And so we began our year of preparations to the big day. We wanted to keep the date of our anniversary (so that someone can remember the date. HAHA) and also to have on less event on our actual banquet day. :)

Did my make-up using the trial make-up services provided for by my actual day MUA Valerie. Then taxi-ed to the ROM location.

So on 30th May, we registered our marriage at the ROM. It was a intimate affair, just our parents and his sister. And it was quite a fast process. We said our vows and we were married! :D

Mr and Mrs Chee :3

With my parents-in-law and sister-in-law!!

With my parents!!

And now, we are preparing for the big day, coming in November. Can't wait! And the countdown begins!! :D

Been very busy for the past few months. And here I am to share my pre-wedding experience in Korea! :D We went to Korea late October to early November last year, and it was a blast! :D Totally enjoyed the photoshoot experience and the break away from work. So lemme begin on how we started on the journey for sourcing of the studio and finally, settling on the pre-wedding company, ZTAGEWedding, to help liaise with the studio, make-up studio and gowns.

After the proposal last year, my fiancé and I have been looking at many Korean studios and studying their photography and make-up styles. The photos we looked at were really exceptional, and it was really very well shot. So in all, we looked through multiple studios (more than 20) and have shortlisted a few studios for their studio layout. But to tell the truth, my fiance actually did most of the homework :P Haha.

Being not at all fluent in Korean, we knew we definitely needed pre-wedding companies that can help liaise with the studio located in Korea. We met up with a few of the companies that can do so, but one company, ZTAGEWedding, stood out from the rest as the quality of the services provided during our meetings with their salespersons (Eileen and the boss, Ashton) are really exceptional. There was no hard-selling at all, and that was one service standard that we felt was truly worth mentioning. The package details were communicated clearly (which also included free accommodation) and they answered all our queries, ensuring us that all the details are covered and that there will not be any hassle during the whole process. In the end, we finally settled on our package around April last year.

After the 6-month long wait, it was finally November and on the day of our fitting!! :D During the day of our fitting, the ZTAGEWedding Korea coordinator/translator, Coco, messaged us in the morning to remind us of the fitting timing. She later informed us when she arrived with the ZTAGEWedding van to send us to the gown fitting location. We headed to the location for the gown fitting with another Hong Kong couple and was ushered into a waiting corner. The ladies manning the gown studio were Koreans, so Coco communicated to them the kind of gowns that we were looking for. Then I was sent into a changing room where they showed me the gowns that I wanted and I tried on about 8 gowns and finally settled on 2 white gowns and 1 evening gown. After choosing the gowns, we headed to another room for the selection of tuxedos. Da chose his tuxedos (one silver, one checkered). After the gown selection, the driver sent us to the nearest train station (which we requested) for us to continue our exploration of Korea. LOL. For a gauge, the entire gown/tuxedo selection process took about 2-3 hours.

The next day was the photoshoot day. *excited* We woke up really early (fresh-faced) and waited for the ZTAGEWedding van and Coco. We were then sent to the make-up studio to commence our make-over. LOL. During the whole process, the make-up artist (with Coco beside for the translation) asked for the type of look I was going for, i.e. sexy, cute, natural, elegant. So I chose the natural-look. :) The make-up session took about 30 minutes, next up, was the hairstyling. Same as the make-up style, they showed me a book of different hairstyles for me to choose the style I want, and another 30 minutes was used up to set my hair. Next, I was sent out to change into the first white gown and wear my heels. During the change to the white gown, there was a Korean lady helping me. She is the one that will be with us during the entire photoshoot process for the change of gowns, touch-up for make-up and slight change of hair-do. And for the first time ever, I felt so pampered. HAHA XD

We then headed back to the ZTAGEWedding van and was brought to the our chosen studio. The studio was identical to what we saw online and the album photos!! Haha. The entire process was a blur, with the photographer (who was very professional and knew all the right poses to get us looking like models. LOL), the changing of gowns and touch-up of make-up and changes in hairstyle (done by the Korean lady/MUA). Coco was there the entire time, making sure that everything was alright, translating our requirements and the photographer's requirements back, and not forgetting, providing us with food and drinks during the entire photoshoot. Really applaud their professionalism!! :D The whole photoshoot process in the studio took about 4 hours, and really, it was quite tiring cause we had to maintain our poses (though it felt awkward, but the effect was very well captured).

Overall, the services rendered (makeup/hairstyling, gowns, photography, transport, translating services) are really good and have exceeded our expectations! Both accommodation (Myeongdong area) and transport was provided by ZTAGEWedding, the schedule and communication between staff and us was handled very well and there were no hiccups at all. For those who are worried with logistical issues, do not fret as the ZTAGEWedding Korea coordinators would be there to assist you. :) In terms of value-for-money, they are definitely the best Korean photo-shoot provider in Singapore! Kudos to Coco, our ZTAGE coordinator/translator in Korea, who did an excellent job in ensuring that everything ran smoothly. She and the touch-up MUA were both very attentive and catered to all our needs. ^^ Thanks again to ZTAGEWedding for making it a memorable experience for me and my fiancé!

P.S. The banner on my blog is a re-touched photo that the studio have given back to us. XD

As my fiance is out of town, I decided to meet with Maggie for dinner. We had so much to catch up on! With her recommendation, we decided to go to a Korean restaurant famous for their brewed Makgeolli.

Picture credit Joo Bar FB

Joo Bar
5 Tan Quee Lan Street
Open daily from 5.30pm - 12am

So "Joo" actually stands for alcohol in Korean and Joo Bar is famous for being the first bar in Singapore to make their own Korean Rice Wine. So that being the case, the first thing that we had to order was that.

Makgeolli Sampler Set

This is essentially small shot glasses of their differently flavoured Makgeolli. So from left to right - Original, Yuzu, Mango, Strawberry and Lychee. I especially liked the Yuzu and Lychee flavoured ones. If ever I am dropping by again, I will be getting the Makgeolli Slush (a bigger glass).

Baby Eel Paper

With makgeolli, we just need some snacks to eat while drinking. Haha. So we ordered the Baby Eel Paper. I thought it was quite tasty though it is a 'lil too salty for Maggie.

Seafood Soft Tofu Stew

We also ordered the Seafood Soft Tofu Stew because it was recommended by some blogs. When we first saw the stew, we were quite worried that it will be too fire-y, I mean, just look at the colour of the stew. Lol. But it was actually quite mild, and the tofu was really soft and tender. Definitely a must try :)

Hand Chopped Korean Minced Meat Rib Steak

This was *melts in your mouth* super good!! Another MUST TRY!

Price-wise, this may be a 'lil steep. Total damage was about $50 a person for all the dishes up there. But I have to admit, this is a good place for an after-work chilling out, especially with a bit of alcohol and good quality food. :) Gonna be dropping by here again!

It's been about one and a half years since I last blogged. Time to revive this. Haha. Anyhow, a little update on my life. My boyfriend of 7 years had proposed to me on my birthday just this year while we were at Bali. And I forgot to bring my camera over. Lol. We also managed to get our new HDB and will be going to sign the lease pretty soon :)

And now that October is here, we will be on our way to Korea for our pre-wedding photoshoot cum holiday. Haha. Speaking of which, we would have been on 3 overseas trips just this year alone. Haha. As compared to NIL last year. Growing up so fast, it is a little daunting. But at least we will be walking the journey together, and that's all that matters. :)

This was the trip when I was off the market, kenna chope liao. LOL :D

Dinner with a view before the proposal

Day 1 - 15 Jan 2015
We went for a short 4 day 3 night trip to Bali, Indonesia. Our accommodation was settled via AirBNB, ILOT Residences at Seminyak. The Villa was very cozy and it was perfect for couples. :D It was reasonably priced at SGD125/night. They also provided free transport to and fro the airport, and that was very convenient. :)

Our Bedroom

Gigantic Bathroom :O

Living Room

Pool side

View of the pool from the bedroom

As the ILOT Residences was located near Seminyak, it was very tourist-y. After offloading our luggage, we went for a short walk around our neighbourhood and settled on an Italian eatery - Trattoria Cucina Italiana (Jalan Leskmana No 100x, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia), and ordered our lunch.

Appetizer

Ravioli Burro E Salvia

Tagliolini Neri Al Salmone

We also headed to a Massage place near our Villa, eSpace Spa. I find it quite alright, well worth the amount we paid, but it was a tad too commercialised.

Jalan Raya Seminyak, Br. Basangkasa No. 3B, Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

After the massage, we headed to Naughty Nuri's Warung for dinner. It was a short taxi ride away (About SGD5 one-way).

Photo from google images

No., Jl. Batu Belig No.41, Kerobokan, Bali, Indonesia

BBQ Chicken

The Famous Naughty Nuri's BBQ Spare Ribs

Day 2 - 16 Jan 2015
Bright and early, we awoke and headed out to Whitewater Rafting. We didn't bring our valuables along, so there wasn't any pictures. Anyway, it was tiring and being fairly inexperienced in any such activities, I broke my toe nails. HAHAHA. #fail Lunch was provided after the activity, so we had our fill and headed back. Was so glad to head back to the villa to rest my aching self. And of course, my boyfriend was caring and trying not to laugh at my predicament. LOL. Once we reached the villa, I got a surprise :) Apparently the villa owner knows that today is my birthday and prepared a birthday cake. :D Super touched by my boyfriend and the villa owner :D

Since it was my birthday, my boyfriend arranged a special dinner for us. The dinner was at Breeze at The Samaya Seminyak and to be able to sit at the tables near the beach, a reservation had to be made in advance. I felt the need to dress up nicer too. Haha. :} I'll let the pictures do the talking :P

Gg. Darma, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia

Salad (Smoked Salmon, Heart of Palm, Orange, Rocket, Radish)

After the wonderful dinner, we headed back to our villa to wash up. After my turn at the showers, I stepped out to find the bed covered with red petals and a little photobook. Little did I know, my boyfriend (of going 7 years then) prepared a little surprise for me. And the question was popped. AND OF COURSE I SAID YES!!! :D *excited* *shocked*

Teehee

Happy girl

Day 3 - 17 Jan 2015

We headed to Ubud for the third day, courtesy of a hired driver. He was to be with us for the entire day, and all we needed to tell him were the locations/addresses of the places we want to go for the day. [Name of Driver: Ketut Jungutan] He was a really friendly guy and could speak good English. :) The first place we headed to was the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Mandala Suci Wenara Wala).

Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

The entire place was swarming with monkeys! We walked the entire vicinity and saw a lot of funny happenings. You can buy bananas and feed them. The monkeys will climb on you and eat right out of your hand. LOL. And whilst waiting for my fiance, one monkey climbed to my head. Think he was looking for some food in my hair. Haha.

Next, we headed to Fair Warung Bale for lunch.

Jl. Sriwedari No. 6, Taman Kaja, Gianyar, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Red tuna filet, garlic butter, vegetable and rice

Red chicken karre (curry), vegetables and rice

Overall the food was good and all proceeds will be donated, which I felt was a good cause, so we ordered slightly more expensive food. Kekeke :P On a side note, the juices here are very fresh and they cost SGD2.50 each. So we ordered 4, as it was a hot day. Haha. :) After the filling meal, we asked the driver to send us to the massage place we found online - Bali Botanica Day Spa.

Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Kedewatan, Kedewatan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

After our relaxing massage, we headed to Agung Rai Museum of Art. After viewing the art pieces, we headed for free coffee/tea while we looked on the padi fields. We ended our Ubud tour with dinner at Bebek Bengil - Dirty Duck Diner.

Jalan Hanoman, Padang Tegal, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Bebek Bengil - The Original Crispy Duck

Nasi Goreng Special - Indonesian Fried Rice with Chicken and Prawn, served with Sate and Fried Egg

Felt that the Crispy Duck was not very impressive, I thought that the Nasi Goreng Special tasted even nicer. :/ After our meal, we headed back to our Villa.

Day 4 - 18 Jan 2015

Headed back to Singapore after a simple breakfast near our villa. And that concuded was 4 days 3 nights Bali trip. Heh. It was indeed a fruitful trip, with a change in status. :3 Teehee. Sarang-hae-yo!

Another attempt to revive my blog. Lol. Went out with Maggie, a friend I met during a part-time events job. We hit off quite well during the job and really enjoy each other's company. :) Kudos to great friends~ Teehee! We went for a Brunch experience at Symmetry. Maggie's recommendations. Haha. Took a bus over to the quaint little cafe cause I have a straight bus. :P

Symmetry
9 Jalan Kubor #01-01

Tel: +65 62919 901
Opening Times -
Tue to Thu: 1030am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 12 midnight
Sun: 9am – 7pm

We called in for a reservation at 10am, and I reached just in time. But Maggie was late. Tskktskk. Haha. So I bought a Cappuccino to pass the time and grabbed a book to read. :) When she arrived, we began our meal! :D

What I ordered: Eggs Benedict, $20
Poached egg, hollandaise, aged cheddar, onion, bacon

Oh damn, the Eggs Benedict were simply awesome! :) Way better than the one I had at Wild Honey. The poached eggs were perfectly matched with the Hollandaise sauce and the cheddar. Usually I don't take salads, but I slurped up the greens too. A MUST TRY!!

Maggie's Big Breakfast, $24
2 eggs of your choice, maple glazed bacon, chicken cheese sausage, hash potato, mushroom, tomato, mesclun, jam and toast

For the eggs, you can choose between Poached Eggs, Scrambled Eggs and others. Don't quite remember the other choices though. Oops. :X

After our brunch, we headed over to Haji Lane for a look-see but we were too early and the shops have yet to open. We went to Bugis Junction instead, cause it was starting to rain. We spent the entire afternoon shopping around Bugis Junction and Bugis +. Haha. After a while we were shagged out. I managed to snag a pair of shoes from Mitju. Heehee. :P

We stoned around Starbucks after that and started playing a new game: Heads Up Charades. I think we were quite loud and we were attracting a few stares. Hahaha. :P Great catch up and I guess its my turn next to think of a cafe for lunch. Anyway, we cam-hored a bit, but I shall only put up one photo. :)

Till next time~ Cheers! :D