Fastforward to Bride - The Beginning

1 May 2007. That's the day life as I know it changed. I am no longer allowed to count myself amongst the singletons of the world, albeit with a significant other but as yet unmarried. The rock on my ring finger of my left hand now serves to remind me that I am about to pledge myself body and soul, to another.

So how did this happy situation come about? In a nutshell, boy meets girl, boy saves his number in girls mobile phone under assumed name, girl discovers number weeks later and hazards a call, boy takes girl out for a beer, boy and girl somehow start spending a lot of time together, 6 months later boy and girl resign themselves to being an item. Now fastforward to 1 May 2007. Boy and girl are on holiday, girl refuses to get out of bed, boy pops the question, girl feigns initial ignorance but eventually says yes. Yes the ring is a real diamond. Yes he bought it himself.

The proposal wasn't meant to be what it eventually turned out to be. Although B's really tight lipped about it, from the fragments of information that I've gathered it seems that he's been plotting for a while and practically everyone was in on it. The original plan was to pop the questin while riding the glass bottomed cable car from Mount Faber to Sentosa but in his own words "it didn't seem like we were going to make it so I thought I'd propose in your favourite place - the bed!". I'm just thankful he didn't do it in the middle of Orchard Road! That would have been a disaster...can you imagine me going "ok we'll talk about this later, let me finish shopping first" *roll eyes* True shopaholic am I.

To the fellas out there, if your girl isn't the type to declare her love at the top of her lungs from the top of Wheelock Place then for both your sakes, pop the question privately. Doing it in a public place with hundreds of eyes staring and waiting for an answer can be nerve wracking to say the least. Also, to me, a private moment between the both of you when you ask that oh so special question is infinitely more beautiful than the most publicly lived out moment imaginable. Plus...if she says no in public what on earth would you do?!?!

The parents have been told. Today we tackled the remaining grandparents. My lovely grandmother took her sweet time getting settled, seated B directly opposit her in her living room and conducted a mini-interrogation - when's the wedding? where will you live? you better look after her? and so on and so forth. B emerged unscathed, after all when your grandmothers were good friends and fathers went to University together, you're not going to have much of a problem getting accepted by each other's families.

Since we got engaged, it's been a whirlwind of attention. I'm not usually one to shun attention but I'm getting to the stage where if I could, I would blush, stammer thanks you's and run away. A big thank you to all those who've wished us well - now watch me lose my mind trying to organise a wedding...MY wedding *faint*

I must say that getting engaged and putting together a wedding has opened a whole new world of internet resources to me. Gone are the days I surf looking to perv at the latest handbag or another pair of Choos. Now it's to sites like the knot or Female Brides for information and ideas. Can someone tell me if there's a difference between a dress and a wedding dress? To me the only discernible difference is the price they stick on the one meant for brides. Does becoming a bride give retailers carte blanche to rob you blind?? For God's sake, an invitation card is an invitation card regardless of whether it's for a birthday party, coming out of the closet or a wedding!

Engagement annoucements out of the way we're looking at maybe biting the bullet at the end of August. A long engagement would just be a pain for the both of us. We figure it's best to just jump right in.
How do I feel you may ask?? I feel fine. Much as B popping the question was a surprise, I think deep down I had a feeling it was going to happen this year. Even his 4 year old neice has been telling everyone that we're getting married this year - psychic maybe? I'm happy, he's happy, the families seem happy, my brother's are eagerly awaiting ang pow's next Chinese New Year. The enormity of it all has settled in - this will actually be something that's forever and ever and ever, not until next season's collection comes out. To put to rest any doubters and dissenters out there, I have 2 words for you - I do.

Majlis Tanda Tunang of Tina & Yadi

The engagement or Majlis Menerima Tanda Tunang of Tina & Yadi

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s ! !

The couple
Hajah Martina Melati binte Dato Seri Paduka Hj Kifrawi

&

Ismayadi Sugara bin Asrul Hayat

Tina is the only daughter and eldest child of Dato Seri Paduka Hj Kifrawi and Datin Hajah Zainah. She is a medical student at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. The couple met in Brisbane and went 'steady' in October 2004. Yadi graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in December 2004. He is working as an Auditor with the Brunei Government.

The ring
The ring was from Twinkles Jewellery

The event and venue
The beautiful bride-to-be was made up and dressed in the Darussalam Suite of the Sheraton Utama Hotel situated on the 6th floor of the hotel.

On arrival, guests were ushered into the Mutiara Ballroom located at lobby level. The ballroom was decorated in the colour theme of blue and white. It was wonderfully cool and tranquil in the ballroom and an air of excitement was in the air while the guests waited for the ceremony to start.

The guests in the Mutiara Ballroom could see Tina in the Darussalam Suite, as she waited for the ring to be brought to her.

The invitation
A very simple gold leaf, bought by the bride-to-be from a stationers in Brisbane. Her Aunt, Ngah Alin or Haslinda, prepared the words and layout. Elegant yet effective.

The make-up and hair
Tina’s hair and make-up were done by Maureen from De Most Salon in Kiulap. Soft baby blue sparkly eye shadow, light pink lips, radiant complexion and dramatic lashes.

Tools of the trade:

Maureen, make up artiste

The Dress
And now to her breathtaking baju kurung which was made out of an exquisite piece of luminous ice blue French Lace adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals. It was lovingly cut and sewn by Madam Glinda, who works in Tina’s grandma’s tailoring shop, Tina Tailor. Hundreds of silver and blue beads were hand-sewn over 2 weeks onto the neckline, cuffs and edges of the baju kurung.

Tina Tailor was set-up Datin Hajah Jamilah, Tina’s maternal nenek (on right). Here she is with her daughter, Datin Hajah Zainah.

Located at No. 120 Kampong Lambak, Simpang 284, Jalan Berakas, BB1714, BSB, Tel: 2390438, Tina Tailor is well known for their delicate and intricate beadwork, superb workmanship and innovative designs of baju kurungs/kebayas and baju feysen.

Here is Glinda, master cutter, (2nd from left) and her team of sewers and embroiderers.

The Jewellery
A pair of ear-rings from Swarovski and a long necklace of topaz and assorted stones.

The shoes
A lovely pair of blue sandals embellished with crystals from Vincci to match the baju kurung.

The photographer
When only the best will do, you call David Cheok. Pop over to his site to see more photos. Please register to view photos which are in his Private Gallery.

The videographer
Irwan, a familiar face at weddings.

The food
Chef Ken Yeong, Executive Chef of the Sheraton Utama Hotel, put this menu together for the occasion. We had Tasek Fried Rice, Darussalam Noodles, Tofu Ebiko Pouch, Honey Sesame Chicken Wings, Crispy Fish Fingers with Sambal Dip, Assorted Canapes, Sliced Cakes and Fresh Fruits.

Go to Foodie Tales for pics.

The giveaways
Mum (Datin Hajah Zainah) of the bride-to-be, bought these Chinese silk tissue box holders from Shanghai. The lucky ladies received this, with Golden Boronia nougat from Australia in a re-useable dark blue chiffon drawstring pouch, and a piece of chocolate cake baked by the Pastry Chef of the Sheraton Utama Hotel. The gentlemen guests received a mug instead of the tissue box holder.

Isn’t it a wonderful idea to hold an engagement party in the air-conditioned comfort of a hotel? Imagine having their banquet department make most of the arrangements for you, leaving you to look your best on the big day?

No surprise the bride-to-be and her family all looked wonderfully calm and collected, mingling with their guests and enjoying the afternoon’s events. Call Sheraton Utama Hotel on 2244272 for enquiries.

Here is Rano in the Darussalam Suite. Check out his site for his write-up of today's events.

Shafique & Wanda

As promised earlier on, here is the complete post from their wedding events. Thanks to Fidz & Tiyah for the text & images respectively.

Nikah

Nikah was held at individual venues, I think it is usually held under one roof (at the girls side) but instead of that the guy's nikah function was held at his place first and later went to the girls side at Kpg Mata-Mata. The bride's side managed to watch the Nikah function take place at our place via video call on Skype, apparently it was on projector for everyone to watch since it was not held under one roof. Technology these days!

Berbedak

Berbedak function took place on the 28th of March at the groom's side in Berakas. Outfit & accessories by Roza Rohaya located at Gadong Properties.

Bersanding

The Bersanding function took place on the 1st of April both at the groom's side while the bride's side was held at ICC. The groom's Bersanding clothing by Nurhayana Enterprise.

Ambil-ambilan

Ambil-ambilan was held at the bride's side in Kpg Mata-Mata. Congratulations again you both. Ok now go make lotsa lil Fiqs & Wandas! Hehe...

More photos here...

Shafiq & Wanda

Delani & Handara's

My brother and some friends recently made their way to Jakarta to attend one of our good friends' wedding reception. It was held at the grand Balai Samudera. As you can see from the pictures below, it was a very lavish occassion attended by VIPs and performances by well-known Indonesian artist.

Congratulations Delani & Handara, may your marriage be a pleasant journey and an everlasting one too.

The Groom & Bride

Some of the invited guest.

With the VIPs, The Indonesian President and his First Lady.

Now thats what I call a cake!

With friends.

The Brunei posse putting on their best looks. Macam Mafia eh! Hehe...

Harvey Malaiholo sang the first song for the first dance.
There was also a performance by Vina Panduwinata.

Their Brunei wedding reception will be held this coming May. Will try and post more pics of that too.

Lace Of Elegance

Click here to know more.

SMARTER Five Hills Challenge

Date: Sunday, April 15th 2007
Time: 7am
Starting Venue: Tasek Lama
Other destinations include: Subok, Marakucing and Mentiri before heading to Bukit Shahbandar by either 1pm or 2pm

The SMARTER meaning to the five hills:

Five important challenges faced -

1. 'The challenge of our children growing up'
2. 'To advocate support and understanding from government agencies'
3. 'The challenge of academic issues'
4. 'The challenge of future employment'
5. 'The challenge of higher education'

Other info:

• Members of the public who wish to contribute and participate are welcome to join the charity event
• SMARTER Brunei is targeting to raise enough funds to sustain them for six months

For more information, contact: Hj Malai Abdullah at 8743777 or Major Talip at 8865646 or Hj Yusuf Thani at 8732046

Dave & Darlis

Their wedding was last year, now they are the proud parents of a handsome young boy named Lucas. These pictures are taken after their church wedding. I think pictures of that will be posted by BlackDiamonds soon.

This particular layout is made using Tabblo. Its a fun way of displaying your photos and best of all its free. All pics are taken by me using my Nokia N80 and enhanced a bit using Photoshop.

Back from church ... See my Tabblo