Wedding prep

I'm writing this post just to share about my wedding preparations, some major things that fall into the categories like the wedding planner, the food caterer, the make up person (mak andam), the bridal gifts, the guests'doorgifts etc... 

Hope some of what i shared will benefited someone out there, if not most.. 

Even back before I got married, it was my usual practice to survey everything in blogs..

So maybe my blog could comes in handy for someone out there for whatever search they got linked to this.. 

anyway, check this out :)

Wedding Planner~

Ok.. I'll start with the wedding planner. My husband and I decided to pick 'Seri Wawasan Catering' for the big day. The owner's son happened to be a friend of my bro's fiancé. So, initially she was the one suggested this planner to us. Due to the endless persuasions from my brother, we then decided to give it a try and set up an appointment with this planner. We call him Abg Din.. Abang Din's business is operating in Setapak, KL. However, he's doing weddings for the whole states in Malaysia. As far as I know, previously he did many weddings in other states apart from Selangor and KL. So if u guys r not based around here, rest assured abg din can do it.

At that time when i took his service, the charges was much more affordable as compared to others..

He covered everything a wedding should have.. 

Basically I hired him for everything, be it catering, interior design of the wedding hall, make up person or attires..

All I needed to do was just tell him what i like and how I wished things to be done.

We only paid  RM13,100.00 for our package.. So here's the list of what we got out of it...

1) Food- RM 10 per guest (mine was 800 guests)

2) Round table with tablecloth & plastic chairs (ribbons were provided for VIP's chairs)

3) Bridal Thrones (Many choices to choose from but ours was surprise choice from the planner himself)

4) Bridal costumes (Rented from abg din)

5) PA System for music and Karaoke

6) Make up person for both events (Solemnization & Reception)

7) Alatan Merenjis (My customs- the blessings given by parents while we were at the bridal thrones)

So that covered all parts of my wedding. I just had to concentrate on doorgifts, invitation cards, bridal gifts for both sides & other simple things.

Check out his Facebook, Blog & Website ;-)

www.facebook.com/khairudin.husman

sriwawasan.blogspot.com

www.sriwawasan.com

#Abg Din: 012-6286678

Photographers ~

Meanwhile, photographers part I won't elaborate much as I had already mentioned about this topic in my previous entry. So check out that entry for more info!

#Encik Keyrol, 012-2934582

Mak Andam/Make up person~

Abg Din had arranged a mak andam for myself.  We call her Mak Tam...

She actually has a business on her own, so through abg din, i go to get her service too..

The price was included in my package, so if u want to hire mak tam separately, I'm not sure what is the price,u can just check out her Facebook...

Her work of art? Simply awesome beyond words. ;-) u just have to trust her, she is a professional.

www.facebook.com/sentuhan.maktam

#Mak Tam, 012-2857641 & 018-2876841

Wedding Hall~

For this part, u can google the names of public halls nearby to your desired location, and make some calls, ask for the price and availability... Bear in mind the hall that u wish u had ur wedding be held, is not always the final choice for u, as it all depends on availability... It's crazy how bride to be could managed to book earlier in advance, sometimes a year earlier!

For me, I chose Dewan Taman Tasik Ampang Hilir, a public hall just within the area of my current hometown. Before that we chose a different hall but ended up changing the venue as this was nearer to our place..

They only charged RM50 per hour & I rented it out for 10 hours, from 2pm-12am. We needed to rent earlier than the reception time due to the arrangement that the wedding planner needs to make in the wedding hall. Some wedding halls may charge u the floor carpets separately, and just like me, I was charged RM450 for it. So the total rental was about RM1000+. Nowadays I dont think u can get the price as I heard they are putting air-conditioning inside. I suppose it will be more costly with those.

#The wedding hall-Dewan Taman Tasik Ampang Hilir, 03-42514615

Doorgifts~

Okay for this part, mostly it was all my idea. My husband and I stopped by at this 1 wedding shop in Ampang Point Shopping Mall while we were out looking for wedding stuff.. 

We were wandering around in that shop when I saw this cute little cardboard box which is very cheap, RM0.26 per piece. It was quite big, it could probably accommodate an average size apple. Instantly, I fell in love with the box. I bought 800 pieces for 800 guess and i just paid RM208 for that! 

#Kedai Klim Craft - 1st Floor, next to Popular bookstore, Ampang Point.

Doorgift Stickers~
I wanted to paste a Thank You sticker on each of the boxes, and I found 1 small kiosk in Ampang Point selling this stickers. So I ordered 800 pieces stickers with total cost of RM70. It says 'Natasha & Haikal's wedding, 6/10/2012, Thank You". You can choose whatever words you want them to print.

Later on I decided to put in a muffin inside the box and that was financed by my brother and his fiance. Thanks guys :-)

Wedding Invitation Card~

For this part, we took a service from a printer shop (selling wedding invitation cards) in Semua House mall, KL. We just ordered 300 pieces as we are planning to distribute to our friends, while for relatives we will just invite verbally. This card cost us RM1.10 per piece. We also took a bunting from this shop, which cost us RM50 per piece. Simply give them ur pictures, then, they will create the bunting. It was very nice ^_^ 

Bridal gifts/Hantaran~

In my custom, during the solemnization ceremony, there's an occasion where both brides exchange the bridal gifts. We had started to survey for this gifts 6 months prior to our wedding day..

I saved up to RM500 from my salary each month..

So for this, my husband gave me:-

1) Monetary gift in the form of cheque (RM10,000.00 - hangus terbakar beli semua wedding preparations ni)

2) White gold ring from Tomei

3) Crabtree & Evelyn bathroom set

4) Britney Spears perfume set (RM200+)

5) prayer items for muslim- Bought from Jalan TAR, KL which cost just about RM100+

And I gave him:-

1) prayer items for muslim - Price included with my items

2) Cupcakes (Free gift from my friend)

3) Dolce & Gabbana perfume set (RM300)

4) Body Shop bathroom set

5) Fruits

6) Topman shirt

7) Alan Dillon man's beg

I think I cover all parts of my wedding. If I missed something, just drop me a comment & inshaAllah, whichever parts I think I can advice, I will advice & share my experiences.. ;-)

P/S: It's a good idea to manage your budget & not to spend so much. After marriage, good financial state will always comes in handy. So, plan your wedding and choose simple things! ;-)

my wedding invitation card, pink and white motives

my guest's doorgift (muffins inside)

 

my custom-made wedding album

Outdoor photoshoot @ Taman Rimba Ampang

Soon after the eventful solemnization and we have officially became husband and wife, our photographers brought us for an outdoor photo-shoot sessions. 

Initially we had planned to do the sessions at Taman Tasik Ampang Hilir, the venue in which our reception would take place later that night. However, we changed our mind and went to Taman Rimba Ampang, famously known as Bukit Belacan (It just behind my rented house with hubby). 

We were very glad we chose this place. It was our photographer's idea. The scenery was awesome. 

I had a great time during this sessions ^_^ I was so glad we chose this photographers. They were very friendly and awesome.

At the time when we took their package it only cost us at RM1500.00 that was included with:-

1) Outdoor Photo-shoot
2) Unlimited shots covering engagement, solemnization & reception events
3) Story book album
4) Photo Album with 200 selected photos
5) 1 Gold Frame & Photo size 16R
6) 1 Frame & photo size 8R

Check out their Facebook and Flikrs ;-) Enjoy!

The Day I got married ~ Part 2

6pm, Mom's place.

As soon as we were done with the outdoor photo-shoot session, I went back to my mom's place & my husband came afterwards.. Since we are married now, we could get ready together for that night's  reception. Alhamdulillah we both had the chance to rest & had some nap for a while before it was the time to get ready.. It was very tiring to compact 2 events at the same day but we thought this idea was the best, for us.

At about 6pm, I waited for the mak andam to arrive and do the 2nd-round of make up. She finally arrived at almost 7pm. I thought it was already late but due to the plenty of experiences she have, it was all done in less than an hour's time. 

After done with my make up, she went for hubby's ... I was like, seriously? I thought it's weird for any men to wear make up... Soon after that, more photos were taken by our photographers. At about 830pm, our bridesmaids arrived to fetch us and we were finally off to the reception hall.

830pm, Dewan Taman Tasik Ampang Hilir, Kuala Lumpur.

We walked hand-in-hand towards the wedding hall, accompanied by our bridesmaids and the traditional music of 'Kompang' team were surrounding us.. The sounds of the Kompang played gave me goosebumps. I was very nervous and I could already see so many people were standing outside of the hall to see us.

The second I entered the wedding hall, I was so happy to see our bridal thrones. Our wedding planner decided to give us a surprise on this part, so untill that day, I never knew how it would look like. I was very happy with it, and quite a few people gave their compliments.

I was surprised too seeing a lot of unexpected guests were presented there at my wedding. Long-lost-friends and relatives were also there looking all happy and that was the best day of my life.

I saw my dad, he was with my grandmother and other relatives. He looked so proud of me. Although he wasn't able to join my engagement event 7 months earlier, to see him now makes me really happy. Thanks pa.. ;-)

My family on my mother's side were also there and they were helping around in the hall. My family wore blue outfits while my family from husband's side wore greens.

When it was the time for both brides to dine in, I was finally relieved. My stomach was growling all the time! But sadly I didn't had the chance to enjoy my food. I didn't had the chance to taste the lobster because everything was planned and it was finally the time to cut the cake. We snapped more photos, and there were lots of people queuing up at the bridal throne just to take some pictures with us. 

We were all very happy. Me and my husband received a lot of presents from the guests. After the event, we went back to our home. Our families were fine with it & very understandingly let us go back to our home :-)

We only had 1 day to rest, then we will be off to our honeymoon in Pulau Redang. 

Check out my next entry on the honeymoon ^_^

Enjoy my wedding photos! ~

2nd make up session.

My Inai (google it to understand my custom). My friend did this for me. My advice? Dont buy the ones in tube. It was very light, which was not the color I envy. If you want a very heavy red, buy the original Inai leaves and make it by yourself. The ones in tube; the color runs out when u wash ur hands or when u are sweating :-( too bad..

Mix pictures. We are getting ready for the reception.

The kompang team organized by my father-in-law, if I'm not mistaken they charged us around RM300.

Walking hand in hand towards the wedding hall.

The view inside the hall.. Alhamdulillah there were lots of guests & the hall was full.

This is one of my customs. The parents gave their blessings.

My dad's turn

My parents-in-law's turn

Time to dine in. The food were awesome, thanks to our caterer ;-) But like I said, I didnt really enjoy it due to the limited time. 

With my family

With his parents

It was the time for the cake cutting.

His friends

His friends

My friends from high school

Snapping some more pictures :-)

Thanks from the bride ^_^

The Day I got married~ Part 1

8am, mom's place~

It was the day I got officially married with the man of my dream. Finally the day I've been waiting for so long has arrived. I could already imagine living in the same house with him and sharing our lives together. My biggest dream will be fulfilled in less than 3 hours.  I was so nervous I could actually felt my heart beat. My eyes darted at the big clock hanging up on the wall of my mom's living room. I thought the time had suddenly slowed down. It felt like ages!

The Mak Andam (person who is hired to do the make-up and hair-do) finally arrived at 7 in the morning just after the Subuh prayer. Being a professional, she was really calmed doing the make-up. We had some chats which calmed me a bit. I was done in about an hour's time, finally looked myself in the mirror and felt completely different in a special way. In fact, I felt like a princess.

The photographer arrived by the time I put on my tiara and busied himself taking pictures of mine in my sister's bedroom which was more suitable for a photo-shoot sessions as hers bedroom was more prettier and neat as compared to mine. I was informed he had went to my fiancé's place first to begin his job. Apparently it was my turn now ;-)

10am, Masjid Jamil'ul Huda Kampung Melayu Ampang, Selangor~

As soon as I reached the mosque, I saw my pet sis, Nida. I was so happy to see her. Of all people, I didn't expected her to be there. And I also saw my ex-boss from the Russian company I worked with quite some time ago. Unexpected guests!

Our families, relatives and some of dear friends gathered together in the mosque, waiting for the ceremony. Everyone was smiling and looking so happy. I felt so nervous but at the same time I was the happiest girl!

The Imam (person to witness the marriage) started off the day with prayer recitations & explained some responsibilites of a husband and wife. It took almost an hour, and again it felt like ages. My husband thought the talk really helped him a lot in terms of bringing his nervous down. In fact, the Imam also made some funny jokes and all, so we laughed and forget our nerves.

Then, my father was finally instructed to sit before the Imam while my husband sat opposite of him to do the  official pronoucement. With just successful 1 try, Haikal has become my official husband :)) Alhamdulillah.

How was exactly my feeling at that point of time? I can't express it into words. I met Haikal for just 3 months when we decided to settle down. "Wise man says, only fools rush in. But I can't help, falling in love with him" Hahaha...

My mind flown back to those days when I was still a daddy's little child and my mother's behaved little girl. When things were still nothing but fun. All childhood memories came flooding back on my mind. When everything wasn't as complicated as now. No commitments, no dramas, no worries, no nothing but just being the happiest girl in the world.

I looked at my dad, my brothers and my sister, and I finally looked at my mom.. They were all happy. But when I saw my mom cried, I knew this was going to be serious. I was going to leave them and move to a new place. I will no longer come back home from work and the foods are ready on the table. I will no longer be able to ask my mom's helping hand on my laundry if I feel a bit off. I won't be able to sleep with my sister every time I watched horror movies... Everything is on my own now..I started to cry.

But at the same time I saw the promises future that lays ahead. Beautiful pictures.. Me and my husband cooking together in our home, watching tv and doing things we love together.. Sharing my personal spaces with someone I love.. And we will still visit our families, and I will still see mom and dad often. And our big families will be united into one. All in all it was a mixed of emotions.. But I feel happy.. TRULY HAPPY ...

The most memorable part was my husband cried soon after he made the official pronouncement.

Watch our video here, enjoy :-)

 I felt deeply for him every time I watched this video. Nobody ever cried for me before ;-) I hope our love is for eternity and will be cherish till Jannah, In Shaa Allah....

Posed for the camera just after the make up session. It was in my sister's bedroom ;-)

My father and I in front of the Masjid. We just arrived here. I was so glad to see him and he was all dressed up nicely just for this event ;-)

In front of the Masjid with my ex-boss from Russia and my best friend. I was surprised to see them coming ;-)

Inside the beautiful and magnificent Mosque

An hour talk from the Imam. Mostly it was all about marriage life and the responsibilities of a husband and wife

He was so preoccupied ;-)

The final pronouncement

I cried with emotion. I felt touched with this love given by Allah to me. Alhamdulillah...

He cried too :-P

My mom and little sister were both teary-eyed.

I took his hand and kissed them, as a symbol of my devotion towards my husband

This was the dowry given by him in the form of cheque together with the monetary gift & the ring

Posed for the camera in front of the main area in the mosque

My big family

His big family just in front of the mosque

After the solemnization ceremony, our photographers had brought us straight-away for an outdoor photo-shoot sessions. We were kidnapped from our families to do the photography sessions. Hehe...

Blessing in disguise

This is actually a sequel to my previous post which u can read here.

There were a few times in my life that things did not go the way I planned. It turns out, we didn't move to the house I mentioned in that post. It was one of those topsy-turvy days when everything goes haywire. Our wedding is just around the corner.

We had actually moved in our stuffs into that house. The first time I saw that flat, it never occurred to me that it would ended up giving me a hell of a nightmare. At first glance it appeared sort of homey and cozy. I could even pictured myself cooking in its kitchen, my future husband and I decorating its living space or just hanging out at the balcony. So what was the reason it turned out to be a bad idea?

The landlord (whom I mentioned was my ex-schoolmate) accepted an agreed amount of RM950.00 as a deposit and the lease agreement was signed by my fiancé and I. Soon after that, we moved our stuffs in and cleaned the place. The landlord was generous enough to supply us with 2 buckets of wall paints, which turned out we didn't really use.

My fiancé was so excited at the idea of having a place together to the extend he bought this very strong chemical (not that expensive but you know what I mean) and washed the whole place like a maniac.

It turned out to be such a waste of effort as we did not even wait for a month to finally set up for an appointment again with the landlord to refund our deposit and return the house keys. The moment I stepped foot in its wet kitchen area, I know I distaste this flat. Don't get me wrong. I am not like that spoilt-and-rich-girl-who-can't-bear-living-a-poor-life person. I am not even rich to begin with. My mom's old place was a simple place too and there were nothing to brag about but I still grew up a happy person.

This was an exceptional case. The place was simply smelly, damp and dirty, no matter how much amount of chemicals you apply. There was this one small hole (which function I suspected was to release the water, since it was a wet kitchen) that sort of gave me a creepy feeling, contains a habitat of cockroaches. Gross!

Its kitchen did not even had a proper water-basin to begin with. My fiancé was trying to clean the basin when half part of it fell off and just hanging crookedly waiting for the other half to fall off completely. Frustratedly, he extracted out the whole thing. As we were not financially stable, we had to bear with all the defects and just faked the happiness.

We thought that maybe we were destined to live in this flat, perhaps just for a few years till we got stable. However, destiny changed its mind when we brought our families to view the place. His mom went ballistic and forced us straight-away to cancel the agreement.

My eldest brother urged me to find other place and said we still got plenty of time. As if we had plenty of money too (-.-) (My brother kept on pressing on the fact that a dark & secluded garbage room was just next to the flat and I could be lost in it while throwing the garbage-the idea gave me the creeps but to think of it now, it's damn hilarious)

It was a nightmare, we didn't have the funds to search for an affordable decent place, our wedding day was just around the corner and there wasn't a single decent house that would cost us below RM500.00 in KL and Ampang area. But growing up in a simple family, I am taught to be patient, to keep on praying and to keep on trying for the best I could to search for other options. Our minds play the most important roles at times like this. There is always a way out to a problem.

About a week later, Alhamdulillah I received a good news from a friend, about a decent apartment for rent in Lembah Jaya Utara, also within our current hometown. After gaining the contacts and set for an appointment, My fiancé and I met with the landlord and viewed the place and finally decided to rent the place. Thank God! It is a nice and clean place to live in. I like that place instantly when I viewed its interiors- this time we knew that we did not make the wrong choice. The monthly rent costs RM500.00 only which is quite affordable to us. We cleaned it, took our stuffs from the nightmare flat and transferred to this new apartment. We are finally happy with our place :-))

Morale of the story, if you are going to get married just like us, do decide thoroughly on all sorts of matters that requires decision making. From the choice of wedding planners, dresses, make-ups, foods, up to the choices of places to stay after marriage. You guys need to consider each and everything from the smaller details to the bigger ones. Make an early preparations to prevent from making a wrong decision like the ones we did. Do not settle for anything unless you have studied on the matters and had considered all options. I wish you lovebirds good-luck! ;))

Sneak into our new home pictures :-) ~

The front view from the main door

Washing appliances scattered in the living room

Me cleaning up the kitchen and washroom areas

The bathroom and the toilet were built separately and there is a small wet kitchen at the back which we use for a laundry room