Singaporebrides | Photography
March 2018
Li Syn and Abel’s Floral-Filled Wedding at The Fullerton Hotel
Creative bride Li Syn took up a calligraphy class and painted her own calligraphy aisle runner at her and husband Abel’s wedding at The Fullerton Hotel!
University sweethearts Tan Li Syn, 26, Civil Servant, and Abel Loke, 28, Civil Servant, exchanged emotional vows in a beautiful wedding at The Fullerton Hotel on 7 October 2017, dressed in The Wedding Present. Trying to keep things cost-effective, creative bride Li Syn took up a calligraphy class to craft a stunning aisle runner, invitations, and signage!
How did the two of you meet?
We met each other at NUS freshmen orientation camp where we were facilitators. Believe it or not, it was love at first sight for the both of us. It was amazing how God made this possible because Abel made the decision to join a camp for the first time that particular year.
What drew you to each other and what’s one of the things you love most about your partner?
Abel: Her loudness! I got a shock when I first met her; I’ve never met anyone as loud as her (in a good way), that’s why I was attracted to her.
I love Li Syn’s boisterous nature. She’s always the life of the party and can breathe life into any boring situation. From our first date together, I knew that I would never have a dull moment with her.
Li Syn: I know this sounds superficial, but it was his charming face (when he was much thinner, oops!). Of course, throughout the six long years of our relationship, it was his unconditional love for me that made him more charming.
I love Abel’s fast-forgiving nature and humbleness. He’s taught me so much, to love, forgive others, and always see the good in others.
What was the proposal like?
Li Syn: We went on a trip to Adelaide and Abel popped the question while we were on a hot-air balloon ride over some vineyards. It was my dream proposal; how could I say no? When he went down on one knee and opened the ring box, I was so in love with it–oops, I mean, him.
What did you envision for your wedding and how did you create it?
Li Syn: I wanted my wedding to be Pinterest-worthy, yet having budget constraints in mind, I knew I had lots of research to do. Fortunately, I had more than 1.5 years to plan my wedding, and I researched widely. I read online reviews, browsed Instagram feeds, etc. to get inspiration. SingaporeBrides was definitely one of the one-stop platforms for me to see the full list of wedding vendors, wedding showcase details, and other bride’s wedding stories.
Being a business student, I did all the market research I could, comparing prices, reviews, and products of each of my vendors ranging from venues, wedding gowns, flowers, to photo booths. For things that I could save on, I tried my best to source for the most cost-effective materials. For my photo booth’s floral backdrop, I had the idea to recycle the decorative flowers from a shopping mall’s Chinese New Year decorations. This helped me save about $400! Taobao was also a very good place for me to get all my decorations at a cheap rate. I even took up a calligraphy class, and with some creative background, I designed my own wedding invites and signages.
What was your wedding day like?
Abel: It was fast and furious. We were so tired by the end of the wedding, which is a lunch banquet, by the way, that we couldn’t even stay awake to eat our room-service meal.
Li Syn: The wedding day was not as nerve-wracking as I thought it would be, probably because I was too tired as I did not sleep a wink the night before.
Two days before the wedding, Abel fell terribly ill and I had to shoulder the remaining preparations by myself. We had not finalised our vows, thank you speeches, and seating plan. On the night before, we did our church decorations, but with a bag of faulty fairy lights. That night, I was anxious to have enough sleep, but I just couldn’t. I got out of bed at 4am for hair and makeup, and the big day just whizzed past.
I was pretty glad that everything went smoothly, with only slight hiccups here and there. Though the wedding might not be as perfect as planned, I am just happy that I married that perfect guy—and that’s all that matters.
What was the most memorable moment of your wedding?
Li Syn: The most memorable moment from the wedding has got to be hearing my husband’s vows and me saying my vows to my husband, in the presence of God. We customised our vows, so we each did not know what the other had prepared. Hearing the vows from my husband for the first time on that special day was certainly very emotional. In that moment, between just the two of us, time seemed to stand still as we looked at each other, reading out our sincerest promises to commit to one another for a lifetime together.
Abel: Saying my vows to my wife and hearing her vows. It’s not every day where we get to pour out our hearts to each other in front of our closest relatives and friends. It was a surreal moment that I will remember for life!
The Size of the Wedding: 288 guests
The Venue: Grace Assembly of God, Tanglin for Church Solemnisation // The Fullerton Hotel for Lunch Banquet
The Wedding Day Photographer: Andri Tei Photography
The Gown: The Wedding Present
The Bride’s Shoes: Anna Nucci
The Suit: SuitYourself Singapore // Mr. Gentleman
The Groom’s Shoes: Ernest Collective
The Engagement Ring: Felice Jewellery
The Wedding Bands: Felice Jewellery
The Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Threadtheory
The Hairstylist and Makeup Artist: Lee Inn from The Makeup Room
The Nail Artist: Picota Nails
The Florist: Hello Flowers! // Mirage Flowers
The Pre-Wedding Photographer: Andri Tei Photography
The Videographer: Jessica from AndroidsinBoots
The Photobooth: Telltale Photobooth
The Wedding Invitations and Stationery: DIY
The Wedding Favours: The Fullerton Hotel
The Band: GXMX
The Solemniser: Church Pastor
Images by Andri Tei Photography
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