6 & 5 Days to the Wedding - Family Meeting and Pre-Wedding Shoots

I know I said I'll write every day, counting down the last 10 days before the wedding, but the weekend was too packed with activities, that I did not have time to sit and write...the problem with the home router did not help as well. So, what happenned on my LAST SINGLE WEEKEND?

Saturday, 7 Days to the Wedding

Family Meeting:

I think it is tradition, that a couple of weeks before the wedding, the host family will call for a meeting to brief close relatives on the wedding, delegate work, invite suggestions etc. So, my parents hosted a small family meeting last Saturday, over nasi lemak and coffee for breakfast. Basically, everything is already taken care of by Bapak. All we needed was a floor manager and ushers for family guests. Abang Imran, the uber-event-organiser was appointed as floor manager...I am so very grateful that he agreed because he is very organised and reliable! So THANKS!!

Pre-Wedding Photo Shoot:

As I have mentioned in an earlier post, I did not plan to have a pre-wedding photo shoot. But Aliff's uncle wanted to take casual photos of us prior to being married. He plans to make a little scrap book/journal for us. He likes taking photographs as a hobby, so we went along with it. After the meeting, went to Uncle Osman's place, took some pictures there, then we moved to my place and last destination was Aliff's grandma's place.

Other things accomplished:

We also went for fitting for the Groom's Reception attires. Everything looks good, but it is quite loose, so they'll need to do some alteration. After the photoshoot, we went to Ikea to get some stuff for the room, but was quite dissapointed because there was not much new stuff, and nothing really caught our interest. So, ended up only getting a carpet for the room and few other stuff which Bapak will call "sampah" hahahha... He doesn't like Ikea.

Sunday, 6 Days to the Wedding

Pre-Wedding Videoshoot

This was also an 11th hour decision...did not actually plan to do this, but suddenly decided to do it. We did it with the videographer appointed as the videographer for the wedding; Mimota Studio. They were highly recommended by a friend, and after viewing their work, I booked them. The team is a husband and wife team with a new additional member, the brother. The husband is the main videographer, he is only doing this part time, full time he is a banker with CIMB. So, he bonded well with Aliff. The wife is with PETRONAS. But they are very friendly and laid back and easy to work with.

The shoot started at about 9.30am. We had to do it early cause Aliff had to go in to office after. The shoot is for the video montage that will be played during the reception dinner. The shoot was done at the bridge infront of PICC, Putrajaya. Below it is a park, where people jog. We initially wanted to do it in a closed studio, but because it was quite last minute didn't manage to find any available studios. So, takpelah, malas fikir.

The plan is that the video montage will start off with a short interview of me and Aliff on how we met and how we got together. And then just random shots of us doing whatever. Hahah...the video montage will then continue with some pictures of us and then the Nikah highlights. Overall about 5-6 minutes of footage for the video montage.

Hopefully the video montage will turn out ok...tiba-tiba nervous pulak, re-thinking of what I said during the interview, I hope I don't make a fool of myself...I am VERY video-shy. Hahahah. So, can't wait for that! Tamimi, make me look good ok!

Then he shot our "Invitation Reminders" to our guests. A 35 seconds of footage reminding guests of THE dates...this was the videographer's very cute idea. He had posted it on FB and it looks really cute!

Other things accomplished:

We finished the video shoot close to 11.00am. Went back and had late breakfast at Sisters, a small chinese shop in USJ. It's halal, and very nice! Then Aliff sent me home and went to office. I took a looooooonggg nap because I was exhausted. Woke up at about 3pm, picked up Ibu at Empire and went to look for curtain and bedding set for the room. Didn't get both, but managed to get a Kaftan for me from Maisonnette, Subang Parade, for the Malam Berinai. Yeay! It is quite expensive, more than budgeted for, but I was tired of looking and there's really not much time left. So, closed my eyes and paid the tab. It is creme in color with elaborate multi-color beadworks at the neck line. It needed some alteration and will be ready on Tuesday. I also did a mock up of the centrepieces for tables to be set up at home under the canopies. I think I've gotten everything I need for that, save for the flowers.

Oh, my MOH has arrived from Aussieeee!!

TODAY -

Today I am in the office. Last day before the Cuti Kahwin. Plans to go to Floristika after work and order flowers. Ibu is already on leave so she'll get the MPSJ permit for the canopies to be set up infront of the house, get a tailor to do the curtains (hopefully someone can do it with such short notice) and look for the bedding set. Tonight I plan to set up the home pelamin.

Will write more tonight, I hope.

Feelings: Nervous as hell, No mood to work. Very thirsty...have gulped down 2 bottles of mineral water - is this wedding nerves related? hmmm

10 Days - The Cake and The Bed

Woohooo...see how close the Bride has gotten to the Groom?

Can't believe I am now counting down the last 10 days...

The Cake.

Went to Madaboutcake last Sunday with Syida and Aishah. Booked the hantaran cake and the reception cake.

For the hantaran cake, I am going with a one tier white fondant cake with chocolate filling. The design of the cake is something like this:

For the reception cake, I am going with a three tier white fondant cake, with some black detailings, and chocolate filling as well. The design of the cake is something like this:

Although I would love to have a bigger cake for the reception (like the picture on the far left), I have overspent on some other things and thus I will have to settle with a smaller cake ...

At first I thought of having monogram topper of me and Aliff's first name intial to be placed on top of the cake, like so:

source and source

... but then I changed my mind and requested for a bride & groom topper ...

source

I have not seen any cake nowadays with these dolls anymore...I know it's quite cheesy, but I like it :)

Price: Affordable kot. I've checked once with Man Kwan and he's a little more expensive.

The Bed.

Because I share my room with Syida, the room has twin beds. So, as me and Aliff will be staying at the house for a while until we get a place of our own, Syida will have to move out and I need to get a bed for me and Aliff. Getting a bed will cost me a fortune because the mattress itself costs thousands. I have been looking for a while and the nice ones would cost me my salary or more. So...I am utterly thankful that Ibu volunteered to get it for me as a wedding gift! Remember they got me this mirror as my engagement present?

At that time I was also looking for a new mirror for my dressing table, but fell short on the $$. So, one day, before the engagement, they brought home this beautiful mirror. I have the BEST parents!

So, anyway, my bed set arrived yesterday! And it's pretty! It's queen size, with white wooden bed frame with poles at each side of the head of the bed and it comes with two matching side tables. Forgot to get a picture of it, but it looks something like this:

source

We rearranged the room last night and I'm aching all over. I've cleared certain stuff last night and made room for Aliff...I gave him one drawer for the dressing table and one drawer for the side table. Hahahahha...He doesn't need a lot of space. I'll need to clear the wardrobe and make some space for his clothes. Syida is not officially moved out yet, maybe we'll have to do that this weekend. It's going to be bittersweet! Me and Syida argue A LOT on a daily basis (the whole house can testament to that) because I am a neat freak and I basically control everything in the room. And that annoys her. She annoys me with her OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) eg; all the doors must be shut real tight, the curtains must be shut a certain way and etc. So, we drive each other crazy, but she has been my roomate all my life, and I will miss her!

So, until the wedding, she is still the occupant of the room, and we have officially rasmikan the bed last night :)

Next: To get new curtains for the room and lampshades for the side tables.

I'm planning to write everyday from now until the big day. The last 10 days...

Feelings: Excited + Nervous + Annoyed that I still have to go to work and that I have this big fat opinion that I have to finish by this week.

2 Weekends to the Big Day

2 more weekends left before the Big Day. How do I feel? FREAKING NERVOUS. Not particularly on the part of being married and the marriage after (for now atleast) because I dont foresee a HUGE change, other than the fact that I will be living in 2 houses, one of which is the Parents-in-Law's house (which also gets me nervous at times). Me and Aliff will be staying at our parents' houses first until we get a place on our own. So, anyway, what gets me nervous is the ENDLESS things that still need to be done. This is when a Wedding Planner will come in handy. Oh Well.

Recap of last week:

1. Grooms Wear for Nikah & Bride's Reception- Aliff had picked up his baju melayu for the nikah and the suit for the reception dinner. Next: butang baju melayu for his nikah baju melayu.

2. Hantaran - I think me and Aliff have finished getting all the things to be placed on the hantaran dulang. Aliff got his shoes from Jakarta. We also got his ring, which needs to be refitted, scheduled to be ready sometime next week I think. We also got the tie and the shirt for the hantaran (which he will be wearing for the reception). Next: cufflinks and the perishables, like the sireh junjung, fruits, cake and chocolates.

3. Baju Pengantin for Groom's Reception -  We will be going traditional, adorning silverish creme songkets. The MIL got the songkets from Indonesia and we have sent them to a tailor in Subang. It is quite last minute, but they said they can do it within the time we wanted. Mine will be ready on the 11th of June and Aliff's probably the week after. The look we're going for:

Next: Getting accesories for the Bride's ensemble; the headpiece, the ankle bracelet, the three tier necklace etc. Since I'm wearing a baju kurung, don't know whether the belt is suitable or not. Either way, I'm so excited to be wearing all these traditional accessories! Bila lagi? :)

L: source  R: source
Because my attire would be a simple kurung, I think the left one might be a tad to simple, but the the one in right might be too overwhelming. The one in right is called the "Sanggul Lintang" - something I have just learned :)

source
I think this piece might be what I'm looking for.



The three-tier-necklace which is called the "Dokoh"
source

The ankle bracelet a.k.a gelang kaki

4. Bridal Shower! My lovely varsity friends threw me a beautiful tea-party-bridal-shower at the most perfect place; Carcosa Seri Negara, the place I've always dreamt of having my wedding...oh well, anyway, it was so much fun and beautiful. Unexpectedly cried while giving the coerced-bridal speech. Will talk about this in a seperate post :)

Ok, so what I am planning to do this week:

1. Managing the Guestlist. Everyday we will receive the RSVP cards in our mail (which is so exciting), and even more exciting when the boxes "hadir" is ticked. But, having people RSVP-ing as not attending is actually a slight relief because the number of cards issued out are more than the seats allocated, BUT even so, I get a tinge of sadness when I see the box "tidak dapat hadir" is ticked even if I dont even know the person (eg; friends of the parents). Hahaha. Anyway, will have to sort out the actual numbers and arrange seatings this weekend. Thank you to those who have RSVP-ed. Tho those yang belum RSVP, pleaseeee do so, it will be really helpful so we can know the actual numbers and not waste or worse, have short of seats. We've provided the stamps and the envelope, all you have to do is fill in your name, tick and post it ............

2. Song List. So, I have been compiling the song list since 2 weeks ago, and this is one of the MOST fun thing to do. Listening to beautiful songs is just the best! My song list consist of classic-jazzy love songs from Eric Clapton to Tony Bennet to Frank Sinatra to P Ramlee. Classics are the best! I am also very fortunate to have my friend, Maria to sing me a few tunes. Her voice is to die for! First time I heard her sang was at a karaoke birthday party where she sang "Listen" by Beyonce. Ya Allah, sedapnyaaaaaaa. If the song wasn't such a sad song I would want her to sing it at my wedding. But I found the perfect song she can sing, "At Last", sang by Etta James and covered again by Beyonce. A compulsory song for my wedding! Maria will also be singing 2 more songs, yet to be finalised; either "A Moment Like This" by Kelly Clarkson, "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton, "The Way You Look Tonight" by Tony Bennet, "Aku Cinta Padamu" by Sheila Majid and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" by the Platters. And tentatively, Kakmira will be singing a duet with Adri "Sudah Kahwin Ke Belum" by Saloma and Ahmad Daud. They sang this once while were karaoke-ing one time and I was like, you two MUST sing this song at my wedding. The song's really cute! And a special peformance by a special someone (don't get too excited, its not an artist) but lets keep this a surprise :) All this are just plans, kita hanya merancang, so HOPEFULLY by next week we can finalise all the wedding singers :) Other than that, we are going to have a band play at my wedding. The band that was booked was Bapak's choice - it's his office's band, I've actually never seen them perform and I dont know what kind of songs they can play. But according to Ibu, they are quite good. Bapak has asked (and repeatedly reminded) me to send them the list of songs that I want them to play so they can rehearse. So that I MUST do this week, or I'm going to get an earful from Bapak.

3. Cake. Yummmmsssss. I will be ordering 2 cakes; one for the hantaran and one for the reception dinner. I've actually already have the designs, which needs finalising this week. Aishah recommended me Madaboutcake. I've actually known about them and had asked for a quotation once. Their price seem reasonable and their designs are quite impressive. Thought of meeting them this weekend, but Aishah will not be free, so maybe somewhere this week on a weekday kot?

4. Hantaran. Fuhhhhhh. this is a toughie. I already have the concept that I want, but I've realised that I might need more stuff than expected and the materials that I need is quite hard to find. I bought some things weeks ago, for the prototype, but when I went to get them last week, they're out of stock. It's always like that. When you don't need them, they'll be everywhere you turn, but when you need them, they're not there. Haih. So, I have planned to get all the materials weeks ago, but my weekends are always full with other events. So, I hope this weekend I will be able to settle the hantaran trays once and for all.

5. Home/Tent Deco. So, I'm also doing this myself. I've already gotten most of the decorative items. There are a few more left. I'm planning to get them this weekend too while I look for the hantaran stuff.

6. Flowers/Bouquet. Yes I LOVE flowers and i love shopping for them. I will  probably drop by Floristika to order the flowers and have them deliver to me one day before the wedding or I'll get someone to pick them up for me. I am planning to get red carnations and roses for the centrepieces and for the mini-pelamin. Some white chrysantemums, roses, orchids and hydrangeas for the sireh junjung. Some pastel colored flowers like eustoma, hydrangeas, carnations, sweet williams, and lavender for the bridal room. And ofcourse Casa Lilies for they bring the most beautiful ambience. I wonder if Floristika has peonies and gardenias. What else? My pelamin maker will be making my bridal bouquet for the reception. For the nikah, I'm not sure yet, whether to get him do it for me or do it myself. I'll probably have white orchids which is one of my favorite flowers, or a combination of pastel colored flowers to match my bridesmaids who will be wearing pastel pink, yellow and peach kaftans...come to think of it, a bouquet of yellow flowers may look really nice, no? hmmmm. Something I need to think about. Oh, I need to get flowers for the bridesmaids hand bouquet for the reception. I'll probably use lavenders cause they'll be wearing maroon/royal purple dresses. Wow, how much are these going to cost me? Yikes.

The things listed above (minus the guestlist part) are actually the best parts which I look forward to and enjoy in wedding planning.

To Do:

1. Bridal Wear - haish, tak settle-settle lagi. The most important part of the wedding. Hopefully, by this week I get to see it! Excited + Nervous + Anxious + Scared + Happy + Every other emotion you can think of.

2. Nikah Shoes - I'm looking for a white peep toe heels. Probably with white lace or flowers or ribbon ... something which is very .... bridal ....

have been looking high and low, but I've not found the perfect one yet. Or maybe should I get a hot pink heel?

Hmmm...

3. Flow of Event - to appoint a floor manager for both events.

4. Pre Wedding Photoshoot and Videoshoot - these are the two things I did not plan to do, cause I dont really like to do the props-acting stuff ...but I guess I am doing it...hahaha...because;

- the photoshoot was actually Aliff's uncle's request...he takes pictures as a hobby and he wanted to take our pre-wedding photos. His idea is just to take casual pictures of the both of us, in casual wear, he specifically said jeans and white shirts, no make up, no props whatsoever. I'm ok with that...as long as we dont have to do awkward poses...ahaha Uncle Osman is cool, so I'm sure it will be lovely and not cheesy.

- the videoshoot, is actually MY idea...ahahahha...I fell in love with Nicole Kidman's Omega advertisement, and thought of doing something similar...ahahhahahahhahahah...not sure if it will materialise though...will be meeting the videographer on the 5th of June to discuss the theme and idea of the shoot. Hopefully it will turn out well.

Both will be done on the last weekend before the wedding because of Aliff's "busy" schedule.

5. MOH and Bridesmaid kaftan - For the Nikah, family members will be wearing pastel pink/blue/purple while my Bridesmaids will be wearing pastel peach/pink/yellow kaftans.

color palette for the family

color palette for the Bridesmaids

My MOH has not gotten her kaftan for the nikah yet, as she will only be arriving in Malaysia from Australia on the 12th of June. So I'm thinking to go look for it with her. I also  need to get a yellow kaftan for one of my bridesmaid (Jihan!) who will be arriving in Malaysia on the 13th of June from the UK.

6. Spa, Mani-Padi and Brazilian - I have not gotten the chance to find time to go to a really relaxing spa! A MUST DO before the wedding. Will probably go with my MOH/Bridesmaids/Sisters the weekend before the wedding! Because I will be doing quite a bit of decorating/flower arranging for the wedding, I'll go for the mani padi the day before the wedding. Brazilian.....hmmmmmmm? Never done it before. Planned to do it once before the wedding so I'll know what to expect when I actually do it for the wedding...tapi....hmmmmm....see how...ahahahha...

7. Malam Berinai - Ooooohhhhh I need to get a white kaftan for the berinai! Shoots. Probably too late to get materials and send it for tailoring...which means I need to get a ready made...


something like this will be nice
source

 8. Inai - speaking of berinai, I also need to find someone to do the inai and henna. But I'm actually thinking of NOT doing the inai and henna at all, for the nikah and reception, but I'll do it for Aliff's reception...If I wont be wearing inai, than what is the Malam Berinai for? Hahahha...just for fun, get all the ladies to come the night before and have a small gathering, last touch ups, take pictures....hmmm....this needs to be revisited.

What else? Mesti banyak lagi ni...tak teringat je lagi....See why I'm nervous? Every morning for the past week, after I wake up while brushing my teeth I feel like throwing up. Boleh tak?

So many things to do this weekend. I hope time is on my side.

Toodles.

Dulang Hantaran

Just a short post to document on my Hantaran Dulangs in this virtual wedding journal of mine.

For my wedding, I've always had this vision of a crystal/glass concept for my dulang.

Is there such dulang-s? Obviously it's not the traditional kind of dulang...so where do I get a crystal/glass dulang?

A cake tray!

Deleted 'crystal' because...kau gila? The cheapest that I found is about RM200 per dulang.

And I feel that spending too much for the dulang-s is a bit unnecessary, especially if you are on a budget.

So, I started my quest to find a glass cake tray or anything that looks like a dulang for my hantarans.

I found a glass cake tray at Parkson, Subang Parade one day while I was looking for a wedding gift for a friend, but the price is not quite within the amount budgeted for.  I found one in a wedding boutique when I was accompanying the then bride-to-be Mazuin in search of her bridal attires/pelamin, but was told that they were only displays and that I can find them at SSF. Went to the SSF in Puchong, but didn't find them. I thought that I could find them at Nilai 3, while I was looking for my Bunga Telur casings, but did not found any there either.

So, after searching high and low, last weekend I showed the one I found in Parkson to Ibu and she convinced me to just get them. Sebab dah penat and malas, I bought 9 glass cake trays from Parkson. There were only 4 in stock that Sunday, so I got the 4 first and they'll order another 5 for me to pick up on Monday. So, yesterday, after work, me and Ibu went to pick up the remaining 5.

Membazir tak? Hmmm...it can be used again for Syida or Han or any other relatives...even if it is not used for hantarans, it can still be used as its original function as kitchen wear.

So I think it is a good buy (menyedapkan hati).

So, DULANG HANTARAN = CHECKED.

Now to get the rest of the hantarans and the decorative items.

FYI, I'm DIY-ing my own hantaran. I know Kakmira had asked me to let go certain stuff because I am the Bride, so I may not be able to do everything on my own, but I like doing it. PLUS, I can have the hantaran that I want without being charged a bomb.  I know if I get some one to do it with the theme that I have in mind, it will cost more because they'll charge me not only for the props but also for their services. Which is fair, because you are paying for the convenience.

BUT, I have learned that the wedding industry is crazy and over priced! 

Anyway, it's just going to be simple, so, as long as there's proper planning and timing, I am hoping that it's a wise decision.

I'm already excited to start with decorating the trays :)

Marriage Approval and Hantarans

Just came back from Advisory Conference in Kuantan last Saturday. Was there from the 14th-16th (Thursday - Saturday).

Remember this post about Aliff going to Jakarta? Well, while I was in Kuantan, received a text from Aliff saying that his boss had asked him to go to Jakarta for one month and he'll be leaving next Saturday the 23rd. What? So close to the wedding already?? His boss has the BEST timing!!!!!! He'll have to be there for a month, but he'll be back in Malaysia once a fortnight. Which is only once lah cause he'll only be there for a month kan. 1 month ONLY ok Mr A. After the wedding please don't take my husband away! *chehhh 'husband'* :)))

Tried to sneak away on Friday the 15th so I don't waste my Saturday on travelling back from Kuantan, but did not succeed. Haih. So, Saturday morning, around 11am, I shoot back home and arrived at about 2pm to continue with the wedding preparations.

With Aliff leaving for Jakarta so soon, we had to speed up with some of the preparations that required Aliff's involvement. So, this is last week's round up:

1. GROOM's FITTING

Once I reached home, called Aliff to pick me up to go to his fitting at Baron's Gentlemen. Fitting was for his Nikah Baju Melayu and Reception Suit. Fitting went well. Aliff was satisfied. The baju melayu was ready, the suit will be ready sometime next week. But since Aliff won't be here, we'll probably pick them up when he comes back.

Groom's Fitting = CHECKED.

2. JAIS PROCEDURES

I had planned for Aliff to get his validation from the PPN (Penolong Pendaftar Nikah) of his qariah mosque on Thursday night and then to go to JAIS Friday morning to get the marriage approval. For the qadi, we both wanted this particular ustaz, Ustaz Khairul Jahrin because he was one of the speakers during the kursus kahwin that we attended and he was really funny and nice. So Aliff called him up to book him as our qadi. Coincidentally, he was the PPN for the both of us (we both are under the same qariah mosque - Masjid SS15, because our addresses are so near to each other). So Aliff met with him on Thursday night. Initially I wanted to do mine together with Aliff, but I had to attend Advisory's Conference, so we decided that Aliff did his first. Ustaz Khairul told Aliff that Aliff didnt have to go to JAIS because he works there and he'll do the approval for Aliff. And he said I could bring my wali and witnesses to see him when I come back and he'll also do the approval for me. YEAY. Tak payah cuti to go to JAIS. So, on Saturday night, me, my wali (Bapak), my witnesses (Papa Chen and Adri) and my future husband went to see the Ustaz at Masjid SS15. We filled in the forms and signed where necessary and the rest the Ustaz will do for us.Thank my lucky stars! All that is left is for us to just pick up from him the Surat Kebenaran Berkahwin. Aliff will do that.

Jais Procedures = CHECKED. 

3. HANTARANS

On Sunday me and Aliff went to look for our hantaran stuff. The two important and main components of the hantaran was the rings and the watches. Aliff have always wanted a watch. He has this fascination with watches that is waaaayyy beyond my pay check - names like Longines, Breitling, Jaeger- LeCoultre, Audemars Piguet, IWC, Patek Philippe (names I've grown accustomed with since I met Aliff) eeeksss. *telan air liur* ... For me, I guess the usual hantaran item for ladies are handbags and shoes. But I decided for Aliff to get me a watch instead - reason: I don't own a really nice watch and watches are very sentimental and timeless, something that you will always keep and treasure especially the really expensive ones lah kan. Ahaha. So, hantarans, being the Groom's gifts to the Bride, I think a watch is definitely a winner. Unless Aliff can also, in addition to the watch, get me a chanel classic flap bag and a salvatore ferragamo vara leather pumps. Ahahha. Takpelah, tak nak ketuk dia sangat. Kesian dia. Maybe anniversary gifts, Aliff?

Anyway, those are the 2 items that will drill a huge hole in our pockets, so we decided to get them first. We went to BSC at Bangsar.

Watches
Went to this watch chop called Hing's Watch. As i have said earlier, Aliff has a high taste for watches. *Pejam Mata* Itu pun what I got for him was not his first choice. Sabar ok sayang, when I leave this place and make more I'll get you your Breitling or Audemars Piguet or IWC *chehhhh confident jeee boleh ke?* Ahahah. Me, I didn't have a specific preference for watches. Aliff insisted that we should get watches from watch makers and not designer brands. So, I decided to get my watch from the same brand as his. Unless he wants to get me an Omega or Cartier lah kan. Ahaha. So, we got his and hers watches :))))) *matching gitu*.

Rings
We have been surveying for rings ever since we got engaged. I've always wanted a solitaire diamond on a diamond ecrusted band.  The size of the diamond is not so much an issue (ofcourse the bigger the ice the better ;p), but I've always loved a princess cut diamond.



Kakmira's friend, Dila who has a shop at BSC (Poya), who is also a bride-to-be this year,  had recommended Fa'iq Jewel, a jewellery shop near her shop. So we went there, sat for about a couple of hours, got a tutorial on diamond quality (cut, color, clarity, carat etc) and finally decided on THE ring. We decided on a solitaire ring - triple excellent round brilliant cut, colorless, with slight inclusion on a simple four claw band - Aliff preferred a bigger size for the diamond, so, to keep within his budget I had to let go of the diamonds encrusted band. I was ok with it because I will be wearing the wedding ring with my engagement ring which is already a diamond encrusted band. Maybe for our first year anniversary, we can change the band? :)))) And the jeweller there told me that round brilliant is the best cut for a diamond...takpe lah, I'm not so fussy on the ring sangat...don't know why...I didn't have a bridezilla moment that day. Ahahaha. Anyway, the band had to be refitted because I have really small fingers (i'm a size 8). It will be ready this week.  We decided to get Aliff's ring next Saturday before he leaves. Aliff is not so keen on wearing any jewellery, so he insisted that I don't spend so much on his ring, but to allocate more for his shoes (which is also one of Aliff's fetish).

So, Bride's Ring, His & Hers Watches = CHECKED.

***********

oh yeah, tengah happy-happy on Sunday

after getting the ring and watch and all,

on the way home we met with a traumatic incident.

put simply, we encountered a person who i pray that none of us will ever meet or become.

someone i will remember and truly curse forever.

i do not pray that you crash your car and die painfully and horrificly,

although that is what i want, but because i have my religion and faith,

i pray that Allah will do justice for me and aliff and every other person

who has had the most terrible luck of meeting you.

i pity your family and friends to have someone like you in their life.

i pity the woman who has been destined to be your companion.

i pity the children that you are going to have and

the generation that will forever be tainted by your existence.

 i pray that these people be given the strength and patience by having you in their lives.

 ******************

The Bunga Telur

So, OK. This was supposed to be one of the items that I would get from Jakarta. BUT, I guess our supir that day didn't exactly bring us to the right place, so we didn't get them at Jakarta. I think that was one of (or the only) upset of the Jakarta-Bandung Trip.

Anyway, last Saturday (when I started writing this it was last Saturday, now it's two weeks ago? I think), I managed to get Ibu and Bapak's time to go and find them. Getting their time during weekends are quite hard because of the endless wedding invitations they have. And, as I have said, countlessly, I have a F.O.B-zilla. He veto-s everything, including the Bunga Telur. And we hardly agree on the same Bunga Telur.

The week before we went to SSF Puchong, PKNS Shah Alam, Alam Central Shah Alam and SACC Shah Alam. Couldn't agree on a Bunga Telur. Well, there was this one shop at PKNS, where he kind of agreed with one of my choice, but I was not so sure myself so we KIV-ed that one. We decided to go to Nilai 3 as choices are a lot more there.

We left home at about 10am and reached there by 11am. It was still quite empty, not so many people so that is a relief. BUT what a HOT day!! Parked the car and went in one of the biggest shop there. Nothing that caught our eyes. Walked around and went in a few other shops nearby...there were a couple that were nice, but too expensive (RM10 and above). Kalau ikut hati memang lah nak yang cantik and yang besar yang RM15 punya tu...my dad almost succumbed but Bunga Telur is not one of the items that I feel I or my parents should invest a lot on for the wedding. Biasa-biasa je pun ok.And we have to cut on the Bunga Telur because I'm spending a HUGE amount on my reception pelamin already, something which I also feel is not something that I should spend so much on, tapi susah lah, pelamin sangat mahal!! Will blog about that later.

Back to Bunga Telur. So, after going to a few shops and not finding what me and the FOB-zilla can agree on, (if I like something, he doesn't like it. if he likes something, I dont like it...it went on like that for the first hour we were there), we decided to move on to the shops further down. Unlike the first time I went there, which was for my engagement, Bapak drove all around going from one shop to another, by car. The first time, me and my sisters parked at one spot and only walked around that one street. Anyway, we got to one shop and FINALLY AGREED on one! YEAY!!

Because some of the ones on display had some defects, we decided to check EACH and EVERY SINGLE ONE. All 800 of them. The shop assistants brought boxes of the Bunga Telur casing, we set up camp on the floor and opened each box and inspected each Bunga Telur. Wahhhh...this is us exercising caveat emptor!

 *I blur-ed out the pictures of the Bunga Telur - kena lah surprise sikit :)*

So, after 1 hour I think, they packed all the ones that we did not reject and put them in the car. My parents want the doorgifts to be the Telur itself, so someone will be put in charge to prepare the eggs to be placed in the Bunga Telur casings. I'll also get some net material to wrap the eggs. 

So Bunga Telur, CHECKED! Big relief! 

Wedding Progress - 2 Months to The Date

Woohooooo....

2 MONTHS?

I don't have a lot of time to talk about each one, maybe this weekend, if I can find the time.

But as a summary of my progress, I have FINALLY booked and finalised

the Videographer, the Pelamin and Hall Decorator and the Canopy for Nikah.

and ,after numerous emailing back and forth, I have also finalised the Invitation Card  for printing.

It will be ready by the end of this month.

eeeeeeeekkkkss excited + risau. HOPEFULLY, no spelling mistakes and the design turns out alright.

Fitting for my Bridal Wears has been postponed, AGAIN. Haih. It's this Friday night. HOPEFULLY no more postponements. Excited + RISAU jugak for that. PRAYING HARD it'll turn out as I have been imagining it.

Fitting for Groom Wears were also postponed a few times, but that is because of Aliff, the tailors were ready for him, but Mr.Busy Bee was busy this last couple of weeks. Maybe we'll do it this weekend?

Last week was definitely a STRESSFULL week. 

I tend to feel really stressed-out when it's almost that time of the month. I blame it on the PMS. So, I was very sensitive and easily broke down.

Anyway, after such a bad week, I have settled the final BIG things for the wedding.

This week I'm trying to be as POSITIVE as I can and regain all my wedding energy and excitement back.

Update on Wedding Diet: OMG. Susahnyaaaa nak kurangkan makan di kala stressssss. And I realised that, the same as when I was dieting for the engagement, the closer the date, the harder it is to restrain myself from eating like a cow. BUT, on the upside, I've actually received quite a number of comments telling me I've looked slimmer...I must be doing something right then? or is it the stress? Entahlahh...But I'm planning to go vegetarian in May....possible? We'll see.

NEXT:

Pengesahan and Kebenaran Berkahwin from JAIS, Catering for Nikah, Doorgifts for Reception Dinner, Bunga Pahar, Hantaran, Distribution of Bridesmaids Materials, Entertainment for both events, GUESTLIST!!

All these are actually on-going, hopefully it will all be settled by this month.

All my DIY projects are also on-going. 

MAY is reserved for everything last minute.

.... and JUNE is reserved for self-pampering and getting married.

HUGE SMILES :)

The Make Up Artist Part II - The Nikah & Groom's Reception Dinner

For the Nikah, I am going with Kak Faizah, the one who did my make up for my engagement. This post comes a little late because it was quite hard to get a hold of her. Anyway, booking has been finalised.

There's a story on how we found her.She is actually my cousins' boyfriend's aunt. She owns a bridal boutique, and her services range from pelamin, bridal wears, catering and make up.

This was how we met - For Kakmira's Nikah in 2007, she wanted a simple white mini pelamin which we decided to just DIY. The idea was to get the canopy people to set up a platform. Then I bought white sheer fabrics for the back drop and white satin to cover the platform. We also asked the canopy guy to install fairy lights behind the sheer white drapes for the backdrop. Then we would "sprinkle" the satin covered platform with rose petals and on each side we would place the bunga telur stands. So, all we needed was a white pelamin chair. Adam (my cousin's boyfriend) introduced his aunt to us and we went to her boutique. She said she has the pelamin chair that we wanted and would rent it to us for the day.

This was how Kakmira's Pelamin turned out

When we were at her boutique, we saw she had ready-made bridal wears and one that caught our eye was this javanese inspired ensemble. Kakmira tried it on and then we decided she can wear it for her Berinai the night before the nikah. That was also the moment we suddenly decided there was going to be a Berinai. Hahah.

So, on the morning of the day before the Nikah, Kak Faizah brought the javanese ensemble and the pelamin chair. While she was there, she saw me struggling to prepare the flower decoration for the stairs. *There were buckets and buckets of fresh flowers delivered that morning but I was absolutely clueless of how I was supposed to arrange the flowers at the head of the stairs* Ahah. I guess she kesian, so she offered her help. She asked for the oasis and the filler leaves. What? Ahahah. What's an oasis? And ooops we didn't get filler leaves. She then told me there's a florist in Sunway which she usually frequent and we can get the stuff there. So I drove her to the florist and she got what she needed. Then she just took charge. She did the flowers for the stairs as well as the flowers for the bed.

Flowers at the stairs

Flowers on the bed

I don't know what I would have done without her. By the time she was finished, Kakmira was getting ready for her Berinai. She helped Kakmira got into the javanese ensemble. Then we realised, hmmm...we didn't get anyone to do her make up. So she volunteered and did Kakmira's hair and make up .... beautifully!

And the best part was she didn't charge us at all for all that she did for us that day. We only had to pay her for the pelamin chair and the javanese ensemble rental. 

So, when I was looking for a reasonable make up artist for my engagment 3 years after, we thought of her. We called her up, did a test make up with her, and we booked her. I told her the kind of make up I want, light blue eye shadow, natural foundation and nude-pink lips. Most important: Not looking "tepung" - like the olden days brides. There's going to be a lot of cameras other than the OP, so I must not only look good in the OP's camera but also to those other little cameras clicking away with their flashes. Ahahah. That is one of my top priority. So, anyway. I think she did a great job for my engagement.

Before and After (OMG Horrid picture of the "Before")

So, when searching for a MUA for my Nikah, I was confident to book her.
 ..... And book her I did... I hope everything will turn out beautiful.

Her price is very reasonable and affordable, and Aliff being Aliff did not want to spend so much on make up for the Groom's Reception Dinner, so we booked her for that night as well.
She is really nice. She can be reached at : 0123905902 Her name is Faizah.

So, make up for all three events checked!

The Make Up Artist Part I - The Reception Dinner

Work has been unbelievably overwhelming. Everything is super urgent and co-operation is not readily provided. Anyway, on to more happy things...My Wedding :)

So, the plan was to book the venue, then the designer for the dress, then the make up and then the photographer.

So much for following that order la kan.

The venue has been booked. Albeit Bapak's sudden change of mind , but I think that has passed and we're still with the innitial venue. Will write more on this.

Next in order was supposed to be the designer. OMG. This is by far the most "vendors" that I've seen. It started with 3 ... and I was pretty sure and confirmed that I wanted this particular designer, so I told myself I'm not seeing anyone else...BUT, because of some turn of events, I met another 2, and finally booked with the 4th one that I saw. Their prices are more or less the same. Will come back on this later jugak.

This entry, is on the Make Up Artist.

I finalised the booking for my MUA before the designer. Because there were some hoo ha-s with the designer, I could not follow the initial "order" because if I wait longer, I was afraid all the good MUA-s will be taken on my day. This fear was further exasperated by Kakmira's worried phone calls on why I haven't booked anything yet, 5 months to the wedding.

And so the SEARCH was on.

I already had a few names that I liked. And thanks to Izrin's blog post, I learned of some new names that I've not encountered, but quite established. She even gave me their rates. Thanxxxxx.

For the Reception Dinner, because it will be in a huge hall,  the make up has to be not-too-natural but at the same time I don't want it to be overdone with the foundation and the colors. In other words - Tak Tepung lah. So, experience is important. That is why I wanted someone yang ada nama lah jugak ...

First name in mind ... Sue Cantik (019-2742947)

She did the make up for Kakmira's Nikah and for both the Bride's and Groom's Reception Dinner.

Called her up (actually Kakmira called her, and every other make up artist - I put her in charge of the MUA - I just supply the names and numbers), but she's already booked for the whole day on the 18th ... Damnsssss!!. I thought I didn't have to go through all the trouble of getting quotations and researching for MUA.

Budget is around RM800 - RM900 ... and the SEARCH began.

1. Tiar Zainal (013-6284835) 

Recommended by Kakmira's friends. Quite popular. When I heard how much he charges mula-mula amik je lahhhh...tapi Kakmira put some sense in me...And I realised I can not let myself get tempted although it's just two or three hundred more than budgeted. 
  

    Nextttttttt........

2. Ayang Kamell (012-2720975)

Saw her work through Facebook. I like. Price lower than my budget. And most testimonials would always say that she is very nice. Plus pointssss!

Definitely under consideration.

3. Ian Sham (017- 2030635) 

Knew her from one Wedding Fair in Mid Valley last year. Price under my budget. Her work is also nice, but Kakmira don't prefer her so much ... Entah kenapa.

     Nextttttt.....

5. Sheng Saw (012-9005597) 

Nice artistic make up and he is quite good with hair as well. I fell in love. Tapi alamak over the budget. Damnsss.

Nexxxxtttttt!

6. Saidatulnisa (019-3128246/019-2094564) 

  

She is very popular. She does mostly VVIPs, Royalties and such. And I heard she can cancel on you if she gets a call from these VVIPs and Royalties. Don't know how true ... but, anyway she's expensive, so...

    Nextttttt!

7. Liza (aka assistant Saidatulnisa) (019-2094564)

The next best thing. ahaha. Other than being Saidatulnisa's assistant, she does make up for people as well. The times yang Saidatulnisa had to cancel, she steps in. She doesn't have her own page, so its quite hard to see her work...but from those I see, I LIKE. Price under my budget.

Sebab dah malas, and time ticking, and the fear of all the MUA-s getting booked by other Bridezilla-s, I had to make a decision.....and finally booked me ...

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No.7

Liza, the assistant.

It was actually between Ayang Kamell and her, and I've always had Ayang Kamell in mind even before I started looking for MUAs...but I don't know, that day I decided I want Liza. So, Liza it is. Bukan rezeki Ayang Kamell la kot. Liza seems nice on the phone. And from the uber-ex-bridezilla, Diah who is a friend to Kakmira, she likes Liza of all three 3 MUA-s she hired for her wedding.

Hoping that I made the right choice.

Here are other MUA-s out there yang I quite like tapi tak sempat nak contact (ranging from RM800-RM1000++ macam tu kot):

Nurul Shukor      012-2862286
Amy Janz           012-2763600
Fiza Zainuddin    012-2217031
Lova                  016-6720445

This is a useful link  - Top 10 MUA-s compiled by GLAM Magazine.

**Prices for Putrajaya is always more expensive than in KL. Booo.