#sdewzdanamri
The Magical Number 7even.
[/custom_headline][custom_headline level=”h6″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true”]
29th August 2015
[/custom_headline][text_output]
Yedi Siete Tujuh 七 எட்டு – Seven
Our lucky number – revolving around important events in #irmanadz ‘s life.
7th September 2013
7th December 2013 (Turkey)
7th December 2014 (Andorra)
7th December 2015 (We are planning to climb Mount Roys!)
With that, we plan to have our special day on the 7th too. Which month? Which year? You’ve got to wait.
Anyways, we went for the Wedding Expo in Jan 2015 with the intention to just look around, see packages, look at market prices and that’s about it. But we book not one, but two things – a wedding planner and a pre-wedding photography. Were we on impulse? Let me share with you why those things we booked were important:
(1) We both work full-time jobs that will prevent us from meeting with vendors on weekdays.
(2) We don’t have other outside help except for immediate family members and close friends
(3) We don’t know many people who can give us reliable vendor recommendations
(4) We’re excited to be married, but just thinking about wedding planning fills is with dread (some day’s its tired to liase with many vendors)
(5) We’re having a short engagement (a year perhaps)
(6) We can envision our wedding but we have no idea on how to make our dreams come true
(7) We don’t want to worry about forgetting to plan or pay for something
(8) As for the pre-wedding shots: Well everyone needs it? Don’t we? So, we jump for it, really literally dive deep for it! It was just too beautiful.
Okay, the list seems endless… Perhaps cos I am trying to convince myself that we need those things, that our money’s well-spent on those wedding service providers.
Next up, we proceed to the part about VENUE![/text_output][line]
Where the Sparks Ignite
[/custom_headline][custom_headline level=”h6″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true”]
30th August 2015
[/custom_headline][text_output]We took awhile to decide on the title for this post. It was
(1) Where the Magic Happens
(2) irmanadz Fairytale
(3) Where the Sparks Begin
(4) Where the Sparks Ignite
(5) Where the Firework Begins
… I stopped Irman there and there. We should just take “Where the Sparks Ignite” because firework is for the bedroom (you know, our first night, cheydebah)… Okay, enough blabbering.
It was just mere chance that I bump into this wedding package. It was fairly reasonable and has most of the major things taken care off (like the venue, decor, food, cards, favours, car, changing room). Only thing, it’s in the East! But it’s near a hotel. At least we can get a few rooms for our immediate family to sleep in on the night after the wedding right? Something to consider.
Well, on top of all that, the venue itself has a changing room that is a minute away from the ballroom. Isn’t that great? At least our guest wont have to wait for us too long as we change from one outfit to another! That was the plus point of this venue. We can also have the full use of the praying room, store room and kitchen too! Where can you get all this in one venue, one level? So, of course we fell super in love with this place. Its just too good to be true!
We have yet to do food tasting to double confirm our bookings. Also, we were planning to take an external vendor who would do us the decor. Still in the midst of planning. Nothing concrete yet. The venue, food and decor is too costly that we wanna really slowly look into it. Of course, to get our wedding planner to bargain for good price too!
[/text_output][line]
Memories – Our Timeless Treasures of the Heart
[/custom_headline][custom_headline level=”h6″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true”]
30th August 2015
[/custom_headline][text_output]After much consideration, we narrowed our choices to:
(1) Diziq Vidz Motion Pictures
(2) Videosmith
(3) Pixelwave Motion Pictures
(4) Bliss Photo Cinema
As we go along finding the perfect package for our Videography, we often find ourselves asking two questions time and again:
(1) Why is wedding videography all of a sudden the new great thing for weddings?
Has it been new to wedding? I don’t think so. Modern wedding couples have more recently been booking wedding videographers in addition to the typical wedding photographer. This is mostly due to the fact that modern cinematographic videographers are making wedding films, not simply recording wedding videos. That was why when we made the decision to choose this service provider – we clearly stated what we want from them. We want a wedding film – one with good quality, smooth transitions, perfect timing that captures the essence of the entire wedding.
Well, what’s the difference you ask? Gone are the days of a simple camera set up at the back of a crowd with someone crazily zooming in and out. Now we’re able to use near Hollywood quality video and audio equipment to capture the true atmosphere of the day in glorious 1080pixels. Since the advent of digital and tapeless formats, editing together stylized story telling films is now available to us, in a quality and experience that just wasn’t possible before. That’s exactly what we pay for. Quality films.
(2) Why should I book a videographer if I already have a great photographer?
Well, films can capture a lot more than just pictures. Video captures sounds, movements, actions and can be edited to recreate the real emotion of the day. With video, we can get a chance to capture how our parents welcome the guests, how we can witness our entire wedding after the whole editting process. These are events/moments that we can take with us after our wedding day, and rewatch with our children, and one day our grandchildren, and they can experience exactly what it was like when we got married.
So there you go – we put our entire faith on Pixelwave. Please do us proud. I’m sure you will. 🙂
[/text_output][line]
Wedding Photos – Will Make Anyone Believe In Love
[/custom_headline][custom_headline level=”h6″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true”]
30th August 2015
[/custom_headline][text_output]Similarly, we scout for a number of photographers. What captures my attention is the ‘cleanliness’, whiteness and just oh so beautiful and perfect photos taken by Fotorika. I just couldn’t resists not asking them their quotations soon after. I remembered it was over at Tanjong Katong Complex, spiral staircase that Irman emailed them for quotations. Moments before we met Eileen for our second consultation for our wedding. We clearly asked for both Videography and Photography. Unfortunately, the reply came with a good and a bad news.
Good – they are about to open for 2017 bookings
Bad – they don’t do Videography
Just to share our days leading to the whole booking of Fotorika…
(1) Set on a Style
Before we begin researching photographers, we’ll need to first decide what type of photography style we prefer, as that will help determine which kind of photographer we’ll want shooting our wedding. Actually, for us, we looked through most of their portfolio via instagram. From there, we shortlisted the photographers and slowly ask for quotations and later, for meetups.
(2) Do our Homework
Start our search by reading reviews from recent brides. Carefully review potential photographers’ websites and blogs to check out photos of other weddings they’ve shot, which will give us an idea of their style and workmanship.
(3) Set up an Interview
This is not a decision that can be made on looks alone — We just had to meet our potential photographers in person. We like what we see on their sites — and their fees are in our ballpark range — we emailed to see if they’re available for our wedding date. We were thrilled to meet them. Marine Parade (at a foreign mall) and 8pm! We had to be prepared to talk about our potential venue, our wedding style and what we envision for our photos.
(4) See their Wedding Albums (in person)
We were glad that Fotorika brought their most recent wedding albums for us to see! For good reason, they show us (prospective clients) a portfolio of their best pictures, all from different weddings, so we’re seeing the best of the best. And I must say, “We were impressed”!
(5) Make sure that OUR personalities MESH
What do we mean by this? To me, don’t ever underestimate the importance of liking and bonding with our photographer. Is the photographer excited by our vision when we describe it? When they make suggestions, do they present them in a clear and respectful way, or are they timid? Are their mannerisms off-putting? In order to get the best photos, go with a pro who has a firm grasp of social graces but is bold enough to go out hunting for great images and who, above all, puts you at ease and doesn’t irritate you in any way. Remember: They’ll be shadowing our every move, and the more comfortable both of us are with the photographer, the better the photos will turn out. Likewise, we don’t want the photographer to offend or annoy any guests, but to shoot them in their best light in an unobtrusive way. To get the best photos, our photographer needs to be assertive enough to seek out great moments, cajoling enough to coax relaxed smiles and natural stances from guests and calm enough to be a positive force. So, Rawandi and Esah have great chemistry and so are we when we interacted with them. Such easy-going couple. And particularly, i trusted Rawandi – he seem, to be someone who has a heart, someone who would go all out for his masterpieces. For a moment there, we knew we wanted them. And yes, we downpayment for it there and there, without further delays.
(6) Confirm our Shooters
In our case, we only have Rawandi and Esah. In the hope that he can rope his friend ‘Ushrough’ for Videography from Pixelwave because I am a fan of his work. Do you know that Rawandi actually made a courtesy call to his friends on the spot just to make sure his friend take up the project?! Crazy!
(7) Ask about our Rights
Well, most contracts stipulate that the photographer owns the rights to all photos taken at the wedding, even the ones of you. In other words, the photographer can use them promotionally (on their website or blog, submit them for publication and even use them in ads). That also means that we can’t just post the digital proofs they send you -most photographers have a policy that you can only share watermarked images or images with their credit on them. Clearly, it’s their hardwork la. Don’t they deserve some credits too?
(8) Get the Post Production Details
It usually takes at least a month to get all those photo proofs back from a photographer. Why? Photographers are shooting enormous raw files far bigger than your typical JPG. Shooting raw files gives our photographer greater ability to correct the photo, but it also takes a longer time to upload, process and edit all those files (in order to correct color levels and so on). It varies, but many photographers say that they spend an additional 40 hours editing images from a single wedding, so it can take up to six to eight weeks (or longer, depending on the photographer and how busy they are) to get proofs back. In our case, we have to wait for about 3 months for the finished products. 🙂
So, look at their photos – don’t you believe in love? Just too surreal now. Slowly but surely, I am marrying my best friend.
PS: We truly wish you Fotorika, all the very best in your future endeavours. I am sure you will one day be recognised for all the hard work, dedication and such stunning shots you have there![/text_output][line]
Momento for Our Guests
[/custom_headline][custom_headline level=”h6″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true”]
30th August 2015
[/custom_headline][text_output]We wanted something our guests can bring home as a momento, besides the wedding favour we had in mind. I had my eyes on this wedding service provider. But Irman asked me to put them on hold for now – they are not within our budget. Hence, we waited for the right moment to book one or perhaps we might bump into something that might fit our budget, something perhaps that is value for money. Recently, the same service provider had a recent discount. We manages to save over $400! We didn’t wait too long to start contacting them for details and finally we BOOKED them.
They provided us with:
– 6 hours service with unlimited image prints
– customized photostrip design with bookmark packaging
– rental of props
– wide range of backdrop selection
– photobooth set up
– professional photographer, technician and host
Isn’t it worth it? We do hope that the photo booth and photo strip will capture hundreds of candid shots of your family and friends at their truest, most lovable selves. The zany poses, goofy faces, and spontaneous giggling emanating from the photo booth will really immortalize the moment.[/text_output][line]
Travel + Home Decor Inspirations (in the future)
[/custom_headline][custom_headline level=”h6″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true”]
31st August 2015
[/custom_headline][text_output]
Talking about the Photobooth in the previous post, remind us on having our guests to sign on a guestbook. But since we like to travel so much, we were thinking of having our guests to sign on the ‘Guest Globe’. Why Globe? We want this Globe to be the centerpiece in our future home nest. We had a greater purpose to it. We were thinking of letting our guests, especially those very close to us to sign and pen their well wishes on the Guest Globe. We hope to have a corner in our home to display the Globe and have our guests coming in and say “I wrote this here!”. It’s part of #irmanadz time capsule. Comparing to just having a book, and chuck it one side for many years. We think this is an alternative we can try to explore. Now, we need to find a GLOBE!
[/text_output][line]
Seal the Deal !
[/custom_headline][custom_headline level=”h6″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true”]
2nd November 2015
[/custom_headline][text_output]The moment we stepped into this ballroom, we instantly knew this is it. This is the place we wanna have our solemnization ceremony and throw in banquet and what have you… On our fourth visit, we finally decided to block that date, secure with a down-payment and we knew we made the right choice.
Tell me – how can we not fall in love with this place?
The package includes:
– ballroom
– bridal room (a minute away from the ballroom)
– prayer room
– kitchen
– projector/screen in ballroom
– Usage of PA system with DJ Services (We hoped she can get this particular DJ)
– Full decor (omg i dont have to think about this since Kak Mas is so meticulous with her decor and all)
– ‘andaman’ (wedding dresses/make up etc)
– Full Catering (plentiful food for guests, manpower for set-up, cleaning, waitresses etc)
– Space planning (Kak Mas knows best!)
– Wedding Cake
– Wedding Favours
– Kak Mas as the Wedding Coordinator, in which she will rope her husband in to help (technically we paid for two for the price of one!)
– Time line and itineraries planned by Kak Mas
– Wedding Card
– 14 Hantaran Trays
– 60 Bunga Rampai
– Sirih Dara
– Free: Henna from qfcreation (secured date)
– Free: Fresh Flowers Hand Bouquet from Cherriesmitten
Some cake inspirations!
Peach, white, coral flowers!
Henna for the hand! Something not too complex!
We still prefer assortment of nuts in a bottle with our monogram stickers/tags!
Here are some of our inspirations la. We have ample time to look out for more ideas! At least, I am glad that we block the date. Now, we can proceed to our NZ Roadtrip with peace yo!
More updates in they next few months, for now, wedding planning will be put on hold until we come back from NZ! 23 more days to NZ Adventure!
Adios![/text_output][line]
Rings settled!
[/custom_headline][custom_headline level=”h6″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true”]
29th February 2016
[/custom_headline][text_output]True enough, we are not officially engaged (until the ceremony itself) but we already scouted for our wedding bands. Particularly because Irman just want to have one platinum ring for both engagement and wedding. Gosh, he is so damn picky lor. In the end, we go back to the first shop he fell in love with. Not easy to find a male’s platinum wedding band, especially when he requested for a matte finishing. Shiny ones doest look that appealing on his finger!
The quest started few weeks back. We tried to go Vivo and survey (in and out all sorts of shops lor). After which, we head to ION and continue to search for his ring. At the same time, we decided to also look see for my wedding band too. I do not want to go through that ordeal of finding the perfect one. As for me, I knew what I wanted. The one that matched my engagement solitaire ring. We wanted to purchase at ION (the same place Irman bought the surprised engagement ring) but the branch was too damn crowded lor. Since we didn’t really get the attention from them, we decided to go back to Bob (back at Vivo on the following week). Booked an appointment with Bob – at least at Vivo, we get all the attention we want. Yes, aren’t we both attention seekers? Nola, just kidding.
So, he picked his and i picked mine. Done, it will be ready by May! Cant wait for it Irman’s engagement cum wedding ring to be ready because I had a hard time persuading him to put on a ring. After much deliberation, he succumb to my request (of course he has to right? I am always right!). But we compromised, he wanted just ONE ring. Unlike females, he can’t possibly be wearing two rings right? Hence, the search for his ring was painful but endearing too la. Cant believe that so much has happened between us – from just try try to get to know each other, to falling head over heels for one another, to travelling all over the world, to surprise proposal from a man i thought the word ‘romantic’ was never in his dictionary, to the ‘merisik’, from his family, to planning for our engagement, to planning for our wedding and just recently, we got our ballot number for our SBF application. If all goes well. we might get our unit in September 2018! That’s wonderful news, innit?
I wish that we will get everything figured out smoothly and as plan, insya’allah. For now, just keep up with our savings so that we get to wed (debt-free), own a house (lucky got CPF to supplement), find ID for renovation plans (insya’allah) and whatever (good) that comes along the way!
[/text_output][line]
Wedding Invitations (Draft 1)
[/custom_headline][custom_headline level=”h6″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true”]
24th April 2016
[/custom_headline][text_output]1 year 5 months too early? Not for us. We just wanna play around with the design we have in mind for our wedding invites. We can literally leave it to our Wedding Planner to handle this but we thought maybe for wedding invites, we should put in some ‘love’ into it. The only agenda we ever wanna have an assembly line consisting of just the both of us – putting cards into the envelope and hot stamping it! Semangat? Of course – we gonna frame our invites and hot stamp in our humble home someday! This i shall assure you!
My mother approved the design too! In fact, she loved it. I suppose, we loved it so much that this should be the final one. Unless, maybe we might have new designs coming up months later! Credits to inpixelhaus 🙂
ps: If need services for wedding invites, please feel free to browse through the portfolio at http://inpixelhaus.com/[/text_output][line]
Soft pastels for those who matter!
[/custom_headline][custom_headline level=”h6″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true”]
13th May 2016
I tasked myself to complete this since Good Friday break. I didn’t complete over the long weekend and this has been on my to-do list every single day! Finally, completed it in say 15 mins? Well, to begin with, I have the colors in mind, but would like to have a document to see if all colours blend it. Actually I love it – hopefully everyone loves it too. I mean everyone – Nadzirah’s side, Irman’s side, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen.
Now, when shall we hunt for the kain? This means I will need 4 different sessions to hunt for the right kain for my family, his family, bridesmaid and Groomsmen. I cant even spare to complete a 15mins task, let alone 4 different sessions! Maybe can consider 3 sessions la – mine, his and combine the bridesmaid and groomsmen! We see la how! Adios![/text_output][line]
Design Here and There [custom_headline level=”h6″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”true”]
9th October 2016
[/custom_headline][text_output] We have been designing Wedding Cards, Directional Posters, Bridesmaid Cards, Groomsmen Cards, Henna Party Invite, E-banner etc. I know we could have just leave all this designing works to our Wedding Planner. But I wanted to have our own simple touch, and the feeling of satisfaction when we see our own designs up on the screen projector etc. This makes our wedding planning journey be more meaningful!
Wedding Card (Nadzirah’s Side)
Wedding Card (Irman’s Side)
Directional Posters for our Wedding
For Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids
For Groomsmen
Screen Projector E-Banner (for Photo Montage)
Henna Party Invite!
Isn’t it too pretty? Can’t wait for it to be printed!