Singaporebrides | Real Weddings
April 2017
Choo San and Ngiap Heng’s Colourful and Modern Teochew Wedding
Choo San and dance photographer Ngiap Heng tied the knot in a colourful Teochew wedding, celebrating their ancestry with authentic cuisine.
Quek Choo San, 41, Business Owner and Tan Ngiap Heng, 51, Artist/Photographer met during a tango class and connected over their mutual love for dance. Suddenly realising he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Choo San, Ngiap Heng proposed to her without a ring or any preparation during a trip to Bali! Celebrating their shared Teochew ancestry, Choo San wore Ngiap Heng’s mother’s traditional Kua at their intimate Teochew wedding in the banquet halls of the Teochew Association on 12 February 2017.
How did the two of you meet?
Ngiap Heng: We met at a tango class, Tango Del Sur, in Abrazos Tango Club. Choo San started taking beginners’ classes and I was helping out as a leader. We started talking in class and I was very surprised to find out that Choo San had the same name as Singapore’s most famous choreographer, Goh Choo San. Choo San was surprised that I could remember her name. As I was a dance photographer and avid follower of Singapore’s dance scene, it was natural for me to know the name Choo San, so I decided to ask her out for lunch.
What drew you to each other?
Choo San: We hit it off on many shared interests right from the beginning, from dance, coffee, food, travelling, etc. We also share the same outlook in life and are interested in exploring all the different experiences that life offers. For us, cultivating meaningful relationships with family and friends is an important aspect of our lives. Also, taking on challenges and cultivating personal growth was traits we both admired in each other.
What was the proposal like?
Ngiap Heng: The proposal was impromptu. We were on holiday in Ubud, Bali. The greatest challenge before marriage is when couples travel and face challenges. I realised that Choo San and I got along very well and she was the woman that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I proposed despite being unprepared with anything and she accepted. Later that day, we had a surprise visit from a rice field snake in our room. Our friends affirmed that this was a lucky sign. We have both been through relationships before and felt very happy and contented with each other.
What was your wedding like?
Ngiap Heng: We wanted an intimate wedding with relatives and close friends where everyone could be comfortable and enjoy themselves. As we both have Teochew ancestry, we decided to have an authentic Teochew wedding lunch for our guests.
Our wedding day was relatively simple. My best man and I went to Choo San’s parents’ house and picked her up in the morning. We held our solemnisation within the banquet halls of the Teochew Association, Chui Huay Lim Club. After that, we had lunch while a jazz trio entertained the guests. Guests enjoyed traditional dishes such as suckling pig, Teochew steamed pomfret, oyster omelette, and even orh ni (a yam paste dessert). We had the tea ceremony with relatives after lunch. Choo San wore the Chinese Kua originally worn by my mother more than 60 years ago. She was also presented with Si Dian Jin comprising Peranakan jewellery pieces as my family has Peranakan ancestry. That was the end of the festivities.
What was the most memorable moment of your wedding?
Ngiap Heng: The most memorable part of the wedding was saying our vows, which happens to be an Eskimo song.
The Size of the Wedding: 100 guests
The Gown: Silhouette The Atelier
The Cheongsam: The Proposal
The Bride’s Shoes: Pazzion
The Suit: Silhouette The Atelier
The Groom’s Shoes: Rockport
The Engagement Ring: Chaumet
The Wedding Bands: Chaumet
The Venue: Chui Huay Lim
The Hairstylist and Makeup Artist: T.G. Goh
The Florist: Green Point Florist
The Pre-Wedding Photographer: Wesley Loh, Memphis West Pictures
The Wedding Photographer: Aloysius Lim, 39 East Photography
The Wedding Invitations and Stationery: W for weddings
The Wedding Favours: Rough Beauty Soap
The Band: Joanna Dong and friends
The Solemniser: Anita Fam
Credits: Pre-wedding photography images by Wesley Loh, Memphis West Pictures. Wedding day photography images by Aloysius Lim, 39 East Photography, except for first set of wedding day images, by Aik Beng Chia.
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