Wednesday, June 1, 2011

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.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Story of the Royal Wedding


Such a beautiful picture kan? This post comes a little bit too late and I know the Royal Wedding dah basi, but I still want to write about it, as a personal keepsake for me. I've actually started writing about this the day after the wedding, but had not gotten the chance to finish it.

So, here it is. 

It was 1.30pm on Friday, the 29th of April 2011. I was finishing the last contract I had scheduled to issue out that day. Packed up my things, and left the office. Rushed to SJMC to see the newborn. Then rushed home just in time to see the prelude to the fairytale that was about to take place.The countdown began. Many were speculating on the designer of the dress. It was 99% confirmed to be British designer, Sarah Burton due to the pictures that were taken of a woman resembling the designer covered in a big hooded jacket entering the hotel where the bride-to-be was getting prepared. They called her bigfoot because the jacket was huge and it had a fur hood.
  

Then they started showing the arrival of guests. You see famous faces now and then, I absolutely LOVED seeing the fashion and styles worn that day, so simple yet very elegant, well maybe minus the Royal Cousins who wore some odd looking...fascinators, they call them. And then bammm, the camera focused on David Beckham! Ya Allah handsomenya! I didn't even notice Victoria. Oooops.


Then, the camera showed the Groom and his bestman leaving Clarence House. I was screaming (in my head) entah kenapa, because they looked so cute kot, and ofcourse I think it was also due to the excitement that the wedding is about to start!


So, what I really want to talk about is....THE BRIDE and THE DRESS.



Sarah Burton's last touch-ups to make the dress camera-perfect
How beautiful did she looked? Her laced and satin ivory gown was just breathtaking. And just as she stepped out of the car, it was confirmed that the speculation of Sarah Burton as the designer was on the dot. The dress was perfection with lace detailings on top and at the trims of the dress. It was reminiscent of Princess Grace Kelly's wedding dress more than 50 years ago. Although, I was actually expecting to be wow-ed by a more modern-sleek design, nonetheless, Kate was a vision of a princess floating all the way to the altar. The dress was classic and timeless, just as Grace Kelly's dress and would live in eternity as one of the most celebrated dresses of all times. Loved her small bouquet of flowers. Understated, but yet elegant. Also loved the Maid of Honor's dress. It looked so soft and creamy.

The wedding procession was quite lenghty though, with prayers and the hymns...but I didn't move an inch from the TV...ahahaha. That was how dedicated I was, takut terlepas any special moments. Hahaha. So, after the ceremony, we saw William and his new princess left on the same royal carriage that transported Charles and Diana 30 years ago to Buckingham Palace after becoming man and wife.
The crowd waited outside the palace for the Newly-Weds appearance at the balcony. The joyous occassion was sealed with 2 kisses from the Bride and Groom. They then drove off to Clarence House in the royal aston martin-wedding car.





What the TV did not show was THIS BEAUTIFUL DRESS that the new princess wore at the wedding dinner hosted by the Father-in-Law. BEAUTIFUL! Kate looked yet again deliciously perfect in her second Sarah Burton white gown. Loved the be-jewelled cinched waist and the fur-like-shrug. This gown is more of a  modern take compared to the wedding gown. But, I guess the two dresses suited the respective occasions they were worn. And more importantly the Bride looked ever so gorgeous in both.



........ And they lived happily ever after.

Hahaha...watching the wedding and looking back at the photos, makes you think about Diana's wedding don't you? If she is still alive, she'll be 50 this year... Lets make some comparison, just for the fun of it:

The Engagement Announcement

The Post-Engagement Photo
Future princesses on the way to their respective churches. Diana was transported via a carriage, while Kate chose to arrive in car - the reason I heard was because she wanted to arrive low key, as a commoner that she was
Moments before they entered the church
The Bridesmaids

Stealing glances and short conversations at the altar

Leaving the church as man and wife. Kate opted for a more shorter train, convenient for the bridesmaid. Diana's bridesmaid was said to have had a "nigthmare" handling her loooong train.
On the way  to Buckingham Palace
Beautiful Brides


Arrival at Buckigham Palace
The Official Wedding Picture - both looked like Ken and Barbie, tho, William looked like a handsomer Ken.


First Appearance of the Newly-Weds at the Balcony

The First Kiss


Kate and William drove off in this Aston Martin after their balcony appearance - which Charles and Diana didn't, but this car was actually Charles' car, which was a birthday present from the Queen. Picture on the right is a picture of Charles and Diana in the same car. It was William's idea to drive his new bride as a married couple to his family home.
The Morning After. The Ladies in their Going-Away Dresses.
The Wedding Cake. Left is Diana's and Charles'. Right is William's and Kate's.
Quite a few similarities eh?

But, hopefully, history would not repeat itself. It was so tragic and sad for how his parents story turned out.

Some big shoes that Kate will need to fill...Diana was a people's princess. But it would be cruel to expect Kate to be exactly like Diana. Am sure she will handle being the future Queen gracefully. Let us all hope for the best.

And let us also pray that I would look as pretty and graceful as both brides on my day...so many things have happened, which I will write about later, that is making me freak out! The nerves are definitely settling in now.


3 more weeks baby!

Toodles.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Short Updates

It's been awhile since I wrote anything...it's not that  I don't have anything to write about, I have toooooo many to write about. Stress, Wedding Progress, Stress and Stress some more. I haven't even reviewed the Royal Wedding that I was so excited about! Haish. In all of, did I mention Stress?, yes Stress, there are also Happy Things that has happened. But, I still can't find the mood or the time yet to write. Maybe this weekend. Just to update:

Wedding Progress:
  1. First Fitting for the Reception Dress done, need some alteration here and there. Next fitting this weekend.
  2. Aliff got a couple of his Hantaran things in Jakarta. He'll be back this Friday! Not going back anytime in the near future...I hope.
  3. Dulang Hantaran still in progress. I've made 4 prototypes, need a few other things to complete the look.
  4. Catering for Nikah confirmed.
  5. Song List have been compiled and first round shortlisting have been done. Final list of songs maybe this weekend. Compulsory songs to be serenaded during the dinner have been given to the Wedding Singer, my lovely Maria. Need to finalise the final song list for her as well.
  6. Invitation Cards have arrived from Jakarta - getting it back to Malaysia was another drama. What's important is they are here and ready to be distributed. Some have already been distributed. Some still waiting for addresses. So to those that I have asked for addresses, please give me your addresses ok darlings? Need to finalise the guestlist and the RSVPs.
  7. Bridesmaids materials for Nikah have been distributed. How I wish I can give everyone materials, do I still have time to buy the materials and pass it to them? Tailors ambik lagi tak so close to the date? Hmmm.
  8. Apa Lagi? A lot, I'm sure. 2nd/3rd Payments, Confirmation/Reminder to Vendors, Decorations....oh yeah, buying a new bed for the room! This weekend lah kot. Yikes....
Other Updates:

  1. Mother's Day Tea Party organised by Syida, co-organised by me and Han. Happy Mother's Day Ibu! (urggg this is so belated!) Will post pictures soon.
  2. Hudra got married! Everything was beautiful. I was on duty as the MOH. So, not many pictures other than the pre-Nikah-getting ready pictures I snapped from my phone. Will get photos from others.
  3. Baby ARR is 3 weeks old and doing great! His full name BTW is Ahmadi Raid Rizq (not sure if I got the right spelling). Quite a mouthful huh? He sleeps a lot and if he's awake he's at Kakmyra's boobies. He's still in the "boring-baby" phase. But I can not stop kissing him. LOVE the baby smell. Still not confident yet to carry him...maybe when he is bigger.
  4. Shyra is pregnant with her second child!
  5. Made a new nemesis in Level 1. Some people are born disrespectful idiots I guess. Bluerghhhh. Ruins my day everytime I think about it.
That's all for now.

Toodles.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

a wonderful day

Yesterday I was experimenting with decorating the hantaran.

So, decided to go to Evergreen (a shop nearby my house which sells sewing stuff and the likes) to get some round polystrene and whatever else I can use. When I reached there, got frustrated because it was closed...it's public holiday kan yesterday.

There was a florist shop nearby, so I decided to just get some flowers, just for the fun of it. My room could use some flowers. I bought a dozen of white crysanthemums.

The reason why I am writing about this is because I absolutely loved what the florist told me.

This was our short conversation:

Me: Can I have a dozen of the white crysanthemums please.

Florist: (while arranging the flowers in a bouquet) Oh so beautiful, they look like snow.

Me: *smiles*

Florist: Put them in water once you get home. It's a hot day.

Me: Sure. (smiles and pays her)

Florist: (while handing the bouquet to me) They smell so good.
You're going to have such a wonderful day with them.

isn't that the sweetest!
I think it's the best thing that anyone could say.

Went home feeling all wonderful. Put the flowers in a bucket of water and started arranging them in the vases.





Anyways,

LAST WEEK'S ROUND UP:

28.4.2011 (Thursday) : BABY NEWS
I got myself a brand new nephew!!! Will update on that!


29.4.2011 (Friday) : ROYAL WEDDING 
 BEAUTIFUL WEDDING! Kate was soooooo beautiful and regal. She will make a lovely princess.
Will review on that soon.


1.5.2011 (Sunday) : HUDRA's BRIDAL SHOWER
Beautiful Tea Party, hosted by her bestie and her twin. Will write on her wedding, which is just 2 weeks away!



WEDDING PROGRESS:
There are still so much to do and finalise. Will update on that later.