Wedding Guide Asia

Courtesy of E-gallery

* In case you missed it, here’s our honeymoon article from WGA’s bi-weekly column with The Star newspaper (Malaysia)!

Everyone talks about having the “wedding of their dreams”, but what about the honeymoon of your dreams? Let’s be honest, planning a wedding takes up a lot of time and one thing’s for sure – it’s the honeymoon that gives newlyweds the perfect opportunity for some quality time.

Be it the beach holiday you’ve always wanted to go on, an action-packed adventure or a month getting lost in Europe, these days, going just about anywhere is a possibility (cue: “Now everyone can fly”). Yes, with budget airlines and travel portals offering competitive rates, jetsetting need not be as expensive as it used to be.

Courtesy of www.maldivesonlineguide.com

Tropical paradise

Truth be told, in South East Asia (where we’re based!), there are many pristine beaches nearby. But if you’re after something a little out of reach, then look no further than the Maldives. The current “in” place for honeymooners and the only island I’ve been to where I literally felt like a drop in the ocean – the Maldives is one of a kind.

From getting a massage at an underwater spa, diving with manta rays or staying at a lavish villa overlooking the water… when it comes to r&r (relaxation and romance!), there’s no shortage of options at these islands . Research online and if you need some assistance, the agency AtollParadise.com was great at recommending resorts for me.

For your information, if you’re in the Maldives, it is quite a common sight to see Korean couples embarking on mini-photoshoots of themselves! I once saw a guy shout directions to his wife under the hot noon sun, “Pose. Change! Pose. Quick change!” Not sure if this will catch on with Malaysians, but hey, it’s an idea (wink).

Courtesy of www.blog.paradizo.com

Let’s take a ride

So, you feel like a little pampering after all that hand-shaking and gift opening. Then how about a trip on the famous Orient Express? There are a few options to choose from but for a honeymoon, I’d pick the London to Venice route. Spend a night in a posh London hotel, then board the train and enjoy the luxury of your own personal steward for the entire trip. Not only do you end up in wonderfully romantic Venice but you also stop off in Paris and Verona on the way!

All this, while getting to travel through some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery. And best of all, the Euro and Pounds Sterling aren’t as high as they used to be, which is another reason to convince yourself to go! (more…)

We love packages. And it isn’t always the case that the best things come in small packages. Take for instance this fabulous deal from WGA vendor Stories by Integricity Visuals.

Pictures courtesy of www.ichotelsgroup.com.

If you’re a Maldives fan like me, the idea of having your portraits taken there probably sounds like a dream.  Stories by Integricity Visuals is offering a promotional rate of USD3,400 that includes:

- A 3D2N stay for 2 persons in the Sea View Beach House at Holiday Inn Resort, Kandooma Maldives, inclusive of daily buffet breakfast at Kandooma Cafe (excluding beverages) and return airport transfers
- 6 hours of pre or post-wedding photography by Grace
- Unlimited number of images on DVD (printable up to 4R size)
- DVD slideshow of selected images
- 15″ x 10″ classic album (20 pages)
- 15″ x 10″ canvas art print
- Wedding gown from That Special Occasion
- Accommodation for photographer

Note: This promotion is valid for ONE couple only. The rate does not include flights (for the couple & photographer). (more…)

Ah the honeymoon. A reason in itself to walk down the aisle (joking lah)!

But seriously, one cannot discount the importance of planning an amazing honeymoon. You’ve had your wedding, your parents (and in-laws) are finally happy and the only way to usher in the matrimonial bliss would be… to embark on a romantic holiday with your spouse! In present times, it’s not longer a must to skip off right after the wedding – nowadays, couples can wait months (some years..!) before going on a honeymoon.

So if you’re thinking where to begin, firstly start with the BUDGET.

Budget
Besides time, the only other constraint really holding you back are the dollar signs. Some couples I  know spent soooo much on their wedding they had to forgo their honeymoon! This is a no no in my books. If you’re going to be starting a life together (that lasts forever), shouldn’t it be a dream to travel to some equally dream-like location? My advice is to put some money aside for the budget, or at least make a plan that will help you afford your honeymoon in say ‘X’ number of months. Another suggestion, is to forgo wedding registries and tell friends and family to instead give “honeymoon ang pow”. Also, spend some time researching for deals! Websites like agoda.com offer great deals on hotels and budget airlines seem to reach all parts of the world nowadays.

Where to go
There are 196 countries in the world (avoid the 4 not listed with the United Nations), so you really are spoilt for choice! If you’re wondering what type of honeymoon to go on, perhaps do a little personality quiz on yourself. I’ve used myself below as an example, haha.

Quiz: Steph’s ultimate honeymoon (with Daniel Henney? Hehe)

1. Do you like traveling?
Of course. What a silly question.

2. Then you won’t mind going far. What’s most important to you – adventure, romance or discovery?
Romance, discovery and adventure can take a backseat thanks.

3. Do you enjoy outdoor activities such as camping or skiing?
Not for my honeymoon! I was always last to be picked for sports teams… so nothing but massages please. (more…)

Belinda & hubby Joe on their honeymoon

8tv Quickie host Belinda Chee tied the knot recently and unless you were living in a shoebox… you would of heard of the beautiful wedding that was held at the Shangri La here in K.L. I’ve known Belinda since from Kuching days as we had many mutual friends in common. Just like me, she’s another gal in a long relationship who got around to walking down the aisle. I’m so happy for Bel because she really is as nice as she seems when on television :) I asked her about her recent honeymoon in the Maldives and this is what the new Mrs. had to say:

How long have you been married for and how is life so far?

Officially, we’ve been married (on paper) for a year now! But our wedding ceremony and reception was held only in October 2009. So far, everything’s going well. I don’t feel any different being married to Joe compared to when I was just dating him, so I guess that’s good! :) He’s still my best friend, it’s just that now, we have a piece of legal paper to show our love for and commitment to each other!

Which destinations were on your shortlist?

We both wanted an island holiday for our honeymoon because we both love the sun and the sea! Initially, I’d really wanted to go to Bora Bora or Hawaii. But due to time and monetary constraints, we decided on Maldives instead, which was also shortlisted as one of the places to go.

Chaaya Lagoon Hakura Huraa in the Maldives

(more…)

Jon shirtless... you can't take the Kuching outta the boy!:)

In Malaysia, it’s not unusual for students to be sent abroad during their teenage years to further their education and get a taste of what life is like in the western world. Having grown up in Kuching, I saw the bulk of my classmates move down under to Australia (I, the anomaly, was sent to N.Z!) and some to England. The irony of it all, was that I found many of them would somehow end up dating fellow Malaysians albeit been miles away from home. Well, why not – after all only another Malaysian will ever get what it is to be ‘truly asia’ ;)

Jonathan Jong is my classmate’s older brother and we all used to hangout when back in Kuching for the xmas hols. I can still remember when he met the lovely Sylvia Tan, years and years ago, while they were studying in the U.K. Be it a case of Kuching boy charms Penang girl, after nearly a decade their love story took a walk down the aisle and around the world as they got married in 4 different places! Enjoy.

Club Med Kanifinolhu (or Kani for short!)

Everyone dreams of a wedding in the Maldives. And there are so many nice resorts – which one did you end up choosing?
JJ: Maldives is made up of thousands of islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean. We stayed in Club Med Kanifinholu which occupied its own island.
ST: Our chalets looked out to the sea. We would wake to the soft lapping of the waves and venture into the pristine beaches on our doorstep with barely another island in sight. Perfect!

We heard you had four weddings!
ST: We had a registration ceremony in Cambridge where we first met, then exchanged our vows in the Maldives. This was followed by a church wedding in Kuching and a traditional Chinese wedding in Penang!
JJ: It was a good idea at the time but I should have realised that I now have four anniversaries each year!!

(more…)