Wedding Plans

End of the Wedding Plans

2009-09-15T13:29:00.001+10:00

its done!

2009-08-06T13:22:00.002+10:00

Collected Red dress, still doesnt meet the floor -_- But I found a qun kwa! For rent! so cool. Limited movement but hey don't care! get to wear the fancy pajama sequin/pearl set!
Carisbrook house - Terry is so nice, he going to do heaps for us! Err... didn't realize they had a memory stone plaque placed in the courtyard in memory of the house founder... Umm need to hide it on the day. Buying some Brush Fencing to wrap around it.
Lillian - total scream! Must remember not to use wry humor on the day or everything will be delayed while we're all cracking up.
Kam Fook - Thank God I have Christine. I understood 20% of what was coming out of Simon's mouth. We had a moment when I called out and got Chris to come over. Simon immediately called one of his "langs" to join forces with him to level out the playing field. Christine has been promoted to Operations Manager :P

So what needs to be done.

Purchase Brush Fence for GStone in Carisbrook House
Confirm Monkey Bar Food Order
Confirm peoples assistance
Wash Vases
String Bind Bamboos
Paint, Gloss and Cut out Fish
Polish white slippers || & Red Shoes
Decide on a necklace for Red Dress or not.
Table Allocations || Write Guest Names on tags || Finish Tag Clips || Clip collate the bookmarks
Find Ceremony Music || Music compiling || Burn CDs of Music
Wedding Dress Alterations - hand stitch lace back on.
Kathleen's Dress Alterations - still to do. Finalize that on Saturday
Mum's dress alternations - Pick up Monday - Need to find her a silver stole
Chairs - To be reglued
Picture books - Pick up from Pep
Stuff Favours
Collate Kids Drawing book

Phew! That and the copy i have to do for restaurants, handover project + normal day work + stuff for Mum and Dad! Glad i still have time to blog!

This Weekend

2009-07-31T09:20:00.002+10:00

Print off Chair Decals
Collect Red Dress
Collect Mum
Visit Carisbrook House - check fountain/flowers/chair Storage
Meet Lillian - pay money/talk action plan/goss about Phuket & CaramelloK with Wrinkles
Have Yum Cha at KFC (Kam Fook Chatswood) - cant believe I only came up with that today!!!!
Talk to Simon Restaurant Manager about numbers and seating arrangements

Only 4 weekends to go.

Tiny Brides

2009-07-31T09:17:00.005+10:00

I know Chinese girls are small (I'm the exception)

but really are they this small???

Something alarming about these photos...

A Bruno like wedding

2009-07-31T08:38:00.001+10:00

Actually I thought the green tights were hilarious, and thought it would be fun to freak out Steph... but then I continued scrolling with horror and disbelief.
A wedding best to be forgotten

What I fear

2009-07-31T08:34:00.002+10:00

Too much brown
Too much fish
Too much cutesy
Too much... "theme"

The garden chairs waiting for the day

2009-07-30T21:57:00.000+10:00

Eva
avechoco at gmail . com

The stuffing of favours

2009-07-30T21:56:00.000+10:00

Eva
avechoco at gmail . com

Epitome of temptation

2009-07-14T17:45:00.002+10:00

3kg of Ferrero Rocher... and the aroma is quite enticing.

Solder On

2009-07-13T12:51:00.003+10:00

Steph has turn out to be a bit of a sparkie!

He has borrowed Denzil's soldering iron and turned the replaced the amber with the white ones we bought off Ebay.

I have made heaps of errors on these and ive listed for all to see

Lesson Learnt: Amber LED doesnt mean Warm white it means BRIGHT ORANGE.
Other Lesson Learnt: Warm White LED's use a lot of battery life
Other Other Lesson Learnt: There is a price fix on Coin Cell Batteries in Australia
Other Other Other Lesson Learnt: Jay Car is a Rip-off!
Lesson Learnt from Other People: Buy Diffused LEDS or youll end up with beams of lights

30 Umbrellas Collected!

2009-07-13T12:50:00.001+10:00

Done! after nearly 6months of collecting, I have enough umbrellas for the wedding ceremony.

These are the just in case, as its pretty miserable standing in the rain... if it rains... but of course it wont rain. its my wedding day right? *fingers crossed*

Tacky Weddings

2009-07-13T12:49:00.000+10:00

I wont host the images here, but here is a site game enough to post photos of OTT weddings.

One reader posted a comment that when she's stress out with planning her wedding she goes to the site to have a laugh and I agree, it reassures me that I'm not going OTT.

Printing the leftovers

2009-07-10T14:39:00.001+10:00

I reckon I have the best wedding artwork EVER! *grins broadly*

Thanks Pep!

Who has also helped me out with the signage and various other pieces of art.

But printing isn't cheap :( Even in bulk! So we are doing it the DIY.

Today I grabbed labels for the garden chairs, and the wine labels. And I found some really cute tags which are much better sized for the umbrellas. (And don't look like body tags you tie to the end of dead toes).

That means there will be STAMPING tonight!

On another thought the wine, we are only getting the red as a clean skin… And I'm REALLY glad about that! Today I realized that 6 boxes of wine means 72 bottles! And that's a lot of bottles to label!

White dress in!

2009-07-07T15:41:00.001+10:00

Picked up the white dress today... Hooray no more extra storage space. :OP
DreSs is a bit crumpled but it is to be expected after being balled up for so long
Eva
avechoco at gmail . com

Shawls are done and packed

2009-07-06T16:07:00.003+10:00

hooray!

I got Ed and Steph to help with stencilling and folding while we were watching CSI reruns.

And last night i fished stamping dates and tying them up with ribbons.

Woohoo!

Now only small bits and bobs left to go!

Sea of happiness

2009-07-05T04:09:00.000+10:00

Shawls waiting to dry
Eva
avechoco at gmail . com

Scary Weddings

2009-07-04T00:20:00.003+10:00

oh god. there are heaps

Lu sent some shocker with a fluro orange colour scheme.

But there are so many on the internet!!! Many Top 10s, and of these this is my favourite

I like the comment on number 3. I wonder if the handlers come with the dress?

Not Eva

2009-07-04T00:06:00.000+10:00

im having too much fun with this software

Cartoon Eva

2009-07-03T23:56:00.002+10:00

Eva as a stylish retro cartoon!

Okay I'm no where near that skinny. But its fun to imagine

Stencilled shawls

2009-06-30T23:18:00.000+10:00

Hooray they worked!
Eva
avechoco at gmail . com

QVB Locked in!

2009-06-24T20:11:00.006+10:00

Lovely Anna from the QVB management confirmed today that we have permission to shoot our wedding photos in the QVB!

How exciting!

For those who haven't been into the QVB for a while, they have repainted and refurbished the building. Now with gorgeous aqua blues, rusty reds and creamy butter yellows. There are so many colours I think Jenny is going to go Nuts! :)

One of the areas hidden from general public.

I'm even going to organise a little lunch break for the Bridal Party and photographers. I was planning on making Bento boxes. but realistically, I think the Cafe is less stressful.

We will have to get Jenny to slow down for 10 mins! Wish us Luck!

Viral Greek Wedding

2009-06-23T12:42:00.003+10:00

Oh my. I didn't realise this was in Australia! I thought it was American, but nevertheless the problem is the same. We got photos of this by email a few weeks ago, then last week it was shown on the Today Show on Channel 9 and now its gone Viral.

There are nasty comments made, but I reckon commenting will happen to every wedding and I reckon some of the comments were unintentionally invited.

Weddings are about a promise, to be together from today onwards. to look after each other and meld the families of the bride and groom and promise to protect and nurture the children involved/yet to come.

I think if you start focusing on other things, you will run a higher chance of getting opinionated.

I suspect I'll have my fair share of comments. In particular the Trashing of the Dress, I'll probably have complaints about the locations, the squish, the weather, the travelling, the food, the favours, the language... blah blah blah... But like Yanna, Its my wedding. So Nerr!

BUT to be on the safe side. (Lets face it, its okay for friends and family to comment but who wants a passle of strangers to comment?!?! )

Friends and Family please foward your photos to me to view before posting on the web. If you need to put them up in albums please mark your photos as unlisted and please put in your albums disclaimers to prevent the distribution.

Not long away

2009-06-23T07:37:00.002+10:00

2 months...

I don't think there's much more to plan... But today in the gym I was dreaming about the sleeves on the w.dress...
The problem is the the dress has no sleeves!

I really need to stop with these projects

Pinned in

2009-06-22T15:33:00.002+10:00

I've had a devil's own time with dress makers. One lady arrogantly wanted to charge me $450 for the dress alterations! Then Sunday they were all closed in Hurstville (and boy did that get me annoyed!) So today I packed my dress into a little suitcase, and took it to work.

I had 2 shops in mind, there was Look Smart Alternations in Myers and the other was Queens Alterations in QVB.

The service at Look Smart was so nice! I have to say it was a bit scary getting in my dress in front of Local MYER shoppers, and the tailor was male! But he put my fears aside, gave me a quote and proceeded to pin me in.

I get 2 fittings and if the 1st fitting isn't right they will redo the alterations free of charge!

Mmm.. I hope some of this loose fabric is due to the weight I have loss…

Oh and let me say Mum is pleased as PUNCH! She won't have to do any of my alterations.

And I get my points!!!!

Look Smart Alterations
Myer City Store
Level 1 (near Country Road)
436 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
02 9238 9335
Ask for Rami

Happiness Stamp

2009-06-21T21:39:00.001+10:00

This was a quicky project
I had left over carving mat so I made a happiness stamp.

Stamp and its product || Close up of the stamp

Stamp on the cup || Stamps solo

I hope to use the stamp on the shawls and the umbrella. :) I like efficient usage.

Flowers are locked on

2009-06-21T14:31:00.001+10:00

Popped into the florist to pay the deposit!

Carmen the owner had the day off but the nice staff there were happy to help. And the flowers - brides 2xBmaid, 3xmens button holes + 6 male buttonholes and 4 girl buttonholes. Comes up to a total of $390 I'm pretty happy with the costings
Eva
avechoco at gmail . com

TableCard Holders

2009-06-19T11:28:00.004+10:00

Okay I did originally plan to use salt dough, but clay was convient and cheap! ^^ so i moulded little eggs, i tried to use a stamp to emboss the double happiness but it didnt show up clearly enough so instead I used a stamp that Kathleen lent me. However as white, they started to resemble fossilised dino-droppings. So with a quick swipe of gold paint and a stamp! You have a pretty table card holder to go with the table dolls!

However, that wasn't the only thing that got painted gold....

Gold Fingers!

Mr Pig has a date

2009-06-16T13:54:00.000+10:00

I mentioned a few times our wedding involves a pig which Steph's mum thinks is an absolute scream.

I finally got us a quote a few weeks ago... And last night mum and I discussed the logistics of Mr Pig.

I asked mum how she was going to fit the pig in the hotel fridge. We laughed ourselves silly with the thought of chopping up the pig and distributing the parts in plastic bags amongst all the hotel rooms of the family members and friends.

But common sense prevailed and the pig will be handed over on Monday at the post wedding BBQ.

Fabric warehouse

2009-06-13T15:38:00.001+10:00

Wow! Nice people! I ordered the fabric for the shawls and got 20% off the fabric, a fabric pizza cutter and a paddle ruler

They have a loyalty card there. Spend 200 and get 20. And that's pretty easy to do in a fabric shop!!!

I was a bit depressed after the dressmaker they cheered me up with jelly beans. Then we had a chicken burger for lunch.

The Remnant Warehouse
theremnantwarehouse.com.au
494 Botany Rd Alexandria NSW 2015
(02) 9698 7855
Eva
avechoco at gmail . com

The dressmaker

2009-06-13T12:38:00.001+10:00

Mixed emotions

Okay got the red dress altered for 150

But the white one with all its beading has proved to be a fly in the ointment. She quoted 450 which is more than the dress!

:( so what next?
Eva
avechoco at gmail . com

Today's agenda

2009-06-13T11:41:00.001+10:00

Visit a dressmaker about getting the dress fixed

Visit fabric shop about shawl fabric

Get a heater
Eva
avechoco at gmail . com

Blue Lotus Makeup

2009-06-12T10:42:00.004+10:00

Well after Sunday and the "after-Martha-math", I send an email off to Melissa to organise a trial.

I've never had a make-up trial before, nor had I had non friends come into my house and do non friend/family stuff in your home. I felt the need to feed and send her home with food!

Her boxes of tricks is quite extensive. V.distracting.!!! and she has heaps of falsies and we could all have some at no extra charge!

The trial did take a bit, because we were chatting and laughing too much! and the final product was WOW! I felt empowered and all mighty! Like the evil queen and could and would curse you all!!! Bwahhahahaha!!!!!.

But she applied some more blush and eyeliner so I settled back into normal (but glamorous) Eva. :D

I feel different without my red cheeks, without them I think something scary is unleashed

Blue Lotus Makeup
Contact: 0413 181 285 (Melissa)
Email: melissa@bluelotusmakeup.com.au

The Countdown

2009-06-09T17:31:00.002+10:00

Do you realise there are only 74 Days left?
2.5 months?

FRICK!

Flowers

2009-06-08T23:27:00.001+10:00

addicted to Picasa's Collage function!...

Today Steph abandoned me at the florist... (Note read blog entry about choices) but I was able to get the florist to quote me on the flowers. They are just the local florist, but i feel happier supporting someone local rather than getting fancy florist in to do my bouquets.

So in the collage you see on the left flowers that I hope to have. Freesias, Roses, Lizzathus and these funny white berries which remind me of that berry bush we use to hide behind, back when we had Peking Restaurant (except those berries were red)

The florist name is Carmen, and she was so nice! and patient! As mentioned, when there is a lot of choosing to do, its REALLY hard to settle on one choice.

Its easier to tell people which flowers you don't want! Which were for me, the Gerbies (look like a massive daisy...), Chrysanthemums (death flower for Chinese) and Gladioli (Dame Edna *shudder!* not on my W-Day!)

Sunset Flowers
Look for Carmen
Marrickville Metro
(opposite Liqourland)
Shop 76, Metro Shopping Centre
Marrickville NSW 2204
(02) 9517 3412

Makeup and Hair

2009-06-08T11:00:00.002+10:00

Okay Martha forgot... it happens. but to my defense i did confirm the appointment on Tuesday. She replied that she would see me then... then when i called her up on Sunday asking where she was, she was finishing a job up in liverpool at 2.50pm!

So back to the drawing board as mentioned...

I'm now talking to Melissa Chew from BlueLotus Makeup and her recommended hairdresser Colleen Jees, who i am getting a free consult on Tuesday in Mosman!

Also Lulu pointed me into the direction of a bridal dress shop in Marrickville, who we called and they indicated they would be happy to alter dresses. :) So Next sudnay is booked!! it cant be Saturday because ill be at Kirribilli markets selling all the clothes that i have collected over the years. it will all be cheap! $5bucks! so come over and grab a bargian!

Corsages Done

2009-06-08T10:45:00.001+10:00

These are thankyou gifts for the helpers, and also if they wear them ways that the guest can identify them from the clueless others.

I got stood up by martha

2009-06-07T15:02:00.002+10:00

Back to the drawing board…

Suckling pig

2009-06-06T17:12:00.002+10:00

We got our first pig quote today

Mr Wongs - the bright yellow sign outside, opposite market city is selling suckling piggies at $43/kg. At 4-5 kgs per pig... With one week notice. We'll call on them 2 weeks prior to the day to lock in Mr Pig.

Next Q will be who is going to look after Mr Pig?

Eva
avechoco at gmail . com

Wedding Dreams

2009-06-06T15:19:00.000+10:00

I am a dreamer, and I remember them. Lately I've been dreaming about my wedding and the dreams are increasing in frequency and quirk factor.

The last dream i had. Uncle Jacob stood up to do a reading about the importances of promises and vows, which was very nice and all of a sudden the orchestra pit decided it was time to fine tune their instruments! Yeah My wedding was on a stage. HA! Lillian paused the ceremony and told them to stop making the racket. Most of the players obeyed except one naughty violin. Who got my death glare, and subsided.

The ceremony continued and then we got to a singing part?! (Yeah, singing.... WTF?) so while our guests sang the most folksy cheesy song about kissing and love (sounded like "From Big Things Little Things Grow") Steph gripped me by the elbows!

I'm nervous so I grip his and ask What's going on?!?. He tells me this is something we had planned and proceeds to pecks little kisses all over my face!

I dont mind kisses but infront of all the guests and an orchestra?! Frick!

Woke up and vowed to reduce coffee intake for the rest of the week.

Wedding Favours: Something Aussie, Something Useful

2009-06-04T11:26:00.003+10:00

I dont drink beer, but those who do, and you are planning to have a beachy-relaxed wedding... check this out!

Not my drink of choice... but everyone is different. Maybe if it came as rice bowl cosies...

Menu Holder Idea

2009-06-02T17:43:00.003+10:00

Hrm... I need something to hold up the Table NamePlates and I'm thinking... (strokes chin)

Rather than buying something or something or something or something or something...

Make it :D

Using Salt Dough!

Ingredients

1 cup Salt
1 1/4 cups Warm water
3 cups Flour

Pour 1 cup salt into large bowl.
Add 1 1/4 cups warm water, mix well.
Add 3 cups flour, mix well some more.
Knead into ball, seal in plastic bag and refrigerate overnight.

I think i would stick to something simple. Prehaps a egg shaped thing with a cut down the middle for the paper to sit in... Then I can personalise it with the date :)

Number Stamps

2009-06-02T17:00:00.002+10:00

I need to borrow some number stamps to press into wet clay.

and i doubt ill use them again, so does anyone have some i can borrow?

Sunday: Makeup Trial

2009-06-02T16:51:00.001+10:00

With Lu by my side as moral support (Kath on baby duties) I will be meeting Martha Mok from D'Makeupstation on Sunday.

>_< nervous as all buggery.

Final Cake Dolls

2009-06-01T00:22:00.004+10:00

Because after the wedding, I Doubt i will ever see them again...

Cake Doll Year Book

Instax Camera

2009-05-30T12:19:00.005+10:00

I purchased the Instant Camera for the guest book from Ebay.

I orginally saw this idea at someone elses wedding published on the internet, where they used Polaroid camera and film. But since Polaroid has gone out of production, the price has gone up. You can still get it but at $2.50 a photo, I found another alternative, Fuji Instax is the alternative to Polaroid. You can find a whole gallery of photos taken with Instax on Flickr.

The Camera is a bit big. Well its bloody massive! Its actually the size of a bread plate. But the end product will look very cool and I'm looking forward to the photos and comments

Spurling

2009-05-30T11:30:00.002+10:00

The boys went in for their suit fittings.

Originally we looked at Ferrari Formals. They have an excellent selection of suits and frippery. But at nearly $300 per person it was a lot of money for something that we couldnt keep afterwards.

Then we went to Spurling, who have moved into Myers. They have pretty much the same selection of suits PLUS you get Myer Points!

That won me over :) and at $220 each, it was a little cheaper.

Cake Cake

2009-05-13T16:17:00.003+10:00

We had our cake and we ate it too!

Casa Del people, write it down. Maria was the nicest person yet! and happy to throw in freebies.

So we have ordered our 3 tier cake in white frosting with gold ribbon around the base.
and then around it I have a clone of cake dolls ready to drown all bad thoughts with their cuteness!

www.casadel.com.au

Interesting

2009-05-07T22:31:00.002+10:00

This has got to be one of the stranger but useful items I've come accross...

Aimed at Gentlemen with vertical issues, this item will help them add height. So if you're lucky enough to have a bride that wants to wear 5-inch hooker shoes on her wedding day, you can tower along side her subtlety... Click here to buy

Cake Tasting Saturday!!!

2009-05-07T17:19:00.004+10:00

Cant Wait! We are going to test a cake for the wedding in the morning

Then off to Myers Bondi Junction to add more crap to the Registry List for those who are old fashion and need to BUY us something. Seriously we have EVERYTHING. But then again I really want a chest freezer. (thinks)

Anyway for anyone hip and happening. Please just a red pocket, or Lai see is fine. Our next big purchase is a place to call our own and with Sydney prices, every bit of help counts!

Just a thought those who want to give us red pockets, and don't know when, please hand them over at the greeting table at reception. And please put it in a card with your name so we can thank you later!

Suite Hire? or Sue-me on Fire?

2009-05-07T17:03:00.004+10:00

At the cost of $300 I had been toying with the option of purchasing the suits for the boys. I mean if I can a Suit at $200 then I would have $100 to get shirt vest, tie and pocket-cheif... It would all boil down to the cost of the vest...

One place quoted me:
Hire a vest on its own is $50, To rent with a suit $15. To Buy $150. Bleh!

BLOODY. RIDICULOUS. Seriously Men of "Austraylia" You are held to ransom! Cost of apparell is so much more expensive!

That was Myers. Who have got a new Formal Hire Franchise, Spurling. Their suits are around the $220 mark, so that plus shirt and vest is around the $250 mark. Which is cheaper than the Ferrari Formal Quote. Ill try DJ's next and Chorleys too.

Makeup Artist

2009-05-07T17:00:00.003+10:00

Makeup is a scary thing.

I've found Martha to do mine... To think getting my hair into curls, my eyes lined will cost me just as much as my dress is a daunting cost.

But... then again her before/afters do look good.

Maybe I should go back to that Chinese one stop shop lady? I thought her hairdos were too Chinese for me.

Table CP - Final Version

2009-05-07T16:51:00.002+10:00

Wow this has been an evolution! First this then that but I think the final version looks pretty good! It has certianly swelled from the little vase with stuff in it.

Each Vase will have: (from the bottom UP)

15cm x 32cm Vase
A Warm White LED Globe
2 x 3023 Coin Cell Batteries
Clear Gel Balls
Spiky Bamboo Branches
Gold Glitter Branches
Red Glitter Spray
2 x Beaded Lantern like dangles
2 x red ribbon fish
2 x gold ribbon fish
2 x Glass Crystal Drops

The ribbon fish are all hand-made at 2am, and the rest was pick up off ebay.

I do have some dud items however, with the spare 11 peony vases, I'll have to think of a way to use them...

Picking Bridal Procession Music

2009-05-01T15:19:00.001+10:00

It's amazing… How EASY it is to pick the wrong one… but how hard it is to pick the right one!

Well last night I went through Ed's music collection. Bloody Oath! its extensive! 700mb of classical music and I didn't even get to Beethoven!

But during the process of listening to all that classical music Ed and I started grouping them into a few categories:

· Walking to your funeral

· You are happiest in a Tutu

· Race down the Aisle

· Contemplative and Melancholy

· Strip tease

· Enter Stage Left - Leaps and Bounds ß this had us in fits of laughter

But at 2.45am in the morning, I think I found the right pieces! And both are piano solos! Hopefully Steph likes them too! If not… well…

Hunt for the Cake

2009-04-24T13:39:00.002+10:00

Well. Michels Pateriser bailed out on us, so our cake plan has gone up in smoke!

Thankfully I found out now and not later! So off to find a cake shop.

So Far I've contacted the following:

Polka Cakes
Simmone Logue
Planet Cake
Casa Del Cakes
Faye Cahill

Steph - said he would as a work colleague about cake shops in Chatswood.

Thankfully we have a few months before the day to organize this!

Goodbye Miss Moonface!

2009-04-24T00:58:00.005+10:00

Yep i had a closer look... I'm moving into the ovals!!!

Woohoo! I'm not a round face anymore!!!

Okay given the hairdresser did something fricking AMAZING to my hair. I have to say this is one of the first photos of myself I havent had a fit over... Weddings so some strange things.

Status Report

2009-04-24T00:48:00.002+10:00

I got my crystal drops which will add some sparkle to the ever evolving Table CP…
I got my favor boxes again…
I bought spiky bamboo for the table cp. These will add strength and height and Japan City have a deal, buy one get one free! Must go and get more!
Coin Batteries are posted today
Ive lost more weight, I can circle my wrists now! Very strange!
Cake is back to the drawing board. Michels Patissere Cake wholesaler won't do the cake I want. So either get a crap cake or pay for a nice cake. Looking at a few suppliers
Found another makeup person. Will ask them what they think of Eva and makeup.
Emailed the post ceremony pub to book an area for guests to get pissed.
Mums hotel is booked for the week prior to the wedding
Steph's pars have organized their accommodation! So cool!

Lesson Learnt

2009-04-22T12:15:00.003+10:00

Girls, if you have a chinky wedding, dont send your invites out in white envelopes. Any other colour is cool, but white is no go.

I was stuck as our invites were a unique size and I could only source white or bright mustard yellow envelopes.

Thank god mum has good humor and is searching for stickers/stamps in red to colour up the invite. If the worse comes, she'll stick them in red organza bags or wrap the invite in red wrapping paper..

Added: Apparently White envelopes and black text is what chinese use to give Death Money. When a person dies, the family is given "Bak Gum", another pocket of money that the family can use to pay for the funeral expenses.

Airfares

2009-04-14T11:32:00.002+10:00

This is kinda freaking me out, but most of the Tassie guests have booked their plane tickets!!!!

Its closer than I think!

Wedding Bento

2009-04-14T11:29:00.002+10:00

I've got this idea to make wedding bentos for the bridal party and the photographers!

What could i put in them?

I want to make them small and easy to eat. so im thinking little nigiri rolls. lots of hearts and red and pink.

and it needs to be tasty too! Food plans to come!

Hey Mr Postman

2009-04-14T10:26:00.003+10:00

After a few nights of frentic writing, and help from kathleen, The invites are ready to be sent! So people please keep your eyes out for Mr Postman.

Then again. Maybe one should warn the Postman...

Honeymoon Desitination

2009-04-14T10:10:00.004+10:00

Err... in light of the current political turmoil. Maybe Bangkok would not be a good place to relax after the wedding.

But it might not be as bad as it seems, certianly the Govt doesn't think so...

Ringing it in

2009-03-28T12:51:00.001+11:00

Hooray! We picked up the rings from broadway today. A really nice shop with a great owner! If you're in need of advice or a bit of bling talk to michael of linda & co.

Sent via BlackBerry® from Vodafone

Wedding Proofs

2009-03-22T22:41:00.003+11:00

Proofs are in. Totally gorgeous! Thanks Pep! I'm hoping to have the masterpiece by the early April.

The invite is a unique size so its going to be a challenge to source envelopes.

Rings

2009-03-22T22:39:00.002+11:00

Today we paid off the last of Steph's wedding band.

We're getting them engraved with the date of our wedding.

Ready to be picked up next week.

Clone army is ready to march m'lord.

2009-03-20T00:10:00.003+11:00

The orders are: A pair on each table, watch your guests closely... The moment they look unhappy, zap them with your cuteness!

Lessons learnt

There isnt enough newspaper in the world to protect the carpet from paint spills.
Japanese paper - soak off the white backing before using it.
Faces are hard to draw on bumpy surfaces

The online album of the creation of cake dolls

Photography

2009-03-11T18:27:00.004+11:00

SMS sent to Kathleen and Lulu...

“ We met Jenny the photographer! She’s so cool! We’re going to have a food fight!”

Food fight?!? Hehe We’ll get to that later

Jenny was referred to us by a close friend, we hadn't picked a photographer as we were unsure of what we wanted and frankly the price was giving us heebee-jeebies.

Jenny's blog and website were intriguing and we liked what we saw, her entries were unique and conveyed her personality, - energetic, passionate, exciting. And to our delight when we met her, she is exactly that!

I think I need someone like that behinds the lens, otherwise I’ll freak out. Its important when you are going to let someone into the most vulnerable day of your life that you pick someone that you can trust and isn’t jaded and even better if they can help infect you with energy and excitement.

We had a quick lunch at Bar Quattro, a busy café restaurant which you can find on top of St James station. We chatted about how we met and how things were going with the plans, the location, what we wanted. Then we told her about the trash the dress shoot we were planning. (at this point her eyes did light up with glee ;) I told her that I had organised for us to go to Moore Park Stables for an hour to shoot photos on/around a horse and in the stables too. Then I informed her that we could do pretty much anything. Jen at that point suggested a food fight. (then my eyes lit up with glee!) So as described - Tomato sauce bottles at 20 paces! Bring it on!

A few people have looked at me with horror, about trashing my dress. The dress isn’t what makes the day, it’s the friends that share the day with you, all the funny strange moments that come up, touching, quirky, funny, teary. That’s what makes a wedding special. I’m really looking forward to those moments. (and the food fight too) 

Car Dolls

2009-03-05T20:06:00.002+11:00

Mum bought these... just a little to Honkie for us.

The groom has black hair and glasses and the bride has brown hair and no glasses. Hrm Looks just like us...

An update

2009-02-24T12:33:00.002+11:00

Wow. Its been a while. Much has happened. But first to other brides out there...

Chinese Qun Kwa. - I know girls are looking for these to rent and the elusive Captiol theatre address is HERE!

There are many forms of chinese traditional dress. If you saw all the kids carrying the China flag in the opening ceremony, you can see that theres more than just the staple Cheung Sam.

Kun Qwas are very traditional, and they are useful to wear in Tea Ceremonys. Not only do you look stunning in red with glittering golden/silver thread, you wont be showing all your goods (clevage) to your elders as you ask them to bless your marriage!

The Magic Image Wedding Services Centre
Level 1 16 Campbell St, Haymarket 2000
Manager: Sandy Lee
02 92810302

Sandy is lovely, and they have many different sorts of Qun Kwa, as well as Western Ballgowns Mother of the Bride Dresses and Wedding gowns to choose from. On top of that they do hair and makeup, photography, car hire, celebrant infact they do the LOT.

The downside was that they didnt have one my size (im a size 16/18) I have a small waist, but my bust is bigger than the average china girl. so I miss out :(

Dramatic Chinese Music

2009-02-06T12:37:00.010+11:00

I bought a wedding music album last night. Perfect Autumn Wedding CD Yeah.ok. WeddingInWinter. but It was on Special. I needed it because I'm still trying to pick bridal prcessional music! I would like to have something unique. I've already posted the proposition of Carl Orff - O Fortuna and Bach - Fugue. So much Fun! *grin*

But then I thought what would the chinese use? The first song that comes to mind starts with "Loong Bun! " Loong Lau"...

With the Power of google, the song is called "Shang Hai Tan", and it was famous around the time of Roman Tam, who is a famous male opera singer of Hong Kong and has done many songs that are opening themes of famous classical TVB chinese series. Hehehe Hope you know where im heading with this *grin*

So here are a list of Dramatic Chinese Songs that we could walk down the aisle to. There is the formentioned 上海灘 and then there is 小李飛刀 or even 铁血丹心 ! Arent they great! Ahh! sure bring back memories!

Edmund popped his head out of his room just as i was listening to these songs. I asked what his opinion was if we used these sort of songs to walk down the asile to... His reply was "If you use these songs, we can wire you up so you can fly down the asile!" Why not? Lol! If you want drama baby! Let's go the full hog! So Picture this.

Steph and Andrew

My Dad

Eva in this...

doing this down the aisle

While Gpa sits in the Corner

Hairstyles i like.

2009-01-29T19:10:00.001+11:00

The Attack of the Clones

2009-01-25T00:47:00.001+11:00

A pair of these are going on each table...
As a group however they are quite impressive

Stupid Question...

2009-01-22T14:22:00.004+11:00

My wedding bands, I haven't really gone on much about them so here's a brief description. They are knife edged rings, with 5 little diamonds set evenly on the ridge. Made with 18K Whitegold, there are 2 of them so i can wear it one or be totally outrageous and wear both on either side of the ring.
Pricewise they were originally something outrageous, but thanks to being in Chinatown and with the help of a GREAT negotiator, I got them at a pretty nice price :)

Anyway the funny bit was when I picked up the rings yesterday... the sales guy(low-watt variety), recognised me and brought out the rings for me to try. I was happy and told him so, then he asked if I wanted to wear them now...

Derrrrr!

The Guest List that keeps growing

2009-01-19T16:00:00.002+11:00

Note to all future brides.

Do not let your parents out of the country prior to your wedding... you may end up with more guests than you had otherwise planned.

Not that I really mind... Most of the people that are coming are old waiters and waitresses and kitchen hands that worked for Mum and Dad, and hence I grew up with them as older siblings.

I suppose it shows how well regarding my parents are, and how many Malaysian and Singaporean Students they have raised over the 20+ years in Hobart.

But at this rate Sydney will need to prepare for a population boost in August 09.

Extra Guests: 14

Celebrant - Lillian Lyons

2009-01-15T11:19:00.003+11:00

We got in contact with the celebrant! Lillian married Lulu and Denzil and I found her very nice and relaxing to chat with.

Now I have more information I need to talk to Steph to see what he wants.

She needs a $200 deposit to be secured for the date. but need to confirm with Mum about Uncle Jacob

Lillian Lyons

wedding Rings are on order

2009-01-15T11:18:00.003+11:00

Well mine anyway. :)

Still need to source Steph's Wedding Band.

Concrete is getting laid...

2009-01-12T23:54:00.002+11:00

I've put the deposit down on the reception!

Be prep to dine at Kam Fook Chatswood for our wedding.

Project Status

2009-01-08T15:14:00.004+11:00

Note to self: Blogger doesnt handle Tables too well

Shawl Inspiration

2009-01-08T03:18:00.003+11:00

This is so cool! And marries perfectly into the shawl idea I had planned

Curbly Video Podcast: How to Make Hand-Printed Fleece Scarves.

I was planning on using an off white/cream fleece, cutting strips and tasselling the edges. Now I can incorporate the flowers into them by stencil print!

I think a small rose and the date in the corner or centre of the shawl

Table CP - Draft 1

2009-01-05T00:02:00.002+11:00

No lights as yet. Still trying to sort that out. but the dolls definetly work and the lanterns do too. The white circle on the top is for the table name.

Need to Source lights
Think about the ribbon fish

Opinions?

Dramatic Entrances

2008-12-23T18:52:00.003+11:00

While not very appropriate... but how cool would it be to walk down the aisle to:

Carl Orff - O Fortuna

Bach - Toccata and Fuge in D Minor

Very Bridezilla songs, but they are some of my favourite pieces.

Recycled Bottle Vases

2008-12-10T11:37:00.006+11:00

I will need clear, vases for my centrepieces. (Peony - Short Vase, Goldfish - Tall Vase)

I've looked around, The cheapest I've seen is in Ikea for $20, but they were very big which would mean more foilage than I wanted to buy. I tried retail and its amazing the prices you have to pay for a bit of glass!

So I needed Alternatives. I had to think about the weight and fragility factor, also buying 10+ of the same style vase seemed a bit extreme, so I thought Versatility - I could get some tall storage jars which could be reused later... Or use Plastic, which would have them light and durable. So there are many options but none of the items I've found are within my budget. :(

Despair? No!

Eva! BrainStorm!

(around 10pm) My Jove! I may have cracked the case!!

Recycled Bottle Vases

Calculations
Ask friends to keep Clear Wine bottles: $0
Bottle Cutting Kit: $50
Environmentally Friendly Action: Priceless

On that note Friends! Please keep your clear wine bottles for me. I'm after the Bordeaux ones, not the fat burgundy ones.

Also does anyone have any experience in bottle cutting?

Luncheon Pubs around Carisbrook

2008-12-08T15:06:00.002+11:00

Sweet!

Luncheon Pub location found! And we've been here before!

They can hang here or go shopping in Westfield Chatswood. and its a short walk over to the reception IF we have it at Kam Fook Chatswood.

Chelsea Hotel Chatswood
10-14 Railway St .
Chatswood NSW 2067 Australia

Pebbles for Vases

2008-12-08T12:23:00.003+11:00

Hooray! I've found the pebbles! These will be needed to add weight to the centrepieces so they don't topple over.

And because they're clear, the LED that will light up the centrepiece from the base. (I wouldn't mind some fire polished ones if there are any out there!)

They could also be the base of the Message Marbles I just posted about!
Now. The question is quantity. How much? 10kg? 20? A truck full?

Message Marbles

2008-12-08T11:45:00.004+11:00

I saw this entry on Style Me Pretty. One of the BEST wedding blogs ever! Althought its based in US, its full of ideas for us people down under.

This bride had made some gorgeous scatter pebbles to throw around the tables for added decoration. They are incredibly cute and it a similar idea i want to use to decorate the cuff links for the boys!

I think my version will be a little more asian, with colours of gold, cream and red using images of wedding words (chinese, english and french) and goldfish as well.

Scouting

2008-12-07T22:11:00.003+11:00

Saturday, Steph and I drove over to Lane Cove and visited Carisbrook House. So we have a few firsts.

First time we've ceremony venue hunted
First wedding blog entry by steph!

Read it here!

And finally, this blog has been linked to our normal blog!

My Thoughts:

Loved Carisbrook house!!! I really want to have the wedding here! But as always a few concerns.

Size. Its will be a bit squishy if all 150 guests arrive (But who cares?)
Noise, its right next to Burns Bay Road, which is a busy thoroughfare.
Hire - They don't have stuff so I'll need to hire signing table & chairs
Guest Entertainment: Where to I ship them all off to while the bridal party have their photos?

Steph said he wouldn't mind another few look arounds but I think my heart is set on this place.

Can I saying the Vows here?

Wedding Ceremony Locations

2008-12-02T12:47:00.002+11:00

Well, joys of a slow day at work mean more time to research for wedding :D

I'm about 80% sure the reception will be in Chatswood, so that means having the cermony close by. No point in spending most of the day in transit!

So theres the location issue. There are also other things to consider: Weather (Rain Option), Chairs, Celebrant, Music, Red Carpet, Photography, Also the Ceremony will be around Lunchtime, so I need to send the guest off somewhere to fill their hungry bellies.

So far I've picked the following:
Cremorne Point Reserve - Cremone Point

Carisbrook House - Lane Cove

Clarke Point Reserve

Vincent's Photos

But knowing me... There will probably be more

its coming off

2008-12-01T23:25:00.004+11:00

Okay we are approaching a milestone.

I have nearly lost 10kgs! I'm 800g away!

I'm aiming for a size 14, so another 15kilos or so to go!!!

Bonbonniere

2008-12-01T16:56:00.003+11:00

This is a cute idea. Cookie Cutters as Bonbonnieres.
Buy Here

Table Centrepieces Part III (and then some)

2008-12-01T16:28:00.004+11:00

This just keeps going and going...

I've toyed with ideas, flicked from tall styles to fresh flowers, hiring or buying. Fairylights to candles, batteries to power, Jars to Vases.

Bamboo was out, Pak Shu was out. Then last weekend, the importers yearly clearance was on, and Steph and I popped in, hoping to find something for the wedding. Thankfully we did. We've pick up some glitter grass sprays in red, and some gold glitter branches, I also picked up some Asian dangles in red and black. All up $93.00. All that is required are Vases, throwies, glass pebbles and ribbon fish.

Or I start again and get vases, peonys and butterflies.

Style Sirens

2008-12-01T15:55:00.004+11:00

I adore fashion. Some styles are just pure class. Being able to dress, to accentuate your assets, to empower and flatter. To bring out the sex kitten but be untouchable at the same time.

Think of the styles of Audrey Hepburn (who doesn't adore THAT black and white), Sophie Loren, Greta Garbo, Rita Hayworth, some of the more modern people, Scarlett Johansson, Miranda Kerr, Claudia Schiffer...

Sadly most fashion these days is just about bring out the slut, and removing all the fences. Girls! Youre making it too damn easy! Last Saturday we went to the Verandah Bar, after a birthday party. The girls there were young and more undressed than dress! I suppose in this competitive age where a girl need to get the attention of MORE than one boy, to be noticed you need to focus appeal on a baser nature.

Anyway in the SMH Essential was an excellent article about dressing as a Style Siren.

Maybe 2009 will bring back the aloof sirens...

One can only hope.

LATER: I know its unrealistic but some manga artists do draw some amazingly stylish girls.

If only I had the figure...

Trashing the Dress - On A Horse!

2008-11-26T12:58:00.002+11:00

Hooray

I spoke to a manager at the Centennial Stables. They are familiar with doing these sort of shoots and the cost is only $100 for one hr with the horse and handler! And includes boot and helmet hire.

The only catch is you must have a helmet on when you are on the horse. Which makes sense, but it is a pretty big drawback. However they have black ones, so maybe they can fuzz it out or as the lady described, let the powers of Photoshop do their magic.

And if you do the shoot on the weekday and you can wander around the stable for some other shots as well :D bonus!

Actually it would be great for pre-wedding shots too.

The Plot Thickens...

2008-11-21T13:48:00.003+11:00

I'm putting this here so I don't forget. They are $20 bucks from Dick Smith! Much cheaper to buy than hire!

Link

Is that...

2008-11-18T15:25:00.015+11:00

...a flower on your lapel?

or a cabbage
on your shoulder?

ponders...
I wonder if it comes in broccoli? I like broccoli.

HEY there's a thought! Brocolli as the bouquets! hahaha!
Cheaper than roses, it will be in season - And you can stir-fry afterwards. How Practical!

Making Corsages

2008-11-18T15:11:00.002+11:00

I would like to make some of these...

I wonder if ill have time?

To Throw or Not to Throw

2008-11-10T11:55:00.001+11:00

Girls!

Do I Toss the bouquet?

Will you catch it? If you don't plan on diving for it. I don't want to mangle the flowers.

Another Photographer

2008-11-10T11:39:00.004+11:00

This guy is linked to facebook. And hes really upfront about his fees which is nice.

But I'm not sure that hes done Asian weddings.

CatoandPado - he also does trash the dress shoots which I really want to have done :)

Because I'm forgetful, I'm writing a list of the things I need to consider.

High Res Digital Shoots on Disc
Turn Eva into a pretty bride through a camera. (no small feat!)
Capture all the special moments
Candid Shots
Be able to handle from start to finish (7am through to 11pm)
Custom to Asian Weddings, including Tea Ceremony, Door Games, Roast Pig, Gold and Red Pockets, Garden Ceremony, Garden Shots, Sunset Shots, Reception.

Options

2008-11-10T00:22:00.005+11:00

Another Table Centerpiece idea.

I quite like the Table naming method.
There's also the option of these too.

Found the Lace

2008-11-09T10:28:00.001+11:00

Woohoo! Ive purchased the lace for the dresses. its a beautiful off white with delicate beading. Just gorgeous! And only at $45/mtr. Thanks to Hurstville Fabric Shop on Forest Road :) But theres more!

I know my daughter/cousins/ nieces will never make use of my wedding dress. But it would be nice to pass something down to them. So I've been looking at making my own veil. And I did find the fabric i was going to purchase. But at $170/mtr and it would still require stitcing so I was having second thoughts... then i found this...

Wow! its perfect, the silver thread adding highlights. there's a very faint pink in the lace and the beading is just beautiful! Totally adored it. And best thing? it was only $13/mtr! Add 1.5 mtrs of tulle, and some small stitching and hooray a unique veil to pass onto the next generation.

Centerprieces

2008-11-03T10:34:00.004+11:00

The Reception will be all silver serviced on the side. So that means no turning tables! AKA centerpieces.

I promise they will be very simple! A Branch of something, with a few ribbon fishes and some battery powered fairy lights. Would be nice if I could find a way to convert AC fairylights into DC... I'm still searching Google. I might have to hire but that ruins the DIY effect.

I just remembered for my engagement I came up with this as the centerpieces.

Red and White heart shaped balloons
with red and gold curling ribbon

Which was good considering I had 2 days warning! That we were actually going to do something!

Seat Allocation

2008-11-03T10:31:00.003+11:00

I've decided that we will only organise table allocation, and leave seat allocation up to the guests.

ADV:

No friends running around putting down guest name cards
First in best seated arrangement

I hope everyone will be grown up enough to move around, should we end up with a couple that have to sit apart...

Pep is going to help me with some lovely guest lists which will match the rest of the stationery.