Showing posts with label down the aisle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label down the aisle. Show all posts

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Of dd/mm/yyyy

Did I forget to mention that we have nailed down our wedding date?

5th March 2011: Church solemnization

6th March 2011: Dinner banquet at Grand Copthorne Waterfront


Oh, now I remember why I haven’t mentioned that.
I thought that it is safer for me to let the cat out of the bag in 2010.

Now I can safely say that I am getting married next year without sounding far-fetched.

Most importantly, some friends and relatives will FINALLY stop asking me “Huh, why so long”?

I have sorta run out of excuses for them since they conveniently dismissed my reason that there is no suitable venue for us end of this year.

Anyway, next step for us will be to secure a suitable church and a reliable bridal studio.

Heard that Julia is quite good? Any to recommend?

Saturday, October 10, 2009

of wedding invitation



I adore this video to bits. Must have taken a looooonnng time to create. Such a genius idea.

People are now embracing social media as tool for communication. They are slowing taking away the traditional invitation card. I just received a wedding invitation through facebook. Not that I like that idea but then if I can't beat them, I'll have to join them. Yep you guess right. I RSVP back through facebook too.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

of fly-away bride

Me and MArk is having our usual wedding conversation and this particular one sets me cracking up.


Me: My mom seems to prefer a saturday night wedding banquet but I'm afraid with the morning wedding at church, I'll be half dead by the night session. (Me and MArk initially agreed to have a sunday night banquet)
MArk: Hmmm.. I don't think you'll be tired on that day right?
Me: Ya.. Maybe must down plenty of Red Bull
MArk: But what if you fly away?
Me: .... (my mind conjuncting up an image of a fly-away bride on her wings) ROFL

of more venues down, some more to go

Seems to have a turn of event during our venue sourcing for our wedding. Apparently Grand Corpthone Waterfront doesn't have the dates that we wanted. We are soooo flexible giving them at least 12 dates but none fits into their busy schedule. Boohooo..

I love the ballroom! High ceiling, no pillar, beautiful long aisle walk-in and garden backdrop.

Too bad.. We have to quickly source for an alternative venue to back us up. We have to convince ourselves that an alternative doesn't mean second best though. It might just means a higher price tag. haha..

Sunday, September 13, 2009

of one venue down, many more to go

The Hilton Wedding show we went to last weekend is a real disappointment.

The ballrooms and deco are very nicely decked out but they just lack the punch we are looking for.

One of the main criteria I am looking for is for the hotel to have an eye for detail, which is what Hilton Singapore is soring lacking.

After registration, we were left standing there without any instruction what to do. We ventured into the grand ballroom and still there isn't any sign of help coming our way. After 10 minutes of loitering within the ballroom, we decided to approach the counter.

Me: Hi, we are very lost here. Can you tell us what to do?
Hilton Rep: Erm..
MArk: XX contacted us for this wedding show. May I know where is she?
Hilton Rep: Erm, XX is busy at the moment.
Me/MArk: I give 'that' look to MArk which we both know is the 'invisible roll-eye' look.
Hilton Rep 2: Maybe I can bring you around?

Duh!

They have to cheek asking us to pay $30 for the wedding show and let us explore your ground on our own? Some great hospitality you've got.

The rest of the show got much better after introdution from the 2nd rep. He patiently bring us to the various venue and explained to us each of the theme they were trying to potray. I must say it don't look too bad. The dessert buffet looks interesting too!

Being the perfectionist me, I have already determind not to sign up with them. They have already lost us in the beginning. Talk about first impression.

Their only saving grace is the complimentary parking ticket which we still have to request for that day. Else we have to pay an additional $17.50! MARk will be super pissed.

Nonetheless, both of us agreed to cross out Hilton. (Sorry, just too bad you didn't manage to wow us)

We are heading to the Fairmont Wedding show later. It's free admission. Hopefully that'll turn out to be better.

Friday, August 28, 2009

of wedding bells ringing

I am in the midst of preparing for our 2010 wedding. It is a bag of mixture emotions. Exhilarating yet confusing. There are so many wedding forums, magazines, articles and advices telling the bride-to-be what to do and what to look out for. They just further confused me.

Right now, we are giving ourselves until oct to decide on our wedding venue. We have shortlisted a couple of hotels that can accommodate our 55 tables. Yes, you did not read wrongly. 55 tables.

Before, I have envisioned my wedding to be an intimate family and close friends only sort of celebration. Somewhere outdoor, surrounded by pretty flowers and greens, breezy, with a live band and a small dance floor for the couple's first dance.

However, looking at the Singapore weather and the sheer number and demographic of guests, I don't think my original plan is going to work. I watched too much Hollywood movies.

In reality, my wedding is going to be a big celebration, somewhere indoor with AC, maybe no dance floor and definately no more mama mia style. Either way, I am still going to make it work, make it an enjoyable time for my guest and an unforgettable memories for me and MArk.

That's what matter most.

Its not about getting my way and having my dream wedding. Well, they all say a marriage involved 6 people. I couldn't agree more. I really hope to make the event and the journey of planning an enjoyable one for us and our parents.

Coming back to the venue, I have shortlisted a few:
-Grand Corpthone Waterfront
-Hilton
-Meritus Mandarin
-Pan Pacific
-Fairmont

We have so far been to GCW for recee. We are happy with what was offered. However, the real haggling will start once we confirm on the venue. haha..

Next step will be to source for the wedding gown and packages.

We might decide to take our bridal shoot overseas. (That's part of the deal he made with me if I accept his proposal. I'm easily bribed.) :)We are planning to do that in Mar/April next year.

Next step is to go on diet. Its really hard for someone like me. Even drinking water makes me put on weight. :(

Anyway, more of that later.

Need some rest now. I'm actually on MC today. Think all the work and wedding plans taking a toll on me.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

of overcoming the odds one step a time

VICTORY is a process. It doesn't happen only at the finishing line. It is actually the sum of many small victories. And if in the process of obtaining that VICTORY, you give up, all the small victories actually counts for nothing.

The small victories come first when you decided to set your mind in obtaining that VICTORY, it is the small little steps along the way where you tell yourselves to take yet another step even when you feel that you cannot, it is banishing all the negative thoughts and fears that tell you that you are never able to make it. It is going beyond your limits one small step at a time.

I had that revelation when I was running for my virgin 21KM.

Negative thoughts hit me just at the 2KM mark. "Christine, you are not going to make it. You still have 19KM to go. Your body won't be able to take it as you have yet to recover from your flu". The mind get bombared by all sort of negative thoughts telling me to give up. I looked at MArk running beside me and decide to just go on another KM. - small victory

At 4KM, I told MArk I need to consume the power gel as I needed more energy. Never have I expected the sheer disgusting taste within that small silver pack. My stomach rejected that immeditately but I force it down with water anyway. -small victory

We started from opposite Fullerton Hotel, up Benjamin Shears bridge and all the way to East Coast Park. Once we reached East Coast Park, it was about 6.5KM. My body felt better, accustomed to the run. We stopped for toilet break and continue to hit the pavement. Along the way, we saw Angelyn. She is looking strong so I told her to carry on without us. Finally, we saw the U-Turn which marks the halfway point of the race. I felt stronger, I urged myself to go on.

Fatigue starts to creep in at 11KM. I told myself that 12KM will be a milestone for me as I have never reached that distance before. I continued another KM. - small victory

I continued for another 2 KM before I slow down to a walk. I looked up at saw that we were approaching 15KM. 15KM! One of my 2009 new year resolution is to hit 15KM. I did what I set out to do! On the other hand, my mind starts to do a mental calculation. "How am I going to complete another 6KM? My knees felt sore and the muscles are cramped. But I have come too far to give up now." -small victory

It was really challenging from 16KM to 19KM. My stamina is still on operative mode but my legs really give way. Every step was accompanied by pain and I have to stop every now and then. The point is I continue. - small victory

Upon seeing the 19KM sign, I somehow find the strength to pick up my speed. I told MArk that I want to run to the finishing line instead of walking there. My legs seem to grow a live of its own and I rely on pure adrenaline to carry me through. The last KM was the longest KM ever. Finally I heard someone shouted "350M to the finishing line". small victory

I am almost there.

I looked at my running pacer, gave him a small victory smile. Both of us know relish that special moment. We are there. I am there. My first 21KM.

I clocked 3Hr and 09min.

MArk told me that the distance (21KM) will never get further but I can.

Yes I can. :)

That is MY VICTORY. - The summation of all the small victories.

Don't give up. Count your small victories and eventually, you will see the FINISHING in the horizon.

P.S: Thank you MArk for your encouragement. Without you, there will not be any VICTORY. This post is dedicated to you.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

of magic wand & genie in the bottle

When I was a little girl of around 4 years of age, I got the taste of my first real disappointment.

I don’t know how I gotten the idea that I could purchase a magic wand and that could grant me any 3 wishes I wanted. It could be from the cartoon network or some fairy tales bedtime story. Nonetheless, the idea of having a magic wand fascinates me beyond my little mind could contain. I thought of it day and night and even dreamt about it.

Somehow, I manage to persuade my mom to give me $50 to buy my wand. $50 is a big thing 20 years ago. It could be a $200 equivalent in today’s context. My mom could have felt that intense earnest in me to agree to this silly request of her 4 years old daughter.

In my mum’s mind, it just another ‘toy’ which her daughter wanted and soon she will grow out of that airy fairy phase. It wasn’t like that for me. I sincerely believed that such magic exist and is determined in hunting it down.

On that fateful day, my sister, our nanny and I set off for my ‘wand’ hunting at Toys’ R Us across the island. I don’t know if my nanny is just patronizing me or if she really doesn’t have a clue of what I was looking for. We wandered from stores to stores, with me trying my best to describe the magic wand to the sales person. We were rejected at each stores and the disappointment sets in deeper and deeper.

At the end of that day, I was somehow convinced that what I was looking for doesn’t exist.
What saddened me most is not about the magic wand. It wasn’t even about the 3 wishes that I could have. I didn’t even think about what are they wishes that I wanted.

It is about idea of having a magical wand, a mystical “genie in the bottle” who will grant me just about anything I wanted.

I felt disappointment for the first time in my life (at age 4).

I told this story to MArk last night. We were at Wendy’s birthday celebration and somehow I brought up this topic. MArk wasn’t surprise. He is rather accustomed to my ‘Alice in Wonderland’ mode but he had another name for that. He called them ‘you and your nonsense’ instead.

I told me that it was at age 4 that I realized I couldn’t have what I want all the time. I understood disappointment. I realize that my life is not as easy as to waving a magic wand and getting just what I wanted.

On our way home, we stopped by the petrol kiosk and I have gotten a surprise.
Before MArk stepped off the car, being the gentleman that he is, he will always ask if he can get me anything from the store. I just causally told him that I wanted the Tigger plush toy which was on display at the store. Both of us know that I am not a fan of plush toy and he knew that I’m being nonsense again. So he left the car without a word to make payment.

5 minutes later, he came back with the Tigger in his arm.

He told me that he fought all the urges to come back and asked if I truly wanted the toy. He goes against his logic and gotten me something which I just said I wanted.

I knew he remembered my story.

I still didn’t have the magic wand. But I have him. I have family and friends who loved me and who are willing to go all out and care for me and protect me.

I won’t forget the look on his face when he came back to the car that day.

I was looking at my magic wand.

Even better, I am looking at a magic wand who not only give me what I want. He gives me what is best for me.

If given a choice to get what you want and what is good for you, what would you choose?

Me too. :)

I thought of our heavenly father and I thought I saw Jesus in him that day.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Love is a walk in the park

To say that Love is a walk in the park.. Well... that's definitely an understatement. It is hard work.

But that's what we did on St. Valentines' Day.

A walk in the park...






Love is....
A journey








made by 2 like-minded people




to weather the mountain-high and valley-low experience of life together



to look at the big picture, without sweating the small stuff


to watch the sunset together and thank God for the day...




Love is this...







Friday, May 23, 2008

Bangkok & Hua Hin

Destination: Bangkok & HuaHin
Date: October 2007
Travelers: Christine & MArk

This was the first trip we took together and the memories are etched deep into my mind. I was browsing through all the photographs and they inevitably brings me down memory lane. I'm grateful for these 'captured moments' for me. I decided to post them here to further remind myself that life is about moments and I did not want to forget these "Beautiful Moments" that was created. Enjoy my moments.

This was the first day at Bangkok. Having lunch at Platinium Mall. We took the opportunity to take this picture with the colorful building as the background. The picture turn out nice with the stark contrast between the interior and the bright sky!


Having coffee and pretzels. Goofing around with the camera. I like this picture because it reminds me that I can be silly around him and I'm not afraid that he sees me differently.

Day 2: Lunch at MBK foodcourt. Apparently, they have upgraded their food area and is like 'marche-style'. The food are surprisingly yummy!

We tried taking this picture many times in order to align the smiley face with our smiley faces. No luck. Haha.. Anyway, this was when we attempted to be adventurous and asked the cabby to drop us in an unfamiliar territory. We saw this cute building and start taking pictures.

Tucked in a corner was this cozy cafe. I was actually looking for this cafe chain online but could not find the location. Thank God for the spontaneous pit stop if not we will never be able to 'chance upon' this place. Cafe Greyhound.

A rare moment. MArk reading a book!

At the train station on our way to Hua Hin. Hua Hin is a small town in Bangkok and the train journey took about 4 hours. (i think) This trip to Hua Hin was totally unplanned but I had the best time there!!!

At Hua Hin Train Station. Finally (phew!)

We rented a bike and cruise round the city with it. Funny thing happen because little did we know that the bike does not supply us with petrol. We were riding around the main street and suddenly the bike just refuse to budge. Haha.. it was really a classic sight! We were in the main road of the city in front of the traffic light then. The thais are really very good-natured people. NO ONE sounded a horn at us! In the end, we had to push our bike to the nearest petrol kiosk which is aound 500m away. We were told it was the one and only petrol station in Hua Hin! Haha.. I'll never forget that incident.

Feasting like royalties at night at their seafood restaurant.

Next day at Hua Hin's beach.

Carefree. A precious moment.

U.G.L.Y but adorable moment!

If I have to choose a picture to represent the entire Bangkok trip, this would be it! This is my favourite picture. I look like I'm feeling contented. Indeed, I am.. Blessed. Need I say more?

A pseudo 'beach couple'. Haha.. I'm really exhausted on the way back. Was suppose to meet up with a friend (Yui) for dinner but the train broke down half way. Originally it will take about 4 hours but the journey back was about 8 hours. It was quite a scary experience because we seems to be the only foreigner on board and the train just stopped in the middle of nowhere! However, something miraculous happened to MArk. Its his story to tell. Not mine. ;)


Nominees of the Bao' face.
MArk a.k.a Bruce Lee

Parting shot at the airport.