Engagement Photography

My fiance chose a great place to take our first engagement photos. I absolutely loved it. It was certainly a day where we can focus on each other. It has been a while where we got to stare into each other's eyes and it felt like it was a time to celebrate our love together. Thank you David Tam for capturing these moments. 

Modern Brides Expo at the Radisson Hotel

I took my mom to the Modern Brides Expo. My mom and I haven't been on the same page with my mom because weddings have changed quite a bit since her time. I really wanted her to have a glimpse of what happens at a wedding nowadays. I have to say though, it was quite a rough start because my mom went into every booth. EVERY BOOTH. Everytime that happened, people looked for the "bride". I can't say "No", I'm too nice about it. But, after a good walk through the booths, I was almost hypervenilating. My mom thought I was crazy. I can't help but feel overwhelmed.

There were a lot of awesome booths.

Rueben Alexander Salon - Gold Sponsor, Gregory Lui Photography - Gold Sponsor , Marsha Steeves Destination, Weddings - Gold Sponsor, The Tux Store - Gold Sponsor , Mia Boutique Bridal and Occasions - Gold Sponsor, 4everluv Photography, Luscious Creations, Tuesday’s Fabricare, Fired Up Catering, All Spiced Catering/ First Services Hospitality, Fiesta Creative Catering, Time Limo, Smooth Groove, Bell’s Bakeshop, Art Glass Designs, The Flower Box, Creative Gifts & Cards, The Studio Video,Cathy Jenson, Nutritionist, Arbonne Skincare, “It Works” – Weight Loss, Edward Jones – How to save for Educational Funds, Fifth Avenue Jewellry, Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport, The Travel Life Network, Diane Friesen, Century 21, Lesley Wagstaff, Remax Results Realty, Stella & Dot, Accent Cruise Lines, Audio Edge Entertainment, The Bay Registry, Perfect Wedding Magazine, Dinner for Two by Table Charm, Ainsley’s Affair, Wedding Connections/Wedding Planner & Directory,  etc.

We had fun and it was very informative=)

Say "Yes" to the Dress

I am watching "Say Yes to the Dress" right now. The Atlanta one.
I've been watching these episodes almost every night now and I find it sinfully entertaining.

A lot of brides feel pressured on how they look on their wedding day
They see the magazines. They see this tall thin figure. They wanna look like that and we are not all built like that.
So how do we get around that?
It's about finding the right garment that makes her feel like a million bucks.
So we really need to convince her she doesn't have to be a supermodel to be beautiful on her wedding day.
So your job is to make every girl see herself as a bride
That's a beautiful thing.


Possible wedding-dress induced anxiety attacks:
- Having too much audience: your friends+bridal party+grandma+mother+in-law+fiance?
- Hoping that you will feel that "ONE MOMENT" and being particular about it. This bride is asking to have that same butterfly-in the-stomach moment when the fiance proposed. She kept saying "no".
- Remember it's your day not your mother's. (Although I'm a super-mommy's girl who would love to please all parties)
- If you've tried more than 50 dresses, come on, what is going on?
- Best to trust your instincts, don't second guess yourself
- If you like lace, don't bring a friend that hates lace and calls it a table cloth.

Once you do feel that moment though, 
- Your heart starts racing
- You feel beautiful
- You see yourself celebrating your wedding in that dress


Dear bride-to-bes, Be confident, make a decision. Trying on more dresses should not be a stressful experience.

Cake Tasting

This was my very first cake tasting experience.
I have to say it was quite enjoyable.
Although my family will be serving a ten course meal, I would like to end the meal with a delicious satisfying dessert.

I get to choose the wedding cake of my dreams and I hope to find the right one.
This cake needs to serve 250 guests.

Does anybody have any recommendations in choosing a wedding cake?

The Red Qi Pao/Cheongsam

My dream-online qi pao dress

Now I wasn't looking too forward to finding my Chinese outfit of the night, but I knew it was an important part of my culture to be wearing a form of red.

Qipao traditionally is very form fitting. If I lived in China, I would've had my own custom designed qipao. I wish I were able to visit there to have most of my wedding things done, but I don't think it would happen anytime soon. The fiance and I decided to check out some store down in China town. I tried on a couple of dresses. Some qipao had mermaid styles, some with lace, and some were completely flashy.

I was looking for...
1. Something that complicated my body, that had just the right curves.
2. The neckline in the center (If it were more off to the side, it was considered more of a "mui" dress. It was more elegant to have it centered.)
3. Something that represented me. Not too flashy.

If I had this dress...

After three stores in search, I finally found something! I don't want to show it just yet, but I completely fell in love! I brought my mom in the next day to make the purchase. She settled the pricing and we made a huge save=) I loved it very much because:
1. It fitted me perfectly. (It even had that extra breast cushion! double "yay"!)
2. The neckline was in the center. The neckline has a little sharpness to it.
3. It is a red. A matte material with red dragons embroiled all over the dress. The material is thick and firm. There's two slits on both sides (Sexy! haha).

Advice for bride to bes: I've googled and searched for different qipao dresses online. Seeing and trying it on makes a huge difference when it comes to these form-fitting dresses. Be sure to have a couple of opinions before making the purchase. I had my fiance, mom and dad come check it out.

If any brides in the Vancouver area needs some help with qipao shopping, please message me!


Update:  To all the brides out there. I've been receiving a lot of messages about qi pao dresses. This is the place to go for Qi Paos in Vancouver: KK Boutique.
http://www.kkboutique.ca/about.html

Just make sure you bring your fluent chinese skills with you. Bargaining will certainly be possible. They have quite a selection when I went there. You can rent or purchase qi paos there. 
154 East Pender Street
Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3

Chinese Wedding Invitations

So... I really wanted my whimsical "Did it myself" invitation. Unfortunately, the parents set the record straight and I will be using these Chinese invitations. I really wanted to do it myself, but I will keep you posted if I do end up getting to use the ones that I made.

After a week full of defeat, my parents have nagged me enough to visit various Chinese Wedding Invitations. I have finally settled on full traditional Chinese wedding invitations. Gold and red. Can you guess which one I end up choosing?

"Double Happiness with attitude"

"Double Happiness in signature"

"Double Happiness formal as can be"

I honestly think these three invitations really define me. The Chinese "double happiness" are clearly smacked up front. Well, I have chosen #3. The one in melted in gold. It matched my "theme" =)

Wedding Show

On Sunday, my MOH and I attended  ENGAGE VC at The Vancouver Club.
A big thank you goes to Blush Occasions for the invitation.

I have to say, hands down on the best wedding show of the year.
What makes a show wonderful?

• Floral Gallery
• Cake Gallery
• Bridal Gallery
• Bridal Fashion Show
• Mini Spa and Beauty Room
• Wine Tastings
• Signature Cocktail Tastings
• Canapés and Chef Station
• Live Music
• Lavish Prizes

Furthermore, I have never seen so many men at a bridal show before!

I am so happy to be introduced to annaelizabethcakes, Blush Occasions, LuxeBeautyLounge and CountDownEvents.