The Love Story
Honestly, we were kind of set-up by my buddies. When Joanne was at an audio workshop, my ‘buddies’ who were there check her out for me and decided that she was the kind of girl I like. The lady boss of that workshop introduced us via SMS. Soon, the first date was arranged. Initially the date was supposedly to be a group dinner but it turned out that only Joanne and I were the attendees. After that, the rest was history!
At what point did you realize you were in love?
There was no exact date or moment to define the feeling we have for one another as things just happened naturally. Everything just fell into place! Guess you can say that the moon and the stars aligned and fate brought us together as a loving couple.
How did you know that she/he is ‘The One’?
Joanne: There is no rocket science to this. You just know when the time comes and that you have found that special someone whom you will spend the rest of your life with!
Reuben: I guess it’s because she fits the best ideal girl picture in my mind. We share similar hobbies and interests with much aligned thinking and opinions. But of course we do sometimes agree to disagree on things we do not look at the same way. I spend most of my time away in Singapore as I work there and Joanne is able to accept it. She is someone who is open minded and understands the airline culture and lifestyle which is not something all spouses can understand.
The proposal
Initially, Reuben’s close friends and I planned a surprised birthday party for him. It was pretty hilarious when we look back as half of the surprise was actually leaked out due to my poor acting skills! But the party went on smoothly until the restaurant team came out with lovely candles when it was time to cut the birthday cake. Reuben had in fact, a plan of his own and went down on his knees after emerging from behind the team. Everyone thought he slipped and fell and went to give him a hand but backed off and said “Joanne, this is your deal”. From that moment, I knew Reuben was proposing to me on the very same event!
What have you learned from each other?
Joanne: We are two individuals from different backgrounds and up-bringing. Talking and discussing things out and then compromise is very important in a relationship.
What are your advice to couples who are about to marry?
Marriage is just the beginning of a life long journey with your loved one. We will be lying to you if we were to say that everything will always be rosy. It would not be a ‘Happily Ever After’ marriage if you do not embrace each other’s differences and learn a thing or two from one another. Sometimes, bumpy rides are good spices in life. The fundamental thing about marriage is to communicate and compromise with each other.
Photography by Kelvin Yeoh & Michelle Chai (Design Capture)
Flowers and Floral décor by Mabel (Maple Story)
Wedding Dress by Joanne Chan (Joanne’s own couture label)
Bridesmaid and Flower girls’ dresses by Joanne Chan (Joanne’s own couture label)
Groom’s Suit by Hugo Boss
Makeup by Remy Ngan (Mimi Make-up Studio)
Hair Accessories by EVITA PERONI
Wedding Cake by Su-Yin (Delectable)
Pre Wedding Cocktail at the Long Bar, One World Hotel
Banquet at One World Hotel
Entertainment by David Gomes & Junji Delfino










The love story: It was love at first sight for me when we saw each other for a work related meeting but Elvira took some time to convince. I gave her my mobile number but she only offered her office number. Later, she called me regarding work and I mustered enough courage to ask her out. We continued dating for two years before I proposed.
The wedding theme: Our dinner reception theme was ‘Fairytale Wedding’ and Elvira had a blast doing up the place in pink and white. We had candelabras with flowers at the foyer and a huge floral arch at the entrance. We draped the walls white and laid out white carpets and hung loads of lighted floral balls and scallops from the ceiling. The backdrop was a huge castle and we custom built two grand staircases for us to enter. The garden party had a green and white theme with lots of flowers and, even had a two projection screens for our guests to watch the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.
The venue: Church ceremony was held at the Assumption Church in PJ, while the tea ceremony, garden party and dinner reception were held at Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel.



The wedding theme: I love flowers and I wanted loads of them! We had the florist decorate the ballroom with beautiful arrangements including two tall flower stands at the entrance. The KL event had a red theme going as red represented our love. Our invitation cards were specially made in Hong Kong, while a 5-piece jazz band entertained the guests. In Hong Kong, the red theme continued with touches of pastels as the venue was furnished with timber furniture. The pastels balanced the colour scheme. I personally hand-made 20 block candles to be placed at the cocktail areas.








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