Singaporebrides | Real Weddings
July 2018
Sherie and Young Leong’s Elegant and Jubilant Solemnisation at Alcove at Caldwell House
Lovebirds Sherie and Young Leong tied the knot in a cosy celebration surrounded by their loved ones at Alcove at Caldwell House.
An intimate wedding was exactly what Sherie, Coporate Account Manager and Radio DJ and Assistant Programme Director Young Leong envisioned for their big day, so when they laid eyes on one of Singapore’s latest and hottest intimate venues, Alcove at Caldwell House, they knew it was the perfect wedding venue for them. On 3 March 2018, the lovebirds tied the knot in an intimate celebration surrounded by their loved ones.
How did the two of you meet?
Young Leong : We were Facebook friends for almost 10 years. Leaving comments, exchanging likes here and there, but never really thinking much of it. Fast forward to 2015, Sherie DM’ed me a birthday message on Facebook, at 3am in the morning. Coincidentally, I was up late talking to an overseas friend on Facebook, so I replied and we started talking, and by 7am, I had asked her out on our first date – at 7pm that very same day!
What drew you to each other? What is it about your partner that you love the most?
Young Leong : Her caring heart, which shines through in how she cares for her family, and her dogs.
Sherie : He’s very patient with me even though he’s not with other things, and his witty sense of humour.
What was the proposal like?
Young Leong : I wanted to do it at a venue where all her close friends would be present, but also when she would least expect it, so I decided to do it at my radio station’s birthday party. At the end of the night, my colleague announced there would be an extra lucky draw, and that I would be announcing the draw. I went on stage and called out Sherie’s ticket number (one that I had pre-arranged for her to have). Thinking she had won a prize (but half confused because we had already given out the grand prize for the night), she came on to stage, where I proposed in front of all our friends and Power 98FM listeners.
Share with us what it was like planning your solemnisation.
Sherie : Based on the photos we saw online of Alcove at Caldwell House, and subsequently visiting the venue in person, we really liked how intimate the place was, yet the dome felt so open (with its high ceiling, and windows which on a sunny afternoon really light up the room). We also felt that the French inscription “Marche en ma presence et sois parfait”, i.e. “Walk along with me and be perfect”, was very fitting for our relationship. So, we decided to host our solemnisation at Alcove at Caldwell House.
Young Leong : We didn’t have a specific theme in mind so we went with Alcove’s “Rustic Vintage” theme. For us, it was just about having an intimate setting with the people closest to us. Sherie came up with the idea of having our guests write their well wishes on pebbles instead of a book. These pebbles now decorate our home, and are a constant reminder of our special day.
Sherie : Overall, it wasn’t as stressful as we thought it would be. Thankfully, there are plenty of advice online for brides-to-be, and with these advice, and the advice of our friends, as well as the helpful team at Alcove at Caldwell House, we managed to plan the whole thing without too many hiccups.
Take us back to your solemisation. What was the day like and how were you feeling?
Young Leong : I remember hoping and praying that it wouldn’t rain that afternoon. It had rained in the afternoon for the past few days after all. Thankfully, it didn’t rain and everything went smoothly. When it came time to the actual “I Do’s”, I remember feeling so nervous, especially when Sherie did her march-in. I was probably shaking when I took her hand, but like much of our lives, her presence calmed me right down, and allowed me to be the best version of myself that I could be. Everything else after that just felt right.
Sherie : Because we had planned everything beforehand, and also thanks to the experienced team at Alcove, I really didn’t feel too nervous about the event itself. When it came to the march-in, I felt a little nervous, but also a sense of relief. Like, this was the culmination of one part of my life, and the beginning of a whole new journey – this time with the man I love by my side. Also, I was thinking “don’t trip, don’t trip” as I walked down the aisle.
Did your family and friends enjoy your solemnisation?
They really enjoyed the intimate setting, getting to mingle and socialise, and share a wonderful meal with each other. The solemnisation ceremony seating was a semi-circle around the main table, and they really liked that because everyone got a good view of the “I Do’s”
What was the most memorable moment of your solemnisation?
It was definitely reciting our vows, and saying our “I Do’s” in the presence of our family and closest friends. To see their faces of joy, sharing in our joy, was priceless, and a moment we will treasure for the rest of our lives.
What is one lesson you’ve learnt from your planning that you’d like to share with other couples?
Do your homework and leverage on the experiences and advice that’s out there online. At the end of the day, don’t stress on the minor details. That moment where you promise yourselves to each other, and the life you live after – that’s what is most important.
The Size of Wedding: 60 guests
The Cost of Wedding: $10,000
The Venue: Alcove at Caldwell House
The Photographer: Love Confetti Stills & Motion
The Videographer: Love Confetti Stills & Motion
The Wedding Gown: Odelia Bridal
The Wedding Shoes: Bride’s own
The Groom’s Suit: Odelia Bridal
The Hair and Makeup Artist: Linda Lee from Lindalino Makeup
The Caterer: Alcove at Caldwell House
The Wedding Planner and Stylist: Alcove at Caldwell House
The Wedding Invitations and Stationery: Couple’s own
The Solemniser: JP Tam Chee Wah
Wedding Resource: SingaporeBrides
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