My first anniversary and it remains fresh in my memory ...

Last year today, Sandy and I both said ' I do '. I do to a whole new world, I do to a whole new life and as one. As husband and wife that shares the same surname - Chong. A unity of love and a promise to care for one another, through thick and thin, through riches and rags, through good and bad health.

 

Everything that happened during this period last year is still fondly cherished and remembered.

 

From the gestures of family and friends that took time to witness the biggest event of our lives as well as the moments they spent with us partying, merrying.

 

Of course, I have to thank those close friends who made our wedding a total success especially on that rainy day in Sentosa. I can remember how the skies opened and partied by showering us with lots of love in rain.

 

The bachelor parties, the drinking sessions and the drunkards we created all in the name of fun and great company.

 

Yes, I remembered also how I cried on stage and how I managed to serenade the crowd with my own composition of romantic tune. Somewhat, Sandy didn't get my lyrics right even till today but it's all great because I fulfilled my wishes in having my own 'mini - concert'.

 

The days that followed after the wedding was a fantastic time spent with a close buddy. I do not know if Sandy and I will ever find such fun and company ever again in a vacation - a double date away from the little dot we live in.

 

From what I can remember, everything went smooth and almost as planned.

 

I hope in the many years to come, I can still do a playback in my mind of what happened during the summer of 2008 as I know, these cherished moments can only happen once in a lifetime.

 

Happy 1st year anniversary. As of now, we still do not know what we'll be having for our anniversary dinner. We'll likely visit Amara Sanctuary again and try to walk those path that we step foot a year ago. Hand in hand, heart to heart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Wedding at Sentosa's Amara Sanctuary ...

7 June 2008 will be a day in my life that I'll never forget. If I ever do, something must be terribly wrong.

This post is to acknowledge the many efforts put in by the guys at Amara Sanctuary.

Despite the heavy rain that poured on us that day, the team at Amara Sanctuary went all out to shelter our guests from the Grand Ballroom to the Glass Pavilion and back. No complaints or grumpy staff. They delivered their services well.

I wasn't sure how many staff they activated to assist with holding umbrellas but it was all compliments and praises for the team at Amara Sanctuary. Kudos to Irene and team for making the wedding a happy event for us.

The buffet lunch also received positive feedback with great hospitality provided by the banquet staff. Excellent service.

Everything went well except for one - the many ants that turned up at our bridal suite. What to do? Its a jungle out there. ; )

Hey, fellas from Amara, if you are reading this, perhaps another complimentary night for us at room 768. ; )

My wedding photos ... bits of it.

Just thought I'll share some photos of our lovely wedding and a photo of a post-wedding party which saw the HK team knocked out by the heaps of alcohol available at Keppel Club. I will try to upload more photos once Sandy finds the time. ; )

Time flies pass really quickly. It has been more than a month since we had our wedding at the Amara Sanctuary and its been two weeks after our honeymoon in Japan. I have to admit the honeymoon was really enjoyable. I enjoyed every minute of it despite the numerous shopping forced upon me. You can check out the link below to see more honeymoon photos.

Please stay patient with me as we upload the wedding photos and the post-wedding party that looked so much like a gambling event but instead of money, alcohol became the stakes instead.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=ard6v2w9.7l1accv1&x=0&y=-2n0rpu&localeid=en_US

Japan here I come ...

Time hasn't really been on my side to allow me to write about my wedding however I promise that will happen when I come back from my honeymoon trip.

 

As I post this blog, its raining out there on the tarmac while the A380 is waiting for us to board. This is going to be exciting. A rare chance to catch a glimpse and even ride the A380 belonging to Singapore Airlines,

 

More details to follow when I find my next internet station.

 

 

13 days to go ...

Sandy is finally going to be mine in 13 days. I wonder if she'll get used to being introduced as Mrs Chong. I believe it'll take some time to have that effect kicked in.

Its only 13 days more and I still feel that there are still many things undone and one of which is the purchase of a new bed. That's likely the first furniture we are ever going to buy together.

I haven't gotten my shoes, haven't collected my wine, haven't finalised the guests list and I haven't received the table arrangements too. Look at the amount on my 'to do list'. Its scary isn't it? So the next time you wish to throw a wedding bash, do consider these things carefully. ; )

But seriously, I aren't regretting throwing this big party of ours. Afterall its a once in a lifetime affair and its always nice to celebrate it with close family and friends.

I guess to make this event a successful one, I have many people to thank. I'll be updating my blog at 'kramfriends' so that I can put my thank-yous to each and everyone who has played a significant role in my life as well as contributed to my wedding in any way big or small. So keep a lookout. However, I have to tell you that its not going to be that quick as right now, I still have lots undone. Perhaps it'll be completed by September thereabouts.

Enough said, I shall come back to update you more about the wedding. Somehow or rather, I do feel I have neglected this blog but it won't be for long until I start contributing to it like how I used to.

Anxiety .. stress ...

All these years I thought I was managing my life well but never did I realise I would succumb to anxiety due to high stress levels.

Guess its a mixture of work as well as the wedding preparations which are long overdue.

Haven't been myself lately and I start to ponder how my other friends managed to cope with nagging wives. Phew, they sure can nag till the neck falls off.

Glad mine is still intact with the body. ; )

Am taking some time this weekend to relax a little and sort out some of the outstanding chores which are pending and outstanding. See, tending to the chores would likely bring me more stress, so how to relax?

Frankly, maybe its right to say that I like to and want to handle things on my own. Its not about not trusting others to do it but more like trying not to burden others with my responsibilities. That's me. I tend to be responsible for what I do and what I cannot do. This is why and how I end up stressed.

There are plenty of things to do but not enough time, not enough hands and all at the same time, not wanting others to be stressed up over our issue.

Enough said, I guess I am still looking forward to my big day despite the number of chores I am about to face. Afterall, its our day. Perhaps, am just lazy or is it something else ....?

7 June 2008 ...

Times flies really quickly. In just one month, Sandy and I will be married.

Its been a long walk together, going through many squabbles and arguments but we are still one. One heart, one big love.

Wedding invitations are on the way out to relatives and friends. Did you get yours? If not, be patient. Oh, unless you are the group coming from Hong Kong. ; )

Seriously, Sandy and I didn't do much planning for this big day. Its not going to be fanciful. Its just a party for us all, just like how friends get together at each other's homes. This is exactly the same, only that my 'living room' will be able to accommodate more than 200 guests.

Let's not expect too much from both of us. We'll mingle, we'll play and we'll cheer. That's the only reason why we are all coming together on 7 June 2008.

A little anxious over this big day but am certainly hoping 7 June 2008 will not pass me by quickly as I want to enjoy every minute, every hour and feel what's going on inside me. I am not going to rush. I'll just try to capture every moment I can with my bride Sandy and of course, everyone present.

Its a pity some friends cannot make it due to various reasons. Work, health etc. But all have sent me well wishes. Everyone of them have.

I tried visualizing myself in clothes I am to wear on that day. I see myself walking around, clowning around and taking pictures. I am who I am even on that day so forgive me for my jokes and funny acts.

Right now I am still thinking if I should perform on that day. If I should play the piano at all. See, few months back I performed and my best friend's wedding and I realised noone was listening, no one paid attention and I am really afraid of that as I didn't want to be any other lounge piano player. OK, excuses and more excuses.

I shall stop here and not say anything more. Let whatever is going to happen on that be a surprise for you and me so don't try to pry open this golden mouth of mine. It'll stay shut.

So in 30 days, I'll be the groom and Sandy my bride. In 30 days, I'll be a grandfather and she'll be a grandmother. Sweet and nice isn't it?

Song Writing ...

I happen to chance upon a blog / forum on song writing. Songcraft seems to be a platform for aspiring song writers to exchange and talk about their works and what's best is they'll have a get-together on Friday at Fort Canning Park.

I am trying to squeeze some time to join the group of people behind Songcraft and hopefully pick up some tips from the people there. I am not too sure if I will be able to make it as you know my wedding is round the corner and there are still lots of things not done yet.

Its inspiring to know there are people out there who share the same interest in wanting to write a musical and its comforting to know that they are doing what they can in placing some effort to make that dream come true. Perhaps I should start making contacts there and who knows, a collaboration might make things a little easier to make that dream a reality.

Its two months away ...

Our wedding is drawing closer and we are talking about 60 days away. As usual, nothing much done yet on our end. Well, afterall its going to be a casual get together with family and friends.

So what's outstandng?My.We have a long list of 'to-dos' to put in place. My clothes, my songs, the guest lists and the purchasing of wine as well as program for the day.

I have been telling friends to come dressed casually as I do not want to overdress myself. If I could, I would love to wear denim jeans on that so you know what to do.Come in your pyjamas. Sandy is unlikely to allow me to dress casual but let's see what I can do to convince her.

The day's program will kick off at 530am with a Chinese tradition of hair combing. An hour later, gate crash at Sandy's place will take place to escort the bride out of her home and to my parents' place. I have a feeling that there will be lots of funny games as we try to break in to snatch the bride and I will have to count on my section of six brothers to be present for the tortures.

Just for you to know, the following are my brothers - Weisheng, Junsheng, Hanwen, Jiaping, Edwin and Tsu Jungg. These guys will represent me in any games that is to be played. Afterall, I am the groom and I shouldn't be involved in being mocked at.

The line-up on the other side of the gate will be Clara, Louisa, Shio Cheng and Ellen. Four ladies versus six gentlemen. What do you think will be the result? :) No comments here.

So after all the home visits, we'll set off to Amara Sanctuary where the solemnization and lunch buffet will take place. There, its going to be fun, fun and more fun as that's where Sandy and I will greet the many guests attending the wedding lunch.

During lunch, we'll want to mingle around as much as possible. Afterall, the guests are here for us thus we'll take as much time to interact as possible. In the midst of lunch, we'll also do our tea ceremony which could take up an hour as we do have many relatives. :)

Once all is over, Sandy and I plan to just stay in the room and stay sober as we know we'll be tired after all the activities.Its also to escape a bunch of guests who carry thoughts of making us drunk. Looks like I have to send some hitmen to take them out first by making them drunk instead. So who can I count on I wonder as all of them seem likely to be defectors and will not pledge loyalty on that day.

Perhaps on that day,I shall declare alcohol free. :) Its a sacred day afterall. Yes, that's what am going to do. The best of all tactics is to retreat and retreat I shall.

12 weeks to go ...

Time is ticking and the day is coming closer yet quite a bit of things has not been arranged. What am I talking about? My wedding of course. Oops. OUR wedding it should be.

Despite attempting to keep the wedding as simple as possible, I still find that there are still lots to do.Our priority for that day is to be able to spend as much time and taking every opportunity to chat with our guests. That's what we really hope to fulfill that day.

So what are the things which are still pending? Photo montages, my clothes as well as the brothers' clothes, purchasing of wine, the customary 'equipments' and most importantly the invitation cards which will act as an entry pass into the southern island of Sentosa.

Many relatives and friends alike come up to me and ask the rationale behind the venue. Seriously, its just 'love at first sight'. We visited the Amara Sanctuary and we both liked the place. Yes, we understand its a little far but rest assured that its still accessible by road.

As we know Sentosa is associated with the sun and heat, we hope our guests can turn up in their casual wear. Denim wear is fine especially jeans. For those who seek more vanity, bikinis and swim shorts are welcome too. Just wear whatever you feel comfortable but don't you outdress me - the groom, as I will try to be as casual as possible so don't be surprised if I appeared in my bermudas. :)

So with 12 weeks to go, have you thought about the games we can play that afternoon? As we want it to be a fun gathering of family, relatives and friends, all possible laugh effective games are welcome for the day but only one request by the bride and groom - no drinking for the wedding couple that day as it will be considered a sacred week for them. :)