We are thrilled to be the exclusive retailer in Hong Kong for Umi, the brand new little sister to Elum Design’s couture invitation line. Umi is an affordable letterpress solution for those who don’t want to compromise on design or materials.

Of course, with these affordably priced packages do come some limitations. All artwork and layout has to remain the same as shown on the samples but we think you will be so smitten with the designs, you won’t want to change a thing! You still have every opportunity to put your own stamp on it by customizing ink colours, paper and envelopes. There is also a flat printed option at a fraction of the price. Their highly affordable flat printed packages are the perfect solution for the client who loves the design but won’t budge for letterpress. More details on www.elumdesigns.com!

Make an appointment today to see for yourself by calling 2869 4222 or emailing us at elum@theweddingco.hk

Attention shoppers! Net-a-porter.com, purveyor of all that’s chic and stylish has recently launched a luxurious comprehensive one-stop destination for the chicest wedding yet! Their fashion advisors can assist you with styling ideas, plan your dream honeymoon wardrobe and dress the mother of the bride as well. With worldwide express delivery, beautiful packaging and free returns, it couldn’t be more simple!

We are delighted to be organizing the upcoming Wedding Showcase at InterContinental Hong Kong on Sunday, March 7, 2010 in the InterContinental Ballroom. Definitely not to be missed if you are getting married in 2010 or even 2011!

With more than 40 luxury wedding specialists showcased at the event, brides to-be can view the latest designer wedding gowns, meet the city’s top floral artists, event decorators, wedding photographers and make-up artists.  They’ll have an opportunity to discuss exquisite menu options and champagne selections with the hotel’s professional wedding planners, and explore exotic and romantic honeymoon destinations.

The event will include a special “Vera Wang Bridal Suite” where brides can view the latest collection of Vera Wang wedding gowns.

Luxury brand exhibitors include Harry Winston, Baccarat, Moet & Chandon, La Mer, plus designer wedding gowns by Central Weddings and other top Designer Bridal Room, White Bridal Couture and more.

Luxury Wedding Showcase tickets are priced at HK$60 per person or HK$100 for 2 person (inclusive of refreshments and a lucky draw ticket for a chance to win romantic honeymoon or vacation stays at the InterContinental Resort Fiji, InterContinental Hanoi Westlake and  InterContinental Hong Kong.

Click here to register now!

Not only was our recent bride beautiful and highly educated, she had impeccable manners and was a cut above the rest. She overcame all her wedding obstacles (everyone has them!) with poise and grace and was an inspiration to us all!  It was truly a pleasure to work on their wedding held mid-January in Hong Kong. From the bonsai tree centerpieces that reflected the father of the groom’s love of gardening to the individual caricaturist drawings she commissioned for each member of bridal party, she thought of everything from the heart and we were privileged to have helped her make it happen.

Create Images is a boutique photo agency in Hong Kong producing some outstanding work. Uber-discreet, they have shot many elite weddings for Hong Kong’s top families. The principle photographer is Charles Chan, who has a passion for all kinds of photography and is one of a only handful of photographers around the world endorsed and sponsored by Canon. Their team also produces outstanding videos as well.

I hear they have a new website coming soon, but in the meantime, visit Create Images at www.createimages.com.hk to view their work.

I recently met up with the team behind Atelier Isabey, a bespoke invitation design company based in New York. Wow! What attention to detail, stunning designs and luxurious printing and finishes. Apart from a ready to ‘order’ collection, their forté is in custom design — from the initial sketches to the final product, it truly becomes a work of art. They are open to working with clients from Hong Kong so give them a call!

More and more couples are coming to us wanting to create a beautiful outdoor or non-religious ceremony but don’t know how to go about it. First and foremost, from a practical aspect, if you are planning an outdoor ceremony, ensure that you have a ‘back-up’ plan in case of rain or inclement weather for the comfort of your guests and also for your own peace of mind! Whether your ceremony will be held indoors or outdoors, plan to visit the site a few times, preferably around the same time as your wedding day to get a sense of the space, work out the ‘floorplan’ and keep your eyes open to all the little details. Ask yourself — Do you need a sound system? Is it too hot? Are there mosquitoes? Is there enough parking? Do you have a room to place your belongings?

Secondly, write a good ceremony ’script’. Know who the players are and what their role will be and then schedule a rehearsal with the bridal party to go over it. How will the bride’s father ‘hand’ her over to the groom? Will someone escort the mothers down the aisle? Who will untie the rings from the ring pillow? Who will cue the musicians? You don’t want to be figuring this out ‘live’ so think all the details through before-hand. Of course, if you had a wedding planner, she would guide you through the above and more but if you don’t, then appoint a responsible and organized friend to help you out.

Its easy to get caught up in the whole ‘look’ and planning of the ceremony and absent-mindly forget that it is a legally binding ceremony. Allow yourself plenty of time to sort out the paperwork with your officiant or directly with the Marriage Registry office. In Hong Kong, you can start the process to make an appointment to give notice of your intended marriage up to three months prior to your wedding date. More details on the very useful esdlife weddings website.

Finally, just let it go on the day. The micro-managing part is over — hand it over to someone else and let yourself shine! There could be things that don’t go as planned — cars may get delayed, orange juice may spill, (my sister even knocked over a glass of red wine on the bride..gasp!) but it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, you are celebrating your wedding and the start of a new life together!

Some of the many ceremonies that we have planned!

I can’t even remember how and when Caroline and I first met Lisa, probably in 2003 at our first wedding fair with Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. We have worked with Lisa B countless times since then and love her work. She definitely has talent, but apart from that, she is genuinely nice, easy to get along with and will go to great lengths to capture that perfect shot. Visit her website at www.lisabweddings.com to see her portfolio… Some of our favourite images below!

We are so happy to hear that Vera Wang will be opening a stand alone store in Hong Kong in Edinburgh Tower, Landmark. Operated by Central Weddings & Occasions, it is bound to be a beautiful experience for brides-to-be when it opens at the end of January 2010. Their Spring/Summer 2010 collection features delicate floaty layers with buttons, ribbons and bows adding a youthful charm. Asymmetrical draping and random gathers add to the uniqueness and artistry of the collection.

Some highlights and text from Vera Wang’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection:

‘Glamorous almost seems like an understatement when it comes to this strapless soft Vera Wang ballgown of watercolor tulle, tissue organza, chiffon and charmeuse with vintage crystal beadwork at the bust, emphasis on the natural waist and a watercolor draped skirt.’

‘Classically beautiful and understated, this French tulle Vera Wang strapless soft A-line gown with a woven criss-cross bodice and gathered skirt would frame any bride beautifully.’

‘Intricate and airy with the Deidre, Vera Wang defies expectation by taking the customary strapless bridal gown and turning it into a showcase for high fashion techniques. A strapless full A-line gown that accentuates the natural waist with an asymmetrically draped bias tiered origami skirt with back bows the Diedre is bound to be the dream dress for many a bride.’  Available in Ivory, Pale Nude or White.

‘Vera Wang has outdone herself with this strapless soft sweetheart full A-line gown with a draped wrap bodice and swirling frothy draped skirt that is at once a tradionalist masterpiece and a vision of individual style with its delicately asymmetrical tulle layers.’

‘Lilies of the Valley with their delicate scent, elegant droop and innocent hue are the perfect bridal flower, a thought shared by Vera Wang who lavishly embroidered them all over the skirt of this strapless modified mermaid gown with criss-cross grosgrain detailing and back bows.’

The old world elegance of Spring Moon at the Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong turned out to be the perfect setting for this intimate signing ceremony held in November 2009. As it was a busy time in this couple’s lives, the wedding was almost entirely planned by email and quick phone calls in just under four weeks.

We were entrusted by the couple with all of the details which included all the worldwide travel arrangements for his family and friends, the ‘East meets West’ floral centerpieces, vendors sourcing, a fresh wedding cake and all the ceremony arrangements. Here are some photos!