#amandaleebride | Qin Xin & Joshua
For a couple who met while working at a Martial Arts Gym, we know from the beginning this wedding is not going to be like any others. Instead of going for a cookie-cutter wedding reception, Qin Xin and Joshua had a blast with their closest in what we will really call a wedding party indeed!
Forgoing the traditional gatecrashing, the couple’s big day eased in when hair and make-up by Marie Soh (27A.co) started in the afternoon, in a hotel near their wedding venue. It was a relaxed affair as friends checked in on them, unrestrained, indulging in the light atmosphere.
While every couple has their own turmoil when it comes closer to the wedding, the wedding dress often plays a huge role in determining how a bride feels on the whole journey. Qin Xin’s story might come close to every bride-to-be’s worse nightmare.
“ A little background, I am not thin or skinny by any measure; I would say I have a more athletic frame as compared to other girls. So finding dresses off the shelves was out of the question. I went to a few bridal shops to enquire on rental at the start but was put off by how they only recommended me ballgowns to "hide my heavy bottom". One saleslady even promoted a slimming tea to me. I decided to put a deposit with another dressmaker in the end. However, things did not go well as I felt the dressmaker was not experienced with someone my body type, and ended up making me look bigger than I really am. I went home that day and cried over it to Joshua because I felt like I was wasting money. This is going to sound very shallow, but he comforted me by saying that he would cover the cost of it (just gotta work harder :P) and told me to look for someone more reputable. That was how I decided to go for Amanda Lee Weddings which was actually my (secret) first choice.”
“ Every time I go to the studio, the designers will all be slouched over their work station sewing everything by hand! Somehow you can just feel their passion for their craft. From picking out the material, to sketching of the design, to eventually putting on the dress on my last fitting, the whole process made me feel like a princess. And I’m not even one who dreams of a fairytale wedding. Pearlyn was even sewing and making small detailed additions to my gown up until I collected the gown. I feel like the whole dress journey was the biggest highlight of my wedding planning process because despite the headache, seeing Pearlyn's vision come to life was an experience in itself. I cant recommend ALW and Pearlyn enough!”
Talking about the proposal, Qin Xin shared her side of the story, simple, but relatable.
“ One night, we were just chilling in the room ready to sleep and he suddenly brought out the ring box and proposed. It wasn’t anything fancy or a big event but it was exactly how I wanted it to be! ”
The wedding party unveiled itself as friends and families started streaming in, first treated by a shot of drink at the reception, which got the party hyped up at the start of the evening.
Every moment a pure bliss, as the bride walks the aisle with her utterly cool Dad, showered with love (and a rainbow of colours!) by her closest.
Throwing a wedding party, and actually enjoying it is no easy feat! While many brides may be tempted to take charge over the entire planning, and the rundown of the big day itself, Qin Xin shares her experience and some advice for all brides-to-be.
“ I would say don't sweat the small stuff but who am I kidding. SWEAT IT! It's all part of the process! I think as long as you both reach an agreement as to what are the things you cannot cut corners or be "budget" at (for some people it's the decor, or photographer, etc. For me it was the dress), there will be less disagreements and frustration down the road. Also, I would encourage all couples to seek out friends who are running wedding-related businesses, and support them! If you're already going to be paying good money, why not support a friend's business :) "
The wedding night ended with a blast, and we couldn’t have wished for a better night for our couple! Congratulations Qin Xin and Joshua, thanks for showing us yet again the essential core of a celebration!
Photography/ Samuel Goh Photography
Videographer/ Aaron Wende
Make up artist/ Marie Soh (27A.co)
Florist/ Floral Magic
Emcees/DJ/ Fiona Loh and Ervin Kray
Engagement Rings/ Ivy Masterpiece
AVL Equipment and Set Up/ CoaxialProjects