Friday, October 31, 2008

My First Gowns Testing



Praise God for QUT Classifieds! Despite my 'busy' schedule at work few days ago, I managed to read the following email notice from a very kind staff who is obviously pretty 'free' at work:

LAUDISTON VALUERS & AUCTIONERS
Laudiston Valuers and Auctioneers will be conducting a huge three-day sale of the complete contents of Abbey Brides, in store at Level 2, 60 Queen Street, Friday, Oct 31, from
9am to 8pm; Saturday, Nov 1 and Sunday, Nov 2, 9am to 4pm.
There will be huge savings of 50 per cent off marked prices on bridal and formal wear. No lay-bys.

Without further adure, I quickly sent out the invites to him. Without much delay he agreed to go with me on that weekend. Though there was really much doubt in mind that I was going to be able to get any bargained dress given my petite frame and the so-called 'sales' from an Australian bridal shop (yes! I don't believe in Aussie sale - it is never really cheap at all!). I have also forwarded the 'good news' to a few of my brides-to-be friends.

On Saturday, we did manage to try on a few seemingly attractive bridal gowns. Yet as expected, they did not look good on me. A bit too big still though I have picked only th size 5. Funny enough was the lady tried to push in a few big thick cup sponges into my gown, which gave me a horrible look, as he agreed too. haha. but it was fun trying out the gowns, with the help of a very friendly staff.

I met my friend there who was managed to get a simple-styled wedding gown for a price as cheap as $500! What a bargain! and it did take her hubby-to-be's breadth away...what a good deal!

That day, I realised 2 things: (1) it's not exactly as a drama shows that any gown on a bride-to-be's body can take her groom-to-be's breadth away (at least my attempt was not successful); (2) for any lady with a petite frame, you better think of getting your gown from any bridal shop in Malaysia or any Asian countries, which can ensure you that they will fit well (prayerfully >_<) with an affordable price (if you hire, of course!)

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Thanks Mum!

Dearest Mum

Thank you for your consistent reminder and concerns for our wedding prep. You are always passionate and eager in helping out to the fullest. We thank and appreciate you for that.

We love to have our pre-wedding photo-shots in KL..because looking at all aspects it’s more handy to do everything in KL then have reception dinner there straight away…pls check out the following website for one of our friends pre-wedding photo-shots in at a Bridal Studio called LV (I think) in SS2, the photographer’s name is MENG SOON: http://calvinkong.com/my-timestamp/our-pre-wedding-pictures/

We like the photos style to be modern, stylish and graceful. We don’t prefer natural as that’s everyone’s style. So would be great if you can pls check out those photographers with that kind of style for us. It would also be very very much appreciated if you could also check out any good hotel or restaurant for reception dinner in KL. It’s not necessary to be in the city (it will be expensive!). Kepong or any suburb is fine, bearing in mind that people will be coming from Rawang, and some of my friends in anywhere else in KL.

Any comments mum? Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Love you heaps too.


Much Love,
Leann & Joel

Friday, October 17, 2008

Stylish Pre-Wedding Pictures


VERY stylish and cool pre-wedding pictures! It's noted from my facebook friend’s album…

See more in http://calvinkong.com/my-timestamp/our-pre-wedding-pictures/

Location: Bridal Studio: SS2, LV (somewhere in KL I think)

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Modern Dining


GOOD wedding venue (Brisbane riverside) + cheap menu. However MIN SPENDING $8000 for max 80 ppl for our exclusive use…including meals, pre-dinner, desserts, staff and light deco (white linen on table + candles).

Watt : Modern Dining
http://www.watt.net.au/content.asp?page=functions

Winner of the Restaurant and Caterers’
inaugural Best Al fresco Restaurant
in the State for 2008!
Also, the 2006 & 2007 winner of the award for
Professional Development–under 100 staff.
Watt Modern Dining embodies Brisbane’s well-earned ‘lifestyle’ tag.

Located on the waterfront on one of the city’s most picturesque reaches,
Watt is the perfect place to spoil yourself
and entertain friends as you experience Brisbane’s cuisine.
Watt is just 10 minutes from the city by our popular CityCat ferry service. Disembark at the New Farm Park terminal and find yourself uniquely relaxed as you stroll along the waterfront to the restaurant.

Located on the Riverside of the
Brisbane Powerhouse
119 Lamington St New Farm
Brisbane QLD Australia
p +61 7 3358 5464
f +61 7 3358 3050
e watt@watt.net.au

Parking
Free Parking is available in both the Brisbane Powerhouse car park (off Lamington Street) and also in New Farm Park (off Brunswick Street). New Farm Park closes at 11pm.


Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Riverside Receptions @ the River Side


Check out the Riverside Receptions at New Farm… meal was only $71.50 with decorations and free ceremony. With min. 80 ppl and hire room fee $440 for a river room, you can own the whole place. Initially thought it was too expensive as the lady told me on the phone that it’s $105 incl. food and beverages but another receptionist said that beverage on consumption is ok….so here you go! You really need to ask every questions and speak to the right person!

http://www.riversidereceptions.com.au/wedgallery.html

Monday, October 13, 2008

Wedding Dreamland @ Dayboro Valley

Look!!! Wow..I know this must be too far away for my own wedding…but please have a look..took my breadth away…hehe…!

http://www.easyweddings.com.au/wedding/supplier_wedding.asp?supplier=2151&area=qld

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Wedding Beverage…How?….









Have you ever wondered whether to stick to the beverage package for a certain price per head provided by your restaurant or reception venue? Or to go for based on consumption? Which one is more reasonable and worthwhile? If you do take the beverage package, are you able to get a discounted price per head, or have some bargain? No idea how much people would drink but do not want to risk giving too little or much for the guest?

I went through the same concern so I knew how you feel. Thank God for my friend who has just recently had a wedding with the similar friends background as me. She advised me to take the option of based on consumption. Go ahead with a minimum of $1000 for bar tab first. If through the night the bar tab goes down to $200, request for the restaurant/venue staff to consult the best man or the floor manager (definitely not the bride or groom) if an increase is required. Should it be in the middle of the night only, certainly it is required. However if it is nearly the end of the night, it’s fine to leave it as it is. For drinks choose only wine, champagne, soft drinks, juice, coffee and tea. Do not provide spirits as they’ll be very expensive. In the end my friend increased for another $500 but ended up only paying $1100++, so it was about $15 p/head.

Most people drank a lot in the beginning of the evening but not so much in the end. Besides, your church friends won’t drink that much either. I think based on consumption might be good as many people don’t want much alcohol, so it won’t be expensive. The average is people drinking 3 drinks the whole night.

The option for a fixed price p/head really depends on the cost p/head. But if the price/head will give you a better control of your budget as it is all down on the paper and will not change. You may be able to bring your own wine/champagne if they allow you for toasting as certain family members did have such experience.
In conclusion, depending on your budget and the kind of friends you have, to work out the best situation that suits you!

Friday, October 10, 2008

Beginning of a '1-Year-Engagement-Period'

Today marks the beginning of a '1-year-engagement-period' for me to prepare for the wedding and marriage. Thank God that I have already started researching for venues. Prayerfully that this wouldn't take long...^_^

If anyone is after a cheap wedding package that includes everything. Below is one of them. I personally think it is pretty good. Do check out the left-hand-menu for the garden ceremony and reception pictures. Wth the cheapest menu for $76 p/p listed below. If reception is taken ceremony is free of charge! Have a look…

http://www.mtommaneyhotel.com.au/wedding-facilities.htm

Wedding Packages

At Mt Ommaney Hotel Apartments we can offer you many options
for your Wedding Reception.

The options attached are guidelines only.
Our Functions Co‐ordinator would be happy to meet with you
To discuss your individual requirements.

All inclusive Wedding Packages
Professional Wedding Co‐ordinator
Complimentary Room Hire 4pm to Midnight
Pre‐dinner Savouries
Four Hour Drinks Package with Toasting Champagne
Three Course Set Menu or Buffet Meal
Children’ Menu and Special dietary requirements
Set Up & Staffing of Reception Room
White Linen Tablecloths & Napkins
Chair Covers & Colour Co‐Ordinated Sashes
Candelabra Centerpieces for Bridal & Guests Tables
Tea Lights for Bridal & Guests Tables
Satin Skirting decorating Bridal Table & Cake Table
Personalized Menus & Seating Plan
Microphone, Lectern & Parquetry Dance Floor
Complimentary Guest Parking
Wedding Night Apartment for the Bride& Groom with Chocolates,
Sparkling Wine & Breakfast
Special Accommodation Rates for Family & Friends

Complimentary Wedding Ceremony Gardens
(Adoration & Devotion Packages ONLY) Includes


Cherish Wedding Package

$ 76.00 per person
Minimum 40 Persons

A Selection of Hot Savouries
Three Course Set Menu
Soup, Main Meal & Dessert (menus attached)

4 hour Drinks Package of
Soft Drinks & Fruit Juice
Bottled House Wine – Semillon Chardonnay / Cabernet Sauvignon
& Sparkling Wine
Standard Heavy, Mid Strength & Light Stubbie Beer
Sparkling Wine for Toasting

All inclusive Wedding Packages also includes
Complimentary Room Hire 4pm to Midnight
Set Up & Staffing of Reception Room
White Linen Tablecloths & Napkins
Chair Covers & Colour Co‐Ordinated Sashes
Candelabra Centerpieces for Bridal & Guests Tables
Tea Lights for Bridal & Guests Tables
Satin Skirting decorating Bridal Table & Cake Table
Personalized Menus & Seating Plan
Microphone, Lectern & Parquetry Dance Floor
Complimentary Guest Parking
Wedding Night Apartment for the Bride& Groom with Chocolates,
Sparkling Wine & Buffet Breakfast
Special Accommodation Rates for Family & Friends

Real Life Weddings

A Very good website – with beautiful albums of real-life weddings in Brisbane provided with full details – from reception, photography to all you can think of. Very stylish posture in album as well. Do check out and get an inspiration or good idea for everything (even good idea for receptions).

http://www.queenslandbrides.com.au/features/realLifeWeddings/

In real life, is there any possibility of referencing to other people's weddings or marriages and then try our best to copy only the good points but not the bad ones? At some point, you can try your best not to step into the mistakes that other couples have made, but who can guarentee that the end-result will always be the same as what have happened to other couples in their case? Sometimes I wonder...for those couple whom used the slogan '..happily ever after...', do they really end up in a happy marriage? or another story goes from there on...?

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Funny Incident


Haha...today I contacted Golden Ox at margate and confirmed that they are available on 10/10 for wedding reception. I was really happy though the bigger room is booked out but the smaller room is available which can fit up to 80ppl. And guess what! Their price is $65 ppl INCLUDING EVRYTHING!!! Which means beverage, decorations, chairs covers & sashes…we don’t need to worry about that!!!

I get all so excited after hearing that from the very friendly lady on the phone and I’ve made an appointment to see her at 12 noon (as she comes in the office at 11am and has wedding from 1pm). I emailed him immediately and thought how good that was! Praise God! As ceremony is only $420…and including everythg too!! They are even so generous in chairs for 60% of the guests (which means for us if we have 120 ppl..72 chairs will be given..bravo!).
Little did I know that, as he looked at the map, it is so far far far away from our desired location. I then have to quickly call them and request for a cancellation of the appointment. Haha...this incident taught me to check out the map carefully before making any appointment even though it sounds SO cheap!

But certainly...for anyone who likes to travel a fair bit of distance for their wedding for great view and a special place (which I like to but...), feel free to visit their website/contatc them:

http://www.thegoldenox.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=13

330 Oxley Avenue, Margate 4019 Queensland

• F : 07 3283 4351 • E : functions@thegoldenox.com.au

Thursday, October 2, 2008

The Beautifying Work

.....stumble upon the links and article below...which made me realised how much cleansing and beautifying work I need to do before the wedding. Looking at the expensive price the beauty clinics or saloons Brisbane has to offer, deep in mind I am silently planning whether I should go back to malaysia for a trip to and get a full package for those bride-to-be. assuming that malaysia should have more offer with more pro service....being a bride is definitely not 'cheap' at all....

Love to share the following tips & links with you.


Wedding Dresses By Personality

http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-look/everyday-style/staticslideshowtkt.aspx?cp-documentid=10441140&imageindex=5

Top 15 Bridal Beauty Secrets


Insider's tips for perfect wedding hair and makeupAdd page to favoritesKate Wood
We've gone straight to the experts to find out their best tips for how to do everything -- and we mean everything -- to get the most out of your wedding hair and makeup. Whether you're planning to look totally natural or all-out glam, here's how to…


From The Knot
150+ wedding hairstyle photos
Ultimate wedding dress search
6 hot wedding hair trends


1. Fix an eye makeup mishap.Be extra careful -- once you've already smudged, you don't want to make it worse or you'll have to start all over again from scratch. Scott Miselnicky, executive director of global product development at Clinique, suggests wetting a Q-tip with makeup remover and gently dabbing at the mistake until it's completely gone. Go slowly so you don't take off too much!


2. Avoid Shirley Temple curls.Pageant-perfect curls are a bride's worst nightmare. For a natural look, wrap a section of hair around the outside of the barrel and hold for three seconds. Release and let cool, then lightly run your fingers through your hair. And don't forget -- vary the size of your curls, and switch up the direction in which you wrap them.


3. Fake a great pair of cheekbones."If you're face is roundish, shading lightly can work wonders!" says Lucy Baldock-Sacchi, international makeup artist and founder of Lucy B. Cosmetics. She suggests using a matte bronzer just below your cheekbones, then following up with a pink or peach blush on the apples of your cheeks. To tone it down, skip the bronzer and use a hint of shimmer on the highest point of your cheekbones.


4. Flatter your face.When it comes to choosing a hairstyle, all of our experts emphasize that your look needs to harmonize with your gown. Also, make sure to choose a style that will bring out your best feature, explains Jamal Hammadi, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Hamadi Beauty. "For an updo, placing the style between the top of your ear and the top of your eye (like a high ponytail) will enhance the shape of your eyes, while placing it lower (like a chignon) will put the focus more on your lips and neck," he says.


5. Stave off a breakout.Right before the wedding is not the time to try out a new skincare regimen. No matter how tired you are, make sure you stick to your cleansing schedule and remove your makeup before you go to bed! If you really need more ammo, try a mask with salicylic acid.


6. Apply perfect foundation.It only takes two tools to do this right: a quality brush and a makeup sponge. The brush will give you coverage, while the sponge will blend away any streaks or remove excess buildup.


7. Pull off a bold lip color.Lots of brides like to amp up their look for the reception, and a deeper lip hue is a great way to do it. "Using a brighter lip color will always make your teeth look whiter; a big plus on your wedding day!" says Stila makeup artist Sarah Lucero. Keep all the rest of your face relatively neutral, and your eye makeup soft -- not severe. "Also, make sure your cheek and lip colors are in the same color family," she says.


8. Get voluminous locks.Even if you're not going with a curly style, a curling iron or rollers should be in your repertoire. "Blow out your hair with a round brush for body, then follow up with a curling iron all over," explains Edward Tricomi, co-owner of Warren-Tricomi Salons.


9. Apply alluring eye shadow.Eye shadow color trios and quads can be difficult to decode: How do you know where to use each shade? According to Baldock-Sacchi, it's perfectly fine to break the rules and experiment. If you want your eyes to look wider, she recommends using the lightest shade on the inner corner to give your peepers a more open look. Shimmering shades can be used all over and look amazing layered over color. The darker shades should be used for contouring in the crease or the center of the lid.


10. Keep your lipstick on your lips.Miselnicky suggests applying a small amount of vaseline on to your teeth to keep lipstick from winding up on your teeth. "Also, gently blot your lipstick with a tissue after you have applied it to remove any excess," he says. "Believe me, the groom will be happy!"


11. Fight the frizzies."Always try to wash and rinse your hair with cool water, which will help maintain its natural moisture and prevent your hair from drying out," Hammadi says. Follow it up with a frizz-fighting product that will boost your protection level.


12. Make mascara run-proof.Waterproof mascara is a wedding day must-have. "I use waterproof on everyone involved in the wedding party because you never know who will tear up!" Lucero says. For lower lashes, she recommends applying mascara with a flat eyeliner brush rather than the mascara wand. "This trick prevents smearing under your eyes, which can make you look tired," she explains.


13. Boast a beautiful decolletage.You want your chest and shoulders to have clear, glowing skin -- especially if you're wearing a strapless gown. Debbie D'Aquino, vice president of global product development at Clinique, recommends wearing clothing that breathes and keeps perspiration from building up on your skin (this goes double for workout wear). Cleanse with a treatment that includes salicylic acid. We love ones that come in spray bottles because it's so much easier to apply to the back.


14. Prevent dark under-eye circles.It might be tough, but Diane Berson, M.D., says it's key that you get plenty of sleep (and not just the night before the wedding). "Sleep with your head elevated on a pillow to reduce puffiness, and try not to rub your eyes," she says. It's also a good idea to use an eye cream that brightens as well as hydrates.


15. Touch up your makeup.You may not have time to redo your makeup before the reception starts, but you should give yourself a quick once-over in order to make sure you stay looking great (after all, nearly every second of the reception will be photographed!). Makeup expert Francis Roman of Butterfly Studio says to skip blush (which should last just fine) and your eyelids (too risky). Instead, apply another layer of lip color, and blot your T-zone with an oil-removing paper. Then run a makeup sponge or a Q-tip beneath your lower lashes to remove any mascara or eye shadow that may have smudged or fallen beneath them, and you're good to go.


Photo: Sandi Fellman

Recited from:
© 2008 The Knot Inc. All rights reserved.
http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-look/everyday-style/articletkt.aspx?cp-documentid=10442855&GT1=32002

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Good Reception Seating Guide


Good Wedding Reception Seating Guide - putting the right people at the right table is important & can enhance the wonderful memory of your Big night:

http://www.bridetobe.com.au/Article/view-article.asp?ArticleID=1325