Friday, January 30, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Wedding Photos, Video Highlights Express & Photo Montage
Wedding Day Photos
Solemization
Wedding Dinner Photos
Video Highlights Express
Sunday, January 4, 2009
A BIG Thank You to everyone!
This entry is to thank everyone who has in one way or another helped us along the way in the preparation of our big day and also to those who had blessed us in many ways. THANK YOU!
I would like to specially thank the following people:
Our 5 sisters namely Adelene, Lizhen, Lisi, Wanbin & Mavis - Thanks for waking up early and helping out throughout our big day.
Adelene, Lizhen, Vanessa & Wanbin - The 10 promises you did was amazing and I love it! Thank you gals! *muackz*
Mavis - Thanks for helping with the Ang Pow Box, sisters' corsages and helping to put up the big roses for my 2nd march in. Thanks for making me beautiful. *hugz*
Adelene & Lida - Thanks for being our MCs. You both are great!
Our 5 brothers namely Chin Kang, Kia Hiang, Hua Yong, Guohui & Jeremy - Thanks for waking up early to prepare for the "battle" and for being so spontaneous. Thanks for carrying all our stuff esp our suits and gowns, photo albums etc etc.
Guohui - Thanks for lending us your car to return the wedding stuffs!
Merz - Thanks for preparing the sumptuous lunch. It was delicious. :)
Lili - Thanks for doing the childhood montage. It was very nicely done.
Robin - Thanks for capturing all the nice photos for many years of memories to come.
Jacky - Hmm... what should I say? Thanks for asking me to say silly things in front of the videocam and for all of us to carry out your instructions. However, it was fun. =p
Jessie of Sattine - Thanks for making me pretty that day. Your make up skills is really superb. You can do it within such a short span of time.
Mandy of Sattine - Thanks for being a great coordinator and for looking into every single details. Btw, the MTM evening gown was beautifully done and a lot of people sang praises of it. Thks for the great job! :)
Eugene & Jason of M Hotel: Thanks for treating us like prince & princess that day. I must commend that your service was excellent and thanks for ensuring that everything went smoothly.
Kristin & Martin - Thanks for the lovely Precious Moments snow globe that was couriered to us. It came as a surprise. What can I say? It's beautiful and we love it.
Hong - Surprise to see your name here? Thanks for the lovely Mickey and Minnie photo holder that you brought all the way from Hong Kong. It's so thoughtful of you and we appreciate it.
Everyone: Thanks to those who attended our wedding. We hoped you had enjoyed yourselves as much as we do.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
The Big Day
12.50am -- My parents and my aunt were on standby to 上头 for me. Jer's 上头 will be at 1.30am. I sat in front of the prayers table while my father combed my hair trice as my mum chanted the prayers. Next, I offered water in place of tea to my parents and my aunt.
1.10am -- I was lying on bed and called Jer. Jer was still waiting for her turn. Jer informed me that Vanessa (one of the sisters) will not be able to come as she's having sore eyes so she'll have 5 instead of 6 sisters. After I hung up the call, I was fast asleep from the medicine I had taken for the whole day.
7.00am -- I woke up and sent an sms to all my brothers. My cousin was already at my house even though the arranged time to be at my house was at 8am. I got up and dressed up to the nines. It's my big day after all haha!
8.10am -- While I was inside my room, I heard a familiar voice at the main door of my house. I went out and got a surprise. Adelene was at my doorsteps looking for Jer haa! But when she saw me, she was surprised and realised her mistake immediately. I told her the way to Jer's house and she hurried away. Cya later Adelene ;)
8.30am -- My brothers had all arrived and we were all ready for the battle ahead. Jer's brother suddenly called me and asked me to delay my arrival time as he was just going to pick up his nephew from Bt Panjang. Oh well, I changed my driving route and made a big round to Choa Chu Kang and back to Jer's house.
9.05am -- We reached Jer's house and started blasting the horns! At the same time, I saw Jer's brother with his sister-in-law and nephew alighting from their car. So my timing was just right haha! Jer's nephew opened my bridal car's door and he offered me 2 oranges while I gave him a red packet in return. The photographer (Robin) & videographer (Jacky) were there to take their best shots. With a war cry, we charged up to Jer's house! Chargeeee!
9.10am -- The sisters were all waiting impatiently at the door. They did not waste any time to demand for the red packet. Seeing that time was tight, I gave them the 1st red packet from the 4 I had prepared yesterday. They took a look at the money within and served us a plate of bitter gourd. Everyone took a piece and Huayong showed us his secret weapon! He had bought a bottle of honey before we set off to Jer's house and that came in handy for them. I continued to eat without applying any honey as it was not as bitter as I thought it would be. The sisters demanded for additional red packet again and this time I asked them to choose 1 from the 3 in my hand. They were kinda lost as to which to choose and someone decided to take the center 1. I passed them the red packet willingly and they got a nasty surprise! They had chosen my Warrant Card and Lizhen was kindda mad. Everyone outside laughed haha! Next, Adelene asked us to do Yoga postures. Well, I didn't join True Yoga for fun and did it without any difficulties except that my suit was restraining my movement. My brothers did theirs leaning on the wall and Lizhen began to count from 1 to 10 slowly. The sisters took out some papers and asked us to sing "今天我要嫁给你". Almost everyone was lost as we did not know how to sing the song. Fortunately, Chin Kang knew how to sing and everyone followed his lead. I remembered hearing the song before when we reached the chorus and began to sing loudly.
After that, the sisters were back to their routine for the red packet. Looking at the time, I passed the remaining 2 red packet to my brothers and asked them to combine them into 1. Huayong then passed me the red packet and I gave it to the sisters. They were not satisfied and asked for more. Huayong took out the other red packet and I checked it. There was still $50 inside. Huayong had actually taken 1 of the $50 notes and put it in the earlier red packet and reserved the last red packet. Thanks to Huayong for his fast thinking that saved the day! The sisters finally opened the door after receiving the last red packet. Mission cleared! Yeah!
9.30am -- We entered into Jer's house and the door to Jer's room was locked. There was a heart-shaped thingy hanging on the door knob. The sisters forced me to kneel down and opened the thingy. It was a list of 10 promises and I was told to recite them loudly before the door would open for me. I did what was asked of me and Mavis, who was inside the room, opened the door for me. Jer was seated on the bed with the veil covering her face. I went in and kneel in front of Jer and presented to her the flowers. Jer accepted the flowers and I removed the veil We kissed and we went out of her room. We performed some marriage rituals and took some photos on the way out.
09.50am -- We went to our bridal car and Jer's mother whispered some good wishes to her ear. While we were moving off, Jer threw a fan out from her car window. According to Chinese custom, this symbolises that all the bad things would be thrown away. We made all our way back to my house.
09.55am -- We were almost late to arrive at my house and we made a dash for it. We managed to reach home in time and began another round of marriage rituals. We offered tea to my parents and relatives and took some family photos together. My fifth uncle had told my mother that he would be unable to attend the tea ceremony but he came. Our brothers and sisters had some light refreshments at my house. Lizhen commented that we (brothers) came late for the gate crashing. I explained to her what had actually happened and at the same time, I got back my Warrant Card haa!
10.30am -- We went to the ground floor garden to take some photos. My brothers were tasked by Jacky to throw me in the air several times and they were all drained from doing so. Jacky told me to carry Jer and to spin with her and he kept telling me to spin until both Jer and I were giddy. I put Jer down despite what he said. My uncle's wife came with my cousin and we took some photos together. I guessed she was here for the tea ceremony but was late. Oh well, guess we can do it on Chinese New Year. Next, Jer began the flowers tossing ceremony. No one managed to catch the flowers the first time. So Jer tossed it again and Mavis got the flowers. But the flowers were slightly broken from the throws.
10.40am -- Everyone went to our new house. My cousin was tasked by me to open the door for us and we took our time to go up. When we reached our house, the door was slightly ajar and I didn't see my cousin. Maybe he's in the toilet.. We proceeded to the master bedroom to light up the bedside lights. After that, Jacky asked me to carry Jer again and spinned around near the bed. I was tired from all that spinning and stopped after spinning for 3 rounds. We took some photos on the bed. Jacky asked me to remove Jer's veil and to swing it around her head trice followed by a shout of "huat". I did as I was told but I got "NG" at the shouting haha.. I redo again and finally passed it. Jer's brother came with Jer's sister-in-law and 2 nephews. Jer's older nephew was supposed to jump on or roll on our bed which symbolised the continuation of the next generation for us. But he got shy and didn't do as he was told. Jer wanted to change into her tea dress and I went outside to serve drinks to everyone. Mavis was there playing with the musical snow globe Kristin had given to us and she asked Robin and Jacky to take pictures and video of it. I tried looking for my cousin but no 1 had seen him. I called him and he told me that he was not feeling well and had passed my house keys to the bridal car driver. I asked Kia Hiang to help me to get the keys from the driver and went back to the master bedroom. Jer was ready and her nephews were jumping on the bed already. I gave both of them a red packet each and we left for Jer's house.
11.20am -- We arrived at Jer's house. The buffet outside Jer's house was solely prepared by Jer's cousin's wife and the spread looked splendid! We went into Jer's house and offered tea to Jer's relatives. Jer told me that she did not expect to see so many of her relatives especially her cousin, Sharon who had just returned from Australia and she was very happy. We helped ourselves at the buffet and the food was really superb. However, I did not eat much as I was still going through the wedding program sheet to ensure that everything runs smoothly and not forgetting about the things we have to bring to the hotel.
1.15pm -- We loaded everything we needed for the dinner into the bridal car, Jeremy's car and Guohui's car. Jeremy and Mavis would follow us to the hotel while Guohui would come in the evening. I gave Eugene a call and informed him of our estimated arrival time so that he could process an express check-in for us.
1.45pm -- We reached M Hotel. Eugene was waiting there with another manager and a bellboy. We went up to the president suite on the 29th floor and the room was very posh, beautifully and romantically decorated for us. There were some chocolates on the dining table and I took 1 though I still have my sore throat. It was simply delicious haha! The bellman came up shortly with the luggage. I counted the big items and gave a red packet to the bellboy to reward him for helping us with the luggage. Mavis took some photos with Jer within the room while I went to unpack the luggage. I couldn't find my camera which was placed inside a paper bag in Jeremy's car and I called Jeremy to help me check. I doubt the bellboy could have taken it... After Mavis was satisfied with her phoot shoot with Jer, she went to the coordinator's room at 19th floor. I took a short nap and Jer went to wash up.
4.30pm -- The door bell rang and it was room service with our sandwiches prepared for us before the dinner. We had our share and started to prepare for the solemnisation at 6.45pm.
5.00pm -- Wanbin came up to our room but Jer was having a shower. So I asked her to go to the coordinator's room as I was also preparing myself. Huayong, Chin Kang, Guohui and Kia Hiang came shortly and we went down to the ballroom to run through the wedding dinner programme.
5.30pm -- The banquet manager Jason was there and I told him what I had planned for the dinner. Kia Hiang was the IC for the AV and he was to liaise with Jason on anything if I am not around. Next we went to B1 Shenton Room to check on the preparation for the solemnisation. Everything was almost ready and we went back to my hotel room.
6.00pm -- Jer's family and mine were all inside my room when we went up. I quickly dressed up and assigned my 4 brothers to prepare the stuff needed for the solemnisation and banquet reception. Jer's make-up artist, Jessie, was busy dolling up Jer. I waited for her to style my hair as she had done a great job for me during the photo shoot. After she had styled my hair, I did not quite like the style though. I could have done better if I had done it myself sigh.. Nevertheless, she continued on Jer. Everyone went down to the Shenton Room while I waited for Jer.
6.30pm -- Kia Hiang called me and told me that the solemniser, Ms Ong, had arrived. I asked him to assist me to attend to her as I was still waiting for Jessie to complete.
6.45pm -- We rushed down to the Shenton Room and everyone was there waiting for us. Some of Jer's friends were also there. Without further delay, we started the solemnisation ceremony. We did not panic and answered Ms Ong's questions at the right time. My father and Jer's mother signed on the ROM certificate and Ms Ong signed her name as well. Finally, the crucial moment came! I held onto Jer's left hand and picked up her ring. I looked at Jer and said, "In token and pledge of our constant faith and undying love, with this ring, I marry you". I slipped the ring onto Jer's ring finger. Jer did the same. All these seem to be like a dream. Ms Ong then announced to everyone that Jer and me are now husband and wife. We took some photos with Ms Ong and our family and friends. I asked Kia Hiang to see Ms Ong out of the Shenton Room. Suddenly, Jer reminded me that I had forgotten to give the red packet to Ms Ong. I ran after her and gave her the red packet. I thanked her again before bidding her goodbyes. Thanks 老婆 for reminding me!
7.00pm -- The sisters took up their positions at the reception table. The 3-in-1 portrait was placed on the easel stand and the photo album was placed nearby. Some of our family and friends arrived and Jer and I attended to them. My brothers were there to assist me with the logistics and updated me on the things that were still pending by the hotel side. I juggled on the two roles while Jer was enjoying herself and taking photos as her friends arrived.
7.45pm -- Most of our relatives and friends had arrived. Jason told me that the guests could enter the ballroom to be seated. My brothers assist me to usher the guests in. I had thought of starting the dinner exactly at 8pm but my father requested to wait slightly longer for my uncle to arrive.
8.15pm -- Everyone was inside the ballroom and the express highlights video was playing on the projector. Jer and I were waiting outside the room for the 1st march-in. From outside, we could hear the video and of course, the laughter from our guests. Jacky had used the same style in doing our video even though we had requested him to change. Oh well, what's done cannot be undone.
8.25pm -- The video ended and our emcees Lida and Adelene announced our first march-in. The music started playing and the hotel staff started the bubbles machine. The door opened and we walked into the ballroom. Everyone was standing and clapping for us. We went up the stage and began the cake cutting ceremony. Thereafter, we went down the stage and sat at our table. The first dish, The Cold Dish, was served. We tried the food and it was good. The second dish, The Shark Fins Soup, came and it was loaded with visible shark fins! All the complainings during the food tasting really worked! My father was very pleased with the food unlike during the food tasting.
8.45pm -- Jason told us to prepare for the 2nd march-in. Mavis tagged along to help Jer with her evening gown. I changed into my evening suit and Jer had a new hairstyle with the help from Mavis. Mavis actually used the real big red roses in the room to decorate Jer's hair.
9.05pm -- We went down to the ballroom and waited for our 2nd march-in. The photo montage done by Jer's colleague, Lili, was playing. After it had finished playing, our emcees announced our 2nd march-in into the ballroom. We re-entered the ballroom and were overwhelmed by the clapping from everyone. We went up the stage again and I was asked to pop open a bottle of champagne. This was my first time doing it and I followed what Jason had taught me earlier and it was a breeze. We began to pour the champagne on the tower of glasses. After emptying the bottle, Jason served 2 glasses of champagne to us and we interlocked our arms to drink our 绞杯酒. We finished our champagne in a mouth and we were served another 2 glasses. Our family and friends were invited on stage for the toasting ceremony. Jer's brother was worried as apart from my family, only Chin Kang, Huayong, Kia Hiang and Guohui came up to toast. I assured him that they can do it and so it began. The 3 toasts of "yum seng" were very deafening as Jer's brother and my brothers shouted as loud as they could. After toasting, our family and friends went back to their seats. Our next critical moment was here! I took over the mic and began to say my thank you speech from my heart. The fear I had outside the ballroom was no longer there and I added some words to my memorised speech. When I was done, Jer took my mic and started her thank you speech. Surprisingly, we were very calm and did not have any stage fright as we would had expected and finished our speeches smoothly. Phew!
9.20pm -- We went down the stage and began taking photos with all the tables. My 4 brothers assisted me to arrange the tables. Thanks bros! Along the way, we spotted a few glasses of "special" concocted drinks but we managed to escape without downing any of those. Lucky!
10.00pm -- After the last table of photo-taking, we exited the ballroom and headed straight into the first door to go back to our tables. We had a bit of the dessert, "Yam Paste with Ginko Nuts", before we went to the exit of the ballroom to thank the guests. We finished everything earlier than expected and slowly the guests started to come out of the ballroom. We shook hands with everyone and Zhao Guang came to me with a glass of hard liquor. I had a slip and he went back satisfied. I saw Guohui and Huayong each drinking a glass of those "special" concocted drinks on behalf of me. Thanks again hee! Some of our guests stayed behind and we all took some photos together at the reception table.
10.30pm -- Everyone left and we decided to take some photos at the stairway of the hotel. I took the chance to display the rear of Jer's beautiful evening gown.
10.40pm -- We went up to our room and saw Jer's mother and Pauline with her daughter. Jer's brother had gone to send his in-laws home while they waited for him in our room. I played the express highlights video in the room as Jer and I had not seen it yet. Jer's brother returned and fetched them back. I had borrowed Guohui's car to return Sattine's suits and gowns tomorrow as he does not wish to drink and drive. Thanks for lending me your car Guohui!
After a long and tiring but happy day, we are finally husband and wife! :)
1.10am -- I was lying on bed and called Jer. Jer was still waiting for her turn. Jer informed me that Vanessa (one of the sisters) will not be able to come as she's having sore eyes so she'll have 5 instead of 6 sisters. After I hung up the call, I was fast asleep from the medicine I had taken for the whole day.
7.00am -- I woke up and sent an sms to all my brothers. My cousin was already at my house even though the arranged time to be at my house was at 8am. I got up and dressed up to the nines. It's my big day after all haha!
8.10am -- While I was inside my room, I heard a familiar voice at the main door of my house. I went out and got a surprise. Adelene was at my doorsteps looking for Jer haa! But when she saw me, she was surprised and realised her mistake immediately. I told her the way to Jer's house and she hurried away. Cya later Adelene ;)
8.30am -- My brothers had all arrived and we were all ready for the battle ahead. Jer's brother suddenly called me and asked me to delay my arrival time as he was just going to pick up his nephew from Bt Panjang. Oh well, I changed my driving route and made a big round to Choa Chu Kang and back to Jer's house.
9.05am -- We reached Jer's house and started blasting the horns! At the same time, I saw Jer's brother with his sister-in-law and nephew alighting from their car. So my timing was just right haha! Jer's nephew opened my bridal car's door and he offered me 2 oranges while I gave him a red packet in return. The photographer (Robin) & videographer (Jacky) were there to take their best shots. With a war cry, we charged up to Jer's house! Chargeeee!
9.10am -- The sisters were all waiting impatiently at the door. They did not waste any time to demand for the red packet. Seeing that time was tight, I gave them the 1st red packet from the 4 I had prepared yesterday. They took a look at the money within and served us a plate of bitter gourd. Everyone took a piece and Huayong showed us his secret weapon! He had bought a bottle of honey before we set off to Jer's house and that came in handy for them. I continued to eat without applying any honey as it was not as bitter as I thought it would be. The sisters demanded for additional red packet again and this time I asked them to choose 1 from the 3 in my hand. They were kinda lost as to which to choose and someone decided to take the center 1. I passed them the red packet willingly and they got a nasty surprise! They had chosen my Warrant Card and Lizhen was kindda mad. Everyone outside laughed haha! Next, Adelene asked us to do Yoga postures. Well, I didn't join True Yoga for fun and did it without any difficulties except that my suit was restraining my movement. My brothers did theirs leaning on the wall and Lizhen began to count from 1 to 10 slowly. The sisters took out some papers and asked us to sing "今天我要嫁给你". Almost everyone was lost as we did not know how to sing the song. Fortunately, Chin Kang knew how to sing and everyone followed his lead. I remembered hearing the song before when we reached the chorus and began to sing loudly.
After that, the sisters were back to their routine for the red packet. Looking at the time, I passed the remaining 2 red packet to my brothers and asked them to combine them into 1. Huayong then passed me the red packet and I gave it to the sisters. They were not satisfied and asked for more. Huayong took out the other red packet and I checked it. There was still $50 inside. Huayong had actually taken 1 of the $50 notes and put it in the earlier red packet and reserved the last red packet. Thanks to Huayong for his fast thinking that saved the day! The sisters finally opened the door after receiving the last red packet. Mission cleared! Yeah!
9.30am -- We entered into Jer's house and the door to Jer's room was locked. There was a heart-shaped thingy hanging on the door knob. The sisters forced me to kneel down and opened the thingy. It was a list of 10 promises and I was told to recite them loudly before the door would open for me. I did what was asked of me and Mavis, who was inside the room, opened the door for me. Jer was seated on the bed with the veil covering her face. I went in and kneel in front of Jer and presented to her the flowers. Jer accepted the flowers and I removed the veil We kissed and we went out of her room. We performed some marriage rituals and took some photos on the way out.
09.50am -- We went to our bridal car and Jer's mother whispered some good wishes to her ear. While we were moving off, Jer threw a fan out from her car window. According to Chinese custom, this symbolises that all the bad things would be thrown away. We made all our way back to my house.
09.55am -- We were almost late to arrive at my house and we made a dash for it. We managed to reach home in time and began another round of marriage rituals. We offered tea to my parents and relatives and took some family photos together. My fifth uncle had told my mother that he would be unable to attend the tea ceremony but he came. Our brothers and sisters had some light refreshments at my house. Lizhen commented that we (brothers) came late for the gate crashing. I explained to her what had actually happened and at the same time, I got back my Warrant Card haa!
10.30am -- We went to the ground floor garden to take some photos. My brothers were tasked by Jacky to throw me in the air several times and they were all drained from doing so. Jacky told me to carry Jer and to spin with her and he kept telling me to spin until both Jer and I were giddy. I put Jer down despite what he said. My uncle's wife came with my cousin and we took some photos together. I guessed she was here for the tea ceremony but was late. Oh well, guess we can do it on Chinese New Year. Next, Jer began the flowers tossing ceremony. No one managed to catch the flowers the first time. So Jer tossed it again and Mavis got the flowers. But the flowers were slightly broken from the throws.
10.40am -- Everyone went to our new house. My cousin was tasked by me to open the door for us and we took our time to go up. When we reached our house, the door was slightly ajar and I didn't see my cousin. Maybe he's in the toilet.. We proceeded to the master bedroom to light up the bedside lights. After that, Jacky asked me to carry Jer again and spinned around near the bed. I was tired from all that spinning and stopped after spinning for 3 rounds. We took some photos on the bed. Jacky asked me to remove Jer's veil and to swing it around her head trice followed by a shout of "huat". I did as I was told but I got "NG" at the shouting haha.. I redo again and finally passed it. Jer's brother came with Jer's sister-in-law and 2 nephews. Jer's older nephew was supposed to jump on or roll on our bed which symbolised the continuation of the next generation for us. But he got shy and didn't do as he was told. Jer wanted to change into her tea dress and I went outside to serve drinks to everyone. Mavis was there playing with the musical snow globe Kristin had given to us and she asked Robin and Jacky to take pictures and video of it. I tried looking for my cousin but no 1 had seen him. I called him and he told me that he was not feeling well and had passed my house keys to the bridal car driver. I asked Kia Hiang to help me to get the keys from the driver and went back to the master bedroom. Jer was ready and her nephews were jumping on the bed already. I gave both of them a red packet each and we left for Jer's house.
11.20am -- We arrived at Jer's house. The buffet outside Jer's house was solely prepared by Jer's cousin's wife and the spread looked splendid! We went into Jer's house and offered tea to Jer's relatives. Jer told me that she did not expect to see so many of her relatives especially her cousin, Sharon who had just returned from Australia and she was very happy. We helped ourselves at the buffet and the food was really superb. However, I did not eat much as I was still going through the wedding program sheet to ensure that everything runs smoothly and not forgetting about the things we have to bring to the hotel.
1.15pm -- We loaded everything we needed for the dinner into the bridal car, Jeremy's car and Guohui's car. Jeremy and Mavis would follow us to the hotel while Guohui would come in the evening. I gave Eugene a call and informed him of our estimated arrival time so that he could process an express check-in for us.
1.45pm -- We reached M Hotel. Eugene was waiting there with another manager and a bellboy. We went up to the president suite on the 29th floor and the room was very posh, beautifully and romantically decorated for us. There were some chocolates on the dining table and I took 1 though I still have my sore throat. It was simply delicious haha! The bellman came up shortly with the luggage. I counted the big items and gave a red packet to the bellboy to reward him for helping us with the luggage. Mavis took some photos with Jer within the room while I went to unpack the luggage. I couldn't find my camera which was placed inside a paper bag in Jeremy's car and I called Jeremy to help me check. I doubt the bellboy could have taken it... After Mavis was satisfied with her phoot shoot with Jer, she went to the coordinator's room at 19th floor. I took a short nap and Jer went to wash up.
4.30pm -- The door bell rang and it was room service with our sandwiches prepared for us before the dinner. We had our share and started to prepare for the solemnisation at 6.45pm.
5.00pm -- Wanbin came up to our room but Jer was having a shower. So I asked her to go to the coordinator's room as I was also preparing myself. Huayong, Chin Kang, Guohui and Kia Hiang came shortly and we went down to the ballroom to run through the wedding dinner programme.
5.30pm -- The banquet manager Jason was there and I told him what I had planned for the dinner. Kia Hiang was the IC for the AV and he was to liaise with Jason on anything if I am not around. Next we went to B1 Shenton Room to check on the preparation for the solemnisation. Everything was almost ready and we went back to my hotel room.
6.00pm -- Jer's family and mine were all inside my room when we went up. I quickly dressed up and assigned my 4 brothers to prepare the stuff needed for the solemnisation and banquet reception. Jer's make-up artist, Jessie, was busy dolling up Jer. I waited for her to style my hair as she had done a great job for me during the photo shoot. After she had styled my hair, I did not quite like the style though. I could have done better if I had done it myself sigh.. Nevertheless, she continued on Jer. Everyone went down to the Shenton Room while I waited for Jer.
6.30pm -- Kia Hiang called me and told me that the solemniser, Ms Ong, had arrived. I asked him to assist me to attend to her as I was still waiting for Jessie to complete.
6.45pm -- We rushed down to the Shenton Room and everyone was there waiting for us. Some of Jer's friends were also there. Without further delay, we started the solemnisation ceremony. We did not panic and answered Ms Ong's questions at the right time. My father and Jer's mother signed on the ROM certificate and Ms Ong signed her name as well. Finally, the crucial moment came! I held onto Jer's left hand and picked up her ring. I looked at Jer and said, "In token and pledge of our constant faith and undying love, with this ring, I marry you". I slipped the ring onto Jer's ring finger. Jer did the same. All these seem to be like a dream. Ms Ong then announced to everyone that Jer and me are now husband and wife. We took some photos with Ms Ong and our family and friends. I asked Kia Hiang to see Ms Ong out of the Shenton Room. Suddenly, Jer reminded me that I had forgotten to give the red packet to Ms Ong. I ran after her and gave her the red packet. I thanked her again before bidding her goodbyes. Thanks 老婆 for reminding me!
7.00pm -- The sisters took up their positions at the reception table. The 3-in-1 portrait was placed on the easel stand and the photo album was placed nearby. Some of our family and friends arrived and Jer and I attended to them. My brothers were there to assist me with the logistics and updated me on the things that were still pending by the hotel side. I juggled on the two roles while Jer was enjoying herself and taking photos as her friends arrived.
7.45pm -- Most of our relatives and friends had arrived. Jason told me that the guests could enter the ballroom to be seated. My brothers assist me to usher the guests in. I had thought of starting the dinner exactly at 8pm but my father requested to wait slightly longer for my uncle to arrive.
8.15pm -- Everyone was inside the ballroom and the express highlights video was playing on the projector. Jer and I were waiting outside the room for the 1st march-in. From outside, we could hear the video and of course, the laughter from our guests. Jacky had used the same style in doing our video even though we had requested him to change. Oh well, what's done cannot be undone.
8.25pm -- The video ended and our emcees Lida and Adelene announced our first march-in. The music started playing and the hotel staff started the bubbles machine. The door opened and we walked into the ballroom. Everyone was standing and clapping for us. We went up the stage and began the cake cutting ceremony. Thereafter, we went down the stage and sat at our table. The first dish, The Cold Dish, was served. We tried the food and it was good. The second dish, The Shark Fins Soup, came and it was loaded with visible shark fins! All the complainings during the food tasting really worked! My father was very pleased with the food unlike during the food tasting.
8.45pm -- Jason told us to prepare for the 2nd march-in. Mavis tagged along to help Jer with her evening gown. I changed into my evening suit and Jer had a new hairstyle with the help from Mavis. Mavis actually used the real big red roses in the room to decorate Jer's hair.
9.05pm -- We went down to the ballroom and waited for our 2nd march-in. The photo montage done by Jer's colleague, Lili, was playing. After it had finished playing, our emcees announced our 2nd march-in into the ballroom. We re-entered the ballroom and were overwhelmed by the clapping from everyone. We went up the stage again and I was asked to pop open a bottle of champagne. This was my first time doing it and I followed what Jason had taught me earlier and it was a breeze. We began to pour the champagne on the tower of glasses. After emptying the bottle, Jason served 2 glasses of champagne to us and we interlocked our arms to drink our 绞杯酒. We finished our champagne in a mouth and we were served another 2 glasses. Our family and friends were invited on stage for the toasting ceremony. Jer's brother was worried as apart from my family, only Chin Kang, Huayong, Kia Hiang and Guohui came up to toast. I assured him that they can do it and so it began. The 3 toasts of "yum seng" were very deafening as Jer's brother and my brothers shouted as loud as they could. After toasting, our family and friends went back to their seats. Our next critical moment was here! I took over the mic and began to say my thank you speech from my heart. The fear I had outside the ballroom was no longer there and I added some words to my memorised speech. When I was done, Jer took my mic and started her thank you speech. Surprisingly, we were very calm and did not have any stage fright as we would had expected and finished our speeches smoothly. Phew!
9.20pm -- We went down the stage and began taking photos with all the tables. My 4 brothers assisted me to arrange the tables. Thanks bros! Along the way, we spotted a few glasses of "special" concocted drinks but we managed to escape without downing any of those. Lucky!
10.00pm -- After the last table of photo-taking, we exited the ballroom and headed straight into the first door to go back to our tables. We had a bit of the dessert, "Yam Paste with Ginko Nuts", before we went to the exit of the ballroom to thank the guests. We finished everything earlier than expected and slowly the guests started to come out of the ballroom. We shook hands with everyone and Zhao Guang came to me with a glass of hard liquor. I had a slip and he went back satisfied. I saw Guohui and Huayong each drinking a glass of those "special" concocted drinks on behalf of me. Thanks again hee! Some of our guests stayed behind and we all took some photos together at the reception table.
10.30pm -- Everyone left and we decided to take some photos at the stairway of the hotel. I took the chance to display the rear of Jer's beautiful evening gown.
10.40pm -- We went up to our room and saw Jer's mother and Pauline with her daughter. Jer's brother had gone to send his in-laws home while they waited for him in our room. I played the express highlights video in the room as Jer and I had not seen it yet. Jer's brother returned and fetched them back. I had borrowed Guohui's car to return Sattine's suits and gowns tomorrow as he does not wish to drink and drive. Thanks for lending me your car Guohui!
After a long and tiring but happy day, we are finally husband and wife! :)
Friday, January 2, 2009
Collection of Flowers & Suit
When I got up in the morning, I began to clean up my room. After which, I swept and mopped the floor while I wait for my cousin, Desheng, to come to my house. My cousin will also be 1 of my 6 brothers and I have yet to brief him about what he has to do tomorrow.
I waited for him for a few hours and I guess that he could be walking on foot to my house from Bt Panjang again.. When he arrived, I hit jackpot! He had walked to my house and I told him not to do so tomorrow as everything will be time-critical.
After that, we moved my stuff into Jer's brother's car and we set off to perform our errands. First, we went to my new house to put my stuff in the storeroom. Then we went to my sister's house to return her the monitor which I had borrowed from her a month ago. Finally, we went to Sattine to collect my suit and flowers.
I could not find any parking lots along Tg Pagar Rd and I decided to park the car along the road. I asked my cousin to sit inside the car with the engine still running while I collect the things. I returned within 5 mins and he told me that a Cisco officer had just summoned the car... I was shocked and saw the summon slip on the windscreen.
My cousin told me that he had told the officer to wait while he went to call me but the officer was yaya and did not give any time allowance. The officer was not around anymore and it was a $70 fine. This time I am really very pissed off by Cisco! Don't ever let me see your vehicles parking illegally cos the next moment you will receive a present from me!
I went back home and returned the car to Jer's brother. I also informed him about the summon and asked him to pass the letter to me once he has received it. Guess I need to appeal again..
I was having my dinner when I received a call from Mandy. She told me that the staff who had passed me the flowers had forgotten to give me the car ribbons.. After that, she arranged the staff to meet me at Bt Gomback MRT station. I went there and collected the ribbons. I was walking back when I realised that I have not bought hair wax yet.. I went to Prime supermarket and bought a Gatsby Moving Rubber.
As I was walking back home, I suddenly thought of my shirt and tie! I had moved all my shirts to the new house and I had forgotten to borrow Jer's brother's tie. I called Jer and she told me that Mavis was at her house. I told her about the tie and asked Mavis to pass it to me since she was there. Jer informed me that Mavis will be going home and I can meet her at her place.
I went back to the new house to collect my shirt. I made a final check at the bedroom and saw the empty pillow case. Oh I have forgotten to bring my pillow just now.. Luckily, there was a spare pillow in the guest bedroom and I used it as my pillow's replacement for the time being.
I went over to Mavis's house and collected the tie. Mavis also passed me her dad's tie which is very happening. I went home and had my bath. My mum had instructed me to wear a new set of pajamas and a new piece of undergarment after my bath and to wear a pair of new slippers whenever I walk around the house to prepare for "shang tou" The auspicious time for "shang tou" is 1am.. I'm so tired...
I waited for him for a few hours and I guess that he could be walking on foot to my house from Bt Panjang again.. When he arrived, I hit jackpot! He had walked to my house and I told him not to do so tomorrow as everything will be time-critical.
After that, we moved my stuff into Jer's brother's car and we set off to perform our errands. First, we went to my new house to put my stuff in the storeroom. Then we went to my sister's house to return her the monitor which I had borrowed from her a month ago. Finally, we went to Sattine to collect my suit and flowers.
I could not find any parking lots along Tg Pagar Rd and I decided to park the car along the road. I asked my cousin to sit inside the car with the engine still running while I collect the things. I returned within 5 mins and he told me that a Cisco officer had just summoned the car... I was shocked and saw the summon slip on the windscreen.
My cousin told me that he had told the officer to wait while he went to call me but the officer was yaya and did not give any time allowance. The officer was not around anymore and it was a $70 fine. This time I am really very pissed off by Cisco! Don't ever let me see your vehicles parking illegally cos the next moment you will receive a present from me!
I went back home and returned the car to Jer's brother. I also informed him about the summon and asked him to pass the letter to me once he has received it. Guess I need to appeal again..
I was having my dinner when I received a call from Mandy. She told me that the staff who had passed me the flowers had forgotten to give me the car ribbons.. After that, she arranged the staff to meet me at Bt Gomback MRT station. I went there and collected the ribbons. I was walking back when I realised that I have not bought hair wax yet.. I went to Prime supermarket and bought a Gatsby Moving Rubber.
As I was walking back home, I suddenly thought of my shirt and tie! I had moved all my shirts to the new house and I had forgotten to borrow Jer's brother's tie. I called Jer and she told me that Mavis was at her house. I told her about the tie and asked Mavis to pass it to me since she was there. Jer informed me that Mavis will be going home and I can meet her at her place.
I went back to the new house to collect my shirt. I made a final check at the bedroom and saw the empty pillow case. Oh I have forgotten to bring my pillow just now.. Luckily, there was a spare pillow in the guest bedroom and I used it as my pillow's replacement for the time being.
I went over to Mavis's house and collected the tie. Mavis also passed me her dad's tie which is very happening. I went home and had my bath. My mum had instructed me to wear a new set of pajamas and a new piece of undergarment after my bath and to wear a pair of new slippers whenever I walk around the house to prepare for "shang tou" The auspicious time for "shang tou" is 1am.. I'm so tired...
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Spring Cleaning & Collection of Gowns & Photos
I went home to Jer's house to meet her to go to our new house together. Jer packed and decorated the house while I vacuumed and mopped the floor. I even washed the 2 toilets for the 1st time since we have taken over the house. The house is finally ready for our big day! But I realised that I had not brought along my pillow to put at the bed as I am still using it at home. I have to bring it by tomorrow or the bed will look weird with only a pillow haha!
By the time we were done, it was already close to 6pm. We went home to wash up and I had my dinner at home. We had borrowed Jer's brother's car to go to Sattine to collect our photo album, Jer's gowns and my suit.
We reached Sattine around 8pm. Mandy asked us to have our dinner and I brought Jer to the nearby coffeeshop. After Jer had her dinner, we went back to Sattine. We were thrilled to see our photo album and the table top photo. Both are very nicely done up! We collected Jer's gown and Mavis's gown but I was asked to come back tomorrow to collect my suit as it was not ready yet..
Oh well, I don't seem to have any choice since I need to return tomorrow to collect the flowers sigh..
By the time we were done, it was already close to 6pm. We went home to wash up and I had my dinner at home. We had borrowed Jer's brother's car to go to Sattine to collect our photo album, Jer's gowns and my suit.
We reached Sattine around 8pm. Mandy asked us to have our dinner and I brought Jer to the nearby coffeeshop. After Jer had her dinner, we went back to Sattine. We were thrilled to see our photo album and the table top photo. Both are very nicely done up! We collected Jer's gown and Mavis's gown but I was asked to come back tomorrow to collect my suit as it was not ready yet..
Oh well, I don't seem to have any choice since I need to return tomorrow to collect the flowers sigh..
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