Videographer Anyone?

I'm searching for affordable videographer for my Akad Nikah and Majlis Bersanding.. i know it's considered way early as my wedding will be nearly the end of next year... but i need to prepare early..

I concentrate too much on photographers that i forgot all about videographer and now I'm still searching for one...

I don't know much on videographers except two professional ones that is way beyond my budget.. *sigh*

So anybody? Recommendations? Links?

=(

Btw, Thanks dinda for the great help! appreciate it so much *hugs*

The Beauty

Alhamdulillah I'm progressing smoothly... 

Make up Artist 

I have tons of recommendations from friends, relatives and from my blog hopping on make up artist, going through their portfolios, checking out their make up under different lightning and I have finalize all my make up artist. 

Event 1: Majlis Bebedak Siang - Still searching.. thinking of getting trials because it'll be a simple function noting over the top.

Event 2: Majlis Akad Nikah & Hantar Berian - I try calling her but she ran out of credit.. text her but no reply... still no firm confirmation

Event 3: Majlis Berbedak - BOOKED! =) 

Event 4: Majlis Berpacar - BOOKED!  =) 

Event 5: Majlis Bersanding - BOOKED! =)

Event 6: Majlis Ambil- Ambilan - BOOKED! =)

Event 7: Muleh 3 Hari/7 Hari - Still pending because no confirm dates yet... 

I know I am months ahead on my wedding day but to get the best make up artist is tough now a days.. you have to booked them at least 1 year ahead to fit comfortably in their schedule.. 

Do feel free to contact me if you need any recommendations... =) I have a lot of Make Up Artist numbers with me.. It would be best to contact me personally for their numbers than me sharing it publicly because some make up artist wants their number to be privatize. 

Photographers

I believe in moments, photographers being able to capture the moment of happiness in the bride & groom eye's, the family members, guest and etc. I love looking at artistic sharp moments that by just looking at one photograph can explain how the environment in the wedding look like. So hiring a professional photographer is not a waste. Pricy it will be but the I trust the output from it will be very rewarding. 

My mom told me "It's once in a life time so no matter how expensive it is as long as it's beautiful and captured the moments" =) love my mom so much for being understanding and supporting! 

So, i've finalize my photographer for THREE Major events paying slightly premium. The idea was to hire a professional photographer to cover the two events that has me and the other half in it. Because the output i.e the album will have two of us in it instead of me alone which will be boring.. 

Alhamdulillah, I've paid the deposit for firm confirmation and date blocked for me on the three events. Paying by installment monthly with a handful amount and what's great about it that.. I'll finish paying them by April. Way ahead from my wedding date. Plus plus. <3 

For the minor single events such as Malam Berpacar, Malam Ambil-Ambilan & Muleh 3/7 Hari.. I have already a few top list photographers. Will have an appointment with them soon after the other half comes back from work. If I'm satisfied with their portfolio than i'll secure a deposit to block the following dates for the events. 

I'll update more on my attire &  doorgifts... attire that i'll be using for the following events.. fabrics bought for some major events.. leaving few things need to be done... and doorgifts.. sorted! Leaving a little more to do.. will update more on that soon? 

Perhaps this would be my last entry for this year.. 

Wishing EVERYONE a BLESSING HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011! 

To the BRIDE TO BE in 2011! Say hello to your wedding year~ =) 

To those tying the knot on new years day.. Selamat Menempuh Alam Perkahwinan and especially to Hazlynda.. Selamat Pengantin Baru <3 

Jakarta-Bandung Travel Review

Assalamualaikum readers,

I know that it has been so long I haven’t update my blog due to circumstances that I am busy at work and not much progress happening lately but I did promised to blog on my Jakarta-Bandung shopping trip right? So this entry is just perfect to those who will be planning to go to Indonesia for wedding preparations. 

BUT… before I share my wonderful experience in Jakarta-Bandung..

Would like to say Thank you for the wedding invitation Hazlynda Kushairi <3 Terharu jugak coz its my first ever wedding invitation from Malaysia.. I received your invitation just after I came back. Unfortunately I came to work and saw my leave was not approved soon after I came back from Jakarta. I had plans on going to Kuala Lumpur through Miri and wanting to experience a Malaysian wedding in west Malaysia but the assistant boss rejected my leave =( maybe because I didn’t bring her any lace from Indonesia kot?  *sigh* Anyhow, Hazlynda.. Selamat Pengantin Baru.. May this new journey in your life will bring many blessings from Allah S.W.T and to new beginnings! *hugs* 

Thanks for the Invitation Lynda <3

The Journey

16^th December 2010: Departed Brunei International Airport (BWN) at 2240hrs and safely arrived in Sukarno Hatta International Airport Terimal 2 (CKG) at 2300hrs. Alhamdulillah, two drivers that we arranged earlier on waited for us at the arrival hall and brought us to Ibis Mangga Dua Hotel.

Ibis Hotel Mangga Dua Room

Ibis Mangga Dua Hotel Toilet hehe.. 

Hotel? Well we didn’t expect the road going into the hotel would be some dodgy area filled with hawkers selling bakso, ayam goreng and food. Stalls selling shirts, cd’s and many more. It was a scary experience for someone their first time in Indonesia. The hotel provides us with Free Internet Wireless service. The drawback was the hotel was not carpeted so it gets cold towards the night and the bed isn’t that comfortable, my friend’s fiancé pillow even had moulds! We requested for a new one but never came~ less lighting and cozy in the room.  My overall review would be towards the end alright? =)

17^th December 2010, Friday:

0600hrs: Departed Jakarta for Bandung, stop by the service area for our breakfast at KFC because that’s the only restaurant that opens 24hrs.

0900hrs: Driver brought us to Golden Money Changer an official money changer. VERY GOOD RATES! Bring Singapore dollars for slightly higher rates! They will need your passport for identification and verification purposes. Golden Money Changer building looks like a bank and what’s most important is safe!

1030hrs: Pasar Baru, Bandung

This place is heavenly!

We went to 5^th Floor first to get ourselves Indonesia SIM, purchased the Simpati Telkomsel for less than BND$20! Suites best to those who are always on the GPRS/WAP services slightly slow Internet but at least we can facebook status update, foursquare checking in. Blackberry phone is used widely here so those with blackberry handphones are a bonus! They have this special package, which I’m not sure of.

Okay, I can’t explain the exact feeling when I was at Pasar Baru but I can assure you that in Pasar Baru! LOADS and LOADS of varities to choose from. Say, your looking for the Kebaya Sulam? LOADS! Price wise? From high quality material ranging from $50/each to $20/each. Those nice sulam telekong, praying mat, the telekong that here in Brunei is selling for $100+.. there? Slash of half the price! Dirt cheap I tell you! You can get high quality stuff for the price of what you probably buy in Brunei of a low quality item. Seriously! No words can explain how I felt cheated too. Pasar Baru has like 8 floors full of good stuff!

Kain Sulam at Pasar Baru, Bandung

Telekong <3 Beautiful! 

Looking for lace? Pasar Baru is definitely the place! 2^nd Floor! Whole floor of laces! French laces Ranging from less than BND$15/metre to even BND$200/metre. The lining is dirt cheap compared to what they sell here, would you believe the lining for the lace material is only BND$1.00/metre! You will go crazy looking at varieties of lace to choose from, colors to pick because I did! Well, we all did! The sale assistant will throw to you loads of lace with lining and you’ll go “Mas! Saya mau ini ya! 4 metre!” then another sales assitant throws another set of lace to your friend and you go “Neng! Saya mau itu jugak 4 metre!” it never stopped! We spent almost 6 hours in ONE lace shop ONLY! We even forget that we haven’t had our lunch! Just imagine the excitement~ not remembering to eat till the boss asked us if we had our lunch! The boss was so kind enough to order good food and treat us! Well he should be because we spend like thousands of BND there!

Kebaya Sulam! Pasar Baru, Bandung

Yang mana satu pilihan hati? 

Bought my Telekong for hantaran there for less than BND$20.00 of a very good quality fully embroidered with beautiful flowers! Comes with a bag too! Nice I tell you, very nice! 

1700hrs:  Check in to Swiss Arion Belhotel

Got to LOVE this hotel to bits! 

The staff is extremely friendly, we had a welcoming drink from the hotel.. Even had the traditional music played using the traditional instrument as shown in the picture below.

Welcoming =)

The Toilet

The ROOM? So nice! Comfortable beds! Puffy pillow! The toilet is great everything is great! Breakfast is so good here and so relaxing!  Free internet~  Definitely will stay here again!

Swiss Arion Bellhotel Room <3

1930hrs: Paris Van Java

We all had a lovely dinner at The Taste restaurant for authentic Indonesian meal. I can’t believe that food is cheap there! We ordered and ordered to a point that we had to tell the waitress to cancel our order if it’s not yet cooked because we over dosed ourselves with Soup Buntut, Ikan Bakar and many more! Talk about food heaven! INDONESIA is just the place!

So we didn’t do much shopping in Paris Van Java. I guess it’s just a place for Nongkrong i.e. Hanging out. There are varieties of shop there like MNG, Guess, Sogo and many more but noting wow about it. It’s a beautiful place though. Love the interior design or that building. Loads of restaurants to choose from.. 

Paris Van Java, Bandung

Beautiful Sun Flower at Paris Van Java

18^th December 2010, Saturday:

0930hrs: Rumah Mode, Factory Outlet

Checked out from the hotel and proceed our shopping journey at one of the factory outlet. There’s actually few to choose from but we ask our driver which one are the best and he told us Rumah Mode is usually the place Bruneians go crazy!

Top Factory Outlet stores in Bandung:

• Rumah Mode
• Heritage
• Secret

Been to Bicester village? Portsmouth outlet in UK? Personally this is way better! Well Bicester village is still the best because you can get off season handbags for a reasonable price. Rumah Mode is a place when you want to purchase a burberry jeans for just BND$40, an Armani shirt for BND$20. Stuff like that. We all went excited that we forgot to go to the handbags and shoes section! Bummer!

Rumah mode is NOT the place for your wedding preparations BUT is THE PLACE if you want to go OVER BUDGET!  Or should I say? Melarikan budget! *LOL* we had our lunch there over at Rumah Mode, had my first bakso in Indonesia and So delicious!

Rumah Mode Entrance.. 

Rumah Mode, Factory Outlet

The Entrance to the Food Court at Rumah Mode, Bandung

1430hrs: Journey back to Jakarta. A note to those who is planning to go, it’s always best to avoid traffic jams and on weekends. Because the journey to Bandung on weekends can take up to more than 3 hours even 4 hours! Massive traffic jams! That is why we choose to go back to Jakarta when everyone is going to Bandung for the weekends! Plan smartly *wink*

1930hrs: Plaza Indonesia.

Plaza Indonesia, Jakarta

WEEKEND! Stucked in traffic for more than an hour. Reached to Plaza Indonesia or should I say the BEST area to be in Jakarta at about 8.45pm and shop closes at 9p.m, 9.30p.m and some close at 2.a.m. Had dinner at Fish & Co because that’s the first place we saw when we arrive. Only manage to look around the shops because most of the shops we targeted are already closed. Went to Hard Rock Café after we had desserts at Häagen-Dazs. What’s at Plaza Indonesia? Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Kate Spade, Stuart Weitzman, Valentino. You name it! They have it! <3  They even have Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo <3 Talk about me having culture shock! I didn’t expect it at all.  At one point I feel that I’m at Bond Street or more like Westfield! Sparkling in my eyes! 

19^th December 2010, Sunday

0900hrs: ITC Mangga Dua & Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua

The driver told us to be early he dropped us of at ITC Mangga Dua. The area is like a 30minutes walk from our hotel Ibis but since we have a driver all to ourselves for the days we’re in Indonesia, it’s best that we utilize it and we felt safer that way.

ITC Mangga Dua, Jakarta

What’s at ITC Mangga Dua & Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua?  Two buildings connected with an aerobridge that you wouldn’t know you’re in the aerobridge because the whole building is filled with good stuff for wedding preparation or business! Wedding Souvenir’s, Invitation cards, Rambut Palsu, those jewelleries from the wedding boutique? All here! Price? CHEAP! Far off than what you can get in Brunei. They even sell ready made beautiful wedding gowns at very cheap prices! Cheap I mean BND$200-$500 for something that is very beautiful, fully beaded and so lawa! Flower girl dresses! EVERYTHING lah!

Something to keep in mind, DON’T bring someone who can’t stand crowd! Because in Mangga Dua, its so crowded! It’s heaven for ladies but hell for men’s! haha The telekong here in Mangga Dua is way better quality too. I sort of regret buying it at Pasar Baru, Bandung but whatever, still happy. But I guess, telekong would be best if purchased at Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua or ITC Mangga Dua. 

1230hrs: Senayan City

Another mall that we LOVE! Bottega Veneta <3 again, malls that is filled with all the brands! We went crazy shopping here also… Came out with shopping bags because most of the designer labels are on sale!! Despite not being able to claim GST still considered cheap because of the 30% off! Then we continued our journey to… 

Senayan City, Jakarta

Senayan City, Jakarta

Grand Indonesia

And again… went crazy! Here is the place if you’re looking for Chanel. Grand Indonesia has two wings. East and West if I’m not mistaken. If you go to Grand Indonesia DO go to the top floor where ALL the restaurants are! Its so beautiful up there! The design is based on the restaurant theme; Japanese cuisine will have bamboo surroundings very Japanese. Then hop into Italian and French there a replica of Moulin rouge and fountain. It’s just lovely! Will definitely go here again. 

Around a line of restaurants at Grand Indonesia

<3 Lovely! Grand Indonesia

Coffee? Grand Indonesia

20^th December 2010, Monday

MOI – Mall of Indonesia

Curiosity kills so we went to check out what’s in MOI. Noting much. Bored, called the driver and brought us back to Plaza Indonesia! Shopped like crazy again because some designers 30% off! You know what I like about designer labels in Indonesia? Their service! Its like in UK <3 Very warm, welcoming, helpful and wonderful, can’t help NOT buying any because they’re so sweet!

Then we went to Plaza Senayan soon after... We’re looking for Miu Miu and the sale assistant from LV plaza Indonesia told us only at Plaza Senayan has Miu Miu, to kill our curiosity we went there from 1730 till 2030hrs. A very nice place, has LV, Valentino, Miu Miu, all the designer labels you can find in Plaza Indonesia.

21^st December 2010, Tuesday

0130hrs – Checked out Ibis Mangga Dua Hotel to Sukarno Hatta International Airport for our flight at 0505hrs to Bandar Seri Begawan *Yawn*

Did not sleep at all so we ordered room service while watching TV~ super tired after last minute packing!!

I would personally recommend if you’re finding a hotel in Jakarta, find hotels that is located near the huge malls. Areas around Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia. The driver recommend us to stay in Escort Hotel if we plan on traveling next time because it’s walking distance and shop closes late. Ibis Mangga Dua hotel is alright provided that your target is just buying souvenirs for wedding, invitations and sorts but Mangga Dua shops opens at 0900hrs and closes at 1830hrs. You will certainly need to go out for dinner so if you were around the grand Indonesia, plaza Indonesia, looking for restaurants to dine in wouldn’t be a problem.

I wish we spent more time in Bandung because I heard there’s more compared to Jakarta, even people from Jakarta goes down to Bandung to shop.

Security issues? Alhamdulillah we didn’t experience any trouble there. It’s safe to say that Indonesia is safe. The people are so kind, warm and welcoming. We love the food, we love the hospitality and Jakarta, Indonesia is now one of our top destinations to go to for shopping. =)

Feel free to contact me if you need any help. Happy to help and share my experience and hope you will too. 

CKG-BWN

I'm BACK from JAKARTA just today..

So tired yet fun...

I have LOADS to share... shopping shopping shopping...

From Jakarta to Bandung...

Definitely will be going there again in March!

Stay tune for my travel experience for wedding shopping in Jakarta-Bandung.. =)

Discussion of dates.

Photo Courtesy of Mark Parisi

The MOST vital issue is your wedding date! because everything revolves around it from venue, make up artist, photographers, videographers, pelamin, catering, tents etc. etc.

Discussion should also be made among your family and the other half family with acceptance to some close relative and never ever take account what distant relatives or friends views because what i understand and heard from past brides, accounting to people needs = you can never have your wedding because there will be hundreds or possible thousands of reasons for e.g. your relative neighbor son's is getting married sometime next year.. then there's "i'll be very busy at that month because its the peak hour at work" and loads of other reasons. That made you postponed and more like accounting to their needs but not them accounting to your needs. Besides, it's your wedding. 

Sure i took account of my best friend's and friends wedding date to avoid any clashes of guest. Another thing is relatives who are like my first cousin who plan on getting married but, since we're only left two who is still single waiting to be hitch that is not a big issue to discuss. Holidays, will people be available by then? exam season? o levels? a levels? summer holiday? minor stuff that yes, can actually give a huge impact. For example, your cash flow. Say, you were saving for 18 months and on a tight budget, the next thing you know, your wedding is being fast forward 3 months early, Every month your saving is like around $2000... with that just 3 months i.e $6000 you could pay off your rent at the wedding boutique or your photographer. See the huge difference?

Anyhow, enough ranting. Alhamdulillah that my family and the other half family have discuss on our wedding date. We were asked to list out three options that we both preferred and comfortable with. My brother and sister in law being my advisor to maintain the date with reference to the available cash by then because I'm avoiding personal loans. The other half family understands and taking into account festive season, the starting of semesters in UK this and that. Fist option was middle of october towards the end october. Second was the 1st week of november. Third option was end november towards early december. We scrap off the second option because Hari Raya Aidiladha falls on probably the 6th November or 7th November. Risky i suppose. Then the third option is a little too far and very close to my best-friend's wedding, entrance for masters in UK is also past due by then. So we go along the first option! A balance! from rough discussion to have it on early november is being forwarded to end of october. No objection from both sides of the family and cash flow is safe!

So... InsyAllah.. badan sihat murah rezeki... OCTOBER 2011 it is... 

You know at one point, this wedding thing is all about the money!! No money = no talk with vendors = no business with venues = no talk with photographers etc. banar inda? 

I hope and i wish that there will be no amendment of dates. We tried our best to avoid that 11.11.11 date because we know everyone is going for that~ we sacrifice not having a beautiful date for our wedding~ just as long as we're married and both of us is happy. That's all that matters the most. 

One of the reasons why I hope and wish there are no changes is simply because..

I've booked the venue+catering for my reception.. Alhamdulillah they still have slot for october. Deposit to be made next month and by then, i have a promised venue and catering. 

I'll start on the MUA soon, still browsing.. 

Photographers will be after my Jakarta Shopping Spree.. 

My fiance told me... 

Times wait for no one.. 

Banar jua tu ah.. mun kan mensatisfy orang lain punya needs..anak si atu lah kan kawin jua... sibuk kraja lah.. peak time lah.. this and that...  tani pun inda kawin sampai bila bila.. Now just let them sync with you and not you sync with them... agree? 

And also one thing.. about times wait for no one.. if you take this discussion of date lightly... and if you decide to have your wedding elsewhere apart from your home would be so hard and stressful because searching for the perfect place  that can fit the perfect invitation is hard~ then your MUA might also have other clients to attend, your vendors, your caterings~ ALL ABOUT TIME! 

No Progress!

When i decide to open up this blog, i thought "This blog will keep me going for wedding preparations" so there's progress but only a LITTLE! I don't know what else and how on earth to get that mojo back! I lost track on bride to be wedding bloggers and I'm so so sorry i haven't got the chance to go blog walking, only visited and read few of my top b2b blog. 

I guess the END month is ALWAYS busy for ALL... wedding.. works.. etc... and I'm one of them! I haven't got the chance to open up my wedding book and start revising all what needs to be done, need to find and everything! 

The indonesia trip will in 2 weeks time (?) See my maths also kaput! and i haven't manage to make a list of what to buy and how many to buy this and that... 

LIFE IS BUSY! 

I have my cousin wedding next week at Miri, Sarawak to attend to and I'll be rushing down to Miri right after work, i must be at the Post kawalan by 4.30pm (government rules) and then zoom, check in hotel, bersedia untuk majlis reception that evening and also the following sunday morning! My baju pun belum ambil at tailor yet... 

I'm ranting... Just so you know ALL BRIDE TO BE!

DONT PROCRASTINATE! 

Kerana...

1. Boleh menaikkan darah tinggi.

2. Boleh menaikkan berat badan = stress = makan *applicable for stress eaters

3. Boleh membuatkan giler sikit kalau terlalu ramai orang nag this and that.. 

4. Boleh membawa maut! Ni kes parah kalau sampai nak bunuh diri.. hehehe...* Nazuzubillahi minzali*

BY THE WAY,

Surprisingly... i have only ONE friend yang somehow guessed correctly who am i! Kan i prefer to stay anonymous for the time being but SHE guessed it correctly berabis! hahah so HELLO L! <3  

Revised Wedding Dates

I have a sudden rush of blood in my brain when...

Our wedding could probably be sometime in August or September..

*gasp*

not that i've made reservations on venue, make up or photographers but...

AUGUST?! SEPTEMBER?!

Reasons? So that the other half only sister can attend the wedding.. Since summer holiday in UK is usually from June-July-August and september is usually the times for farewells. July would be her graduation and we're planning on going there next year in time for the summer sales too. August would be really rushing. Early September? Oh well, i can't argue much on it and just probably agree on it to be fair and understanding.. give and take. but..

*sigh*

my cash flow pun not enough yet by that time.. which means...

I NEED TO SAVE MORE!

Then there's this indonesia shopping trip expenses that i've increased my budget to extra 30% because i know and assure i'll go crazily shopping for other stuff too! I heard the long day dresses is dirt cheap and also cardigans! dugaan jua banar eh!

*cries*

Anyhow! I'm too stress thinking about this dates and stuff.. the parents of both sides will be discussing this next month before our Indonesia Wedding Getaway so that I'm able to custom made my door gifts and other stuff that requires engraving dates on the items!

The Astronaut Wedding Presentation

We all know that noting top the daughter of the naza group wedding fairy tale video although, a lot of controversial matters through the mouth of viewers. However, The Astronaut wedding video delivered to be noting extra ordinary and despite that, It was indeed a beautiful normal wedding. *double likes* From their official photographers, Candid Syndrome.

Bloggers Award

Wow! Despite the lacking of updates i didn't expect two beautiful brides Lala & Waniez nominated me to be awarded as one of the Beautiful Blogger Award...

Thank you Ladies =) I really appreciate the nomination though honestly i have to say i am a bit blur on how this award works. *knocks head*

I also realized when someone gave the award they have to write 7 things about myself and then nominate another 15 brides to be?

So here are the 7 things about myself

1. Animated,
2. Bubbly,
3. Extremely cranky when hungry,
4. Love heights i.e not acrophobia.
5. The love for shoes never ends! Monthly is a MUST to purchase at least one pair. *sigh* 
6. Love cooking hate baking.
7. Have a hate and love relationship with lamb/muttons. 

Next, i'll tag 15 bloggers.. which i'm not sure if i'll reach 15.. =( 

1. Dinda
2. Nina GS
3. Lala
4. Nora
5. Wanie
6. Hazlynda
7. Rilla
8. Ridanara
9. Kina

Okie i've only got 9... 

Tag along.. =)

Countdown to...

INDONESIA SHOPPING VACATION!! 

I know that it's a month more to go but WE are so excited! the other half leave has been approved! My Maid of honors leave is approved! AND most of all! my leave is approved that i feel like hugging the boss! *LOL*

• Hotel? CHECKED! made reservations at Jakarta Hotel and also at Bandung! 
• Budget? CHECKED! we made breakdowns and paid for the hotels in full price so we don't have to think about the cost of accommodation.
• Transportation? ON THE WAY.. We were torn between choices because i received quiet a number of recommendations
• Itinerary? 60% Done! need to make some final touch up because i've received some other Must go Places too! 

That 6 days vacation somehow is NOT ENOUGH but anyhow! I'm still looking forward to it! Merely excited~ I will make a travel blog on it too as this shopping vacation is on a mission! 


Anyone knows where is the recommended place to get those hantaran trays? and bunga telor? I know Kuala Lumpur has loads of it but just wondering if i could grab it in Indonesia. Thank you. =) 


MISSION: WEDDING SHOPPING ONLY! 


Which i hope we won't get carried away with other tempting items! 


CONPOM EKSES BEG! 

Emerald Green Theme

My previous post was about Dark Purple Theme that is suited for evening reception and obviously, I have to think about what theme shall we pick for the morning reception i.e. Majlis Bersanding. Then someone drop me a suggestion on writing on green color theme.

Coincidently, I was thinking on picking up green for the wedding reception except that I’m torn between choices of shades available! With the varieties available i even got mixed up with blue! *knocks head*

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Green, it is a very subtle color to choose because it will not necessarily fit into everyone. So the shades of green are very important. Green is fresh and warm! I do believe that choosing theme color for wedding reflects the character of the bride and groom too. I’m not sure how far would you agree me on this but couple of my friend told me, family members that I tend to choose bright vibrant colors compared to dark earth tone colors because of my character being lively, animated and bubbly. In my wardrobe I only have few dark shades attires and most of them comprises of green, red, shades of pink and white. I seldom splurge on dark purple or any dark colors. It all has to be bright and lively. Besides, color does play a little in your emotions too. On a day when you’re feeling down, you wear dark gloomy clothes, it will and do have an impact to your emotions too, you tend to sulk and pampered that gloomy feeling. However, when you wear bright color, it will get out the positive aura in you. Anyhow, not sure how far you agree with me on this but I believe in it quiet a bit.

Gorgeous! Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Back to the green theme, if I were to cover the shades of green it would be a lot so I’m concentrating on the shades of green that I personally love!

EMERALD GREEN – TEAL!

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Look at the above picture! OH SO GORGEOUS! suites with white, deep purple and many more! 

I’m always confused between emeralds green with teal! Thanks to the power of Google that gave me visual aids on differentiating!  But both colors are elegant, classy and just beautiful!

I guess we don’t really have to worry much when choosing green because, green is a natural color and fits to ABSOLUTELY ANY! Pink? Red? Silver? Black? White? Suites all. We also don’t have to worry much because most of Malay wedding dress will have highlighted sequence and bedazzled by the swarzaki crystals embedded on the fabric so without a doubt you will be the beautiful bride walking down the isle.

If I were to choose emerald green/teal for my wedding a combination of white with it is lovely! And not forgetting hints of hot pink too! The pink will bring out the contrast of the dark color and makes it even more vibrant and lively! So imagine the hot pink embedded on the dark green fabric. It will naturally shine! That I am lost for words now!!

THE COMBINATION OF COLORS IS JUST NICE! EARTH TONE for those who likes dark elegant color!
Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Let the picture explains everything and how beautiful emerald green is..

More next time InsyALLAH… For now.. I'm off for an invitation to celebrate eid by Baiduri Bank and Maher Zain will be performing! Whoopiedu!!

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Looking at more pictures makes it even harder to choose a theme color! Why do colors comes in a lot of shades! 

Did you know pastel green or sage is very beautiful as well? Suites best with pastel colors like pink, purple, yellow! 

Visit this site for more info on color combination with respect to season, not that in Asia there is 4 season but we can always use the winter colors for evening reception right?! CLICK HERE 

Deep Purple Theme

Photo Courtesy of Afloral.com

Imagine this.. Black Shimmering Beaded French Lace of black and hints of white with Deep Purple Silk Satin evening gown for an Evening reception.. ♥ You walk down the isle with the other half wearing a white suite with deep purple silk tie, hints of black thread sewn on his suite.. accompanied by bridesmaid having the contrast color of your gown, spot lights on you and there you are, walking elegantly in a deep purple shimmering evening gown. *dreams* I've been thinking on what color of evening gown will be suitable, observing friends wedding on their color theme in the evening and as recommended by MOST of the bridal boutique; evening reception theme color is usually darker shades that brings out the brighter aura in the bride and groom. Usually blue will be the choice for some that includes my brother's wedding years ago, my friends; yes 3/5 of them choose blue for evening reception.. so no more blue.. 


So I find DEEP PURPLE elegant and classy. 


It appeals to both masculine and feminine side and I bet the other half will not complain much since he likes pink too. Darker versions of color can also integrate with a Fairy Tale Wedding theme. Not that I want a fairy tale wedding unless I want to fork out thousands for it. But i want it to be simply elegant. 


Purple can be combined with pinks and green for the dramatic and stunning effect. I tell you, purple and pink fits in perfectly~ Just see the below picture! Hot!! Black will go on well and white too, even more elegant and classy. For a modern and contemporary; silver and chrome works well. 


" Purple is a lavish, sultry and sophisticated colour, so make sure to include it in favours, table confetti, balloons and decorations, not to mention the flowers. Elderberries, blackcurrants and grapes spread around the venue also make a natural and tasty way of showcasing your colour scheme." 

Photo Courtesy of liweddings.com

I also came across this website named weddingsday that gives varieties on flowers with the color scheme. Such as the picture shown below and many many more famous ones like lily, lilac, orchid, roses, tulips... 


Hmmmmm... tempting! 

Anemone 

Dahlias 

Aster

Fressia 

Hydrangea

Hyacinth

Gladiola

Wedding Fairytale...

On my facebook, video of a beautiful bride, Nur Nadia SM Nasimudin has been shared and relinked being one of the MOST Beautiful, Elegant, Unique and THE BOOM wedding. Wedding of the year? I bet it is...

Congratulations to Bride Nur Nadia... Your wedding footage is superb! =) Very very nice wedding!

Brunei Wedding Expo

The Wedding Exhibition Happening from 6th October 2010 till the 10th October 2010! 

Venue: Times Square Shopping Centre

Will be looking forward to this... 

it's something fairly new to Brunei having wedding exhibition.. 

Festivity Mood

Apologize for the long absence on blogging about wedding and random thoughts, as you all aware that it’s the festive season and I bet everyone is also busy visiting family members, relatives all over, future in-laws and friends. I hope that readers out there are having fun celebrating, attending open houses and meeting old friends!

So we know..when it comes to Eid Mubarak, we can go financially broke early! For the simple reasons, paying your tailored attire, buying biscuits and cakes. Double or triple the groceries shopping for the Eid celebration and all. Honestly, I myself went over budget this month with cakes and all sorts of items purchased but I had a glimpse of sadness too that stopped the shopping half way through and thought about the people in need.  Never forget them too whilst having fun celebrating, if you stumble across an old wooden house, do drop by and ask, give a helping hand and share. It touched my heart and till now, I can’t stop thinking about it. Well, throughout the ramadhan period there’s a lot of helping aid given to the people in need shown in media and Alhamdulillah, our rakyat is kind enough to contribute and especially to His Majesty the Sultan for the kind and thoughtful gift for the people in need. Set aside, sentiasalah bersyukur kepada Allah S.W.T.

I have noting big or ideas to share at the moment because I’m having that working blues, festive mood. It’s good to know that the other half is having fun celebrating eid across the continent and great to know that he fully utilize the money I gave him for his hantaran shopping. Yes, I know it’s very early to buy but why not if you get the chance right? Some shops is still having sales and I purposely told him to go shopping for his stuff first because he knows what he wants and just spare the time next year for another shopping trip for my items. As of now, Shoes, Stationary sets and Smart shirts bought and done! Only few item left for his side and the most crucial and expensive bit is the watch! Need to save more!!  But I’m happy I’m making progress though it’s just little.

December is coming soon and one of my bridesmaids has already set the date when she’s getting married on December to prevent clashes with me. So far she’s picking the middle December so I might be going for early November. I’m not risking the 11.11.11 because I heard one of my relatives would be tying the knot too. The other half wouldn’t mind about dates and early November; the 1^st week would be the other half mother birthday, perfect! I’m planning on a 4^th November 2011 for solemization and bebedak lelaki, 5^th for bebedak perempuan, 6^th for reception and 12^th for majlis kesyukuran. We still need to discuss with the other half parents, need to do it soon because my bridesmaid told me that a lot of venues are fully booked! I hope the venue I’m aiming still has an opening on those dates.

I’ll try to kick in that wedding mood in soon! Hehe

Have a blissful raya dear readers. 

Salam Aidilfitri

Photo Courtesy of newbensagung

Assalamualaikum,

Kepada semua Muslimin dan Muslimat di seluruh negara.. yang jauh mahupun yang dekat... sahabat-sahabat virtual.. saya ingin mengucapkan..

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI

Mohon Maaf Zahir & Batin

Kepada sahabat-sahabat yang pulang ke kampong, melawat saudara-mara, sentiasa ingat.. Berhati-hati dijalan raya. Biar lewat asal selamat. Jangan sesekali lupa memakai tali keselamatan, tidak melupakan memeriksa tyre kereta dan sebagainya. Semoga selamat sampai ke destinasi bagi memeriahkan lagi Suasana Hari Raya bersama Keluarga.

Di dalam kegembiraan dan kemeriahhan hari raya, jangan lah juga lupa kepada yang telah kembali kerahmatullah..*Al-fatihah* biarlah menyambut hari raya dalam kesedarhanan. Semoga akan bertemu lagi InsyALLAH dengan bulan ramadhan dan syawal di masa akan datang.

Dengan ingatan tulus iklas,
Inaza

SALAM AIDILFITRI to all Brides to Be and beloved visitors.

2011 Wedding Dates

Good day all brides to be..

It will be another week till be bid farewell to the most holy month; Ramadhan before stepping to the festive season; Syawal where working hours will be long and back to the normal days. Hopefully this year Ramadhan will be more meaningful than previous and even more meaning in later years InsyAllah. May Allah accept your every Doa and shower his countless blessings upon you and your entire family. *amin*

So it just struck me that calender days in 2011 will have quiet a number of BEST DATES to be getting married. I was browsing through my calender roughly thinking what date is best for the wedding on november next year. Then! If i were to have my wedding on 11 November 2011, it'll be like 11.11.11 the SIX one's. As nice it may sound i bet a lot of wedding will be happening on those dates!

Here's what i came across that coincidently falls on peak days:

• January Wedding, 1st January 2011 (1.11.11) - Saturday
• November Wedding, 20th November 2011 (20.11.2011) - Sunday
• November Wedding, 11th November 2011 (11.11.11) - Friday

I have two choices, either to have a wedding with a date that is easy to be remembered knowing that there will be a lot of clashes and weddings happening around OR just set any dates and no crowd clashes. 

I like the idea of ANY dates is alright. Would you even believe that me and the other half don't remember much on our anniversary? and YES, that ticker on the dashboard is really helpful after I had to find my old diary remembering on the day the other half proposed! We became a couple in a different way, he proposed and i gave him an answer after quiet sometime later~ yes, the wait is long.. so we didn't really get that exact date and just roughly estimate~ Upon anniversaries, that most of the time me and the other half forgets! either one of us will go "Ouh! January~ its the day we met again after so long! Happy Anniversary!" We were schoolmates back in primary, then years later we went into a situation where "hey, your are familiar? have we met?" kind of thing and starting keeping in touch with each other and one leads to another and this is what we end up..  

So what I'm trying to imply for myself here is that, It would be nice and lovely to have a beautiful date on the wedding to remember by but then again, after thinking hard... any dates would be alright... Gahhhh... I'm rambling here... panic on the thoughts of having clash weddings with friends or family members! 

I'm still feeling blur and not having that Festive Season Vibe yet? Is it me or there's anyone feeling this way too? =( I haven't even start baking when I did plan of making Kek Lapis and some biscuits. Purchase some brownies. Probably bake profiteroles or eclairs for 1st day hari raya, red velvet cupcakes for guest. BUT why oh why I don't have the vibe yet.. No vibe = No mood = No baking! 

I want begawan solo biscuits...  

Before He Says, "Aku Terima Nikahnya.."

I found this very interesting article from Hazlynda on her post titled “From I love You to I want divorce” The original post is from Daniel Zain a professional photographer from Malaysia. I guess it’s worth the share to all the brides to be. It’s a good read and it gave you the sense of realization.  

by Daniel Zain on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 6:14am


Assalamu'alaikum,

How has everyone's Ramadhan been? Alhamdulillah with the arrival of Isa into our lives, Mariam & I couldn't be more thankful to Allah swt for the blessings he has given us.

An important step in the life of any adult Muslim is the day he/she gets married. Subhanallah I know some of you are already in the process of looking for a spouse, and some of you may already be a few steps closer to tying the knot than I may be aware of ;)

As a wedding photographer, my job is to document that special moment when two people become husband & wife. Alas, in almost 4 years of doing this full time, several of my clients are no longer husband & wife. Several of my university friends have also gone down the road of divorce. Sometimes the reasons for divorce are complicated while some have parted ways over seemingly trivial issues. I've had the opportunity to speak to some of them during their trying moments & after their divorce. Could some of these divorces have been avoided if the couples had done something simple prior to getting married?

That simple thing is: Ask important questions before you get married

Here are some questions I believe one should ask his/her potential spouse. If you are already seeing someone and intend to marry that person, then please do not waste the opportunity to ask. It goes without saying that proper Islamic etiquettes should be observed when asking your potential spouse about the issues below.

The following are in no particular order of importance; they are just listed in the order as they pop into my mind while typing this. All the points listed here were among the causes of divorce for my clients & friends.

{Edit on 28/8/10: Not all points will be relevant to you, hence know yourself & what issues may potentially crop up based on your personality & lifestyle expectations} :

1. Living Arrangements

• Be absolutely clear about where both of you will live once you are married. If its at one of the inlaw's, then discuss how long you'll stay there before you move to your own rented/purchased home. If your spouse is unhappy after a certain period of your living arrangements, do not treat this lightly. Make an effort to have a pleasing & peaceful home experience, especially if you will be living with parents & extended family.

2. Health

• If you have any health issues, please let your potential spouse know about it. Do not give them a nasty surprise once you are married. For example, a couple i know are no longer together because the husband did not tell her that he has Erectile Dysfunction. She only found out once they were married. There are many conditions that can cause stress to build up such recurring migraines, asthma, diabetes, heart problems etc. Do not hide the existence of your medical condition(s).

3. Sex

• Don't laugh. Sex & finances are among the main reasons for divorce (add Facebook in the list these days).

• Brothers, please read up & learn about the right way to approach your wife. DO NOT rush her if she isn't ready to be intimate. A friend of mine took 9 months before she was ready to consummate the marriage. Alhamdulillah they now have 2 kids. Yes, that's an extreme example, but it happened. It could happen to you. Do not start pressuring her with fiqh, hadeeth & quran about the need to consummate the marriage as quickly as possible. It’s very likely she knows all those points already. The issue is a psychological & emotional one, not a lack of knowledge for the most part. Maybe a friend told her intercourse is very painful, maybe she doesn't feel confident about her body, and maybe she is just very shy. Be gentle, be romantic by going on short holidays together & just be patient. Oh yes, don't forget the dua's :)

• Sisters, especially if you are the very shy type, start reading up about intimacy. Don't shy away from straightforward descriptions of body parts & functions. Get comfortable & confident with your body. I don't mean exercise like crazy to get a specific body type, but know that if the guy loves you & wants to marry you, he's fine with the way you look. Sex is something you should look forward to without fear. Please know that you are entitled to & have a right to get your share of pleasure.

• If it’s confirmed that you are getting married, then ask your fiancé/soon to be spouse if it’s okay with him if it takes a while for you to be comfortable to have sex. If he gets upset, that's a red flag there! A good brother would never get upset, but he'll assure you that he'll be gentle & won’t pressure you. After all, he wants the experience to be pleasurable for both of you & not just for him. If you are shy to ask, then get a trusted third party to ask. I'm not kidding.

• Oh and one more thing brothers, don't get all paranoid & start imagining all sorts of "has she done it before?" scenarios if your wife ends up being very good in bed. Instead, be thankful.

4. Sex leads to.....Kids.

• Ask each other how soon after marriages do you plan to have kids? Don't assume your spouse has the same ideals as you do. You may wish to wait at least 1 year, whereas he thinks a baby 9 months after the nikah is obligatory. 4 kids is your perfect number, yet she wants 10, or none at all!

• What are each of your thoughts on adoption? What if one or both of you end up being impotent?

• Do not wait till you're married to ask about children.

• Pregnancy is a big deal for the lady. Some women are terrified of getting pregnant. Again, be patient and have her speak to other ladies who are pregnant/have kid to reassure her that she'll be fine. Oh wait, some men are even more terrified of having kids. Same process, get him to talk to fathers of his age.

5. Finance

• Sisters, please inquire & know how much your potential spouse earns for a living. If his salary is lower than your expectations for your lifestyle, ask yourself if you are willing to compromise. If you are used to LV, Gucci & Coach bags yet he can only afford Vincci, will that be a source of frustration for you? If the answer is yes, find out what are his plans to increase his income. On the flipside, if you are not the shopping type of girl, and handbags, shoes etc mean little to you, please don't settle for too little. At the very least know your rights on what your husband needs to spend on you.

• A girl i know is fine with her husband giving her only rm50 - rm150 a month for her toiletries, personal care & what not. She says she isn't materialistic, which alhamdulillah is good, but the result is that her husband doesn't spend a ringgit more on her. No dinner dates, no short weekend holidays. Nada. He has become complacent and forgotten his duty to support her living since she does not work.

6. Work

• Can I continue to work after we get married? Can I start working after we get married? Can I stop working? Can I switch to a lower paying job that I love? "I'll be posted in Timbuktu 3 months after our nikah, and oh yes, I'll be there for 2 years & you got to move there with me, no ifs or buts okay."

• Clarify all the above before you get married.

7. Food

• You hate cooking yet the very day of your nikah your dear hubby asks you "What are you cooking for dinner sayang?". Big problem! Yes, believe or not, a couple got divorced because of this very issue.

• Sister, especially if you work, ask him if he expects you to cook all the time. If he does, ask him if he can compromise.

• Brother, if you know she hates to cook, ask her if she's willing to learn at classes (which you pay for of course).

• She loves western food but you must have rice for every meal. Plus you hate pasta which she's obsessed with!!!

8. Housework

• Picture this: A girl's hero is her dad who happens to help out alot around the house. Daddy helps with the dishes & laundry. He doesn't complain. She then marries a brother who will have nothing to with housework. In fact, he considers it a girls job not befiting a man! Guess how happy the marriage is going to be? If only she had asked him if he's okay with helping out with the dishes after she cooked that wonderful dinner.

• Brothers, please help out around the house. Rasulullah s.a.w did, hence no excuses.

I hope this has been beneficial for you. The points I raised are far from comprehensive, there are many other seemingly trivial reasons people get divorced over. For more detailed knowledge on living as husband & wife from the Quran & Sunnah, please refer to the excellent 'Like A Garment' series by Sh. Yasir Qadhi. If anyone managed to save the entire email series of Like A Garment, please share it. Sh. Zaid Shakir & Sh. Suhaib Webb also have excellent audio lectures on the subject. Also ask good teachers on the detailed roles & responsibilities in a marriage. My points are just real world examples from real cases of couples who had to let go of their marriage.

{Edit on 28/8/10: There will many issues that crop in a marriage that one can't foresee. It's totally normal & what's required is sincere love, plenty of patience and willingness to compromise where possible to achieve a win-win situation. We mustn’t view divorcees in a negative light as well because sometimes divorce is the only solution. For some, it's a good solution that helps both parties become better people.}

I feel we should have a YMP sharing session where these issues are discussed. Brothers & sisters, we need to be prepared for the worst case scenario as well. Sometimes in the desire to get married, we only see & imagine the beautiful & sweet life ahead, and as a result we get thrown overboard when a storm comes.

May Allah taala guide all of you who are seeking your life partner. May He also guide us who are already married to remain loving & faithful to each other. May He give us righteous children who will be His servants and help make the world around them a better place.

Wassalam.

Daniel Zain Ibrahim