[Wedding Series 6] - Outdoor vs Indoor

I’ve always loved the idea of an outdoor wedding. The movies have them. And I get a full yummy serving of them daily here in the blogsphere. How lovely is this:

In the open fields or a lovely garden, we exchange our vows below an arc of flowers, as our family and friends share our joy.

A gorgeous white marquee against the backdrop of a setting sun. Underneath, long tables and chiavari chairs line the area. On the tables, fresh flowers and favors wrapped in matching colours sit prettily.



Or I sometimes wish it could be an intimate dinner with only close family and friends around us. We would just sit on wooden tables beneath the open sky. Candlelight on the table and lamps hanging from the trees brightening our cozy casual dinner.



But the reality sadly is that the weather here is not exactly conducive for an outdoor event. Whilst we may be having summer temperatures throughout the year, it can get awfully warm. AND HUMID. Who’s going to be feeling mesmerised or hear the soft chimes of wedding bells when perspiration is trickling down one’s back. Who cares for candlelight when it’s contributing to the heat?

So, very commonly in Singapore, wedding dinners are held in the comfort of air-conditioned hotel ballrooms. At best, the short solemnization held just before the dinner could be outdoor-- in the hotel’s little garden or by the poolside.

I seriously considered an outdoor wedding but looking at what I have to work with—long guest list, limited outdoor venues available, food options and of course the weather, I’m going with the hotel ballroom option as well. But I’m still determined to work within the constraints and make my wedding a lovely and unforgettable one.

Are you for outdoor or indoor wedding? Any ideas on how to make an indoor dinner less stuffy? I’ll love to hear from you!

Have a good weekend and I'll see you next week!

[images from left to right, top to bottom: by Meredith Davenport for Christian Oth Studio via Snippet & Ink, Max Wanger, Shelley Kroeger Photography, Tec Petaja Photography blog, Jonathan Canlas Photography, by Cassidy DuHon via 100 Layer Cake, by Corbin Gurkin Photography via Ritzy Bee, Tec Petaja Photography blog, Tec Petaja Photography blog, Kate Webber Photography]

Japanese Paper Cutting

When I left Japan, a friend gave me a set of 7 postcards with prints of Japanese paper-cutting art on them as a farewell gift. These showcased the exquisiteness of the art of Japanese paper-cutting, kiri-e. But I treasure them even more because they depicted scenes of significant places of the town I lived in. Here are 3, presented with their real life incarnations from the pictures I took myself.

Oshozu - Listed in the Japanese Environment Agency's list of top 100 water sources.

Ono castle (left) and Terramachi - Ono castle in the night with Sakuras. Terramachi is a road lined with temples on both sides.

When I look at these images, the places come alive in my mind. I can see clearly the locals who have arrived at Oshozu with huge empty bottles because they believe the water from here is the purest. Then I see children laughing as they play around and drink from here. I also hear the gentle sound of the water flowing. And when I cast my mind’s eyes further ahead, I can see the little road which begins the ascend to reach Ono castle.

When I do get my own apartment, I will make sure these postcards adorn my wall. So that whenever I walk pass and catch a glimpse of them, I will see again these places when they are piled high with snow, blooming with Sakuras, filled with cicadas, and fashioned with gorgeous red Japanese maple leaves.

[click on images to enlarge]

Kreativ Blogger Award

I had a little surprise when I checked my mailbox yesterday. The sweet Alexandra from Strawberry Lemonade had awarded me with the Kreativ Blogger Award. I’m so grateful to be part of this community of creative and talented individuals who do not hesitate to share and support. As part of the award, I am to share 7 things that make me happy and also pass the award on to 5-7 other blogs that make me happy. So here goes:

7 Things that make me happy (in random order):
1. Ice-cream – the answer to all my woes!
2. My loved ones – who love and support me through life’s ups and downs.
3. After-run high – love the after-run feel, not a great fan of the process though :p
4. Beautiful things – I’m not superficial, just aesthetically inclined.
5. Travelling – opens my eyes and mind to the whole wide world.
6. Creativity and creating – nothing can make my heart skip a beat like creativity and nothing can consume me as much as the process of creating.
7. Surprises – love the thrill!

7 blogs that make me happy (in random order):
1. fresh365 – Healthy food never looked as good!
2. simplesong – LOVE everything about it, from the feel to the images.
3. A Creative Mint – Amazing photography!
4. So cute it hurts – Wish I could be as good with the sewing machine.
5. Mufn Inc – Paper! Book-making! Swoon…

[images from top, left to right: myrecipes, WorldNomads.com, SusannahT (x2), Running Living Eating Learning]

Fashion Film Noir - Lady Dior

Angel Sandy: I’m not much of a luxury brand buyer

(Devil Sandy: C’mon, we know the real reason is ‘coz you don’t have the cash, baby.)

Angel Sandy: But I’m loving the latest ad by French luxury label, Dior. It’s a film noir-inspired segment of more than 6 minutes long! The low-key black and white visuals and shady underworld themes of classic Hollywood film noir are just so cool.

(Devil Sandy: Oooh, trying to hide the materialism beneath a mask of art appreciation.)

Angel Sandy: Comprising 4 filmlets starring French actress Marion Cotillard, the story involves a kidnapping and has the actress on the top of the Eiffel Tower, which with its own intricate pattern and design, is like the Lady Dior Handbag itself.

(Devil Sandy: You kid no one, you are coveting. Nothing wrong with that, baby.)

Angel Sandy *whispers*: Just shut up, won’t you.

(Devil Sandy: Hey, I’m only speaking your real thoughts and guiding you towards the joys of material comforts!)

*fight ensures*

See the ad segment online here.

[images from: Magnifique Marion Cotillard Photo Gallery]

Colourful Monday - Knee-High Socks

Hello everyone, it’s Monday! I’m glad that you’re welcoming the new week with me. I’m looking at images of knee-high socks today and they’re really cheering me up with their oodles of colour and youthfulness!

That’s it, I’ll be making a conscious effort to ditch my black, white and grey and embrace more colours in my outfits from now on. Heck, maybe one day, you may even see me in a pair of bright knee-high socks! :)

Are you guilty of donning the safe “official” colours too? Own a pair of knee-high socks or two? Tell me, I’ll love to hear from you!


[images from top to bottom: 1-2 Extra Super Cutie, 3 jek in the box, 4-5 superunKnown]

[Wedding Series 4] - Tec Petaja Wedding Photography

I believe that a wedding is a once in a lifetime event and hopeless nostalgic me knows I will want to capture all its beautiful, awkward, happy, teary, funny moments. Moments that can never be experienced again. Memories can fade with time but those moments can be sealed forever in beautiful photographs.

I’m sure Tec Petaja Wedding Photography is no stranger to the blogging community. When I first got to know of his work, I went through ALL the images on his website and loved every bit of it. It’s only recently that I visited again and was delighted to find some new uploads. What I love most about his work is the dream-like quality found in some of his photos. Bathed in the warm glow of the sun, they speak of happily-ever-after romance to me.

Other than these, I am also drawn to some of his black and white images, like those below. They ooze with the appeal of old Hollywood glamour. Who would mind looking like a star for one night?

Check out Tec's website and blog to further feast your eyes.

While I’m not in the US and probably wouldn’t be able to afford this amazing photographer, I’m determined to engage one here in Singapore who will do a fine job of capturing what is likely to be my happiest day.

[images from Tec Petaja Wedding Photography website and blog]

Chips not! - All Seasons Wild Bird Store

When I first had a quick look at the image below, I thought chips. Not just chips but premium chips.

Upon a closer look, I found out that these are ahem…birdseeds from All Seasons Wild Bird Store (see what being a junk food addict can do? It clouds my mind). But you can’t deny that the packaging is gorgeous, agree? I mean, even the shopping bags are so cute.

Designed by Imagehaus, these have totally changed my concept of bird food. These folks can pat their backs for a job well done indeed. They’ve managed to even whet the appetite of a human being.

[images from Imagehaus via sharesomecandy]