Sexy Chic at The Hilton

ust looking at these stunning images by Jim Liaw Photography sends my heart-a-flutter. The bold colours, the sexy edge, the stunning floral design and the beautiful details on the wedding dresses. Need I go on? This is another wedding that took a departure from the expected apprehension of a traditional Chinese sit-down dinner. From the tasteful application of bold colours to the programme of the evening, the wedding epitomised the bridal personality to a T with lots of sugar and a dash of spice. Read on for more details from the perspective of the floral designer, Wishing Tree.

From the floral designer: Is there anything more special and memorable than a perfectly-put together party? There’s got to be something to be said about a wedding party that has all the details planned out – like the chic wedding dinner reception of Michelle and Wye Hon, held at The Hilton, PJ. Michelle wanted a black and fuchsia color theme that was understated yet feminine and sexy. This is Natasha’s interpretation of “Chanel-inspired chic” that comes in a color palette of black, silver and fuchsia, with different shades of pink.

Blooms of roses where seen everywhere! On the stairs, on the stage and on the wedding cake. The theme flowers for the evening were hydrangeas, roses and carnations in white and shades of pink. The centerpiece of the main table was customised with black Swarovski crystals arranged in a crisscross pattern to complement the theme as well as to symbolise Michelle and Wye Hon’s initials. Stationery for the evening was done in black flourish designs and the iconic Chanel quilt, as seen in the menu above. Place cards and table cards were also done in the theme colors with accents of fuchsia. Michelle comes from Kuching so it was such a great idea to give away authentic Sarawak black and white pepper which were so prettily wrapped in a miniature jar! 

Our couple’s eight-tiered cake was definitely the tallest we had ever seen…yet it was simple, elegant and commanded quite a presence on stage. We love that the posies on the stairs and the stage were “double-duty arrangements”, as we call them. Before dinner, the flowers were the centerpiece for each guest table in the ballroom. When the Chinese-style banquet commenced, the banquet staff brought the flowers up front to decorate the stairs and the stage for the cake-cutting ceremony and toasts later. We are a great believer of reusing so this was just wonderful!

Michelle’s black Qua which is a family heirloom, handed down through generations.

Wedding Location: Malaysia

Wedding Reception: The Hilton, Petaling Jaya
Wedding Photography: JLP by Jim Liaw Photography
Wedding Planner: The Peak Xperience
Wedding Flowers: Wishing Tree
Linen Rentals: La Flaire
Wedding Card & Illustrations: Tricia (bride’s friend)
Stationery Design: The Peak Xperience
Wedding Gown & Cheong Sam: Butterfly by Kenneth Hoong and bride’s personal tailor

Wedding Key Songs

The Prayer, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You

Do’s and Don’ts of Preparing for a Destination Wedding Photography

Destination Wedding Photography has become a mainstream trend among Asian couples. Pre-wedding photography, as we call it, is a big thing in Asia and most couples are willing to go the extra mile by zig-zagging across continents just to have the their photos taken in the most beautiful setting. When they do, they will need to engage a professional destination wedding photographer.

Featuring the works of professional photographers at Keep Gallery, here are some key tips to consider when you are planning and preparing for your destination wedding photography.

DON’T be CHEAP!
If you are going to fork out the flight ticket, lodging, meals and out-of-pocket expenses of your photographer, why skimp on their professional fees? There is a reason renowned photographers charge a certain price for their work. If you expect your photographer to be a true professional, then you should also expect to pay ‘professional’ rates. An experienced, well travelled professional photographer will be well equipped for logistical challenges of a destination wedding shoot. So, hire someone you know you can truly trust to deliver the best, and not because he/she is cheap.

DON’T be the DIRECTOR of Your Shoot
No one likes to work with someone who thinks he/she “knows better”. While you may be familiar with the locale of your destination, allow your photographer the flexibility to be creative with their shots. Decide on the locations but don’t direct them what to do, what should be done or worse, HOW it should be done.

DON’T Fall into the Trappings of ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES
You’ve heard of the saying. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Just because it comes as a ‘packaged deal’, does not mean it is the best deal. Take control of your decisions. If there is something that you do not like in the package, ask if you can remove it or change it with something else. Don’t be coerced into signing up for an offer, only to regret it later on. More importantly, read the fine lines.

DON’T RUSH through a Trip
Yes, time is money. The longer your photographers spend abroad, the more money you’ll need to fork out BUT, it is very important that your photographers arrive at your destination a day or two prior to the shooting date so that he/she will have plenty of time to scout around and familiarize themselves with the area. During the shoot, time is an important factor so plan out your itinerary so that you’ll be able to cover the areas you want to shoot and make allowance for unexpected incidents. Natural lighting, lighting direction, sunrise or sunset are some of the important factors that photographers consider when planning their shots especially areas where you’ll need to travel a distance from point to point. So, have a thorough discussion with your photographer during the planning stages.

DO Your RESEARCH Thoroughly
The details are in the planning. Research on your destination. Find out the seasonality of your location as well as special holidays which may coincide with your travel period. For example, if your scheduled trip happened to fall during the holiday season for the particular destination, you might be fighting for shots with so many other tourists and paying double the price for your accommodation during the peak season. You must, and absolutely must plan for all the added extras that may incur including car rentals, additional baggage allowance, travel insurance, make up artist, permits or entry fees into certain locations.

DO have CHEMISTRY with Your Wedding Photographer
Hire a photographer whom you’ll be comfortable with as you are going to be entrusting him the responsibility of capturing your candid beauty in a foreign land. You need to ensure he is someone whom you’ll get along with, and trust us when we say that it WILL show in the images.

DO Share as Much INFORMATION Possible with Your Wedding Photographer
Is there a reason why you chose that specific location for your shoot? Is that where the groom proposed to the bride? Are you a person who is fixated at posed shots or do you prefer more natural shots? The more information you share, the better it would be for the photographer to plan and conceptualise the shots that best fit your sensibilities.

Keep Gallery now has up to four outlets to serve you better. To view more of their work, visit their studios located at SS2 Petaling Jaya, Bandar Sunway, Klang or Ipoh, Perak. You can also check out their portfolio at the upcoming KL-PJ Wedding Expo 2011, from 20 – 22 May 2011 at The Midvalley Exhibition Centre, KL.

WedInk Tattle Loves: Vera Wang Spring 2012 Collection

An Ode to the Paris Opera is the theme for the latest collection by Vera Wang featuring artful and feminine designs with intricate accordion pleats and soft but dramatized voluminous ball gowns. Here, we’ve shortlisted eight of our favourites from the Spring 2012 collection in an array of earthy colours including Sand, Celadon, Charcoal Gray and Rose Pink.

Pale pink strapless mermaid gown with pleated chiffon bodice, tissue organza blossom peplum with draped petal technique detail and grosgrain multi-bow sash.

Sand coloured, one-shoulder garza and French tulle ballgown with asymmetrical peplum bodice and draped skirt, accented with an oversized flower.

Strapless sweetheart soft mermaid gown with cascading French tulle and organza skirt and sunburst pleated bodice.

Strapless tulle caged gown with floating lace and organza appliqué and tulle corsage.

Charcoal strapless sweetheart ballerina ballgown with swirling organza pleated train, watteau back and draped French tulle bodice with grosgrain multi-bow sash.

Guipure lace build-up ballgown with swirling honey comb tulle and horsehair confection skirt.

A Celadon strapless ballerina ballgown with layers of degrade floral laser-cut organza and trapunto-stitched bustier.

A nude one-shoulder organza ballgown with draped tulle petal detail and grosgrain multi-bow sash.

Photography by Kevin Sturman.

Easter Picnic on a Budget

I’m so excited to share this budget-friendly, whimsical tea party set up with you today. It was done last year for Empire Shopping Gallery’s shopping guide booklet, which was also given as a pull out in Marie Claire’s December issue . In four simple steps, you can easily create and host your own Easter picnic or tea party at your backyard, garden patio or Club House poolside.

1) Head over to Empire Shopping Gallery and stop by Fahrenheit for some adorable soft toys and gadgets.
2) Raid your Kitchen for usable non-toxic materials and food items. Nothing too fanciful. Just a few rolls of polyester or nylon sewing threads and food items such as raw soy beans, red beans and multi-coloured sago.

3) Go grocery shopping and buy your top ten favourite snacks. Then be creative with these snacks.
4) Invite your family and friends over for a cozy get-together.

Happy Easter weekend, everyone!

Contributors:
Design & Concept: Natasha Khoo, The Peak Xperience
Vase and Fabric Floral Design: Creativelines
Location: own house and private residence
Products sourced from Empire Shopping Gallery. The above photos were taken by Natasha.

Rockin’ Royals by T-Mobile

This is what happens when  JK  and entourage meet the Royals. You get a super wicked Royal procession!

When we first saw this on CNN, we knew we had to spread some royal fun amidst the intensity and pressure leading up to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Thanks to T-Mobile who made a spoof video by poking fun at all the pomp and hype surrounding the royal wedding. Nicely done and we absolutely love Prince Harry look-a-like as he gets jiggy with the bridesmaids.

Vintage Love – Colour Themes

Today’s post is all about finding your style and making it your very own vintage – inspired wedding. Deciding on a suitable colour theme is one of the hardest part of planning a wedding. It is not because couples do not know how to do it. It is simple because all colours are so pretty that it is difficult to decide on the colour combination. To help you get started, we got four wedding experts to put together individual colour palettes. If you like any of these suggested colour themes below, feel free to stop by the contributors’ sites  or drop them an e-mail. After all, they are just one click away!

1940’s Shanghai by wedding planner, Eileen Lui of Nupts & Such:
The roaring 40’s was an era of opulent sophistication that was sexy and dangerous, a juxtapose of the east and the west. When working on this theme, don’t be afraid to go all out and bring out that glam factor in you.

Claire de Lune by wedding planner, Natasha Khoo of The Peak Xperience:
Inspired by the reflection of moonlight just after dusk, the look is mysteriously charming but never showy. Illuminate with lots of candles and flights of fairy lights for an elegant evening of pow-wow celebration.

Periwinkle by event designer, Desmond Khoo of La Flaire:
A combination of lavender blue and pastel shades of indigo for a look that is feminine and evergreen but never dull. Think lush blooms of hydrangeas, crochet doilies, crystal droplets and trinkets of something old and blue.

Ye Olde English by wedding planner, Sharon Ho of Signature Weddings Malaysia:
So Jane Austen, this palette of colours immediately conjure in one’s mind, overflowing beautiful fresh garden roses, chandelier, vintage linen and lace, romantic embellishments, beautiful calligraphy stationery and charming pieces to tie it all together. The end result is a wedding that’s whimsical, breathtaking, yet infused with a sense of relaxation and pure joy.

3rd KL-PJ Wedding Fair 2011

Save up your wedding enthusiasm for one of the most anticipated wedding fairs in Malaysia, happening from 20 May to 22 May 2011 at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre KL, between 11AM and 9PM daily. We’d advise you to come as early as 11AM so that you’ll have more time to shop around before the weekend rush hours. The wedding fair will see a host of participation from top bridal studios in the country and other wedding service providers. It is the perfect time to take advantage of the great deals, with lots of great prizes to be won including gadgets, wedding services and beauty products.

Here’s the complete list of participating vendors:

WEDDING VENUES

• Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur
• Dynasty Dragon Seafood Restaurant
• Hotel Armada Petaling Jaya
• Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur
• Vistana Hotel Kuala Lumpur

BEAUTY & SKINCARE

• Bella Skincare
• Medishape

BRIDAL DRESSES & ACCESSORIES

• Diva Darling Boutique
• Marry Merry

SS2 BRIDAL HOUSE

• Bridal Concept
• De Casamia Bridal Gallery
• Devas Bride
• Enya Mareine
• Keep Gallery Wedding Studio
• Lasposa Bridal Gallery
• Life Gallery
• Love Vision Wedding Studio
• Micasa Bridal House
• Monliza Wedding Castle
• Posh Wedding
• Precious
• Red Bliss
• Valerie Fan
• Vogue Collection
• White House Wedding

DAMANSARA BRIDAL HOUSE

• Armadale Wedding
• My Dream Wedding

SUNWAY BRIDAL HOUSE

• Star East Wedding

LOKE YEW BRIDAL HOUSE

• Faye’s Wedding Studio
• Ivory Romance
• Red Sense
• Sophia Fashion Wedding
• Tom Wedding City
• Touch Wedding Studio

JALAN IPOH BRIDAL HOUSE

• Dior Pink
• GTC – Glamour Trendy Creative
• Taipei Taipan Wedding Studio
• Universal Studio

CHERAS BRIDAL HOUSE

• City Image
• My Wedding House

KEPONG BRIDAL HOUSE

• Yes Wedding

WEDDING PLANNERS & DECORATORS

• Fairytale Weddings
• La Flaire
• The Peak Xperience
  

WEDDING GIFTS & FAVOURS

• Favorart

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

• Kaho Music Live Band

VIDEOGRAPHY SERVICES

• Speedlens Studio

Admission is free! For more details, head on over to the official website or official digital magazine partner, Love Wedding

Zombie Wedding by Jervy Santiago Photography

ombie action thriller for a wedding shoot. Anyone? What could be more romantic than starring in an action-packed thriller as you’re being hunted down by a pack of blood-sucking, flesh-ripping zombies?  Jervy Santiago turned the post nuptial trash-the-dress session of Igle and Aimee into a conceptual cinematic photo shoot inspired by Left 4 Dead.

Jervy said he “got bored with the usual trash-the-dress photo shoot by the seashore, by getting it all wet and stuff like that. .. so, why not mud and blood?”. We thought we ought to serve up this feature fresh when the blood is still hot! In this exclusive interview, we caught up with the man of the hour, Jervy Santiago for a ‘quickie’.

WALK US THROUGH THE THEME. HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THIS CONCEPT IN THE FIRST PLACE?
I must honestly admit that I got the idea from another couple – but unfortunately, various reasons such as budget costs didn’t allow it to push thru. Conceptualisation usually starts with me asking the couple several questions on how they spend their time together, things like clubbing, watching movies – all the boring stuff.  Then one of them mentioned that they enjoy playing video games together – one of which is Left 4 Dead – light bulb! I presented this to our team and planning immediately followed.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE FOR THIS PRODUCTION?
It took us only 2 weeks to finish the project. We did our pre-production meetings a week before the actual shoot. Choosing a location was the hardest part, we didn’t want to alarm the local town folks, so we had to secure a permit and shoot at a private place, an auto mechanical repair shop. The team came up with the story board, props and time frame which was crucial and since we were not working with real actors here, I was afraid the couple might lose their momentum if the shoot dragged on for another day.  Add to the fact that another day of shoot will escalate the cost and we, or should I say, the couple who’s shouldering the bill wouldn’t want that!

WE’RE CURIOUS. WHO ARE THE ZOMBIES? WE HOPE THEY ARE NOT THE IN-LAWS…
In-laws!!! … Hmmm, now that you have mentioned it, I might actually consider it for the next shoot.
Three of the zombies were actual employees of that auto mechanical repair shop, talk about multitasking!  One of them even moonlights as a movie extra, doing stunts. The zombie in the red shirt is the only professional stuntman. He does Parkour.

WE’RE REALLY SURPRISED THAT THE BRIDE IS GAMED UP FOR SUCH AN UNCONVENTIONAL SHOOT. WAS SHE AGREEABLE TO THIS RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING?
Yes. Both of them were very cooperative and psyched for the shoot. Ingle, the groom even prepared pegs for the shoot. And if Aimee the bride and mom, wasn’t lactating, we could have done more. Like jumping from one truck to another, sliding and rolling on the ground.. pretty insane.

*We also noted that the bride, Aimee looks stunningly gorgeous despite the dirt, mud and blood… not a single hair out of place!

ONE LAST QUESTION, WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT DURING THE SHOOT?
Our EP Mike Pelayo brought out a case of beer for the zombies to make them act more natural. That’s part of their talent fees also. Hahahaha! Just kidding. But… it worked! The more alcohol they took, the better the acting we got. Hahaha!  … Ingle dug the idea, and had a couple of beers too … it worked!!!

Jervy Santiago’s humble beginnings found their roots when he apprenticed Peter Tsao from Taiwan. Manila opened up and gave Jervy his opportunity to shine. Even after more than nine years in the business, Jervy maintains his ‘cinematised’ approach.

“All my shots are guided by instinct and emotion.”

He laughingly calls it his ‘click before think’ mode where he deftly leaves things to chance and anticipates the unexplainable poetry found in his candid shots. When asked how his shots seem to just come together into one perfect creation, his sentiments are warm and authentic.

“Shooting is one thing, aesthetics is another thing. Always remember that doing wedding photography is not about the photographer, it’s about the wedding, the couple, the clients. We still have to give what they want, and not force what we want onto them. We may pitch an idea here and there, and if they are up to it, we start off from there.  Clients’ personalities vary from one to the other, and as a photographer, I have to find a common ground to infuse their personalities with my art.  In the end, the final photo should be about their story.”

Jervy Santiago operates out of Manila, Phillipines but is available for shoot anywhere in the world. If you’d like to view more of Jervy’s work, click here to visit his website.

Shooting Location: Phillipines

Venue: Candaba, Pampanga
Wedding Photographer: Jervy Santiago
Associate Photographer: Jeff Cadis
Executive Producer: Mike Pelayo
Creative Director: Krista Nogueras
Prosthetics: Leo Velasco and Raphael David
Costume Design: Krista Nogueras, Tipay Caintic and Bernice Beltran
Graphic Artist: Bernice Beltran

“I Love You” by The Unicorn Kingdom

Here’s a seriously sweet way of reminding your other half how much you love her everyday. Zach Graham of The Unicorn Kingdom designs “I Love You” illustrations daily, dedicated to the love of his life Tiffany. It started as images that he would text her everyday, which eventually turned into a whole Tumblr site fondly named Love You Daily. Isn’t that sweet? May this inspire your love life too. Happy Friday!

French Kiss

rech Kissing is a slang of which all of us are familiar with. But what happens when you take that phrase, toss it to a planner and tell him, translate this theme and make it ‘out-of-the-box’? I’m utterly thrilled to share this piece of illustration by Yeow of The Peak Xperience.  He took it literally, exaggerated and made it whimsical, almost nonsensical to a fantasy-like portrayal.

Strictly for the off beat brides with a capricious sense of humour. We suggest you invite a ragtag bunch of misfits with an equal appetite for the road less travelled and it’ll be mayhem. Ahem, cool people only..boring guests not allowed. Now, that’s what a wedding should be like!