A Little Dream seeks to move, inspire and engage our wedding couples and guests with the magic of live music. Comprising more than 30 professional singers, emcees, songwriters and musicians, A Little Dream is one of the most sought after wedding bands in Singapore. Over the last four years, A Little Dream has performed at over 900 local and overseas weddings. Read about them here!

To start you off, here are our answers to your burning questions.

And do read our round up of 2009.

Eleanor's thoughts: The Wedding Song

Jackie's family, the Yau family, came all the way from Hong Kong. The ladies were all very slim and elegantly and fashionably dressed, e.g. Jackie's mom wore a short champagne dress with a ketupat weave for the solemnisation and a champagne fur-trimmed cheongsam for the dinner, while his sister-in-law wore a Grecian draped gown showing off an unbelievably trim figure despite her having two children.

Jackie's brother was in a suit with a great cut and very stylish update on the bow-tie/cravat that was just a plain black band around the collar, 2 children of the former: older boy was the ring-bearer in an impeccable tux, younger girl was one of the flower girls in what looked like a full bridal gown with embroidery and beading.

Solemnisation on the lawn was a gorgeous affair marred only by women's high heels sinking into the soil or catching on gravel. The 2 flower girls and ring-bearer had stage fright for a few moments but eventually performed their duties beautifully.

A montage put together by the bride's best friend and maid of honour, Mel, with a lovely, candid video interview of the couple talking about how they got together, laughing and teasing each other throughout, spliced with photos from their wedding shoot.

Highlights of father of the bride, Mr. Robert Lee's amazing speech:

- Winston Churchill said that there are only two things more difficult than public speaking: trying to kiss a woman who is leaning away from you, and trying to climb a wall that is leaning towards you. Hence, I hope you don't mind that I have written my speech down.

- I am here to warm you up for Jackie's speech. So if you don't like what I have to say, it's only because I don't want to give him too hard an act to follow.

- I'm sure you will all agree with me that Clara looks absolutely stunning tonight. As for Jackie, you look simply stunned.

- Clara dresses to kill. Unfortunately, she also cooks the same way.

- It seems like only yesterday that Clara was born. She was very tanned, and already had more hair than me.

- I have this advice for you...say these words often, and you'll have a smooth-sailing marriage.
"Dear, I'm wrong; honey, you're right; sweetheart...just go ahead and buy it!""

Mr. Lee also paid tribute to his daughter as one who has always been ready to rise to the challenges she sees before her; she just earned her second degree. He also spoke of Jackie as all he could want in a son-in-law, and stated firmly that this was a match he definitely approved of. He had many friends and business associates in the ballroom who appeared well-acquainted with his eloquence and clapped and cheered him heartily throughout the speech.

Jackie, being emotional and quite overwhelmed, did not match his father-in-law's eloquence, but made up for it with great sincerity and the fact that he wrote nothing down but spoke from the heart, thanking the Lee family for taking him in as one of their own when he moved here from HK.

Very lively, chatty atmosphere throughout the dinner. Dispensed with yam seng for a very civil "Cheers" but the couple's friends were not about to let the newlyweds off so easily, and sabo'ed them when they went from table to table for photo-taking. Couldn't see what was going on but there was a lot of laughter and raised, happy voiced in an informal yam seng, and certainly a lot more drinking.

At the end of our last song, the hearty cheers and applause from audience warmed our hearts.


Hsin Yeow's additional thoughts

Sylvia of Ideas Inn asked me to recommend an emcee for Jackie and Clara's wedding. I instantly thought of Eleanor. She has extensive hosting experience, and garnered rave reviews from many satisfied couples.

After Eleanor's meeting with the couple, I was pleasantly surprised to know that Jackie and Clara decided to engage Eleanor as emcee and singer as well!

Thank you Jackie and Clara, for your faith in us. Congratulations once again!


Band: Eleanor, Adeline, Feri


Repertoire:

Solemnisation:

Canon In D (march-in), The Wedding Song, Wonderful Tonight, Endless Love, Lovin' You, This I Promise You, From This Moment

Dinner:

You Belong To Me, Crazy For You, Grow Old With You, You're Still The One, Now That I Found You, Can't Fight This Feeling, Eternal Flame, Just The Way You Are, Time After Time, More Than Words, The Way You Look Tonight, A Love That Will Last, Your Song, Everything, Crazy Love, More, Besame Mucho, Lovin' You, Fallen, Dream A Little Dream, How Do I Live, Moon River


Compliments from Clara:

Hi Hsin Yeow,

Sorry for the late reply.

First and foremost, we would like to thank Eleanor for being a great host during the Solemnization and the dinner. Also, we understand that due to the selection of the songs, Eleanor had to learn a couple of new songs.

However, we would like to say that she did a great job and we are very appreciate of the effort. Last but not least, we would also like to say a big thank you to the band for the great performance during the dinner at Raffles. The feedback after the wedding was that the band had an awesome performance and keep the crowd entertained throughout the night.

Just really want to say our heartfelt thanks for the performance that evening.

Regards,
Clara

Bevlyn's thoughts: Love Is All Around

"I could marry you", said Tom to Angie one day very soon after they got to know each other. Angie was appalled; she went home to tell her mum about "this crazy ang-moh (Hokkien phrase meaning 'red-haired', referring to Caucasians in general) who said could marry me".

And though Angie decided then not to meet Tom anymore, it is strange how paths are crossed and bound as one, for they are now husband and wife.

The preparation for this wedding was not as easy because they had to do the planning from Shanghai where they reside. Usually it's the bride who builds the castle about the perfect wedding, but for Tom and Angie's case, it was the groom who had the idea of a romantic wedding all mapped out and pinned down to details. Right from the march-in songs, to the release of helium balloons up the air, to the first dance number and so on. Lucky Angie!!

Tom is Scottish, so it gave him the perfect reason to wear a skirt kilt and still look cool, and that was what he wore for the solemnisation at the lawn. What wowed both Hsin Yeow and I were not the romantic setting and the sight of the lovely bridesmaids in matching dresses; it was the moment when the Justice Of Peace announced them husband and wife - Tom gently used both hands to take hold of Angie's head and kissed her very tenderly on the lips. At that instant, the love between the couple was all around in the air - simply electrifying.

Click here to see an example of this, taken by the excellent-as-always Gabriel Mendes.

The other highlight of the evening was the third march-in - Tom and Angie walked in with very cool masquerade eye masks, and did a sexy dance to our rendition of Sway. The chemistry was so good I thought they must have spent a lot of time practising it. I found out later that they had not - it was totally impromptu! Check out Angie's sexy high-slit evening dress below.

To demonstrate to you what an expressive man Tom really is, you have to watch this (the part which he got down to his knees and proclaimed his love). You think French men are romantic? That might be a myth; at least we've proof that the Scottish are:


Courtesy of 1st Steps Weddings


L-R: Jonathan Lim, Lester & Ein playing at the lawn.



L-R: Ein, Bevlyn, Tom, Angie, Jonathan Lim, Hsin Yeow, Lester

Band: Hsin Yeow, Bevlyn, Ein Ein, Jonathan Lim, Lester


Repertoire:

Love Is All Around (1st March-in), I Only Want To Be With You, The First The Last My Everything, I Knew I Loved You, It Had To Be You, 给我一个吻 (Give Me A Kiss), 我爱你 (I Love You), 今生注定 (My Destiny), 月亮代表我的心 (The Moon Represents My Heart), The Way You Look Tonight, Don't Know Why, Cheek To Cheek, Because You Loved Me

Come Fly With Me (2nd March-in), Quando Quando Quando, Beyond The Sea, Fever, I Cross My Heart, 我要你的爱 (I Want Your Love), 爱你在心口难开 (Love You More Then I Can Say), 最浪漫的事 (The Most Romantic Thing), Everything, What A Wonderful World, Moondance, Fly Me To The Moon

Sway (3rd march-in), Footloose, Rock And Roll Music, Crazy Little Thing Called love, You To Me Are Everything, Dancing Queen, Save The Last Dance For Me, Everlasting Love (disco version), Never Knew Love Like This Before (disco), Last Dance (Disco)


Wedding Tips:

- Let your romantic side show! The devil's in the details, so even a romantic kiss can be electrifying!

- Walk into the ballroom wearing Masquerade masks; they add a sense of mystery and drama!

Hsin Yeow's thoughts: I'm A Believer

Carrie and Mats' wedding celebration was an intimate and elegant affair. All their guests were dressed up to the nines, and it was so quiet during the solemnisation ceremony that you could hear a pin drop.

Hence, I was surprised by some of Carrie and Mats' song choices for their wedding. For the celebratory music after the solemnisation, Carrie wanted a rock version of Canon In D, because it's "fun".

They also wanted this song to be performed at their wedding, and here's why:

"That was out first trip together in Bintan while he came back to look for me and asked me to join him in Sweden. That was the time when I decided to leave Singapore and try out this relationship with him after a long distance r/ship of 3 months. We saw Shrek on TV in Bintan and thought that the music was really fun!"

We really enjoy performing a song that represents a significant point in a couple's relationship. That is why we highly encourage couples to select the songs they would like us to play at their wedding, and not limit them to a standard list of twenty or thirty songs.

Before I sang the song, I explained to the guests why it was important to them. I also joked that Mats did not remind me of Shrek in any way, but I am sure that Carrie would agree with me that Mats was the Prince to her Princess Fiona.


Princess Carrie-Fiona and Mr Mats Shrek

Band: Hsin Yeow (1st set only), Eleanor, Feri, Jonathan Lim


Repertoire:

1st set (Lawn)

I'm A Believer, Beyond The Sea, Magic Moments, What A Difference A Day Made, Just The Way You Are, Close To You, Dream A Little Dream, Let There Be Love, L-O-V-E, Fly Me To The Moon

2nd set (Casuarina Suite)

When I Fall In Love, Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head, The Look Of Love, Can't Take My Eyes Off You, I Couldn't Live Without Your Love, (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons, Moon River, Cheek To Cheek, I Only Want To Be With You, You Belong To Me


Wedding Tip:

If there is a song that represents a significant point in your relationship, get the band to perform it!

Hsin Yeow's thoughts: A Wedding Every Month

Sharon and Leon had their solemnisation ceremony at the Raffles Hotel lawn, and treated their guests to a sumptuous lunch buffet at the East India Rooms. As the emcee, I had to welcome the guests, inform them of the order of proceedings, and ensure that the programme runs smoothly. I had excellent support from the Raffles Hotel staff, so that made my job much easier.


All photographs were taken by the talented Nick Goh

This was my toast to Sharon and Leon:

I'd like to propose a toast to Sharon and Leon. I met Sharon only once before, but I was immediately struck by her charm, vivacity and beauty. She shared with me her plans for the wedding, and I was very excited to be a part of it.

Leon, the lucky groom, was working in the U.K., so the responsibility of planning the wedding fell squarely on Sharon's shoulders. All he had to do was show up a few days before the wedding, get his suit, and turn up today on time.

To Leon's credit, he called me all the way from UK just to chat with me, and share with me how he met Sharon and fell for her. And when I finally met him today, I saw a bright, handsome groom who was clearly in love with his beautiful bride. To Sharon and Leon, may you both enjoy a lifetime of wedded bliss! Cheers!


Love this shot of Sharon throwing the bouquet!

Fusionstrings, a string quartet that works closely with A Little Dream, provided the entertainment during the solemnisation ceremony. Their vibrant performance was a balm to the late morning heat.


Fusionstrings

At the lunch reception at the East India Rooms, Leon gave an excellent speech, in English and Mandarin, which made his mom tear up with gladness. (I chatted briefly with his parents during the solemnisation ceremony, and the hospitable pair invited me to visit them if I should ever make my way to Zhejiang.)

The exuberant Sharon later told me that if possible, she would like to celebrate her marriage every month!


Band: fusionstrings


( More beautiful photos taken by Nick! )


Compliments from Sharon and Leon:

Dear Hsin Yeow,

We really would like to express our heartful thanks and appreciation to you for the great job you have done! Engaging you as our emcee is our most wise decision!

Your versatile and professional style made our wedding ceremony such a sacred and heart-touching experience. You have made our dreamful wedding come true.

Our guests had very high appraisals on you as well. They did enjoy every minute of the ceremony. All of us would like to highly recommend you and the string quartet to any bride-to-be for a truly memorable wedding experience. What you guys delivered exceeded our expectations!

Thanks and best regards,
Leon and Sharon

Hsin Yeow's thoughts: Set The Night To Music

It was a busy day. After performing for Bill and Joanne at The Legends in the morning, we rushed to the Raffles Hotel to get ready for Simon and Shu's wedding.

The latter presented us with more challenges because the ceremony was held outdoors, at the lawn. Although there was a fan in the gazebo where we were performing, we were soon drenched in sweat. Simon also wanted us to play almost continuously, so we only rested for a few minutes in between sets.

Luckily, the enthusiastic response from the couple and the guests made up for it. Simon actually turned to us during his speech and thanked us for "doing a great job." That made all the difference for us. We could have sung all night!

P.S. When I met Eugene at the wedding, I knew Simon and Shu's wedding was in good hands. Eugene's one of the most hardworking and talented photographers I know. But don't take my word for it, check him out yourself.

All photographs in this entry were taken by Eugene of Chris Ling Photography








I love this photo of Simon dancing with his grandma



Simon was nervous at having to sing a song, but he was sporting enough to try.

Band: Hsin Yeow, Jonathan Ang, Wilson


L-R: Hsin Yeow, Simon, Shu Ling, Jonathan Ang and Wilson
Photo taken by Eugene, of Chris Ling Photography

Repertoire:

You're The First The Last My Everything, C'est Si Bon, Come Fly With Me, Dream A Little Dream, Fly Me To The Moon, Have I Told You Lately?, It Had To Be You, Just The Way You Are, La Vie En Rose, Let's Fall In Love, L-O-V-E, Quando Quando Quando, Save The Last Dance For Me, Something Stupid, Sway, The Gift Of Love, The Way You Look Tonight, Cheek To Cheek, When I Fall In Love, What A Wonderful World, Can You Feel The Love Tonight?, In This Life, Love Me, Wonderful Tonight, Stuck On You, Wind Beneath My Wings, You Are So Beautiful, She


Wedding Tip:

Have a First Dance with your spouse, but don't forget about your grandma too!


Compliments from Simon and Shu Ling:

Our wedding was just FABULOUS, the setting was romantic and the atmosphere was magical accompanied by a wonderful band! We had to ask the band to keep going as the guests just loved them. From the first time we heard the band performed, we just knew that A little Dream was the band we wanted. Hsin Yeow has been wonderful from the moment we contacted him, he has been professional yet friendly and has initiatives and we knew that we could leave most of the planning to him. Indeed, he came up with loads of suggestions on the repertoire.

We also found out on the day itself that Eugene and Hsin Yeow are good friends but never had a wedding event together. What luck that they finally met on our wedding, it was great to know that we have a terrific team with us!

We had numerous feedback from our guests that they loved the band and the repertoire. Thank you Hsin Yeow and the band for a job well done!!

Keep up the good work!