Josephine's thoughts: Our Love Is Here To Stay

The devil is in the detail, which is perhaps why I found the wedding of Dexter and Elisabeth last Sunday so devilishly divine.

Held in the beautiful Fullerton, rooftop cocktails accompanied by an evening view of the old city segued into dinner in the charming Straits Room one floor and gilded-elevator ride below. Guests were dressed to impress in tasteful cocktail outfits, and took their seats as among the select few close friends, colleagues and relatives to grace this cosy wedding gathering. Each table was gracefully furnished with everything necessary to make them complete, including wedding favours in the form of wedlock-themed luggage tags or minature music-boxes that chimed La Vie En Rose, all of which set off a mild scuffle among the ladies for the favours of choice.

With everything running smooth as clockwork, the stars of the evening were introduced in a beautifully put together video montage at 740pm, were announced at 745 and entered the hall immediately after, Dexter suave in a suit and Elisabeth floating on a cloud of white chiffon to their seats…I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a bride carry off what could have become ostentatious couture so well, but the beautiful Elisabeth definitely did, to thunderous cheers and applause from the genuinely delighted guests!

Dinner was served, with each course pre-ladled into serving bowls, and the band was struck up…that’s us, being myself on vocals, Adeline on the lovely Fullerton piano, Wah Yong providing bass on the bass, and Shawn on his stunning collection of percussion instruments complete with djembe, all playing Elisabeth’s thoughtful, and very varied selection of love songs.

It was lovely to do jazz numbers which definitely couldn’t be called ‘standards’ and a minute later do pop, Queen’s rock numbers, and then Chinese and Hokkien songs, though the favourite of Dexter’s family was definitely 一人一半 (One Half) in Hokkien, the performance of which was followed by clamours for more! Personally, the band would like to commend this couple’s taste which we very much share, and from the warm support of the rest of the guests, we hope they did as well!

As the dinner proceeded and with videos of the brothers doing star-jumps, yam sengs, and Dexter and Elisabeth’s very moving speeches, the charming mood of the Straits Room gave way to increasingly relaxed merriment, and we were very infected by the laughter and whooping of the brothers and sisters and especially of one lovely female relative with funky hair sitting right in front of our band setup, who determinedly harangued Dexter with cries of ‘Handsome Boy!’ and “Kiss Her!’ all of which we highly agreed with.


Band: Josephine, Adeline, Wah Yong & Shawn


Repertoire:

(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons, Look of Love, So Nice, L-O-V-E, Our Love Is Here To Stay, Let There Be Love, Turn Me On, I'll Be Your Baby, Beyond The Sea, Honey Honey, Close to You, I Wanna Be With You, I Think I Love You, 至少还有你 (At Least I Have You), Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, 一人一半 (One Half), 出嫁 (Marrying), Fly Me To The Moon, Girl from Ipanema.

James's thoughts: 我要你的爱 (I Want Your Love)

You know that well-worn tradition of getting the groom and groomsmen to overcome different challenges posed by the bridesmaids before the groom could meet his bride?

Well, poor Bobby had another set of challenges to conquer before he and Mei Ting could reach the stage of the Four Seasons Hotel ballroom.

There were four pairs of imposing swordbearers, each one armed with a different challenge for Bobby. The last one was particularly memorable: Bobby had to carry Mei Ting up the stage! Initially I was slightly worried for Bobby, who seemed to need a bit more meat on him. Luckily for Bobby, Mei Ting seemed as light as a feather, and he overcame that challenge to the rousing cheers of their wedding guests!

Having proven his brawn, Bobby had to serenade his bride by performing a Cantonese number, 我的名字你的姓氏 (Your Name With My Surname). It was a beautiful song, and Bobby did it justice despite having had no prior rehearsal.

One of the highlights of the wedding was the entire group of groomsmen and bridesmaids stayed onstage after the yum seng ceremony to sing 我要你的爱 (I Want Your Love) together! It was a blast!

Congratulations, Mei Ting and Bobby! Thank you for engaging us to perform at your wedding. It was an unforgettable experience!


Band: Zheng Quan, James, Melvin, Fabian


L-R: James, Melvin, Bobby, Mei Ting, Zheng Quan, Fabian

Repertoire:

Solemnisation: Kenny G's "The Moment"

Bridal march (1st March in), Everyday I Love You, 分分钟需要你 (I Need You Every Minute), Can’t Help Falling In Love, When You Say Nothing At All, Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World, Quizás Quizás Quizás, Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You, Fly Me To The Moon, I’ll Make Love To You, A Moment Like This

Sway (2nd march in song), 我要你的爱 (I Want Your Love), 我的名字你的姓氏 (Your Name With My Surname), L-O-V-E, Sometimes When We Touch, 给我一个吻 (Give Me A Kiss), You Raise Me Up, Can't Take My Eyes Off You, She’s The One, My Valentine, 爱是永恒 (Love Is Eternal)


Compliments:

Hi Hsin Yeow,

Thank you so much! My guests loved the performance that night, in fact, we had a few of them coming to us asking for your contacts.

It was such a pity that we couldnt be there throughout to enjoy the lovely music but I am sure we will have the chance soon since some of my friends are already thinking of engaging live bands for their wedding!

Cheers,
Meiting ~Bel~

Jerome's thoughts: 爱是永恒 (Love Is Eternal)

A wedding needs a lot of support from either family, relatives and friends. Usually all three.

Tony and Lynn have a great bunch of friends. They were spontaneous and very playful. Tony and Lynn were equally sporting, and had fun with the "sabo" games their friends dished out.


We were greatful to be their wedding band for the night as well. Tony and Lynn chose a varied set of songs, ranging from pop to classics. Hui Ming even sang a Japanese tune!

To Tony and Lynn's guests - Thanks for all the applause!


Band: Jerome, Hui Ming, Ian


L-R: Jerome, Tony, Lynn, Ian, Hui Ming



Jerome and his fans!

Repertoire:

From this moment (1st march-in), Love Me, 喜欢你 (I Like You), 追 (Chase), Yuki No Hana, How Deep Is Your Love, 但愿人长久 (May All Live Well And Long), 今天你要嫁给我 (Marry Me Today), 最浪漫的事 (The Most Romantic Thing), What A Wonderful World, Top Of The World

Can't Take My Eyes Off You (2nd march-in), You've Got A Friend, Love Will Keep Us Alive, If We Hold On Together, Dream A Little Dream, L-O-V-E, 给我一个吻 (Give Me A Kiss), 一人一半 (One Half), 我要你的爱 (I Want Your Love), 爱是永恒 (Love Is Eternal), 做你的男人 (Being Your Man)


Compliments from Tony:

Hsin Yeow!!

Thanks for catering to our needs and last minute requests. Hui Ming, Jerome and Ian were great. Though we weren't around but that what all our friends commented. The most amazing that could have happened is Lynn's sister was a fan of Jerome.

Thanks for making it happen for us and will really appreciate if you can let us know when is their next performance. Really didn't have a chance for us to sink in to their music. Cheers!!

Junxiong's thoughts: From This Moment

It was an unusual night for me as I was honoured to be seated at Jimmy & Christina's helpers' table, a sweet and thoughtful arrangement so that I can enjoy the sumptuous banquet and mix around with their pals while performing my emcee role.

Christina told me that she has known Jimmy for a total of 10 years... Isn't that marvellous?! A full decade of relationship is invaluable, and they are finally sharing their life journey together from this very instance onwards!

When I asked Christina for details on how Jimmy proposed, this was what she said...

"After being together for 10 years, Jimmy proposed to me on my birthday last year on 16th Aug 2008 at the Jewel Box, Mount Faber. We'd finished our dinner, and we were enjoying our drinks while listening to the live band. I suddenly noticed him digging out something from his pocket, but it dropped on the floor. I wanted to help him find it, but he said it's okay; after he found it, he gave a happy sigh, "HENG AH!" and said Dear, will you marry me? I just laughed, he didn't wait for me to reply, and just slid the ring onto my finger! =)"

Being seated at the helpers' table, I also found out that all these helpers have been up since dawn to assist the couple from morning ceremony down to the wedding dinner reception details. Although they were physically worn out, you couldn't tell from their faces as they were beaming with smiles throughout the night. From their expressions and conversations, I got to know how popular our lovely couple is among their social circles...

My heartiest congratulations to both of you, Jimmy and Christina! Here's wishing you a wonderful life journey together From This Moment onwards with lots of laughter, joy and happiness!!! ^_^


L-R: Jun Xiong, Jimmy, Christina

Compliments from the Couple:

Hi Jun Xiong,

Thanks for helping us on the hosting and coordination for our wedding dinner @ Novotel.

We really appreciate your efforts in making our wedding a smooth and unforgettable night.

We received comments from some of my guests who said you really make a great role in hosting!

Cheers,
Jimmy & Christina

Serene's thoughts: Lucky

Patrick and Hera's wedding was held at the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Hotel.

This unique venue definitely set me, and I am sure their guests in the right mood to attend a wedding with it’s stylish architecture, vast spaces, modern decor, and glimpses of natural light peeking into the hotel’s interior. As the evening went on, I soon pieced together how this venue must hold a special place in Patrick and Heras’ hearts. The first clue was when I learnt that Hera is a "Singapore Girl" from watching the video montage.


Patrick was a natural charmer when it came to delivering the couple’s speech. Firstly and unconventionally, he took the stage alone joking that his bride happily entrusted him with the job, causing laughter to breakout around the room while Hera watched him lovingly from the VIP table. Hera looked beautiful in a red evening gown with crystal details.


Take a look at more stunning photographs from Yu Hsin!
The groom then went on to thank a group of friends who rushed to attend their wedding shortly after touching down from an international flight, as well as other colleagues (who initially did not manage to change their flight schedules) for using "creative" means just to attend their wedding, to which the many “knowing” parties burst out laughing.

He ended his speech with a very touching moment. The one sentence that touched my heart and I am sure many. I manage to catch the priceless moment Hera teared when Patrick ended his speech saying "To Hera, my best friend, thank you for marrying me."

I then realized the significance of the song “Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat that they have chosen for their 2nd March In. It left a smile on my face.

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend,
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Lucky we're in love every way, Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday
It now all made sense. Patrick and Hera, thank you for having A Little Dream on your special day. Thank you for inspiring us with you beautiful love story.

Our congratulations to you both and may your lives be filled with bliss, happiness and eternal love.


Band: Serene, Kenny, Clarence






Repertoire:

My Love Will Get You Home, Lucky, I’m Yours, Can’t Smile Without You, Grow Old With You, L-O-V-E, Quando Quando Quando, Fly Me To The Moon, Sway, Way Back Into Love, Kiss Me, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, If I Ain’t Got You, Truly Madly Deeply, I Live My Life For You, 你是我心内的一首歌 (You're A Song In My Heart), 最浪漫的事 (The Most Romantic Thing), 老实情歌 (An Honest Love Song), 今天妳要嫁給我 (Marry Me Today), 小情歌 (A Love Song), 期待爱 (Anticipating Love), 一人一半 (One Half)


Compliments For Serene and the Band:

Hi Serene,

Thank you for the wonderful job well done during our wedding dinner. A lot of our friends commented that you have a lovely voice!!

We are glad that you enjoyed the evening as much as we did. =)

Keep up the good work!

Cheers
Patrick and Hera

Windson's thoughts: 简单爱 (Simple Love)

Yeow Chung and Candice makes a very humorous couple together. From their wedding video to their speeches, the guests were tickled throughout by their playful sense of humour. Their video was presented in an Action Suspense Movie format, with lots of adrenaline pumping music that sets your heart racing, wondering if this will turn out to be a deadly battle between the sexes.

Indeed it was by all means a very thrilling and eventful day. With one of the Brothers' cars being lost in Malaysia, to being "Sabo-ed" to poke one another with a plunger, drinking Guiness Stout with raw egg and eating Wasabi ice cream, the "movie" finally came to a happy end with Yeow Chung and Candice beside one another at last, the place where they truly belong.


I still remember Yeow Chung's speech, when he jokingly said that if he is right, then he is right, if he is wrong then he is wrong. But if he thinks that he is right and Candice thinks that he is wrong, then he will be wrong.

Hearing this, I can't help but utter a sweet sigh of "Awww...." Because through that, you can tell the level of love and selflessless oozing out of Yeow Chung that affirms you that Candice indeed is the woman that he loves and her happiness means a lot to him. I am really happy to be able to witness this celebration of their union and I am very glad that I was able to lend my voice to vocalize this joyous occasion.

On behalf of Judy, Matthew and me, here's wishing Yeow Chung and Candice a life time of laughter, understanding and love ahead and may they always be joyful in their lives together!


Band: Judy, Matthew, Windson


L-R: Matthew, Judy, Candice, Yeow Chung, Windson




Repertoire:

Grow Old With You (1st March-In), La Vie En Rose, 简单爱 (Simple Love), Lover's Concerto, She's the One, L-O-V-E, Forever Love, 恋爱频率 (Love Frequency), Fallen, Back At One, Way Back Into Love

It Had To Be You (2nd March-In), I Think I, You Are My Angel, Love Me, Over The Rainbow, 爱爱 (Love Love), 今天你要嫁给我 (Marry Me Today), Vincent, A Moment Like This, Accidentally In Love, Quando Quando Quando

Hsin Yeow's thoughts: Ordinary Miracles

It's not that usual when everything is beautiful
It's just another ordinary miracle today
Ordinary miracles awaited me on 14 June, the day of Boon Peng and Candie's wedding celebration at Mandarin Oriental.

The 'little' things reminded me of what a miracle it is for love to bind two people as they embark on a journey to last a lifetime. For example, the candid photographs which the couple picked to showcase during the dinner showed two good-looking and fun-loving people clearly in love.

As I viewed the express highlights video (shot by Yang, one of the best in the business), I was also awed by the beautiful images captured on film, which resembled scenes from a Wong Kar Wai movie.





All the lovely photos you see in this entry were taken by JoHo!

The warmth of Boon Peng's smile and handshake as he came forward to thank the band for coming to perform at his wedding was very encouraging. He told Hui Bing, "Remember, I was the one who passed you the cheque at Vinny's wedding!"

One of the highlights of the wedding was a hilarious trick the emcees played on Candie. She sportingly donnned on a blindfold and attempted to identify her husband by feeling the exposed leg of a few groomsmen. For the record, none of the legs she touched belonged to Boon Peng, but she had to pick one. The guests erupted into unbridled laughter when Candie picked, all of people, her father-in-law!

At the end of our performance, we went over to Boon Peng and Candie for a photograph. Boon Peng then gave us an unforgettable compliment, "Hsin Yeow, my boss told me that you guys were "f***ing good!"

P.S. As usual, I was impressed by the friendly and efficient banquet managers, all of whom greeted me as if we were old friends. They bustled about and got things done with mininum fuss and maximum results, just as it should be.


Band: Hsin Yeow, Hui Bing, Ein Ein


L-R: Hsin Yeow, Boon Peng, Candie, Hui Bing, Ein Ein




Repertoire:

Lovely, So Nice, Eternal Flame, You're Still The One, Kiss Me, 牵手 (Holding Hands), 月亮代表我的心 (The Moon Represents My Heart), L-O-V-E, I'm Yours, Love Is Love, Fly Me To The Moon, Rainbow Connection, Fallen

Somewhere Over The Rainbow (2nd March-in), 一人一半 (One Half), 我只在乎你 (I Only Care About You), Way Back Into Love, Lucky, 恋爱频率 (Love Frequency), 小酒窝 (Small Dimples), Sway


Songs To Recommend:

Ordinary Miracle - A beautiful song from the gifted balladeer Sarah MacLachlan. Came to know of it because Boon Peng and Candie chose to play the song from the CD for their first march-in. Hope to get the chance to perform it live one day.


Love Is Love - A blast from the past.