Bangsar Village II’s “No Ordinary Affair” – an ultimate wedding showcase.

CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS BROUGHT TOGETHER FOR THAT ‘SPECIAL DAY’

The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the bridal couture gala show by famous local designers Eric Choong, Beatrice Looi and Jovian Mandagie, unveiling their latest collections jointly presented by www.weddingsbyEternal.com . This marks the first time that these esteemed designers are showcasing their creations together.

Eric Choong ‘No Ordinary Affair’ showcase picture

Jovian Mandagie ‘No Ordinary Affair’ showcase picture

Beatrice Looi ‘No Ordinary Affair’ showcase picture

Completing the line-up are other fashion shows targeted at groomsmen and bridesmaids as well as the latest collection of clothes for special occasions. Participating brands include Coast and Ted Baker from the UK and Raoul. Following this is a very special lingerie show just for the ladies from Bruttal.

“No Ordinary Fair” also has a series of notable workshops conducted by the ‘movers and shakers’ of the wedding industry such as Pak Abu and Stephen Foong sharing pointers on wedding designing and wedding planning’s respectively. Photographer extraordinaire Zung of The Photoz made a rare appearance too to give tips on how to capture endearing memories for keeps. Some of the other workshops were:

International make-up brand Lancome on bridal make-up;

Eric Choong Brides on choosing bridal gowns;

Jean Yeap of House of Presentation on wedding gift registry;

Eric Choong Flowers on flower arrangements; and

Celebrity Fitness on pre-wedding fitness.

Bridal couples experience first hand the calibre of Pak Abu’s expertise as the décor in the hall is inspired by him and his team. With soft drapings and chandeliers in classic colours of black and white, it serves as a great canvas for creative expression. An ethereal pelamin adds to the grandeur of the festivities. For that final touch, do consider the special fresh flower arrangements on display by Eric Choong Flowers, which are exquisite.

The vendors are as follows:

- Celebrity Fitness (fitness packages)

- Bangsar Seafood Garden (event venue services)

- Sheraton Subang Hotel and Towers (event venue services)

- Emma K (personalised invitations and stationery)

- Hammam (Turkish Spa – beauty and wellness packages)

- Bella Skin Care (beauty and wellness packages)

- House of Presentation (house ware and gift registry services)

- Bruttal (lingerie)

- The Delicious Group (catering services)

- Village Cellar (wine)

- The Blooming Cake (wedding cakes)

- Lancome (bridal make-up)

- Laura Mercier (make-up)

- C’est si Bon (jewellery)

For registered bridal couples attending on the first day, they stand a chance to win a honeymoon package sponsored by Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, a luxury hotel at vacation hotspot Chiang Mai. The package is for two nights with daily breakfast in a Deluxe Colonial Suite complete with champagne and flowers on arrival – what a honeymoon that would make!

Other privileges that registered couples get to enjoy include food and wine tasting sessions as well as special packages courtesy of participating brands and selected Bangsar Village tenants.

Members of the public are not left out as they can get a free makeover at the Laura Mercier counter just outside the Event Hall and take their photos in a grand setting by The Photoz team for a small fee.

“No Ordinary Affair” is a collaborative effort to showcase the most creative resources available from our very own shores! The event is proudly brought to you by Bangsar Village II in partnership with www.weddingsbyEternal.com and many others.

A STYLISH WAY TO SAY ‘I DO’

Details for this special event were announced at a press conference held today at the shopping centre. In attendance and fielding questions from the media were the participants of the event such as local fashion designers – Eric Choong and Beatrice Looi alongside Indonesian Jovian Mandagie. Also present were Pak Abu, wedding planner to the rich and famous as well as Zung, photographer extraordinaire who made a rare appearance. All of them are considered the ‘movers and shakers’ of the wedding industry

The three fashion designers gave views on the trends to look out for in wedding gown design and how some of these trends were translated in their latest collection. “No Ordinary Affair” will mark the first time that these esteemed designers have showcased their creations together. Two shows, one on each day will be held so be among the first to check out their absolutely fabulous wedding gowns.

Other fashion shows lined up will see clothes for the groomsmen and bridesmaids as well as party clothes for after-wedding festivities. Participating brands include Coast and Ted Baker from the UK and Raoul. There will also be a very special lingerie show just for the ladies from German label, Bruttal.

Attendees to this bridal event will also get invaluable advice from experts Pak Abu and Stephen Foong, who will both be holding workshops on wedding designing and planning while Zung gives tips on how to capture endearing memories for keeps.

Different services catering to the bridal couple will be showcased and these would include a ‘gift registry’ programme service, a pre-wedding wellness preparation programme as well as event venues, flowers and favours.

“No Ordinary Affair” is a collaborative effort to showcase the best resources available in the market place today available to potential bridal couples. The event is sponsored by Bangsar Village jointly with weddingsbyEternal.com and many valued partners.

The two-day event will be held on the 19th and 20th April 2008 at the exhibition space on the 3rd floor of Bangsar Village II.

“No Ordinary Affair”

Note: preregistration is required

With a host of awards and accolades under his belt, Eric offers specific lines of clothing to his discerning clientele. His design ingenuity is well represented in his haute couture line, while the prêt-a-porter line leaves lasting impressions in pieces that are simply alluring. He also carries a line especially for the sartorially inclined male with masculine styles that are accented with a touch of drama.

For amazing wedding gowns, Eric Choong Brides is a made-to-measure line exclusively created to help brides-to-be choose stunning creations that are a cut above the rest in bridalwear. From clean and elegantly simple gowns to show stopping extravagant and flamboyant pieces, Eric’s bridal line caters for all tastes and temperaments. Extensive and artful use of luxurious chiffons, silks and laces accented with crystals, beads, appliqué and embroidery, the gowns will cast a spell not only on the bride and groom, but also on every guest at the gathering.

Eric has also branched into other services that take care of the bride’s special needs such as flowers and wedding planning. Wedding Treasures is a natural progression of Eric’s talent and passion in creating happy moments. Wedding Treasures offers wedding consultation services, such as floral arrangement, jewellery design, personalised wedding stationery, makeovers, hair and make-up, wedding cake, gift registry, and honeymoon packages. It is quite literally a one-stop-centre in ensuring you a classy affair courtesy of a master designer.

So you have agreed to marry him, now what?

Whether you’ve had your fairy-tale wedding planned since you were five, or want to plan a wedding with the latest trends, we’ll keep you calm, focussed and even smiling throughout the process ! Let us show you how to get started :

1. IMAGINE YOUR WEDDING
Before you announce your engagement to the world (and suffer the risk of having everyone assume that they are invited to your wedding), discuss some of most significant details of your nuptials with your partner, such as style, size, day, time, and guest list. These should reflect your tastes as a couple. For inspiration, visit our Who Are You section to get a sense of your bridal style, then browse through the wedding flowers and wedding cakes galleries for the latest in stunning wedding looks.

2. YOUR BUDGET
The fact is, all the wedding glamour and glitter cost money, therefore setting a realistic budget will save you (or your parents) from a nasty shock on your wedding day. So get your calculator out, call your folks, and work out a realistic budget. But set your priorities before you start number crunching! Are having all your guests present more important than having your wedding in an exotic location? Once you know what you cant live without, you will have a much clearer idea on how to allocate your money.

3. YOUR GUEST LIST
Separate your guest list into two categories ­ a must have A list and a would like to include B list. As most of your guests may have a spouse of significant other, an invitation will count for two people. Remember to mail the invitations early !

4. START A SCRAPBOOK
Pictures tell a thousand words. Whether printed from the internet, cut out from wedding magazines or collected from actual weddings, these should inspire you for themes, settings and any accessories you might want to recreate for your own wedding. Your wedding planner may also understand you needs better, making the process easier.

5. CHOOSE A DATE
Choosing your wedding day should be thoughtful. If you are planning an outdoor wedding in Malaysia can be a little tricky, the last thing you want for your beach wedding or a garden reception is bad weather, neither raining nor too hot and humid. Some research on the weather in the wedding venues is a good idea! Do prepare to fork out some extra budget for mist fans and etc to make sure your guest is comfy throughout your wedding.

Also check your city calendar to make sure there isn’t a holiday or a major sporting event on your desired wedding day so that you and your guests do not end up with scarce or more expensive hotel rooms and services. Select two tentative dates ­ it is important to have a back-up in case your first choice isn’t available.

6. CHOOSE YOUR CEREMONY AND RECEPTION LOCATION
Botanical gardens, historic buildings or poolside party with food stations : let your imagination run wild when selecting a location. But remember, the best place is one that is accessible and able to accommodate your guest count. You’ll want to find out how many events each location hosts per day, and if there are hidden fees and charges.

7. SELECT YOUR WEDDING PARTY
She’s been your best friend since kindergarten; it’s a no-brainer that she will stand up with you on your big day. But what about everyone else? Ask valued friends and family members to do a reading, be an usher or oversee your guestbook table. The point is, don’t worry! There is a role for everyone and no need for an awkward situation.

8. SHOP FOR THE WEDDING DRESS
Be aware that most bridal houses or designers need at least six months to order or make your wedding dress, so start early! Bring along any printouts from our fashion section to your fitting sessions so that the experts can get a sense of your style and preferences. Remember to bring stockings, shoes, a strapless bra and a hair clip to your appointments! (Now is also a good time to start a fitness programme and get into shape to look your best!)

9. BOOK THE BASICS
Top wedding locations and vendors are booked as early as a year in advance. So, as soon as you have agreed on the date and the type of wedding you want, make your bookings! Reception sites go particularly fast but many will allow you to put a courtesy pencil hold on the date, for two weeks without deposit. Finding your ideal location isn’t easy, so, if a site meets 80% of your requirements, reserve it !

10. SET UP YOUR GIFT REGISTRY
In this shopping frenzy, remember that your guests are going to want to buy gifts for YOU. You will enjoy the convenience of viewing your gift registry and making changes any day or time, and your guests will be thrilled to have one place to find all your gift choices. If we may suggest, you will have loads of fun at www.mychocolatemousse.com. (a gift registry is the way to not end up with endless supplies of cutlery sets, 2 hair dryer or 4 irons)