Singaporebrides | Fashion
August 2018
Elena and Patrick’s Intimate Wedding at Empress at Asian Civilisation Museum
Elena and Patrick tied the knot in an intimate wedding celebration at Empress at Asian Civilisation Museum so that out-of-towner guests could enjoy a cosy evening of Chinese fusion cuisine.
It was really important to Elena, Banker, and Patrick, Consultant, for their guests—many of whom were flying all the way from Australia and Europe—to have a good time at their wedding. The lively and cosy atmosphere at Empress at Asian Civilisation Museum, coupled with the fusion Chinese cuisine, provided the perfect backdrop to their intimate celebration on 9 December 2017, where their wedding look was completed by fairy godmother Dang Bridal!
How did you meet each other?
We came to know each other through a common friend, and over time we made sure to coincide to take steps further.
What drew you to each other and what’s one of the things you love most about your partner?
Elena: Patrick’s calmness and steadiness.
Patrick: Her glowing and quirky personality drew me to her. She was always good fun to hang out with.
What was the proposal like?
Elena: Patrick planned a holiday to India, where I was expecting nothing but a cultural experience. We visited the golden triangle, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, covering mainly the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, and the city of Jaipur. It was in Fatehpur Sikri, against a backdrop of red sandstone buildings and internal marble flooring, where Patrick decided to propose. It was a very emotional moment for both of us.
How did you plan for and create your wedding?
Elena: SingaporeBrides was one of the very first wedding resources given to us at our engagement party. Given that I had studied several years in Australia and Patrick’s family and friends are spread across Europe and the Americas, it was very important to us to honour our guests for travelling thousands of miles, in addition to incorporating Chinese wedding traditions on our special day.
Patrick: The most important thing was to find a cosy and warm location, where our guests could enjoy a lively alfresco experience and fusion Chinese cuisine. The hotel chains were immediately out for us; we were keen on a restaurant but the challenge was always the capacity these could offer. After three months of searching, we secured Empress at Asian Civilisation Museum, which seated up to 200 guests, which is at the higher end for a restaurant.
Elena: I am what is known in Singapore as non-standard size—as what many bridal studios along Tanjong Pagar whom I had visited would tell me. Subsequently, when I met Dang, it was very clear from the beginning she acknowledges that we all come in different shapes and sizes. Immediately, her expertise and professionalism shone through, especially in our discussions about the final design, cut, and length etc.
The final result was a dress that not only suits my body type, a dress that I felt confident in, but also one that very complementing to my body type.
Dang is a truly skilled and knowledgeable designer. In addition to her professionalism, every visit was an utter joy. The multitude of laughs, and friendly advice helped in my planning in so many ways. In summary, a Dang Bridal gown embodies the true spirit of how every bride should look and feel, and it’s comfortable to boot!
What was your wedding day like?
Elena: Patrick and I had decided from the beginning that we would trust our helpers entirely, especially our wedding coordinator, who was a friend of mine of more than 20 years. In making this conscious decision, we were able to absorb all the moments with friends and family—socialising and drinking with all guests. Other activities included playing games like the “shoe game” and Instagram photos contests.
What was the most memorable moment of your wedding?
Elena: For me, it was the speeches from the parents. It really showed us how proud they were of us, and the level of blessing they showered upon us as couple.
The Size of the Wedding: Around 200 guests
The Cost of the Wedding: $70,000
The Venue: Empress Restaurant // Boathouse@Fullerton
The Wedding Day Photographer: Adrian Ong, Love Meets Lens
The Wedding Videographer: Melvin, Renatus Photography and Videography
The Gown: Dang Bridal
The Bride’s Shoes: Bride’s own
The Suit: Hugo Boss
The Groom’s Shoes: Robinson
The Engagement Ring: Lee Hwa
The Wedding Bands: Poh Heng
The Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Dang Bridal
The Groomsmen’s Suits: Own
The Flower Girls’ Dresses: Own
The Page Boys’ Suits: Own
The Hairstylist and Makeup Artist: Arranged by Dang Bridal
The Wedding Cake: Cherylshuen Private Limited
The Florist: Flowers by Jenet
The Calligraphy: P.Inkiesg
The Wedding Stylist: Arranged by Dang Bridal
The Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Bride’s best friend Serene Lim
The Pre-Wedding Photographer: Elizavaleta
The Instagram Printing: Renatus Photography and Videography
The Wedding Invitations and Stationery: Own
The Wedding Favours: Le Café
The Solemniser: Father Raj of Sacred Heart
Credits: Images by Love Meets Lens
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