5 mins with… Sarah Tan (on marriage, babies & the golden carriage)

Sarah Tan & hubby Soo Kui Jien at a recent event in SG

She graced the silver screens for many years as one of Channel V’s hot VJs and then broke many hearts around the region when she decided to settle down and tie the knot. TV Host/ model and all-round nice girl Sarah Tan turned her back on the life of glamour for stage 2 of life, love and family. Last year, she gave birth to her son, Dylan, and now happily resides in Singapore with her hubby, Soo Kui Jien (ESPN & former Disney channel host). I asked Sarah about her new world and she kindly gave us her honest thoughts on weddings, marriage & baby Dylan.

You grew up in Singapore and Jien in Malaysia. So why did you guys get married in Bali? Neutral territory?:)
When I found out I was pregnant, Jien was actually in Bali for work. So we thought it would be appropriate to also have the wedding there!

The wedding in Bali was for close family and friends

Did you use a wedding planner since it was all the way in Bali?

We didn’t, I planned it from Singapore myself! I was aiming to keep everything simple and relaxed but I don’t think even a simple wedding is stress free. So I think I’ll go with a wedding planner next time! ;)

Any wedding tips?

Try not to stress out over the details, most of your guests won’t notice.

Well, you’re happily settled with hubby and baby in tow. But they do say marriage isn’t easy? Yay or nay?

It’s true. It’s not easy, especially in the first year. I had a bit of an identity crisis in my first year… what with losing my job, getting married and having a baby all in one go. After a while though, I managed to find a healthy balance between being a wife, mother and me. It’s hard work in the beginning but once you get the hand of it – it’s brilliant!

Do things change once the ring is on your finger?

Things didn’t change immediately, as it was more of a gradual realisation that things are never going to be the same. I think the real kicker came when people started to ask me if I was going to change my name. At first, I was really scared of the idea, as if in some way… changing my name would mean losing my identity. But after 2 years of been married, I am warming up to the idea. A good friend of mine got married 6 years ago and is only now changing her name because of the exact same reason, so at least I’m not alone!

Sarah & her son, Dylan. Does he look like Sarah or Jien... I think a mix of both!

Was it tough being a mother at a young age?
Initially it was hard, with the nappy changes and the night feeds and the trying to find a good routine… and being more tired than I’ve ever been in my life. Then one day he learns to smile and suddenly it’s all worth it.

Sometimes, I do think men are from mars. Have you ever read any of these books that help us girls ‘understand’ men?
No, no – I’ve never touched any of those books. I think they’re a big waste of time except to have a laugh with.

Your words of wisdom for brides out there?
Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons as it’s forever!