We love this tongue-in-cheek proposal that happened in a place you’d least expect – THIMUN (The Hague International Model United Nations). While the delegate from Monaco (who is rather handsome, if we may say) was giving his speech, his constant deviation from the rules and subject led to the chair interjecting from time to time. His response? Watch and see…

P.S. The pretty girl who was proposed to is Malaysian!

P.P.S. This is not a serious proposal, it was done in jest and they’re both 18 years old! But it’s still cute, right? “Like”.

One of the best things about The Luxe Nomad are our flash sales. Every week, we’ll have different resorts from around the region at exclusive rates which you can’t find anywhere else. What does this mean??

Cheaper honeymoon = Vera Wang wedding dress = More champagne = Happier hubby!!
(we’re thinking out loud here)

Besides our launch partner hotel, Sri Panwa in Phuket, expect to see hotels such as The Amala in Bali, Constance in Maldives and many more!

Sign up now for early bird membership as The Luxe Nomad is member-only.

Start packing, WGA readers!

From L to R: Marchesa, Vivienne Westwood Gold Label , Lela Rose

If yesterday’s post on trends for 2012 got you excited about your gown shopping, then today’s post should have you literally snapping out your credit card! Now we all know that twice a year (July and December), the world goes on sale. And none more so than one of my favourite online stores, Net-A-Porter.com. I just so happened to have a peek at their wedding sale and it is amazing! I might not be getting married at the moment but even I feel like buying a couple (haha!). Here are my favourite picks from the lot and I’ve taken the liberty of roughly converting the prices to USD:

Marchesa
Simple, sleek and the ruffle gives it that classic Marchesa touch. If you’re not familiar with the brand Marchesa (my fave brand atm), it’s worn by many A-list celebs and known for their detailing and feminine designs. Click here to view.
Price: USD 2560

Vivienne Westwood Gold Label
Remember when SJP donned this in the first Sex and the City movie? I swear this is a similar version to the one she wore! Chic, glam and stylish – how can you not love this gown? And its price tag…
Price: USD 1768

Lela Rose
For the traditional bride, this Lela Rose gown is a great option. You can’t see it in the pic above but there is an embroidered floral pattern on the dress that is subtle but gives it an added shimmer up close.
Price: USD 3434

From L to R: Temperley London (two gowns) and Alberta Ferretti

Temperley London (1)
If you’ve been addicted watching Downton Abbey like me, then this number might just remind you of the hit show (plus Mathew and Mary). This ivory stretch-silk and tulle gown will ensure you’re the perfect vintage bride. And who could say no to Temperley!
Price: USD 2375

Temperley London (2)
Do me a favour and click on the link to check out this gown up close because it wins on the detailing. Embellished with crystals, this silk chiffon gown is said to flatter any silhouette.
Price: USD 1100

Alberta Ferretti
A little more pricey than the rest, to me this gown is not only flattering to the figure but I love the layers and raw edging used to give it that fashionista touch.
Price: USD 3200

From L to R: Antonio Berardi, Jason Wu, Halston Heritage

Antonio Berardi
This crepe and ruched chiffon gown is so simple yet so chic! For some reason I envision a bride who’s a career woman wearing this (don’t ask me why!). Add some jewelry to the mix and I think you have an extremely elegant gown. The price is also really reasonable if I may say…
Price: USD 1421

Jason Wu
A little bit of a bohemian, chilled-out vibe to this silk-chiffon skirt and top by the Wu man. Great if you’re having that destination wedding by the sea or in some beautiful castle in the South of France… ok, daydreaming!
Price: USD 1215

Halston Heritage
I love Halston full stop. Sexy, classic and feminine at the same time, this gown will add a touch of glamour to any bride. And it’s a steal (again, if you ask me!)
Price: USD 485

Hard to pick just one, right? x

Click here to view the embedded video.

Starting with something close to home – the “Meme proposal” by Nuffnang owner Timothy Tiah has gone viral not only in Asia, but across the world! Even Ryan Seacrest took time out from the Kardashians to comment about it. Filmed by Malaysian wedding videographers Crazy Monkey Studio, Timothy uses Meme themes to put a new twist on saying “WYMM” :)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Think you’re just on another subway trip home? Guess again! Lucy Rogers gets the surprise of her life when the whole train chimes in…

Click here to view the embedded video.

And lastly, one for fathers and daughters! We’ve seen load of funny wedding dances on youtube… but how about dad and daughter showing them how it’s done?

To see more top videos and moments from 2011, read the full Huffington Post article here.

And from myself and the WGA team, HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone! God bless and we’ll see you next year!!

From upper L to R: Evanna, Alia, Steph, Rachel, Ezreena, Sylvia

It’s finally Friday and in two days… it’ll be Christmas!! And what a year 2011 has been. From natural disasters to the Arab Spring to the Royal wedding of the century, be it the good or the bad, this has certainly been a year to remember.

As we usher in the new year and welcome 2012, I thought it apt that the WGA team send out an Xmas cheer to each and everyone of you.

In the meantime:

To our readers: many thanks for your continuous clicks (more hits yay!) and loyalty to WGA!

To our vendors: thank you for your support and belief in our team and mantra. We hope we have upped the ante in the wedding industry and will continue to change the way things are done here in Asia.

To our partners: The Star newspaper and HELLO! Magazine, we’re loving our exclusive columns with you guys and the great feedback we’ve had thus far.

From the team:

Steph (me!): Having started WGA just two years ago, it’s so exciting to see our readership and team grow. I have a good feeling about 2012 and wish everyone the best! Love, laugh, live :)

Rachel: You readers might not know me, but for the last couple of months I’ve been the new MD of WGA. Firstly, I’d like to wish everyone an awesome and safe holiday this year! To sum up what 2011 at WGA has been for me so far – fun and challenging :) We will see you in the new year and look forward to bringing you more exciting features and content!

Sylvia: This year, I ask Santa for 3 things: to bless my family with love, spread joy amongst my friends and bring hope to all our lives. For I never forget: money may buy you all the jewels, but the things that really matter are somehow priceless!

Evanna: I’ve been the editor of WGA for over a year now and I still get excited about new stories and interviews. More to come next year – from the zany to the inspirational!

Ezreena: Beyond the roast turkey, eggnog and wish lists, Christmas is about celebrating generosity and togetherness, not just with your friends and family, but with everyone around you. So go out, wish a stranger “Merry Christmas”, give a flower, a hug, cause there’s no time like now to share the holiday spirit!

Alia: You might not have seen me writing as much as usual because a few months back I was mugged by a snatch thief! Though I fought and held onto my bag, the guy managed to drag me to the ground and my collarbone was broken, leaving me unable to write (amongst other things, sniff). In all, I hope for better safety for all in 2012! Here’s to a brighter, better year for all :)

‘Tis really is the season to be jolly :)

Lots of love from: everyone here at Wedding Guide Asia. Merry Christmas! xoxo

Besides the beautiful interior (which I’m trying to replicate at home!), I simply love the location of Villa M. To be very honest, my prior experience in Samui had kind of been limited to the infamous Full Moon parties, so I was surprised to discover that Fishermen’s Village is actually full of quaint cafes and boutiques.

Thus, if you’re looking for a honeymoon destination or even a great place to chill for a Hen’s getaway, then Samui is the place with a bit of everything.

There are five bedrooms to choose from at Villa M and of course, yours truly took the best one (haha)! The third floor has only just one large bedroom with a balcony and a small pool accompanied by deck chairs. How r & r is that? As with all villas in Asia, there is also a fulltime maid available who can also cook up a storm should you wish.

Thus my day equated to: Waking up. Having breakfast in bed. Swimming. Tanning. Eating & repeat!

Isn’t the interior amazing? Teak floors, white linen couches and personal paintings and pictures really make you feel like you’re staying at a friend’s vacation home!

It is interesting to note that there are no nightclubs in Fishermen’s Village. However, if you are looking for a bit of a boogie – simply hop in a cab and head over to Chaweng. Warning: Chaweng is popular with the beer-drinking, Singha singlet crowd – but I always have lots of fun dancing whenever I’m at the cheesy Green Mango Club (isn’t it always when you don’t know anyone there?!).

Or you can always just chill at home! Villa M’s pool is right by the beach. There’s nothing like an evening dip to complete a tiring day of shopping and sightseeing. :)

Here’s one of the most awesome things about Fishermen’s Village – every Friday evening, they have a “Walking Street” where the roads are all closed off to cars to give way to little stalls and shops that sell everything from jewellery to food. I started at one end and by the time I had reached the other, I’d had noodles, spring rolls, cake and so much more! Thank God a lot of walking was involved to burn off the calories, haha.

* So if you’re thinking of a honeymoon or a break before the big day, then have a look at Villa M in Samui. The island might not be as developed as neighbouring Phuket; but it truly has a charm of its own.

Celest with her two daughters and Miss Malaysia Universe Deborah Henry

Just recently, Malaysia International Fashion week (MIFA) was held in Kuala Lumpur. This meant lots of models, champagne, fashionistas (fighting for the front row), designers and press clamouring to get in to the best shows.

Yours truly managed to get an invite to Celest Thoi’s debut with her amazing wedding line. As usual, I was a bit late and albeit hoping it was fashionable was initially not allowed in! Why so? Because unknown to me, a member of royalty was already inside and apparently no one was allowed to enter. Thanks to some nudging (and maybe WGA muscle?!), we managed to convince the bouncers to let us in and have a seat.

Was it worth it? Definitely. Here at WGA we think Celest will make her mark in the Malaysian bridal scene this coming year!

With many bridal boutiques out there, how do you distinguish yourself from the rest?

I guess the direction of my style remains pretty much the same after all these years as I work on the philosophy of timeless, simplicity and elegance for all of my designs. Every Celest Thoi gown is beautifully hand-crafted with luxurious fabrics, ethereal detailing and a modern interpretation of classic lines. I want brides who wear my designs to still love the dress many years down memory lane.

Many girls dream of being the bride, but only a few dream of working in the industry. What was your calling?

Well, it was definitely one of the many things I aspired to do when I was younger. Like all little girls, I loved doodling, making crafts and playing dress-up. I get attracted to pretty things from bugs to lights. I love going to shops that sell trimmings, ribbons, buttons etc. And I can spend hours looking around, hoping to buy them all! I love working with these pretty things coupled with gorgeous fabrics and also, the fact that I work with very happy and excited people…it makes me feel happy and fulfillled at the same time.

You’ve got two gorgeous daughters. How do you juggle both?

I am very blessed to have a very supportive husband and family who are there for my kids when I am busy with work. I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you!

We’re loving all the pics from your MIFA show, what was it like to walk down the runway?

Amazing. All in all, I was so excited to have been able to launch my very own label, “Celest Thoi” at the recent MIFW 2011 show. “The Celestial Spark Collection” showcased ethereal gowns designed for different brides in mind. My dresses are practical and multi-functional so that they are suited for different occasions from ROM, a garden/beach wedding to a fairytale-themed wedding etc. It was named “The Celestial Spark Collection” as it was sparked by the encouragement and confidence of past clients through word of month, while some looked me up on Facebook. My gratitude and thanks to all of you!

Describe your most memorable masterpiece.

It would have to be transforming a dress from a bride’s mother’s vintage wedding dress into her new wedding dress as she wanted that element of “something old, something new”. It was such a challenge as the vintage lace was so delicate and some parts were kind of soiled, so I had to cut out the lace carefully and patch it on the new silhouette. Crystals and beading did a great job to conceal small spots on the lace. The final product was better than I expected and well worth the hard work :)

What do you predict for weddings in the coming year, in terms of bridal gowns and trends?

Lots of lace, layers and layers of tulle with a touch of horsehair braid and feathers to create that romantic and dreamy look. Illusion necklines, which is when you have a sheer, delicate, and often embellished layer of fabric which covers the skin that would have been otherwise exposed (as pictured above right), will be a big hit as it can be really sexy yet at the same time, modest and demure-looking.

And just for fun…

The no-no wedding trend of 2011 was… the “pick-up” dress as it can look like a pile of whipped cream if it’s not done properly.

A celebrity I’d love to design for would have to be… Lady Gaga as I know she’ll be open to any crazy ideas.

If I were a bridal gown, I’d… look like a piece of art made from the best fabrics – beautiful Chantilly lace and tulle overlay with 100% silk duchess satin that everyone will appreciate; something that is classic, timeless, simple and elegant. Just like Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel!

But we couldn’t agree more. Popping off to the beach with your closest family and friends is something personable and memorable. Plus, these are the guests who will really clap and shed a tear during your speeches.

One of the hottest places to get married in South East Asia is, of course, Bali. The island is known for its scenic wedding locations and sunny, breezy weather that make for great photographs. Enjoy these pics of couple Jane and Walton.

* Courtesy of Louis Pang Photography

Held at one of Bali’s most famous venues, The Ritual, we love how the chairs were dressed in lavender cloth and ribbons. Matched by the turquoise stands and white flowers, you get a very soft, pastel feel to the wedding.

Green candies and wedding notes were on hand for guests. Tip: Get your names inscribed on bits of candy for added effect (or to remind them whose wedding it is! *wink*)

We’re Going To The Chapel seems to be about the right song to hum now.  Imagine reading your vows whilst looking out to the ocean… The Ritual is nicely placed on a cliff in Uluwatu, giving the chapel unparalleled views. 

Congrats to Jane and Walton! Truly a white wedding with him donning a white tux :)

And what better way to finish it off? With fireworks, of course!

* Many thanks again to WGA vendor Louis Pang Photography for these pretty pics! And for all of you heading to Bali or somewhere exotic… enjoy (what else would we say :)!

Designer Carven Ong with his muse, former Miss Malaysia World Thanuja and her twin

He’s spent 20 years designing gowns for women around the world, so it’s no surprise that Malaysian designer Carven Ong has now set his sights on doing more than just the bridal gown. Recently, he held a press conference at Prince Hotel to announce the launch of his new wedding planning agency, Wedding Artists.

Working with some of the best vendors in town, Carven is putting his personal touch on all the little details from the cake to the wedding flowers to bridal styling.

His approach to planning a wedding? Just the same as he is about beautiful gowns -
“Everything should be one-of-its-kind!”

The press conference featured Malaysian celebrities such as Elaine Daly and top model Carla Soong modeling some of Carven’s bridal gowns. Yours truly was asked to participate as well… but unfortunately was out of town (and I make a terrible catwalk model!!).

Dream Weddings, a bridal showcase at the Prince Hotel, 10th & 11th of Dec

To celebrate the launch of Wedding Artists with a bang, Carven has worked together with Prince Hotel in KL to hold a bridal showcase on the 10th and 11th of December 2011 (yes, like in two weeks!).

From attending the fair, which is free for all, you’ll get to see the ballroom of Prince Hotel dressed up to a theme, as well as a preview of Carven’s latest collection.

Other vendors you’ll meet include:

• Artists at Work (make-up)
• BLOOM – The Floral Shop
• Merienda de Eva (catering)
• Wedding Karren (wedding favors)

And, I’m told that if you sign up for any of the banquet, reception décor and photography packages – you’ll be in the run for a lucky dip competition!

So if you’ve got a free and easy weekend on December the 10th and 11th, I suggest you pop by the Dream Weddings showcase to meet and greet vendors.

Details:

Date: 10th and 11th of December
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Venue: Grand Prince Ballroom, Level 3, Prince Hotel, KL

* Special thanks to Carven and his team for providing pics and info. If you’d like to get in touch with them, pop by the Wedding Artists website or join their Facebook page. Happy planning!

Me (pictured far right), looking a tad browner than usual! *wink*

Now albeit most of Asia being skin-whitening crazy, there’s a growing group of women, such as myself, who fancy sporting a sun-kissed tan. With baking in the sun being a big no-no (unless you’re pro-wrinkles!), what’s a girl to do?

Say hello to WGA vendor The London Orchid (TLO), based in Kuala Lumpur but run by British therapist, Leagha McMahon. Currently, they are the only spa in KL to use the prestigious Sienna X fake tan spray. Yours truly tried it recently before heading to Singapore for a fashion event (because I am naturally pasty!). Despite a bad experience a decade ago where I turned orange for my school prom, the Sienna X tan was really natural and wasn’t too dark as I only left it on for an hour and a half. Why Sienna X? Read on, troops!

There are many spray tans out there, so why did you guys decide on Sienna X?

Sienna X is not available on the high street so it is more exclusive and high profile – it’s used in Harrods and on TV shows, such as Strictly Come Dancing and How To Look Good Naked. It is paraben, SLS and alcohol free and comes in a wide variety of shades, which really does give you the best natural looking tan! We have some clients who come in every week because they love it so much.

We all know sun beds or lying by the pool doesn’t bode well for our skin – what are the pros and cons of using a fake tan?

If you want to be tanned, the safest way is to have a spray tan. It doesn’t use UVA/UVB rays and therefore won’t damage the skin. Spray tans don’t age the skin and most importantly, won’t give you cancer – unlike the natural sun or sunbeds. Using a sunbed will actually cause you to be three times more likely to get melanoma, the worst type of skin cancer, than you would in the natural sun.

The cons? Well, I suppose the only thing would be is that a spray tan doesn’t last forever, but then again – what tan does? Also, I do the spraying as I’ve been trained by Sienna X in the UK. However, for a client who is shy about being sprayed by someone else, they can always opt for one of our retail tans for home use.

Is it easy to use at home?

Yes, not to worry, Stephanie! We have the Sienna X Extend and Perfect, a very light colour which can be used everyday until the colour has built to the desired level. Or there’s also Extremely Natural Self Tan, which should be applied once with Self Tan Application Mittens.

We’re aware that TLO uses the leading luxury British spa and skincare brand, Elemis, for face and body treatments. What are some of the special things Elemis products can do for brides?

One of the most popular treatments for brides-to-be is the Elemis Advanced Anti-Ageing Visible Brilliance Facial, as it increases moisturisation levels by up to 61% and elasticity by up to 40%. And it also firms, rejuvenates and restores the skin’s natural radiance. We recommend the bride to have this facial every 3 weeks in the run up to the big day.

Product-wise, one of the best for pre-wedding use is Elemis Visible Brilliance, the instant radiance serum. It will brighten and re-energise dull, fatigued and stressed skin, making it a perfect instant beauty flash booster! And every bride wants that glow, right?

You must have tried all the treatments. So, tell us what’s your favourite at TLO?

I like the Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial, it targets blemishes, uneven skin tone, superficial facial scarring and fine lines. My skin is 32% smoother and up to 75% resurfaced after just one facial and it only takes 1 hour. Using the Tri-Enzyme products at home has made my skin even softer and I feel that skin tone has improved dramatically. Plus, I love the smell of the White Truffle Poria Cocos and Amazonian Acerola Cherry in this range!

Last but not least, this is a question I’m sure many brides out there are just dying to ask. Stubborn cellulite and saggy skin can be every woman’s nightmare, especially a bride’s! What treatment would you recommend?

Without a doubt our Body Sculpting Cellulite and Colon Therapy, though bear in mind that this treatment is not suitable during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It targets stubborn cellulite and sagging skin, redefining and smoothing the silhouette. The treatment involves lots of body brushing and specialist, firm, draining massage techniques, a detoxifying Fennel and Birch peel-off body mask is also applied. We recommend a course of 8 treatments, the bride should have two treatments a week for the last 4 weeks before the wedding. After body brushing, using the Body Sculpting Lipo-Refining Serum and Firming cream together at home everyday will also help to slim the contours and reduce the orange peel appearance, in just four weeks.

* There you go, ladies! If you feel like the British touch but don’t fancy a long flight to the UK, then The London Orchid is the perfect solution. I like the personal, professional service given and of course, how they use only the best brands, Elemis and Sienna X. For more info, pop by their website, Facebook or LWB page. Or simply call +603 20956009 or +60173060706.