Review: Chantique TBG (MUA)

[Outdated post really]

So we engaged Chantique TBG for our bridal outfit and makeup. I am in love with their makeup and outfit since Day 1 when I started looking for a bridal company. Their outfits are all so gorgeous and it's proven from how they transform a few my friends whom engaged them.

I had the ideal look I wanted. Something different from my pre-wedding photoshoot and I also didn't want a all too natural look. I mean, why look natural on your wedding when I go natural every other day? Furthermore, I had gone for the natural look on my engagement day 2 years ago.

Now of course as a BTB, you tend to get feedbacks from other BTBs (yang macam paham) that the bridal companies they have chosen are better than yours. Seriously, i can't stand those that likes to bring down others, trying to influence others that the choices they make should be the rightful one. Gross.
Who cares, keep your opinion to yourself. That's your wedding, and this is my wedding. I trust my judgement and I had never regretted choosing Chantique TBG :P

Selecting of the outfit (1 month before)
The experience I had in setting the date for outfit selection was not that pleasant. We were informed that after us, they were expecting another appointment and hence, indirectly telling us we have 1 hour to select our outfit. 1 HOUR??!! For my pre-wedding photoshoot, we took 3 HOURS to try on 6 outfit. So how can we select 3 outfit in 1 hour? I was quite unpleased with this arrangement but oh well, let's go with the flow.

Apparently, their way of working is slightly different. We simply have to tell them what kind of look and color that we wanted and Abang Zul brings out the different outfit that he thinks will suits you. I was unsure about this. I mean, what if there are other nicer clothes in the stores and I don't get to see them? *fussy mode*. However, Abang Zul did a great job. And also, we had done our homework well in describing to him the outfits that we so wanted which made it even easier.

Outfit Fitting (2 weeks before)
I have lost so much weight and I was sure that my gowns requires tremendous lots of alteration. Indeed, I was right. And much to my delight, I was assigned Kak Ruby as my MUA. Yes ar! I saw her works on my friend before and I was really happy that I got Kak Ruby (we can't choose the MUA by the way).

Kak Ruby is such a nice person to work with. She was very understanding and has her own principle that her works shows her pride and skills. Hence, she will make sure you look beautiful since it will reflect back on her. My gowns went for alteration twice and she did not even complain. Also, I was quite particular of my hairdo as I know I have little hair and she was so nice in trying to accomodate to all my request :)

Nikah (Solemnization)
I love this look so much! I love my hair extension too! Haha. I really think I look different and I love my outfit very much. Kak Ruby spent 3 hours doing my makeup and styling my outfit and the results turned out well!

Sanding (Wedding Ceremony)
We go PURPLE for our sanding and I had chosen white for my western gown. Why White again, many asked? Well, as I have mentioned, it's my wedding. I choose the colors I want and it's every girl's dream to dress in white wedding gown in front of others :p anyway, other colors don't look too good on me I think.

There was a slight hiccup during the wedding as my side had delivered the groom's outfit to my husband side late. I was so worried but thankful Kak Ruby was with me, assuring that everything will go smoothly as long as we have faith in Him. True enough,  I had the perfect wedding. Now, perfect at least in my eyes :)

Many said I look like live Barbie with this outfit. LOL.

We received lots of compliments on our outfit and makeup from friends and relatives. Nothing could describe how much I like Chantique TBG in making it a memorable wedding for us.

Leah A A

My 7 New Year Resolutions for 2014

It seems pretty outdated to jot down my new year resolution for 2014 but it's better to be late than never right? Anyway, Lunar New Year is coming soon so does that count? LOL.

When I first started this blog, my first post was vaguely about the new year resolution for 2013 as well (read it here: A New Year, A New Beginning). Never had I thought that I will continue blogging up till now. Well, I used to pen down my daily thoughts in a diary when I was little up till my Poly days. Electronic seems like a much better choice nowadays but I still like keeping it personal.

My husband and I have this practise whereby we write our goals for the new year on little pieces of paper, fold them and keep it in a bottle, and review them on the last day of the year. We have been doing it for years except for this year (had been pretty busy lately). I guess we will get around to doing it before this month ends.

Meanwhile, collectively, I have thought about my resolution for the new year;

Credit: Surviving College

Ok. I'm kidding. I quit drinking donkey years ago. And, I don't do drugs.

1. Build a Happy Marriage Life with my One and Only Husband
Still in the marriage bliss, I am definitely enjoying my marriage life; doing the laundry, preparing lunch box for my husband, housekeeping, and listening to his snores every night, etc. Yes, you are right. I'm kidding again. Do you think I will seriously enjoy these? LOL. Well, I would not say I hate it because my hubby is a rare gem. He help me with these chores without complaining and he does it better than me at times. Henceforth, as a reward, I shall shower him with lots of love, care and concern everyday. I think the immediate resolution is to be less short-tempered.

 

Credit: Pigroll

2. To Spend More Time and Attention to my Family
Believe it or not, after you get married, you tend to spend more time with your family. It was then I realised that while we are growing up, they are growing old. I know that I have not been the most perfect child but I hope to change that. Hopefully this year, I can organise some family outing like a short getaway or even a cosy bbq party.

3. To Complete my House Renovation
Basically no rush for this. I will like to have a simple renovation first involving flooring, ceilings and probably kitchen cabinet. Saving for the house renovation certainly takes time and we want to ensure that every dollar is spent wisely.

Credit: DBS

No, we don't want any bank loans.

Having successfully paid for our recent wedding expenses with no debt or so whatever, we are certain that we can save fully for the house expenses. The tip is, do it slowly but surely. Buy only what you can afford.

4. To Excel in My Career
Well, who doesn't want this? Everyone wants this. The difference is that having a new job for the new year gives me more boost and motivation to perform better. I hope to have this momentum throughout my journey in 2014 and see where I end up eventually in this job.

5. To Continue Acquiring Customers for LCW
If you have been following me previously, LCW stands for Leah Creative Works. I am doing freelance designing under this company name. So far, my portfolio have earned 3 corporate customers; 1 by recommendation and 2 by affiliation. It's similar to a Creative Agency except that I simply help companies to design logos and any other marketing collaterals such as namecards, brochures, banner etc. I really hope to build up my portfolio gradually and do some marketing to acquire new customers but my recent project took so much of my energy that I wonder if I can keep up the pace as a sideline. Nevertheless, let's see till the end of this year.

Credit: Life of Elle Calgary

6. To Continue My Healthy Eating and Living
It has been a great 2013! I have achieved a habit of eating clean and living healthily, and stomach abs! I just need to keep up with the pace of exercising 2-3 times weekly and ensure I don't go for food binge often. Hubby said that I have become too skinny for his liking, so I probably will have to cut down on my running and do more workouts instead. I hope to be able to do pull-ups by end of the year!

7. To have a APULEAH Junior!
This is still undecided. We will hit 26 this year and I guess it's almost time we have a baby. Also, since we have been together for a good 9 years, what's there to find out more about each other? LOL.
Probably after we save up for our house renovation, we will consider to have a junior :D

That's all folks. I'm in the office and I better start working.

Leah A A

While waiting till I'm Officially Married...

It's finally here. In a few hours time, or to be specific, at 8pm, I will be someone's wife. Status: Married.
I know I should be relaxing now but I just can't help it, doing nothing makes me feel even more nervous. So while waiting, why not I blog down those memorable moments I had this week.

It was no doubt the most hectic week for me, especially at work. Well, as you know, I have resigned from MAJ and my last physical day in the company is on the 28th November although my official last day is on the 3rd December. The company had graciously granted me my marriage leave and on top of that, I was also entitled to the company's marriage cash benefits of $200 cash!

Leaving the company doesn't equates to holiday mood in the office, unlike the usual situations. In fact, there were more work for me! I had to do handover to the new Exec (and guess what? My own sister is replacing me! HAHAHA!), plan for the events this week and also next week, plus my wedding preparations. Gosh, my table was like a tornado pass by. So I was filled with anger and frustration this week as which BTB in the world will have so much things to do up till the last minute?? I was really feeling exhausted.

But... I didn't know that there was a little surprise for me...

It happened during the company's DND, which is on the 28th November (my last day of service). Being part of the committee, I was as usual, busy with all the preps and coordinating the audio/video system. The event program was delayed with latecomers but the whole program went smooth sailing afterwhich. And suddenly, in the middle of the whole evening, my supervisor made an announcement...

"Can I get all the committee members up to the stage right now? Committee, please gather up on stage."

I was puzzled. It was not part of the programme. I look at the other committee members and they looked as clueless as me. So as all of us line up on stage, I got a feeling that Diana wanted to sabotage us as a group since we had always teased her in the office. Then, she grab my hand and started saying...

"As most of you know, Amillia is leaving us and today marks her last day at work. She is also getting married this weekend and we would like to give her a surprise by doing a hen's night today. " (something like this, I can't remember the exact words.)

One second, someone brought a chair up to the stage. I was told to be seated, someone wore for me a tiara veil and I was given a princess wand. The musician started strumming his guitar and singing a sweet song (don't know the title) specially dedicated for me. And few individuals went up to the stage to give me flowers, gifts, dance and chocolates. It happened so quick. I was lost for words. I couldn't describe the feeling I had at that instant. I was just overwhelmed with happiness and was touched by the arrangement my colleagues had done to make it a memorable night for me. And finally, I cried.

Gosh, it was so embarrassing. But no words could describe what I feel. Even as I typed now, I could still tear due to the overloaded of sweetness. I love MAJ so much!! Thank you for making the evening so wonderful. You are the best!

These 3 gentlemen are my BODs. The centre one is my COO. Isn't his outfit cute?

Alright, time check, I should really stop blogging now. Maybe when I have the time, I will upload more pictures of our DnD. My nerves are returning. I should stop NOW!. Ok Bye.

Leah A A

Wedding Guestbook Ideas

I have been pondering over the ideas for my guestsbook, deciding between the need to make it lavish or make it simple. After all, it's the thought that counts right?

And lucky for me, my dear friend is sponsoring my wedding guestbook section! Thanks <3
That is really so sweet of uuuuuu :)

So before she had offered, I have pondered over ideas on the guestsbook as I had wanted something different, not merely signing on a scrapbook that may be left in the closet after the event. GOOGLE was my best friend again. Some of the ideas were;

A) Photobooth (Polaroid or Digital Cam with Portable Photo Printer)

B) Vintage

C) Wedding Tree

D) Jengga

E) Envelopes with Notes Inserts on a huge cardboard

So collectively, here are my thoughts - get something that can be displayed in our future nest, something that can constantly remind us of the well wishes from our loved ones and friends. 

A photobooth may be fun but the photos will end up in the scrapbook. Also, the attention should be focused on the Bride and Groom right? Not the photobooth right? HEH ;p

Jengga may be abit too messy. And the Envelope thingy, it may get dusty over time. Ha!

And there, I am left with 2 options. I really love the vintage and wedding tree. So I told Shaz to go ahead with the wedding tree. I might combined an element of vintage into the whole theme... (where the hell do i get that typewriter? I used to have it man!)... well, it's time to start planning, and survey for some things vintage.

YAY.

Leah A A