place was.

With the photography session, I took it as an opportunity to test out my shoes, gown and accessories to see what would work and what would not in real-life weather. And good thing i did too because I am now an expert in flipping my wedding gown skirt.

For us, having the right group of friends with us is very important and with the right synergy, the right team of people made the session a whole lot of fun. With the experts at hand - I am proud to say that i entrusted our team entirely with everything -- meaning i didn't look in the mirror to check my hair & makeup, i didn't check and recheck Yeh's photos and i told Anies to weave her magic and do what needs to be done with my bouquet.

Trust the experts you get because they DO know what's best for you. What's the point in engaging their services if you need to check and recheck whatever you need?

A preview of the photos just confirmed that it was all worth it.