Wedding has become increasingly personalized where many aspects of a wedding are custom designed or made to order for a distinctive air of luxury, intimacy and with a touch of stylish elegance. Armed with an arsenal of information, The Wedding Book is a beginner’s guide for those ready to take the plunge into matrimonial bliss. It encompasses every aspect of a wedding from romancing the bride to picking a wedding theme, styling the look, personalizing your special day and tying the knot without breaking your bank account.

This issue, The Wedding Book helps you put together a team to plan your customized dream wedding with its comprehensive planning guide together with checklists for every aspect of the wedding. The ‘Planner’ of this fourth issue is organized according to corresponding categories of wedding vendors, from the region, for your convenience. Most importantly, the Book follows the sequence to plan your Big Day!

All the pages in this book are ‘the’ inspiration and guidance you need to plan your wedding well.

Note: The Wedding Book is available at all major bookstores in Malaysia and Singapore at RM25/SGD14.

Here are some few tips that OE Fine Jewellery would like to share with you:-

Amidst the starkly beautiful desert scenery of Utah’s canyon country and home for centuries to the native Navajo and Hopi tribes, Amangiri, meaning ‘peaceful mountain’ promises to provide guests unrivalled levels of comfort as well as unprecedented access to the region’s geographic, historic and cultural marvels.

Located close to the border with Arizona in Canyon Point, Southern Utah, Amangiri is tucked into a protected valley with sweeping views over colourful, stratified rock towards the Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument. Just a 25-minute drive from the nearest town of Page, Arizona and a 15-minute drive to the shores of Lake Powell, Amangiri is ideally placed for day trips to the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Colorado River and Bryce and Zion National Parks.

The resort’s setting is breathtaking. Amangiri is cradled by massive 200-million-year-old mesas and rock formations that present extraordinary desert vistas – dusted pink and ash at sunrise, various shades of gold throughout the day and a medley of spectacular rose hues at sunset. Located some 4,000 feet above sea level, the region’s arid conditions support unique desert vegetation. The ecosystem surrounding Amangiri encompasses a remarkable diversity of plants and animal species. The region is home to a variety of endangered species, including the California condor, and fossils dating back more than 160 million years attest to the area’s wealth of dinosaurs in the distant past.

Set on a 243-hectare (600-acre) expanse of wilderness, Amangiri is reached via a winding road that descends into the valley and leads to the resort’s central Pavilion. Designed to blend into the landscape with natural materials and textures featured, Amangiri provides an intimate setting from which to appreciate the resort’s majestic surroundings. 34 guest suites and the 2,322-square metre (25,000-square feet) Aman Spa are housed in two elegant wings which extend north and south from the Pavilion. With white stone floors and concrete walls that reflect the colours of the American Southwest, each suite has uninterrupted panoramic views of the desert and features a private entrance courtyard, a combined bedroom and living area, a sky-lit dressing room, a roomy bathroom with views from the sunken bath tub and a desert lounge with central fireplace. Pool Suites, Terrace Pool Suites and the Girijaala and Amangiri Suites also offer private pools and secluded outdoor sky terraces, ideal both for daytime relaxation and night-time star gazing.

The centrepiece of Amangiri is the Pavilion which is reached via flights of wide, gentle steps. Its desert-coloured stone and concrete is counterpointed by splashes of scarlet tenting: red is the traditional colour of celebration for the Navajo.  With dramatic views of rock formations and the desert to one side, and panoramic views of the surrounding plateaus to the other, the Pavilion houses the Living Room (three spacious alcoves with fireplaces, cosy seating and incredible views), the Gallery (showcasing the region’s best art, jewellery and handicrafts), the Library and the Dining Room. Through floor-to-ceiling glass doors the Dining Room leads onto the pool terrace which overlooks the swimming pool. Set in a sunken courtyard, the pool wraps around a giant outcrop of rock and finishes with a hot tub which sits at the base of a rock wall.

The cuisine at Amangiri reflects the resort’s relaxed nature. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Dining Room’s focal point is to open kitchen with its wood-fired oven. This traditional cooking technique imparts a unique flavour and rustic authenticity to Amangiri’s cuisine, which emphasizes locally-sourced, seasonal produce. Dishes are served directly from the oven and some are finished at the table, while guests are invited to interact and even learn from the chefs. Situated within the Dining Room are the Private Dining Room and the Cellar. The private dining room seats 10 and its large wooden doors can be closed for privacy or open to the kitchen. The open-to-browse wine room has state-of-the-art climate control, space for 900 bottles and the technology to serve even the finest vintages by the glass.

Amangiri’s Aman Spa is a destination unto itself, providing a serene setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. A vast complex of stone, water features and streams of light, it offers a number of unique treatment venues. The Water Pavilion offers hydrotherapy treatments, while the Floatation Pavilion offers colour therapy-enhanced floatation treatment. The Aman Spa also provides both indoor and outdoor pools and treatment rooms, and generous spaces for exercise, yoga and Amanresort’s unique Pilates assessment.

The design of Amangiri is inspired by the natural elements of wind, water, earth and fire. Shafts of sunlight stream into the resort’s interiors through panoramic windows and strategically placed skylights. The sound of water is a soothing constant in the Pavilion, as in the surrounding slot canyons. The resort features more than 50 indoor and outdoor fireplaces – throughout the Pavilion and the Aman Spa, in every suite, around the pool and in outdoor entertainment areas.  At night, Amangiri’s exteriors are subtly lit so as not to compromise the vast star-filled night sky as nature intended. The Desert Lounge beyond the Pavilion is an open-air living room and the ideal venue for star-gazing.

GETTING TO AMANGIRI

Amangiri is a 25-minute drive from Page Municipal Airport, Arizona, served by Great Lakes Airways’ direct flights from Denver and Phoenix. The airport has full service facilities for charter and private aircraft. By road, the resort is a 4-hour drive from Phoenix, 5 hours from Las Vegas and 6 hours from Salt Lake City.

*  *  *

Amanresorts was founded by Adrian Zecha who envisioned a collection of intimate retreats in beautiful surrounds with the unassuming, warm hospitality of a gracious private residence. The first resort, Amanpuri (place of peace) in Phuket, Thailand, introduced the concept, and since then, Amanresorts has grown to encompass 23 resorts located in Bhutan, Cambodia, China, France, French Polynesia, Indonesia, India, Laos, Montenegro, Morocco, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Turks & Caicos Islands and the USA.

For more information, please contact:

Anjali Nihalchand

Tel:  (852) 2868 5005

Fax: (852) 2868 5007

E-mail: anihalchand@amanresorts.com

Web site: www.amanresorts.com

“What every bride must know”

Organised By:  MY BRIDAL GOWN

Calling all brides to be!  Let us create your ideal bridal image in just a day!

Door gifts & complimentary body assessment for each participant!

Gown fitting opportunities, overcome skin challenges, sooth stressful skin, tips & quick make up fixes, bridal nutrition and diet plan, body treatment, walk down the aisle practical session, handmade jewellery, bridal etiquette, wedding cakes, cake tasting …
All happening at Aster Spring KLCC on Saturday, 24 October 2009, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (Averine, Dermalogica, My Bridal Gown, Wonderful Cake House)

* Selecting the right gown design that flatters your body shape is very important as it affects your appearance and image.  The right cut will enhance your figure, features and hides the flaws.
* Gown fitting opportunities.
* Bridal Etiquette, do’s & don’ts
* Learn how to create the ideal bridal image that suits your personality and portray the bride you aspire to be.
* Bridal diet plan & nutrition to shape up & treatments for problem areas
* Walking down the aisle with confidence and poise, the proper way to sit and descend stairs.
* Step by step practical skin care session, tips & quick fixes for stressful skin.
* Make up demo, bringing out your best features.
* Learn about the different types of wedding cakes for your theme, the advantages of wedding planning and how customised handmade bridal accessories can enhance your image.

Concept

The workshop is limited to 20 participants per session to provide individual attention.  The concept is casual, fun and interactive with activities, practical learning, role plays, skin care and make-up demo and theory.

Registration Fee

* RM 150 per pax
* The fee is inclusive of Refreshments & 1 Healthy Lunch

Venue:  Aster Spring Centre

4th Floor, Suria KLCC
Kuala Lumpur

Date:   Saturday, 24 October 2009
Time:   11:00 am – 5:00 pm

For more information or to reserve a seat, kindly contact Samantha at 017-2239951

10:30 am    Registration

11:00 am Creating Your Ideal Bridal Image by My Bridal Gown

Personality & Image Match

• How to create The Perfect Look for That Perfect Day
• Self Assessment
• What bride are you?

Body Shape & Gown designs

• Know Your Body Shape
• Select the Right Design That Flatters
• How to Enhance and Camouflage
• Customised Handmade Bridal Accessories

Etiquette in Wedding

• The Do’s & Don’ts in wedding
• Bridal etiquette
• Body language

Deportment for Brides – Practical session

• Gown Fitting session
• Making a Presence down the Aisle
• Bridal Posture
• Descending With Grace

1:00 pm   Lunch

2:00 pm Wedding Cakes & Themes by Wonderful Cake House

Types of Cakes

2:30 pm Shape up and stay energetic on the Big Day! by Aster Spring

Face the Fact! – Know your body

• What can I do?
• Pre Wedding Shape up Diet Plan

3:15 pm Secrets to beautiful bridal glowing skin by Dermalogica – Practical session

• Identify skin type
• Daily & weekly skin care regime
• Quick fixes to unpredictable skin disasters
• Soothing stressful skin
• Overcoming bridal skin challenges
• Facial treatments for brides to be

3:45 pm Tea Break

4:00 pm Naturally Beautiful Bridal Make Up Demo by Averine

• The right colour blend for the perfect bridal look
• Selecting the right base
• Identify details
• Downplay flaws
• Quick fixes & touch ups

4:30 pm   Bridal Hair Style

• Finding the right hair style
• Hair style that enhances your features
• Hair style to match your face shape, gown & theme

5:00 pm   End

For more information or to reserve a seat, kindly contact Samantha at 017-2239951

Start your wedding plans at the Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur’s Bridal Fair, a fairyland of wonderful wedding ideas and advice. Have a chat with our wedding planner and find out how we can personalize your wedding just the way you envision it to be. We know and understand that no two couples are the same; therefore no two weddings should be either.

Learn more about Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur’s 2010 wedding packages and get inspired by a wide array of wedding essentials and options from favours and flowers to photography. Mock wedding set-ups and a fully-dressed ballroom will also be available for viewing during the Bridal Fair. Relive the magical moments when you fell in love with each other as you gear up for the most important event in your life.

A wedding is the first day of your marriage and this is where it begins!

Date : 21 & 22 November 2009
Time : 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Venue : Level 2 Foyer

Featuring:

Wedding favors: Favors Essence, Wicked Wax, Simply Cakes

Health & Beauty: Lancôme, St. Gregory Spa, Serene Nails Studio

Gowns: Carven Ong Couture

Jewellery: Tomei Gold & Jewellery

Floral: Wishing Tree

Décor: Aspra Events

Beverage: Asiaeuro Wine & Spirits

Photography: Catchlight Photography

Here at Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur, we know how much your wedding or that special get together means to you and those close to you. We also understand you’re probably working within a budget and don’t want any unexpected expenses creeping in to spoil the fun.

Perks & Packages for 2010 Wedding Day Bookings include:

· Current year pricing for weddings held between 1 January 2010 until 31 December 2010

· Design your own Chinese, Malay or Indian set menu

· Complimentary 60-minute massage for two at St. Gregory Spa

· A special choice of a pearl necklace from Rafflesia Pearl Centre OR a perfect pair of his and hers 18K white gold diamond wedding bands from Tomei *

· A special choice of a raised dais (pelamin), a pearl necklace from Rafflesia Pearl Centre OR a perfect pair of his and hers 18K white gold diamond wedding bands from Tomei for Mutiara Kasih package

· Chinese Wedding packages from RM998++, Malay Wedding Packages from RM750++ & Indian Wedding Packages from RM750++

* Available for selected packages only

And if you’re a UOB cardmember, additional perks include:

· UOB Instalment Payment Plan (IPP) with 6 or 12 month tenure

· Complimentary pre-wedding reception canapés and refreshments for 100 persons (based on a minimum of 30 tables)

Other terms and conditions apply.

For enquiries, please call Amy Wong (Wedding Planner) at (603) 2782 8385 or email wong.amy@kul.parkroyalhotels.com.

Apart from the Megamall showroom, Diamond & Platinum also has 11 showrooms nationwide, as well as one showroom in Brunei.

A household name when it comes to platinum and white gold, the brand began 10 years ago as a means to fill a gap in the jewellery market targeted for young adults between 18 to 35 years of age looking for unique yet timeless pieces at a time when other jewellers were selling jewellery only in yellow gold.

To the brand, finding the perfect diamond is a lot like love – you don’t choose it, but it chooses you. And truly, that is what Diamond & Platinum is all about – finding love, and celebrating it. It could be in the shape of a beautiful solitaire diamond ring, or that perfect heart-shaped pendant, love has been the inspiration behind each and every exquisitely crafted piece.

Today, Diamond & Platinum offer dazzling and versatile pieces for every occasion – for weddings, engagements, anniversaries, as a romantic gesture – or just for fun.

The jewel in its crown is the Estrella diamond. Named after the Spanish word for star, it is beautifully crafted, immaculately cut, and has amazing brilliance and sparkle. The perfect diamond, it’s been a bestseller since it was first launched, for all these reasons.

As the brand moves forward to set new trends, raise the bar on quality and create bold, beautiful jewellery, many of its customers that have grown with it. Diamond & Platinum has also chosen this occasion to honour four very special customers who were there from the very beginning. We are glad to share their beautiful stories here.

Enduring Commitment
Life stage may change but commitment is forever.

All couples know that happy ever afters only happen in fairy tales. Making relationships work takes hard work and commitment. The most successful relationships are ones built on commitment and compromise. Janice Khoo is a young mother who also works with her husband in a family-owned business. “It’s easy to end up doing everything for your children, and it’s also easy to give your time to everyone so you have none left for yourself.” To rejuvenate and relax she ensures that she makes enough time for herself and her husband. “I love travelling, trying new things, and good food, my husband and I make it a point to go out without the children now and again, so we can just be together.” She laughs, “It’s almost like going on a date.”

Jocylyn Sau, a 24-year-old chef is planning her wedding, which will take place later this year. She’s spent quite a bit of time learning the art of compromise while choosing her wedding jewellery with her soon to be husband Richin Chin. “If he doesn’t like something he will tell me, so I can choose something else,” she says, “In the end, we get something we both like.”

Both Janice and Jocylyn are lucky enough to have found men who are willing to shower them with diamonds. Maybe it’s because they both believe in sharing their thoughts with their partner. Jocylyn says she makes it a point to always tell Richin what she wants to do and seek his opinion. “Being older he has more experience about life, and people, so he always gives me good advice about the things I want to do.”

Janice buys diamond jewellery to reward herself when she thinks she has accomplished something. “My husband is very supportive about my decisions, so he has no reservations about giving me his credit card when I go shopping for something special. A strong relationship is built on trust. He knows I will make a good decision and won’t overspend.”

Maybe part of the trust is also because of their choice of diamond retailer, Diamond & Platinum, which celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year. Both Jocylyn and Janice are regular customers. Janice says, “The sales people understand what I am looking for, and always help me find what suits me best in terms of design and budget.”

Jocylyn adds that she likes the choice and range of designs. She admits that she prefers classic pieces that are simple and suitable for every day wear. “There’s no point having jewellery that you just keep in the bank, I want to own pieces that I can wear every day, that suit my lifestyle and fashion-sense. Diamond & Platinum creates designs that are classic yet modern, so they go with everything. I even wear them to work, though I have to be careful not to lose them.”

Perhaps Richin Chin, Jocylyn’s soon-to-be-husband sums it up best, “When I consider getting something I look at its value. For example, when it comes to diamonds, I look at grade and colour- the practical aspects of why it is rare and valuable but I also look for the inner glow. For me life is about quality, trust and strong relationships. When you don’t compromise on these things, you can plan and build for the future, that’s why I choose Jocylyn. For me she has the right values and she’s beautiful inside and out, and that’s why she deserves Diamond & Platinum.”

Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend
Young and romantic, driven career woman or sensible mother, no matter who you are, there’s a place in your life for diamonds.

When asked to state her priorities in terms of family, career or shopping, Michelle Lee, laughs charmingly, and then says “I want it All!” This is a woman who believes she truly can have her cake and eat it. “I love beautiful things,” she says merrily “maybe that’s why I am in the beauty business.”

Soon to be married Jocylyn Sau loves dressing up. For her wearing jewellery is an important part of being well dressed. “There’s no point having jewellery that you just keep in the bank, I want to own pieces that I can wear every day, that suit my lifestyle and fashion-sense.

Janice Khoo is a wife, working woman and mother who has an unusual solution to boosting her confidence and moving effortlessly from one role to another. Diamonds! “They are so versatile. Whether you’re doing a business presentation or entertaining for the evening, you’re always appropriately dressed when you’re wearing diamonds. In fact you can go from one to the other and still look appropriately dressed.” she says.

All three are regular customers at Diamond & Platinum, which celebrates 10 years of putting the sparkle in the lives of Malaysian women in July this year. Michelle, who owns her own hair-dressing saloon, places a high value on quality and value. “I choose products for my own customers all the time. It’s important that they trust my choices; if I used inferior products and damaged their hair it would be a disaster! With Diamond & Platinum every piece I buy is certified, so I know exactly what I am getting and that it’s of a high quality. That’s very important to me because I also buy jewellery as a form of investment.” One of her most prized possessions is her 1-carat Estrella diamond ring. “This is the most precious piece of jewellery I own. It’s a “one in a million” diamond. I am also drawn by the amount of care taken in the cutting of the Estrella Diamond, it takes ten times to cut as long as an ordinary diamond so it is perfectly symmetrical for more brilliance and shine. With its platinum setting it really is a piece of perfection.”
Jocylyn adds that she likes the choice and range of designs. “Diamond & Platinum creates designs that are classic yet modern, so they go with everything. I even wear them to work, though I have to be careful not to lose them.” Janice agrees, “Diamond & Platinum has something for everyone, so you can get something small and cute which is very affordable, or really indulge in something magnificent which will become a family heirloom.”

Service is another reason all three women remain regular customers of Diamond & Platinum. Janice and Michelle agree that the sales people always understand what they am looking for, and always help them find what suits them best in terms of design and budget.”

All three ladies agree that being able to afford bigger and more elaborate pieces somehow validates their achievements. Jocylyn shyly admits that her soon-to-be-husband has already selected the jewellery he will present her with when she has their first child. Janice laughs as she points out that although ‘size does matter’, she has made it a point to educate herself about diamonds and learnt about grade, colour and cut. “You could say I’ve become more educated and discerning in my choices.”

Michelle thinks that although her tastes have changed over the years, one thing remains constant. “The size and value of the items I buy has increased but no matter how old or rich I get I think I will always able to find what I like at Diamond & Platinum.”

Happy Birthday Lucky Dip & “My Most Meaningful Jewellery” Story Contest

Finally, as part of Diamond & Platinum 10th birthday celebrations and to thank loyal customers, as well as entice new ones, Diamond & Platinum will be giving away fabulous gifts through its Lucky Dip promotion. Every purchase of RM1200 & above in a single receipt, customers are entitled to 1 lucky dip and freebies from our partners, who are Laneige, New Zealand Natural & Redsense. Prizes include Estrella pendants. Simply head over to the nearest outlet for more information. Trust us, you will not walk away with empty handed.

Meanwhile, Diamond & Platinum would like to invite you to participate in our “My Most Meaningful Jewellery” Story Contest. As every piece of yours is unique, and it accompanies you through life poignant moments, Diamond & Platinum would like to take this opportunity to know more about you. With no purchase required, share with us your most meaningful jewellery story, and you could stand a chance to walk away with fabulous prizes from Diamond & Platinum and its partners who are Hugo Boss, Laneige & Redsense, worth up to RM10,000 in value! T&C apply.

Promotion period: 1 August to 30 September 2009

For more information, please visit any of Diamond & Platinum showrooms, or log on to www.diamondnplatinum.com.

Here’s to another great decade!

Classic designs need not be boring nor old fashioned.
On the contrary, the timeless matching rings & bands, ever Favorite
eternity rings and elegant solitaires continue to be the top
choices for wedding couples.

Click here to know more about OE Classic designs or call +603 2162 3323

The proposal: On a trip to Genting Highlands, we both decided to visit the pagoda along the way. After climbing the many flights of stairs at the pagoda, Ivo suddenly got onto his knees and proposed. He simply slipped the ring onto my finger. I was completely out of breath but couldn’t say no the man who completes my existence. After being together for three and half years, we decided it was time to become husband and wife.

The wedding theme: East meets West rustic charm with a touch of red and white.

The venue: Il Tempio at Tamarind Springs.

The rings: Unity rings from TSL Jewellery.

The wedding dresses: Three gowns – a floral bridal dress, a red evening dress and a personally designed Italian lace evening gown.

Moments to treasure: For Ivo, the moment Juni walked down the aisle to meet him carrying the umbrella designed by herself was a beautiful and unforgettable moment. As she walked, there were three couples showering the path with rose petals. Later, the couple released a pair of white pigeons together and danced for the first time as husband and wife.

Juni & Ivo Cicolini’s Dream Team: The bride organised and coordinated everything.

Photography: Vogue Collection

There is something about a piece of pearl jewellery that exudes serenity and grace in a woman, a feat no other gemstone could ever achieve. The names of Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn are synonymous with classic elegance, having immortalized pearls as a symbol of grace and style. Stunningly independent yet beautifully feminine, these women made pearls into something revolutionary chic. Not far from home, renowned jewellery retailer DeGem brings the finest of pearls to our homeland with the launch of its DeGem Pearl Collection, boasting an extensive and exquisite range of gorgeous designs for pearl enthusiasts.

Known for its sense of purity and perfection, pearls have been worn in both jewellery and clothing since antiquity, and still remains a classic choice for many affluent women all over the world. Its quiet dignity and calming effect are taken to greater heights with DeGem’s unique, contemporary designs, enhancing the beauty of each pearl.

DeGem is sure to entice discerning customers with a display of exquisite pearl jewellery in a spectrum of colors and sizes to match the need and taste of the individual. Unlike any other pearl retailer that positions the pearl within the design, DeGem brings out the best in the pearl, integrating designs based on each, individual pearl and presents them as extraordinary jewellery pieces.

“At DeGem, we allow the pearls take centre stage, designing and matching them with delicate yet stunning stones to complement the pearl as elegant and tasteful jewellery pieces,” says Mr. Stephen Choong, CEO of DeGem Masterpiece Sdn Bhd. “DeGem also has an extensive range of pearl collection of the highest quality, so each individual is sure to get what they want,” he added.

Pearls are able to stand alone as a luxurious piece of jewellery, and DeGem ensures that each design captures and extracts the character of the precious gem. Lustrous and divine, the cultured pearls are categorized into three collections, the Classical (entry), Celestial (mid), and Divine (exclusive) Collection.

Divine Collection

As a rare gem specialist and jeweler, DeGem ensures its pearl jewelleries are timeless and designed to last a lifetime. With constant care, pearls can retain its luster with constant use as the body’s natural oils will keep them at its best. As pearls are precious and fragile, they should be wiped with a soft cloth and be stored separately from other jewellery to avoid scratching their tender surfaces.

The Pearl Collection by DeGem is starts from RM4,700 onwards for the Classical Collection, RM10,000 onwards for the Celestial Divine Collection and RM50,000 for the Divine Collection. These three exclusive collections are now available at all DeGem outlets.

For further information, kindly contact DeGem at Tel: 03-2282 3618 or visit DeGem Masterpiece Sdn Bhd

12►