Wedding Guide Asia

One of the greatest things about being a celebrity? Sparing no expense at your wedding – even when it comes to the bouquet that you’re going to toss to a bunch of screaming girls or accidentally leave behind some place during an outdoor photo shoot. Here are some of our favourite flowers, as held by the stars…

Picture courtesy of www.thegreenpetal.blogspot.com

Elizabeth Hurley

Flowers chosen: Lily of the Valley

What rocked it: These baby blossoms are so elegant. And they look just perfect with her Versace, don’t you think? Too bad Arun isn’t around anymore… *ahem*

Picture courtesy of www.serenataflowers.com

Gwen Stefani

Flowers chosen: Phalaenopsis Orchids

What rocked it: Orchids simply exude luxury. We like that Gwen carried hers with a prayer book – nice touch of spiritual balance :)

Picture courtesy of www.weding.info

Jessica Simpson (Ok so it didn’t last but the flowers were way too beautiful not to include)

Flowers chosen: Stephanotis

What rocked it: The little crystals and pearls at the center of each flower (which could easily cost up to $8 per stem, by the way) (more…)

We know it’s tough trying to write your vows, especially if you’ve saved it till the last minute thanks to all that hectic wedding planning. But sometimes it’s just a matter of coming across something nice to kickstart your creative juices :) WGA looks to the stars for inspiring words of love…

Picture courtesy of www.elvis-postcards.com

Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu
Las Vegas, Nevada; May 1, 1967

Marriage is an honorable estate. It is not to be entered into lightly or unadvisedly, but discreetly and soberly. Into this relationship these two persons come now to be joined. I ask you both that if you know any reason why you should not be joined in marriage, you make it known at this time.

Elvis, do you take Priscilla to be your wedded wife, to live together in bonds of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, so long as you both shall live?

Priscilla, do you take Elvis to be your wedded husband, to live together in bonds of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, so long as you both shall live?

I, Elvis, take thee, Priscilla, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish.

I, Priscilla, take thee, Elvis, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish.

Inasmuch as you have consented together in marriage, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the state, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Picture courtesy of Getty

Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love
Waikiki, Hawaii; February 24, 1992

True marriage is more than joining the bonds of marriage of two persons. In its right relation, it’s the uniting of two souls already attuned to each other. When such a true bond already exists between man and woman, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgment be made. This acknowledgment is the prime object of this gathering and this ceremony. We are here to bear witness to the entry into the closer relationship of husband and wife of these beloved friends who are already one in spirit.

You are now taking into your care and keeping the happiness of the one person in all the world whom you love best. You are adding to your life not only the affection of each other, but also the companionship and blessing of a deep trust as well. You are agreeing to share strength, responsibilities, and to share love.

At the end of this ceremony, legally you will be husband and wife, but you still must decide each and every day that stretches before you, that you want to be married. Make such a decision and keep on making it, for the most important thing in life is to love and be loved.

May you always need one another, not so much to fill the emptiness as to help each other know your fullness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you embrace one another, but not encircle one another. May you succeed in all important ways with each other, and not fail in the little graces. Look for things to praise, often say ‘I love you’ and take no notice of small faults. May you have happiness, and may you find it in making one another happy. May you have love, and may you find it in loving one another.

This ring by its shape is a symbol of the undying love that exists between you. The substance of which it is composed is a symbol of purity, which shall ever characterize your mind and hearts in all your relationships together.

EIA IHO NO, KA MALUHIA, O NA LANI, ME OUKOU A PAU (The peace and serenity of the heavens be with you all). And so it is … Amen … and ALOHA! (more…)

What better way to begin the week than with a real life story that is nothing short of a fairytale? For those of us who’ve watched the film Notting Hill with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, here’s Asia’s version of what happens when a superstar falls in love with a dashing, young man ;)

Paula Taylor
Ask anyone in Thailand and they’ll tell you that Paula is one of the country’s best loved celebs. With a smile that will set your heart alight, this model/ actress/ Channel V host is no doubt every guy’s dream.

Ed Buttery
Though Ed might not be a household name like Paula, he’s quite the eligible bachelor as a former Etonian & Oxford grad who is currently finishing his masters in England. He’s also Eurasian like Paula, but with a Chinese mother & an English father.

How they met

Call it serendipity or what you will, but it seems that Ed & Paula were destined to cross each other’s paths at some point or another. It all started in 2001 when Paula was renovating her Bangkok apartment and her interior designer was… Ed’s sister, Clare! Funnily enough, on the very first day they met, Clare remarked to Paula that she should meet her brother Ed because they’d get along so well.

Paula didn’t think anything of it at the time, but as fate would have it, eight years later in 2009, Paula and Ed finally met…

Love at first sight

Ed: When we first met, I was working in Shanghai with a friend who had just moved to China.  Paula actually made the first move (haha!) by sending me a Facebook message to say she was in Hong Kong and wanted to meet up.  Back then, I had no idea what she was like but my sister had (strongly!) advised me to meet up with Paula if I had time. Since I had just been through a tough period of my life I was determined not to miss any opportunities that life threw my way. Though I had no idea how famous Paula was at the time, I did hear that she was very pretty :)

So with that, it was decided that my friend and I would fly to Hong Kong to meet the girls – but in our attempt to appear cool, we would fabricate an elaborate and unbelievable story about why we were making the trip. Just so we could pretend that it was mere coincidence that we were in town at the same time! ;)

We decided to meet at Lane Crawford on Saturday morning, but on arrival I wasn’t really sure if I would recognize her. However, as soon as I turned the corner into the Chloe section (which it transpires is her usual hang out, no surprise to those who know her well!), I knew it was her.  There was this very pretty, Eurasian girl with a big, white Fendi bag, lots of shopping bags, nice shoes, a white Blackberry (I remember everything!) and a huge smile from ear to ear that made me at once feel totally at ease.  Only a millisecond had passed and I knew I had lost my heart.

As cheesy as it sounds, it really did happen that way.

Paula: The first time Ed & I finally met in HK it was instant attraction!! We just clicked and it really was like something out of a movie because I liked him instantly. (more…)

Photo courtesy of Harrods, London

Whilst doing research for WGA on bridal fragrances, I came across thousands and thousands of perfumes, from fresh blend fragrances of verbena and basil to precious wood compositions of blackcurrant buds and patchouli. In the end, I gave up! I finally realised that there isn’t a right or wrong perfume, only one that you like or dislike.

Therefore instead of writing on what you should or shouldn’t choose, I asked some of the brides previously featured on WGA to let us in on their secrets and to reveal which perfume they wore on their wedding day and why!

Amber Chia‘s Choice:

Amber used Dior Addict by Christian Dior.

Why? This was the same fragrance she used when she first met her husband. Amber particularly loves the sensuous, light and invigorating feeling the fragrance exudes.

Amber’s advice: Use a perfume that is mild and not too heavy, but that will also last throughout the day. Try and choose something that reflects your personality, too.

Danielle Graham‘s Choice:

Danielle used Chanel No.5 by Coco Chanel

Why? She loved the soft, sensual and feminine scent that lingers all day… a little piece of heaven in a bottle!

Danielle’s advice: Choose a scent that makes you feel confident, gorgeous and womanly. Your special day needs to be filled with love and romance.

Sze Zen’s choice:

Zen used La Chasse aux Papillons by L’Artisan Parfumeur

Why? It was a gift from her husband who introduced her to L’artisan. She loves that all their perfumes are exquisite and feminine.

Zen’s advice: Smelling a whiff of a certain fragrance will take you back to a place and time filled with wonderful memories. This is why Zen loved the idea of using something she wears daily, so that her everyday perfume takes her back to her wedding day. (more…)

You’ve all heard about the wedding. E News Asia host & all-round Malaysian babe Marion Caunter is getting married this month with her long-time beau, Nasarudin Nasimuddin. I first met Marion years ago when she just started hosting the 8TV Quickie show that made her a star and propelled her towards landing Asia’s most coveted hosting jobs, E News Asia and The Biggest Loser Asia. It was also then that she started dating Nasa, who this year got down on his knees and proposed.  To be honest, it couldn’t happen to a nicer couple who are down-to-earth, kind and most importantly, in LOVE.

Hmmm, now I just have to think about what to wear to the wedding tonight! :)

In preparation for what is no doubt deemed the ‘wedding of the year’, GLAM has put Marion on the December cover (out now, go go!) and we love the spread they’ve done with her. Yours truly also makes a little appearance in the fashion editorial that features three fellow Malaysian models. Styled by top Creative director Cheah Wei Chun, here’s a sneak peek with commentary by him:

“This is GLAM‘s first bridal issue. We shot Marion Caunter all decked out in Cartier jewellery and Vera Wang gowns (courtesy of The Link Wedding). For our fashion story, we had four women portray different kinds of bridal styles, from minimalist to rock chic. It was a lot of fun to shoot! Classic jewellery always works. Diamonds and pearls are my favourites. Not everyone can afford the multi-million dollar Cartier pieces that Marion is wearing, but it’s easy to find good quality costume jewellery.”

The Traditionalist:
“For some Asians, an ethnic-inspired look is a must. Keep your makeup light and fresh but with a winged flick for the eyes to contrast heavily-embellished outfits.”

Rock Princess:
“This is a fun, sexy look, best suited for a younger bride with attitude.” (more…)