Wedding Guide 2016

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Wedding Guide

About the Guide p.4

A Tale of Three Weddings p.6

Expert Advice p.12

Best Destinations p.14

Ball Gown Breakdown p.18

Wedding Dresses p.20

Groom’s Suits p.22

Wedding Shoes p.23

Accessories p.24

Makeup p.25

Venues p.26

Invitations p.32

Cake p.33

Flowers p.34

Gift Guide p.36

Photographers p.38

Spas and Salons p.42

Wedding GuideWedding Guide

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4 WEDDING GUIDE 2016

Come Fly With Me WHO’S IN CHARGE?

editorialEditor-in-Chief | Luisa TamEditor | Leslie YehWriters | Xavier Ng, Stephanie Tsui

productionSenior Art Director | Pierre PangSenior Graphic Designer | Kay LeungDesigners | Elaine Tang, Joyce Kwok, Wing ChanProduction Supervisor | Kelly Cheung

advertising & circulation Sales Director | Gary WongSenior Sales Manager | Joyce WuSenior Advertising Manager | Kent MaSenior Account Manager | Karen Chow Advertising Executive | Celia Wong

marketing Head of Marketing | Karrie LamSenior Marketing Manager | Pauline WanMarketing Manager | Janice FungMarketing Executive | Ricardo Ng

HK Wedding Guide 2016 is published by South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd.

3/F, Morning Post Centre, 22 Dai Fat St., Tai Po Industrial Estate, New Territories, Hong KongTel: 852-2680-8888

Dear Reader,

Do you hear that? It’s the tinkling of wedding bells in the air, and we’ve been channeling the Bride-zilla spirit here at HK Magazine combing through all the best suppliers, caterers and venues in townto make sure your wedding is everything you dream it to be.

Whether you’re hinting at your long-time boyfriend to pop the question, newly engaged, or on the brink of your big day, we’ve got you covered: from custom-designed invitations (p.32) to the freshest flowers in town (p.34) and blinging wedding accessories to add a brilliant sparkle to your look (p.24). There are sky-high stilettos to walk you down the aisle (p.23) and scrumptious multi-tiered wedding cakes frosted in white just waiting to adorn your dessert table (p.33).

And while we’ve found countless venues for those who’ve chosen to stay in Hong Kong (p.26), this year we can’t help dreaming about a wedding abroad, which is why we’ve gathered advice on hosting a destination wedding from three Hong Kong couples (p.6) and put together a list of incredible locations on page 14.

And if you happen to find your dream wedding in this guidebook, you can always thank us with a “Save the Date” card.

WEDDING GUIDE 2016

Come Fly With MeCome Fly With Me

HK Wedding Guide 2016 is published by South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd., GPO Box 12618, Hong Kong. Copyright 2016 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. The title “HK Magazine Wedding Guide,” its associated logos or devices, and the content of HK Magazine Wedding Guide are the property of South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. HK Magazine Wedding Guide may not be distributed without the express written consent of South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. Contact the Advertising Director for ad rates and specifications. All advertising in HK Magazine must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request.

Harlan's & Hooray's Wedding Ad (OP).pdf 1 16/6/2016 6:16 PM

Leslie YehEditor

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Harlan's & Hooray's Wedding Ad (OP).pdf 1 16/6/2016 6:16 PM

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A Tale of A Tale of A Tale of


From the sun-kissed fields of Florence to the colorful buzz of India and the pristine beaches of Koh Samui, we talk to three couples who tied the knot in their dream location.

Ale WilkinsonJack Greenwood &

Married in: Florence, Italy Date: May 13, 2016

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How did you two meet? Ale: We met through friends, initially at a wine tasting, although I don’t really remember meeting Jack that night and he says he thought I was a snob as I didn’t talk to him! We met again at a few dinner parties and started running together, as I was training for a half marathon and Jack for a half Ironman. After hanging out as friends for a while, we then realized there was more to it than that! We got engaged a year and a half after we started dating.

Where did you get married and how did you settle on the location?Jack: The ceremony was held at a beautiful Catholic church in the center of Florence, and then our reception was held at Castello di Vincigliata, about 25 minutes from the town center, up in the hills near Fiesole.

Ale: Florence is a pretty special location—the history, the culture, the architecture, and the FOOD! Add to that the fact that our reception was held in an 11th century castle up in the hills overlooking one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and it doesn’t get better than that.

What are some of the pros and cons of hosting a destination wedding? Jack: You’re a long way away if anything goes wrong during the planning process, so I’d recommend getting a good wedding planner! Depending on where you have it, it’s not cheap to go back and forth for research trips, food tastings, etc., but on the plus side you can make short romantic holidays out of these trips too!

Ale: There were times when I felt really distanced from it all and it was sometimes hard to communicate with our wedding planner, given the time difference. Italians are generally a lot more laid back, so while I was stressing about not hearing back from our wedding planner, she no doubt had her own timeline and knew that everything was on track!

Tell us a bit about the ceremony.Ale: The ceremony was held at Chiesa di Ognissanti, a Franciscan church that was originally built in 1250. It is breathtakingly beautiful and many famous people are buried in the church, including Botticelli. Our priest was my sister’s husband’s uncle (!), a New Zealander who works at the Vatican. He married my sister and her husband the previous year, so we asked if he would do us the honor as well!

Jack: For our reception, we basically had a blank canvas with the castle and the grounds. From there we added all the touches we wanted, from lights and a dance floor, to place settings and linen choices. We separated the evening into three areas—one area for pre-dinner welcome drinks and canapés; the main dining room; and then the party area for after dinner. The flow of the venue worked really well with the flow of the evening to the point where, when the rain came, no one really even cared it was raining. At one point we had two dance floors—one indoor and one in the amazing outdoor courtyard of the castle, where people were dancing in the rain!

What advice do you have for couples hosting a destination wedding? Ale: Bear in mind that your guests may be traveling a long way to celebrate with you, so it’s a good idea to plan other events either side of the actual wedding day. Our wedding was on a Friday, so we had welcome drinks and a dinner on Wednesday evening and then a recovery barbecue on Saturday.

What were your three most important must-haves, and what were you willing to compromise on?Ale: When we started the planning process, my now father-in-law asked us to come up with three words to describe our ideal wedding. We chose: elegant, personal and understated. The idea was to always come back to these three words if ever the planning got a bit too overwhelming. This turned out to be invaluable advice and we used these three words as our guide in every decision we made.

Jack: Our cake was one thing we didn’t spend too much time or money on. Sure it’s a crucial part of the wedding (I mean, who doesn’t love cake!), but we wanted a relatively rustic style, so all the fancy finishings weren’t really applicable. On the other hand, you cannot run out of booze. CAN NOT. We splurged and from the outset it looked like we had way too much, but in reality, most of it was consumed. With booze comes dancing, and the party, and that’s what you want to be spending your time doing—that’s where the magic happens!



Lavina &

Ashish Ahuja

Married in: Jaipur, India Date: February 2016



How did you two meet and when did you get engaged? Lavina: Ashish and I were introduced by a close family friend. I still remember our first conversation: I was chatting away for a half hour about my favorite place I've traveled to, Edinburgh. After my monologue he flatly said 'oh, I hated that city' and we both burst out laughing. Our first date was in Bombay and from there on time just flew by. We got engaged in Hong Kong in May 2015.

Why Jaipur, India? Lavina: India is known for its cultural heritage and the Mughal era is one that everyone knows and speaks of. The Mughals gave to India the concept of ‘Indian Palaces’ which have distinct architectural elements: grand arched entrances, an open sky court and scenic symmetrical lawns. We got married at the Fairmont in Jaipur, which is inspired by these Mughal palaces. Being an architect, I was immediately drawn to the way all the smaller details (such as the rose petal shower greeting and sitar singer that welcomes you with a local song) and larger spatial elements of this hotel worked in harmony with each other. All in all, it has breathtaking aesthetics.

What are a few of the important rituals in a Hindu/ Sindhi wedding?Lavina: One of the pre-wedding rituals in a Sindhi wedding is called the Navagraha Puja. The bride and groom perform this puja with their respective families separately. The importance of this ritual is to align the energies of all the nine planets (“Navagraha”=“nine planets”) so as to have the maximum positive impact during your wedding ceremony. In your prayers, you also seek blessings from all those in your family that have been taken to the heavenly abode. You call upon all the Gods and Goddesses to bless the bride and groom as they step out from the Brahmacharya (student) phase of life and enter in to the Grihastha (householder) phase of life. On the wedding day, the main Hindu aspect is the pheras. Seven circumambulations are taken around a pious fire amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras. Each phera is taken reciting a specific vow which is considered unbreakable.

What are your best memories from the day? Ashish: The baraat [groom’s wedding procession] was incredible! All my friends and family wore uniform orange turbans and danced to

a traditional Jaipur band as we made our way around the property to the ceremony grounds. The procession was led by two elephants followed by a horse chariot in which I was seated, all decorated in royal Rajasthani splendour.

Lavina: My favorite memory from the wedding was the family show that was organized on the night of the sangeet [celebration the night before the wedding]. Our family and friends put together a surprise show with a narration and choreographed dances humorously retelling our love story with a Bollywood twist. It was indeed a mountain of effort and we enjoyed every moment of it.

What about the reception?Lavina: The wedding reception was a night full of love and laughter. The night kicked off with our first dance and was followed by a few fun speeches. We had a performance from a popular Bollywood artist group that got everyone on the dance floor. With supper available at midnight we all had the energy to party up to sunrise. Seeing our close friends and family having such a great time kept us going.

What are the best and worst parts of hosting a destination wedding? Lavina: I suppose the biggest drawback of a destination wedding is knowing that there are some people who won’t be able to make it. On the bright side, the friends and family that do make it are all yours over the course of the wedding celebrations. No one is thinking about work or chores or schedules and agendas, it is essentially holiday mode for all your guests and what better way to celebrate than that!

What’s the most important thing for any bride-to-be? Lavina: Wedding planning is an enduring process but also one that you enjoy; it’s all eventually a build up to your big day. The most important thing for a bride-to-be is to have a strong support system—friends who go out of their way to help you in the smallest of ways, family that is constantly celebrating every small milestone in the planning process with you, and of course your partner—who, in my case, knew my thoughts before I did.

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Bianca Wu&

Ken Cheung

Married in: Koh Samui Date: March 2016



How did you two meet and end up getting engaged? We met in HK through a friend and Ken proposed while we were on vacation at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Why did you decide on a destination wedding? We’ve always wanted to go on vacation with our closest family and friends, so a destination wedding just made the most sense. Our destination wedding location had to be logistically convenient (easy to fly to), so we were choosing between Bali and Koh Samui. Ultimately, Koh Samui won because of irresistible Thai food!

Where did the wedding take place? The wedding took place at Villa Kalyana (villakalyanasamui.com) and it was everything we were looking for. It is a private villa with their own chef, beach and swimming pools, which was perfect for the family vacation aspect; the place housed our families and the bridal party. The staff were so accommodating, and the manageresses Mam and Sonia went out of their way to make sure our guests were comfortable.

What was the concept for your wedding? We just wanted to aim for a relaxed atmosphere. We wanted everyone to have a good time, enjoy themselves, and not worry. The one thing we really enforced was to ask everyone to dress in our wedding colors—yellow, purple, and grey. This was a strange request for our guests, but it really paid off since our pictures turned out so colorful!

Favorite memories from the ceremony and reception? Something that made our wedding ceremony extra special was our cousin and her boyfriend singing during the processional and during the cocktail hour. We love the ukulele so they practiced, arranged and performed our favorite songs. We also had our adorable nephews walk down the aisle with signs that said "Here Comes the Bride" and that was quite the laugh.

What were your three most important must-haves? Lighting was an important one—our reception was held outdoors and we spent the majority of the decorating budget on making sure there was enough lighting. We ended up adding tree uplighters to enhance the evening ambiance, lanterns to light up the pool and ceremony area, and lastly, a fairy light tent over the dance area. It was all so beautiful! We also wanted music to play a huge part in our wedding. The bridal party helped make four different playlists to help set the mood for various parts of the wedding, like the reception and dancing. Finally, amazing photography.

Pictures and memories are so important! Our photographer, Kathy (p.41), has been a friend of ours since she photographed my sister's wedding and she knows our personalities. She was able to capture how fun and bright the wedding was and that's something we wouldn't be able to replicate with another photographer.

What are you glad you saved money on? Most of the table decorations like centerpieces, table settings, chairs, cutlery, etc… we didn’t fuss too much about these and only chose when our wedding planner prompted us to. Also, flowers. We’re quite a simple couple and decided to not focus on flowers at all. We were able to reuse our bouquets as table decorations, and that turned out great. I’m personally really glad I didn’t fuss over my dress for the reception. We ended up jumping into the pool, and if I had chosen a fancy gown, I definitely wouldn’t have been able to seize the moment!

Did you incorporate any unique cultural elements?Since both of us are Chinese, we wanted to do the traditional door games and tea ceremony. Normally, the groom's family wouldn't watch the games, but we thought it could be fun if everyone enjoyed it together. So, finding a suitable and spacious area to have the tea ceremony was a big consideration when planning. We were lucky that Villa Kalyana had an open area with a traditional wooden decor and red chairs, so it was perfect!

What is your top advice for couples hosting a destination wedding? Get an amazing wedding planner that is local to the destination. Becky is the in-house wedding planner at Villa Kalyana, and she made everything so easy! Since she knows Koh Samui well, she was able to recommend local vendors such as videographers and makeup artists.

Would you recommend a destination wedding to other couples? Absolutely! It might be hard to coordinate the logistics, but it will be worth it in the end. We got everything we wanted out of this vacation and priceless moments with our loved ones.

Married in: Koh Samui Date: March 2016

everything so easy! Since she knows Koh Samui well, she was able to recommend local vendors such as videographers and

Would you recommend a destination wedding to

Absolutely! It might be hard to coordinate the logistics, but it will be worth it in the end. We got everything we wanted out of this vacation and priceless moments with our loved ones.



Do’s: • Plan a site visit before booking

your venue• Send out save-the-date cards or

invitations early • Arrive a few days before your wedding

to carry out last-minute errands and to give yourself some time to relax prior to the big day

Don’ts: • Choose a location that is difficult to get to• Choose a sub-standard photographer, as your photos

are supposed to capture those important memories • Worry too much or get stressed, as it’s normal for

unplanned things to occur and these can actually make the best memories!

Quick Checklist

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Why should I have a destination wedding?

1. To celebrate somewhere unique. Many couples pick a location that is unique or has special meaning to them, instead of the same venues at home that other friends have chosen previously.

2. To save costs. Although factoring in travel and accommodation seems more expensive, most hotels and some airlines provide discounted rates for groups. Vendors in other places in Asia can be significantly less expensive, and with a beautiful setting such as a vineyard, historic building or beach, you really won’t need to dress up your venue much. You can also save by having your honeymoon in the same country.

3. To cut down on the guest list. Having a destination wedding is a means for limiting guest size for those who want a smaller and more intimate celebration and at least 2-3 days with those who are closest and dearest.

How many times should I plan to visit?

Usually I would suggest at least two trips. The first site visit is to secure all the venues for the wedding and activities planned, and to

ensure that the people at the venue understand and can cater to what the couple needs. For the second trip, I suggest couples

to visit again around 2-3 months before the wedding. Use this trip for menu tastings and meetings with

the shortlisted local vendors. In-between the two trips, constant communication through emails and Skype are usually sufficient.

Joan Auyang, White Bridal Toronto born and raised, Joan cultivated a love and eye for aesthetics from an early age and is now following her passion for crafting the perfect celebration for couples as a planner and partner at White Bridal.

Contact Joan by email ([email protected]) or telephone (2521-3288).

For destination weddings, guests tend to be more last-minute about RSVPs due to uncertain schedules, so send out invitations early and let guests know they have to RSVP no later than two months before the wedding date. Also, you may run into trouble finding reliable and reputable vendors. If you’re having your wedding at a local resort, try using their recommended vendors list as these have been vetted. And be extra careful before signing contracts.

Any major concerns to look out for?

What’s your advice for choosing a location?

1. Accessibility. It’s important to choose a place that is relatively easy to get to and consider questions such as: Are there limited flights there? Are stop-overs required? Can elderly guests and kids make the journey?

2. Weather and time of year. It’s never possible to ensure 100% good weather, but do choose a destination (and time of year) based on the climate you want to get married in and that’s suitable for the activities you have planned.

3. Budget. Consider how much you’re willing to spend on travel, lodging, décor & flowers, F&B, photography, etc. Keep in mind the travel and accommodation expenses of your guests and track it all in a master spreadsheet.

Expert Advice

Only a one-hour ferry ride away, the beautiful city of Macao has been our favorite neighbor for years. Boasting a unique east-meets-west architecture, historical attractions, and an array of gorgeous resorts and hotels, the city has become a much-loved destination for Hongkongers, especially for couples planning their weddings.

Being a former Portuguese colony, Macao is one of a kind: This tiny city is full of European architecture, and a stroll down the streets makes you feel as if you’re transported to a small town by the Atlantic Ocean in Portugal. This makes Macao the perfect backdrop for some European style wedding photos, where you and your partner can have pictures taken next to amazing historical landmarks such as the Chapel of Our Lady of Penha on Penha Hill for a top-of-the-world shot, without having to ever set foot on a plane.

“The Historic Centre of Macao,” comprising of over 20 ancient monuments and urban squares interwoven in the heart of the city, has been inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2005. Other than the iconic Ruins of St. Paul’s, the list includes the white

and yellow Guia Lighthouse and Fortress that are reminiscent of a Mediterranean island.

Meanwhile, Macao still has displays strong Chinese roots with its traditional local culture and heritage. The Rua da Felicidade, or “the street of happiness,” is a street lined with historical grey brick Chinese houses adorned with auspicious red windows and doors, while the Taipa Houses-Museum features five houses in pastel green that are a marriage of Macanese and Portuguese architecture. It’s a wonderful place to capture the sweetness of your union.

Feel like something cool and hip for your pre-wedding photos? If you’re up for thrills and excitements, head to the top of Macao Tower for a shot that you’ll never forget. Hold tight onto your partner as you stroll along the rim of the tower 233 meters above ground, and if you feel like it, take the dive for a bungy jump or sky jump. For the faint-hearted, check out the Macao Science Center instead. The avant-garde building is great for a chic and futuristic photoshoot, while the huge heart-shaped tree outside the center is also a favorite amongst newlyweds for a sweet and heartwarming photo.

After getting your photos done in Macao, why not move your entire wedding reception to the 853? With a wide variety of venues ranging from five-star hotels to historic chapels, the city has everything you need for a perfect wedding. Need some help on the big day? Macao Government Tourism Office has launched a new edition of its Travel Stimulation Program to give you and your guests additional support for your “overseas” wedding.

With at least two consecutive nights of stay in Macao, different levels of support will be offered to you depending on the size of the party, ranging from 25 to over 300 guests. For a large reception of up to 300 guests, complimentary tourist information kits, souvenirs, a 30-minute cultural performance session and a half-day historical tour will be arranged for the newlyweds and the guests to make the most out of their trip, and enjoy what Macao has to offer to the fullest. Simply apply 15 working days before the first day of the trip to enjoy this special privilege.

industry.macaotourism.gov.mo, [email protected],(852) 2838 8680.

Need a change of scenery for your big day,

but don’t want to go too far to tie the knot?

Our sister SAR is here for you.

Macao, Yes I Do

SPONSORED FEATURE

Let’s Start Planning! Ready to jet off into the sunset? Follow these tips

from Joan Auyang of White Bridal to prepare for the

destination wedding of your dreams.

05 WG_F2 Expert.indd 12 17/6/2016 6:43 PM

Only a one-hour ferry ride away, the beautiful city of Macao has been our favorite neighbor for years. Boasting a unique east-meets-west architecture, historical attractions, and an array of gorgeous resorts and hotels, the city has become a much-loved destination for Hongkongers, especially for couples planning their weddings.

Being a former Portuguese colony, Macao is one of a kind: This tiny city is full of European architecture, and a stroll down the streets makes you feel as if you’re transported to a small town by the Atlantic Ocean in Portugal. This makes Macao the perfect backdrop for some European style wedding photos, where you and your partner can have pictures taken next to amazing historical landmarks such as the Chapel of Our Lady of Penha on Penha Hill for a top-of-the-world shot, without having to ever set foot on a plane.

“The Historic Centre of Macao,” comprising of over 20 ancient monuments and urban squares interwoven in the heart of the city, has been inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2005. Other than the iconic Ruins of St. Paul’s, the list includes the white

and yellow Guia Lighthouse and Fortress that are reminiscent of a Mediterranean island.

Meanwhile, Macao still has displays strong Chinese roots with its traditional local culture and heritage. The Rua da Felicidade, or “the street of happiness,” is a street lined with historical grey brick Chinese houses adorned with auspicious red windows and doors, while the Taipa Houses-Museum features five houses in pastel green that are a marriage of Macanese and Portuguese architecture. It’s a wonderful place to capture the sweetness of your union.

Feel like something cool and hip for your pre-wedding photos? If you’re up for thrills and excitements, head to the top of Macao Tower for a shot that you’ll never forget. Hold tight onto your partner as you stroll along the rim of the tower 233 meters above ground, and if you feel like it, take the dive for a bungy jump or sky jump. For the faint-hearted, check out the Macao Science Center instead. The avant-garde building is great for a chic and futuristic photoshoot, while the huge heart-shaped tree outside the center is also a favorite amongst newlyweds for a sweet and heartwarming photo.

After getting your photos done in Macao, why not move your entire wedding reception to the 853? With a wide variety of venues ranging from five-star hotels to historic chapels, the city has everything you need for a perfect wedding. Need some help on the big day? Macao Government Tourism Office has launched a new edition of its Travel Stimulation Program to give you and your guests additional support for your “overseas” wedding.

With at least two consecutive nights of stay in Macao, different levels of support will be offered to you depending on the size of the party, ranging from 25 to over 300 guests. For a large reception of up to 300 guests, complimentary tourist information kits, souvenirs, a 30-minute cultural performance session and a half-day historical tour will be arranged for the newlyweds and the guests to make the most out of their trip, and enjoy what Macao has to offer to the fullest. Simply apply 15 working days before the first day of the trip to enjoy this special privilege.

industry.macaotourism.gov.mo, [email protected],(852) 2838 8680.

Need a change of scenery for your big day,

but don’t want to go too far to tie the knot?

Our sister SAR is here for you.

Macao, Yes I Do

SPONSORED FEATURE

05 WG_F2 Expert.indd 13 17/6/2016 6:43 PM


Song Saa Private Island, CambodiaHaving a private island all to yourself and your wedding guests? It doesn’t get more exclusive than that: Cambodia’s secluded Song Saa Private Island is an untouched oasis just 40 minutes away from the port of Sihanoukville, steeped in plush tropical rainforests, coral reefs and white beaches. Translating to “the sweethearts” in Khmer, Song Saa is as romantic as its name: Choose from a number of private, romantic locations on the island for the “I do’s,” then head to the beautiful overwater restaurant and bar afterwards for feasting and a champagne toast. Once you’ve filled up on the restaurant’s delicious regional cuisine, enjoy a spectacular fireworks display and dance the night away on a candlelit beach with your guests. To make your memories even more special, Song Saa offers options such as an intimate Buddhist blessing ceremony performed on a jungle platform overlooking the ocean, or a romantic sunset picnic on the five-mile beach. Wedding packages start from $34,900. Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia, (+855) 23-886-750, songsaa.com

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Destined to Wed

Find the perfect scenic backdrop for your ultimate destination wedding. By Xavier Ng

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Dhara Dhevi, Chiang MaiWith its sandy beaches and turquoise sea, Thailand makes one incredible wedding destination. Check into the Dhara Dhevi for a tropical wedding surrounded by lush greenery. The enchanting hotel has a traditional Lanna prayer hall, set amongst gardens dotted with sacred Bo trees. They can accommodate everything from an elegant European-style white wedding to an opulent Lanna-inspired celebration, steeped in ancient traditions. With packages tailor-made for each couple, they have you covered with everything from floral arrangements to horse-drawn carriages for bridal transfers—and with a resort this beautiful, you may just decide to stay a few extra nights to kick off your honeymoon.Packages start from US$4,220 ($32,800). 51/4 Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Rd., Moo 1, T. Tasala, A. Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand, (+66) (53) 888-888, dharadhevi.com

Palace Hotel TokyoIf you’re a fan of the clean and minimalistic design look in Japanese architecture, then the Palace Hotel in Tokyo is a dream come true. Surrounded by the picturesque Imperial Palace gardens, the hotel in the heart of bustling Tokyo features a breathtakingly beautiful wedding chapel and a traditional Japanese Shinto shrine. Designed to mimic the natural warmth of a cocoon with its unique shape and structure, the chapel offers magnificent views from the 10-meter-tall, floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for a heartwarming and intimate ceremony. The hotel also offers a special Vera Wang package for a stylish and sophisticated wedding inspired by the world-renowned fashion designer. And yes, it includes a dress. JPY6,500,000 ($464,000) for the Vera Wang package. 1-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan, (+81) 3-3211-5211, palacehoteltokyo.com

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ceremony

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Banyan Tree MacauWant to tie the knot somewhere outside of Hong Kong without having to hop on a plane? Book the next ferry to our sister SAR for a glamorous wedding close to home. Banyan Tree Macau offers both Chinese and Western wedding packages, with a dedicated ‘Romance Concierge’ on hand to help you work out all the lovey-dovey details. After the ceremony, head to chic seafood and grill restaurant Belon, which has just introduced its “Weddings in the Sky” for intimate wedding receptions. On the 31st floor with stunning views over Cotai, Belon’s receptions can accommodate up to 120 guests, with add-ons such as floral decorations and a live piano or string quartet.Galaxy Macau Resort, Avenida Marginal Flor de Lotus, Cotai, Macau, (+853) 8883-6888, banyantree.com

FORFORFOROOROROGOODOODG DDG OGGGOOOOOOOOGO DDODGGGOOGOOOOODDDDOOOODOOGGOG ODG DOOOOOO DDOOOGGGOOGOO DDOOOGGOOOOOGOOOOOODODOOOO DOOO DOOOOOOOOOODOOOOOODDDDA destination close to home

Sri Panwa, PhuketLooking for a five-star wedding? Thailand’s family-owned five-star resort Sri Panwa is a clear choice. With gorgeous views, wonderful personalized service and luxurious settings, the resort offers betrothed couples all they need for their special day. The Baba Nest Wedding Package includes private limousine airport transfer, a private wedding venue decorated with flowers, the arrival of the bride on a “tuk tuk” decorated with colorful flowers, and a two-hour “Sweet Surrender” couples’ spa treatment in one of the private waterfall treatment rooms at Cool Spa to sweep away the wedding jitters.THB148,800 ($32,740) for the Baba Nest Wedding Package. 88 Moo 8 Sakdidej Rd., Tambon Vichit, Muang, Phuket, Thailand, (+66) 76-371-000, sripanwa.com

FORFORFOROOROROGOODOODG DDG OGGGOOOOOOOOGO DDODGGGOOGOOOOODDDDOOOODOOGGOG ODG DOOOOOO DDOOOGGGOOGOO DDOOOGGOOOOOGOOOOOODODOOOO DOOO DOOOOOOOOOODOOOOOODDDDA wedding inspired by nature

Shanti Maurice, MauritiusIs Maldives just too mainstream for your island wedding? Try Mauritius, another island nation and former French colony surrounded by the vast Indian Ocean. Located around a pristine horseshoe coral sand cove, Shanti Maurice offers the perfect setting for an exotic wedding with turquoise waters and sugar cane fields as backdrops. If you need something to look forward to once the wedding is over, the resort is welcoming back any couples who book the Shanti Maurice Island Paradise wedding package in 2016 for a special return trip on their 10th anniversary to revisit the place where it all began, including a 10-night stay in a Beachfront Junior Suite. US$14,080 ($109,800) for the Shanti Maurice Island Paradise package. Riviere des Galets, Chemin Grenier, St. Félix, Mauritius, (+230) 603-7200, shantimaurice.com

FORFORFOROOROROGOODOODG DDG OGGGOOOOOOOOGO DDODGGGOOGOOOOODDDDOOOODOOGGOG ODG DOOOOOO DDOOOGGGOOGOO DDOOOGGOOOOOGOOOOOODODOOOO DOOO DOOOOOOOOOODOOOOOODDDD Exotic island

nuptials

You said YES to your dressYou said YES to your man

Photo Inventory 24/7 Clean Room Specialist Care

Please contact us on [email protected] or +852 3462 9555 for more information on PAKT’s premier wedding dress care, restoration and

storage services.

http://www.pakt.hk/wedding

Now it’s time to say YES to PAKTwho can help before and after the

BIG day. Let PAKT care for your bridal wear!

Why ?


You said YES to your dressYou said YES to your man

Photo Inventory 24/7 Clean Room Specialist Care

Please contact us on [email protected] or +852 3462 9555 for more information on PAKT’s premier wedding dress care, restoration and

storage services.

http://www.pakt.hk/wedding

Now it’s time to say YES to PAKTwho can help before and after the

BIG day. Let PAKT care for your bridal wear!

Why ?



Find your own Cinderella gown with these expert tips

for dressing for your body shape. By Leslie Yeh

Those with petite bodies should look for gowns with an empire waist to elongate the lower half. You can also opt for a plunging V-neckline to lengthen the upper frame. For materials, it’s all about going simple with clean, minimalist fabrics and airy sheaths versus large, sturdier ball gowns.

Look for a skirt that flares out slightly to make your midsection appear more narrow, and stick with sturdier fabrics such as silk or satin that don’t cling so tightly to the skin. A sash can help pull in the midsection further, while spaghetti straps or a V-shaped neckline can make the upper body appear more slender.

HOW TO DRESS FOR… PEAR SHAPES

For busty shapes, you can either go with a straight neckline for full concealment, or one with a subtle dip which adds interest but doesn’t show off too much cleavage. Fill out a full skirt with ruched fabric, or voluminous materials like organza to balance out your busty frame. Skin-baring details like a sheer neckline create an ethereal touch without giving away too much.

HOW TO DRESS FOR… BUSTY SHAPES

HOW TO DRESS FOR… PETITE SHAPES

Ball Gown Breakdown

07 WG_ball gown breakdown.indd 18 17/6/2016 3:38 PM


If you have an hourglass figure, you’ll want to show off your slim midsection, either with a bodycon gown or a big ball gown. Opt for beautiful crystal detailing or a subtle pin-tucked waistline to really play up your small midsection or if you’re really bold, go for a sheer midriff. Mermaid silhouettes are especially beautiful for hourglass shapes, with the dress flaring out just below the knee.

We asked design director Sarah Lau from Cocoon Bridal to clue us in on 2016 wedding dress trends.

Dress the Trend

HOW TO DRESS FOR… HOURGLASS SHAPES

For plus-size shapes, asymmetrical pleating and detailing is key to flattering your curves. Don’t be afraid to embellish with crystals and jewels, especially around the waist area, and you can also consider a dress with flowy chiffon sleeves if you’re looking to minimize the profile of your arms.

HOW TO DRESS FOR… PLUS-SIZE SHAPES

◊ Big bows on the side, waist, back of the neck or bottom of the back.

◊ Nude or blush tones underneath with an off-white sheer tulle or lace overlay.

◊ 3D florals or lace appliqués on a sheer top for decoration details.

◊ A minimal and cool look, such as a two-piece lace or tube top matched with pants.

◊ Plunging or deep V-necklines, whether on slim cuts, A-lines, mermaid or big ball gowns.

◊ Flared short front bottom with a full train at the back.

Marchesa Bridal Fall 2016

*Amy Kuschel designs are availableat Blush Bridal Couture (p.20)

Marchesa Bridal Fall 2016

07 WG_ball gown breakdown.indd 19 17/6/2016 3:39 PM

20 WEDDING GUIDE 2016Mariée Bridal

Bridal Style For The BrideAthena ValorusRoom 1991, Kimberley Plaza, 45-47 Kimberley Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2111-3700, facebook.com/athenavaloruscouture An expert in creating tailored gowns, Athena Valorus is a popular choice for dramatic silhouettes and beautifully long trains for traditional ceremonies.

Belier DesignRoom 1502, CS Tower, 50 Wing Lok St., Sheung Wan, 2869-9030, [email protected], belierdesign.comBelier specializes in sophisticated and subtle creations with a touch of whimsy and modern elegance. All dresses are designed with the feminine silhouette in mind, to make brides feel and look their best on their wedding day.

Blossom WeddingsRoom 901, 9/F, Union Commercial Building, 12-16 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2522-9868, blossom-wedding.comBlossom Weddings is the exclusive distributor for several bridal designer brands. Dress style ranges from understated elegance to elaborate.

Blush Bridal CoutureSuite 7B, Man Cheung Building, 15-17 Wyndham St., Central, 2899-2739, blushbridalcouture.com This bridal shop stocks gowns by designers from Rome and New York, namely Amy Kuschel, Peter Langner and Junko Yoshioka.

Central Weddings and Occasions Shop 3510, Edinburgh Tower, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2869-8666, centralweddings.com Central Weddings offers an exquisite range of gowns. The collection includes big names such as Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Nicole Miller and Anne Barge.

Designer Bridal RoomFlat 205, Grand Millennium Plaza, 181 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2167-8708, designerbridalroom.com.hkAs the name suggests, this is the place to find wedding gown collections from the world’s most prominent fashion designers, including Christian Lacroix, Elie Saab and Karl Lagerfeld.

Hitched! Bridal Unit 1501-2, Hing Lung Commercial Building, 68-74 Bonham Strand East, Sheung Wan, 2815-8330, hitchedbridal.com Visit Hitched for chic, modern designs. This store stocks gowns by international designers David Fielden and Lela Rose. You can also find a unique line of bridesmaid’s wear by the Dessy collection and Lela Rose.

The search for the perfect gown begins at one of these bridal shops.

Blush Bridal Couture

Central Weddings and Occasions

Belier Design

Hitched! Bridal

Noel Chu Wedding Gallery

Mariée Bridal

08 WG_Wedding Dresses.indd 20 17/6/2016 3:41 PM


Mariée Bridal9/F, Galuxe Building, 8 On Lan St., Central, 3488-0978, mariee.com.hkMariée offers trendy yet elegant dresses from designer brands such as Paloma Blanca, Jasmine Bridal and Nicole Spose. They have a wide range of dresses, from sale items to custom-made gowns, to suit your budget and they also provide rentals.

Noel Chu Wedding GalleryUnit 2201, 22/F, Arion Commercial Center, 2-12 Queen’s Rd. West, Sheung Wan, 2380-6381, noelchuwedding.com Noel Chu’s collections are unique and inspired both by eastern and western traditions. Previously a law student, Noel discovered her love for tailor-made couture in school and decided to take part in her family business instead. She is now one of the most recognized couture designers in Hong Kong.

Olivia CoutureShop 1, G/F Bartlock Centre, 3 Yiu Wa St., Causeway Bay, 2838-6636, oliviacouture.comInspired by Parisian couture shops, Olivia Couture offers top-notch bespoke wedding gowns to brides-to-be.

Pier 94 bridal7/F, Hilltop Plaza, 49 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2510-0288, blissonweddings.com The Bliss bridal collection features a line of timeless wedding gowns with flattering, classic shapes, finished with lace, organza and satin.

The Wedding Place 159 Waterloo Rd., Kowloon Tong, or G/F, 55E, Kimberley Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2377-1787, weddingplace.com.hk The Wedding Place provides a wide range of wedding services and offers dresses from the brand K Bridal.

Trinity Bridal8/F, W Place, 52 Wyndham St., Central, 2978-3987, trinitybridal.com.hkTrinity Bridal carries designer brands such as Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera and Reem Acra. The store also stocks a full collection of accessories, veils and shoes along with flower girl and bridesmaid dresses.

Vera Wang Bride39 Staunton St., Central, 2869-7002, verawang.comThis boutique is dedicated to the works of popular designer Vera Wang, whose dresses need no introduction.

Vivian LukM/F, 13-15 Yik Yam St., Happy Valley, 2891-8311, vivianluk.comHaving worked for Vera Wang, Vivian Luk is earning a name for herself making customized gowns for celebrity clients. Each wedding gown is made specifically to the bride’s requirement.


Mariée Bridal Trinity Bridal


Vivian Luk

It’s time to shop!

1. Start your search at least nine months before

your wedding to give plenty of time for alterations.

2. Look for styles online fi rst and narrow down your

favorites on a Pinterest board.

3. Schedule appointments with local bridal boutiques

and aim for a weekday when stores are less busy.

4. Bring a few close friends with you and don’t be

afraid to try on as many different styles as

you can.

5. Once you’ve selected your dress, consider

shopping around for various prices to make sure

you’re getting best deal.

M/F, 13-15 Yik Yam St., Happy Valley, 2891-8311,

Having worked for Vera Wang, Vivian Luk is earning a name for herself making customized gowns for celebrity clients. Each wedding gown is made specifically to the



For The GroomA-Man Hing CheongM/F, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 5 Connaught Rd. Central, 2522-3336. Exclusively for men, A-Man Hing Cheong specializes in English-style suits and shirts. After two fittings, suits take five days and shirts take two days to be made on average.

Ascot ChangShop MW6, The Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2366-2398, ascotchang.comAscot Chang is a classy option, with a suit setting you back around $10,000. There are four branches in Hong Kong as well as four international branches.

Bonham StrandSuite B, 2/F, On Lok Mansion 39-43, Hollywood Rd., Central, 2811-4768, bonhamstrand.hk (by appointment only)Bonham Strand imports fabrics and accessories from Italy and crafts its garments exclusively in Hong Kong.

Mode TuxedoLevel 11, Everglory Centre, 1B Kimberley St., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2366-8284, modetuxedo.comA specialist will guide customers through Mode’s collection to create a custom look, from design and materials to accessories and in-house tailoring. They also offer tuxedo rentals and image consulting services.

RCANOrcano.coThis Hong Kong fashion brand was born in 2014, founded by Mexican siblings Rafael and Tamara Raya Cano. They offer unique menswear with utmost attention to detailing and quality fabrics.

Tai Pan Row Shop 3015, IFC mall, 8 Finance St., Central, 2147-2828, taipanrow.comTai Pan Row is famous among executives and professionals in the city for its consistent quality and craftsmanship.

TCNYShop B, 43-49 Wellington St., Central, 2259-5000, tcny.com.hk Customers at TCNY are offered a free consultation with expert staff. Committed to traditional tailoring techniques with contemporary styles, prices range from $6,000 to $12,000 for a suit.

This Hong Kong fashion brand was born in 2014, founded by Mexican siblings Rafael and Tamara

utmost attention to detailing and quality fabrics.

RCANO

RCANO

RCANO

Mode Tuxedo

Mode TuxedoTCNY

Tai Pan Row

Look dapper!

1. Opt for separates so you can dress

up for the reception and go casual

on the dance fl oor.

2. Match small details like your

bow-tie or cuffs to fi t the color

theme of the wedding.

3. Don’t just go for a boring old

rented tux. Find a suit that

matches your personality—

this is your wedding too!

RCANO

TCNYTCNY

Tai Pan Row Tai Pan Row Tai Pan Row



Dance the night away in these glamorous heels.

If The Shoe FitsWhite satin pumps,

$8,950Sergio Rossi

Follies Strass heels, $9,500

Christian Louboutin

Specchio silver crystal pumps, $20,900

Christian Louboutin

Carla Zampatti pink silk heels, $2,165

Shoes of Prey

Made for love heels, $899Something Thine

Farfalla heel, $7,238

Aruna Seth

A Aruna Setharunaseth.com.$515 shipping charge to Hong Kong, arrives in 4-7 days.

C Sergio RossiShop 1018, Elements Mall, 1 Austin Rd. West, West Kowloon, 2670-6028, sergiorossi.com.hk

D Shoes of Preyshoesofprey.com.Free shipping to Hong Kong within four weeks.

E Something ThineShop 52, 1/F, Beverley Commercial Centre, 87-105 Chatham Rd. South, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2530-0181.

B Christian Louboutin10-12 Wyndham St., Central, 2530-2198.

White satin sandals, $11,550

Sergio Rossi

09 WG_ShoesB.indd 23 17/6/2016 3:43 PM


Blue Nile bluenile.com.hk (free shipping over $1,600)

Blush Bridal CoutureSuite 7B, Man Cheung Building, 15-17 Wyndham St., Central, 2899-2739.

Cartier Shop G9-15 & M25-28, G/F & M/F, Landmark Prince’s, 15 Queen’s Rd. Central, 8105-5008.

Central WeddingsSuite 3510, Edinburgh Tower, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Rd., Central, 2869-8666.

Designer Bridal RoomFt 205, 2/F, Grand Millenium Plaza, 181 Queen’s Rd. Central, Central, 2167-8708.

Noel Chu AtelierUnit 2201, 22/F, Arion Commercial Center, 2-21 Queen’s Rd. West, Sheung Wan, 2380-6381.

Pink gold wedding band, $TBC

Cartier

Six-claw solitaire diamond ring, $TBC

Blue Nile

Swarovski crystal headpiece, $2,000

Blush Bridal Couture

Silver crystal headband, $TBCDesigner Bridal Room

Galanterie de Cartier necklace, $TBC

Cartier

Down the Aisle Atelier headpieces, from $1,500

Noel Chu Atelier

Jennifer Behr hairpins, $1,000

Central Weddings

Complete your dream look with these stunning jewelry and headpieces.

The Final Touch

10 WG_Accessories GuideB.indd 24 17/6/2016 3:45 PM

Aimee Bridal Agency9503-6208, [email protected], aimeebridalagency.comAimee employs some of the best artists in the industry to make you look and feel your best on the big day. They do everything from full-day wedding makeup and hair for brides and bridesmaids to half-day and reception-only packages. They’re also available to create flawless looks for bachelorette parties and engagement shoots.

Alexa Bui [email protected], cashmereandcandy.tumblr.comAlexa Bui of Cashmere and Candy has an insatiable passion for beauty and style and knows just the right look to make you pop on your wedding day. Trial session costs $1,800 and wedding hire starts at $2,800.

Annie G. Chan Makeup Centre2/F, Flat A, Wing Lee Mansion, 25 Austin Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3176-7223, anniegchanmakeup.comMakeup artist Annie G and her team provide makeup services for local and overseas stars, celebrities and models—as well as for your wedding, of course.

AS Makeup6690-9331, facebook.com/asmakeup Ar Shek used to specialize in makeup for models and artists before switching over to the wedding industry. Shek and her team also organize makeup courses for brides-to-be.

Airplay7/F, W Place, 52 Wyndham St., Central, 2641-9888, airplaybar.comAirplay’s specialties are blow dries and updos, all of which are named after cocktails—the “sea breeze” unveils beachy waves; the “kamikaze” promises sexy volume; and the “Long Island iced tea” leaves strands silky and straight. You can sip on cocktails and snack on complimentary canapés while you’re pampered.

Essensuals by Toni&Guy11/F, 86 Wellington St., Central, 2254-6088, facebook.com/esshkGet your hair done at Essensuals by Toni&Guy, chic sister boutique to the established Toni&Guy brand. Experienced stylists are on hand to make sure every strand is styled the way you dictate.

Capelli G115-116, The Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Rd., 2592-9559, capelli.hk Capelli’s newest Repulse Bay beach-side setting will make you feel calm and relaxed on your wedding day as you leave your locks up to Capelli’s experienced celebrity stylists.

Hoolala Wedding Production8/F, Lamma Centre, 15 Parkes Street, Jordan, 2545-6639, facebook.com/hoolalaweddingproductionHoolala Wedding Production not only takes care of your makeup, the teamalso specializes in bridal hair styling with elaborate floral headpieces.

KalamakeupRoom 101, Ivy House, 18-20 Wyndham St., Central, 9757-4220, kalamakeup.comKa Lam of Kalamakeup has been offering makeup and hair styling services in Hong Kong for more than a decade. In addition to appearing in Elle and Marie Claire, Ka Lam has worked with numerous celebrities and more than 500 brides.

Seasoning Room 302, Ivy House, 18-20 Wyndham St., Central, 2526-1866, seasoning.hk Customers can expect dedicated, individually customized service at Seasoning, with looks personally designed by styling director Caroline to bring out a beautiful bridal glow.

Spa Beauté Par Zai2524-1272, [email protected], spabpz.com

Hong Kong’s award-winning spa and salon provides avant-garde beauty treatments, skin care consultations and cosmetologists for effortless-looking skin.

Hair HeavenNeed a blowout or an updo? Enlist these experienced hair stylists to brighten up your locks.


Look flawless with help from these makeup experts.

Kalamakeup

AS Makeup

Spa Beauté Par ZaiAll Made Up

11 WG_Makeup.indd 25 17/6/2016 3:46 PM


Your dream wedding venue awaits in Hong Kong.

Home Is Where The Heart Is

12 WG_Venue.indd 26 17/6/2016 3:47 PM

DisneylandLantau Island, 3510-6000, park.hongkongdisneyland.com. You don’t have to be a Mickey Mouse fan to host a wedding at Disneyland. Choose from the sea-facing west lawn, the romantic dreamer’s garden or the white gazebo, and the Disney team will make sure that your ceremony goes according to plan. There are three packages available. The ceremony package includes a three-hour ceremony plus signage, an archway, floral decorations, a professional audio system, cake, canapés and refreshments for 50 guests. The grounds of the Disneyland hotel also make a beautiful venue for an alfresco ceremony.

Hall One Central1/F, Pier 2, Central, 2333-9868, marryme.hk Exceptionally high ceilings and a spectacular view of Victoria Harbour make this marriage registry the perfect place to seal the deal alongside your nearest and dearest. The halls have a capacity of 60 seats plus 40 standing, as well as a cocktail and banquet area with luxurious Italian furnishings and decorations.

Hong Kong Parkview88 Tai Tam Reservoir Rd., 2812-3456, hongkongparkview.com Overlooking a stunning coastline, Hong Kong Parkview is a unique and private wedding venue. You can choose from various cocktail and banquet packages for up to two dozen 12-person tables, or 200 buffet guests. The eight versatile venues available range from the high-ceilinged “Eclat” to the circular “Compass” and the more intimate “City Hall.” The venue also has a dedicated team of event planners who will help you organize a memorable wedding party.

Glass Chapel 3 Lincoln Rd., Kowloon Tong, 2333-0668, marryme.hkThis quiet, tree-lined contemporary space is perfect for those looking to bring the light and airy glass chapels found in Bali and Phuket closer to home. With a 30-foot-high ceiling, the chapel can accommodate 100 guests and the adjacent banquet hall can seat 200. The space in front of the chapel is surrounded by lush

greenery and trees, perfect for photo shoots during the day or for dancing in the evening under the stars.

Assembly Hall, Lei Yue Mun Park and Holiday Village75 Chai Wan Rd., 2568-7455, lcsd.gov.hk/en/weddingSurrounded by trees and facing the Lei Yue Mun Channel, this Chai Wan venue offers conventional wedding packages in a converted chapel that’s now a graded historic building. The assembly hall equipped with a dais and public address system holds up to 120 people, and there is an open space in front of the assembly hall for smaller receptions.

Michelangelo 6621-1691, luxuryjunk.com.hk A luxury 80-foot junk, the Michelangelo can accommodate up to 59 passengers. Take a tour on the open seas around Hong Kong Island, Lamma, Cheung Chau, Sai Kung and some of the city’s more secluded beaches while celebrating with friends and family.


12 WG_Venue.indd 27 17/6/2016 3:48 PM


One-ThirtyOne131 Tseng Tau Village, Shap Sze Heung, New Territories, 2791-2684, one-thirtyone.com Situated along Sai Kung’s beachfront, this three-story red house opens up to stunning views of peaceful waters surrounded by lush grounds. One-ThirtyOne makes a popular venue for an intimate dinner for a maximum of 32 guests. Eat beneath a pretty pergola or cozy up in the honey-hued dining room with set meals starting at $600 per person.

SpassoG5-8, 12-17 Empire Centre, 66 Mody Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui East, 2730-8027, divinogroup.com Situated along the waterfront in East TST, Spasso is a spacious and comfortable setting for wedding receptions. The airy restaurant covers 6,000 square feet of harbour-front space, and boasts an open kitchen and alfresco options to kick-start the party. The best part is you won’t have to look far for great food, with the Spasso kitchen team churning out a feast of Italian comfort food favorites for you and your guests.

The Grand Stage 2/F, Western Market, 323 Des Voeux Rd., Central, Sheung Wan, 2815-2311, clubdining.com.hkLocated in the historic Western Market in Sheung Wan, the bare brickwork and lofty ceilings of The Grand Stage restaurant hark back to old colonial days. While the décor might be slightly on the cheesy side, there’s no enying the beautiful location of this Chinese restaurant,

not to mention the traditional well-executed cuisine for Chinese banquet weddings. The location seats a maximum of 40 tables, or 25 if you’re looking for a buffet.

The Peak Lookout121 Peak Rd., The Peak, 2849-1000, epicurean.com.hkWant to tie the knot from high up on a hilltop? Classically romantic and packed with charm, The Peak Lookout is an extremely popular wedding venue with Hong Kongers, thanks in no small part to its beautiful garden terrace, paved with flagstones and boasting immaculately maintained greenery.

The Star Ferry 2118-6120, starferry.com.hk This decades-old fleet is a Hong Kong icon, and popular with couples looking for a true city experience. Have a magical wedding ceremony on the water surrounded by Hong Kong’s twinkling lights. With capacity for up to 280 guests, it’s also perfect for larger weddings.

WatermarkShop L, P/F, Central Pier 7, Star Ferry, Central, 2108-4467, cafedecogroup.com Watermark’s high ceilings, ample natural light and picturesque harborside location make it a perfect choice for both daytime and evening events. Furnished in simple, clean whites, it’s easy to put your own mark on the place, and the outdoor terrace is a perfect place for guests to relax.

HotelsAuberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong88 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, 2295-8288, aubergediscoverybay.com Surrounded by mountains on one side and the sea on the other, the White Chapel at the Auberge is an ideal spot for taking pre-wedding snaps. The hotel is right next to the chapel, which means the reception is also taken care of. And if you’re so inclined, you can take a horse-drawn carriage to the chapel.

The Four Seasons8 Finance St., Central, 3196-8338, fourseasons.com/hongkong With wall-to-wall views of Victoria Harbour and a reception area in the magnificent Grand

The Four Seasons

Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong

12 WG_Venue.indd 28 17/6/2016 3:48 PM


Ballroom, a wedding banquet at the Four Seasons is guaranteed to impress. Wedding packages include everything from floral centerpieces to champagne toasts to cakes, all of which include catering for up to 38 tables at a time.

The Gold Coast Hotel 1 Castle Peak Rd., Gold Coast, Tuen Mun, 2452-8888, sino-hotels.com The main draw at this Tuen Mun venue is the Dream Garden which caters for up to 500 guests for wedding cocktails. Bonus touches: a Swarovski crystal chandelier in a glamorous gazebo, a floral arch, and a romantic pumpkin carriage for a true Cinderella wedding.

The Grand Hyatt1 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai, 2588-1234, hongkong.grand.hyatt.comOf course, the grand ballrooms at the Grand Hyatt are available for your ceremony, but for something a little cozier, the poolside conservatory (known as the Pool House) is an excellent choice for an intimate event. Host an afternoon tea reception, or even opt for a Chinese wedding dinner.

Harbour Plaza Metropolis 7 Metropolis Drive, Hung Hom, 3160-6822, harbour-plaza.com/homeOften looked over for some of the more well-known hotels, The Presidential Suite at Harbour Plaza Metropolis is a hidden gem for those looking for a unique alfresco wedding. The private garden balcony, which can hold up to 60 guests, is available for wedding ceremonies and a cocktail reception. There is also a dedicated concierge team on hand to help with event set-up and decorations.

Hyatt Regency Sha Tin18 Chak Cheung St., Sha Tin, 3723-1234, hongkong.shatin.hyatt.com The Hyatt Regency Sha Tin combines top-notch hotel service with a beautiful green setting for a stunning wedding. With views of Tolo Harbour on one side and lush mountains on the other, it’s a world away from the fast pace of the big city hotels. The hotel has a landscaped garden with space for eight tables of 12, and a private terrace at Chinese restaurant, Sha Tin 18, for private events.

Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui18 Hanoi Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2311-1234, hongkong.tsimshatsui.hyatt.com

The elegant and modern Hyatt Regency Tsim Sha Tsui is an excellent venue for hosting a city wedding without the hustle and bustle. The Regency Ballroom accommodates up to 25 tables, and salons are available for smaller events, allowing for more intimate ceremonies that can include activities such as mahjong. The six-course wedding menu is available at $12,088 per table.

InterContinental 18 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2313-2211, hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com No cookie-cutter weddings here: each event held at the InterCon is unique thanks to the hotel’s personalized wedding services. With many function rooms to choose from, including the grand ballroom with its signature marble staircase, you’ll find something suitable for your needs. Contemporary Chinese weddings are also available.

Island Shangri-LaPacific Place, Supreme Court Road,

Central, 2820-8517, shangri-la.com/islandBesides the spectacular function rooms, the Island Shangri-La has a library and a rooftop conservatory, both of which are perfect for intimate wedding ceremonies. Dinner menus are priced at tables for 12, and packages include beautiful floral decorations, printed menus and much more. Island Shangri-La

InterContinental

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JW Marriott Hotel Hong KongPacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2810-8366, jwmarriotthongkong.comJW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong offers an opulent option for married couples going for glamour. It houses the largest pillar-free ballroom on Hong Kong Island, which can accommodate up to 56 banquet tables or 1,100 reception guests, and can be divided into 6 smaller salons. The venue boasts an eco-friendly Sustainable Seafood Chinese Dinner Menu certified by WWF-Hong Kong, starting at $13,688 + 10% service charge per table. Wedding packages include one night in a bridal suite with in-room breakfast, champagne, and a five-tier cake.

The Langham8 Peking Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2378-9347, langhamhongkongweddings.com It’s all about themed weddings— choose from a total of eight—at The Langham in Tsim Sha Tsui. The “Golden Renaissance” package is all about elegance and grandeur with majestic Renaissance-style candelabras, while the “Midsummer Dream” features delicate pale pink hydrangeas and golden heart-shaped boxes with long-stemmed white candles. There is also a luxurious bridal suite for the bride to kick up her feet and relax in style before the main event.

Cordis at Langham Place 555 Shanghai St., Mong Kok, 3552-3366, hongkong.langhamplacehotels.com The recently rebranded Cordis at Langham Place offers a more playful and modern approach to weddings in Hong Kong. The popular venue in the heart of Kowloon has several function rooms to choose from, from the main ballroom to the intimate Star Room on the 42nd floor, with views of Kowloon and the hotel’s rooftop pool.

Le Meridien Cyberport100 Cyberport Rd., Cyberport, 2980-7788, lemeridien.com/hongkong This quiet hotel has beautiful mountain and harbor views and is something of an oasis, despite being located on the island. You can decide between four chinese wedding options in the hotel’s 1,700-square-foot ballroom. The hotel also offers lunch and dinner buffets at its fourth floor Prompt restaurant.

Mandarin Oriental5 Connaught Rd., Central, 2825-4871, mandarinoriental.com A highly personalized wedding service is available at this classic Hong Kong hotel. Hire out The Connaught Room, six separate rooms which can be combined to accommodate a capacity of 600 guests. The space includes audio-visual sound systems and an elegant decor with beautiful Oriental accents. Rooms can hold up to 25 tables for a Chinese or Western-style banquet.

The PeninsulaSalisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2696-6615, hongkong.peninsula.com The Peninsula offers couples a romantic and quintessentially Hong Kong venue for their wedding. The Salisbury Room has become a popular space for the “Dream Wedding”

Mandarin Oriental

JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong

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package, which allows you to meet with the chefs and beverage manager for a personalized menu. The hotel also has a team of planners that can arrange everything from floral preparations to gowns and car rentals.

Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel 1 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai, 2584-6906, marriott.com The undisputed highlight of having a wedding at this hotel is the stunning vista of Victoria Harbour. For a truly memorable wedding celebration with a picturesque backdrop of the water, couples can choose the Oasis Room with its full-length windows and unique glass ceiling. This year’s wedding packages include benefits such as an overnight stay in a Superior Room with welcome champagne, strawberries and fresh flowers thrown in.

The Royal Pacific Hotel & TowersChina Hong Kong City, 33 Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2738-2236, royalpacific.com.hk This TST-side hotel offers enticing menus and professional wedding planners to help the couple-to-be create a memorable wedding. With three venues to choose from, including the harbor-facing Pacific Rooms and city-view Imperial Rooms, you can host a lunch, cocktail party or dinner for up to 240 guests.

W Hong Kong1 Austin Rd. West, Kowloon Station, 3717-2927, w-hongkong.com With bold modern artwork adorning the walls, the W is definitely a must-do for cool couples looking to get hitched in style. The pre-function area leading to the Great Room can be set up

for wedding ceremonies, while the function area itself is modern, the centerpiece being a huge Chinese love knot chandelier. Brides can get pampered in the spa beforehand, while an afterparty at Woobar is just the ticket to a night to remember.

OutdoorsKowloon Walled City ParkTung Tsing Road, Kowloon City, 2760-4408, lcsd.gov.hk/en/wedding Divided into eight landscaped areas, the Kowloon Walled City Park is a slice of old Hong Kong that dates back to the 16th century. The park is the ultimate space for couples to enjoy a garden wedding.

Lake Egret Nature Park2 Hung Lam Drive, Tai Po Kau, 2657-6657, lakeegret.com Nestled in Tai Po Kau Village, the 23-acre Lake Egret Nature Park comes with plenty of foliage, a lagoon, streams, freshwater ponds and woodlands. Couples have the opportunity to enjoy an outside ceremony by the lake. Catering is also available through Lake Egret Restaurant, and the Rooftop BBQ Garden.

Repulse Bay BeachBeach Road, Repulse Bay, 2812-2483, lcsd.gov.hk/en/weddingNot only is Repulse Bay one of the most popular beaches in our city, but it’s also become a popular ground for wedding ceremonies over the years. Say your vows at the seaside pavilion or sandy area; chairs and a signing table are also available for loan.

A Private Affair The American Club28 Tai Tam Rd., Tai Tam, 2842-7400, americanclubhk.comThe magnificent view of Tai Tam Bay is perfect for your relaxed and romantic wedding at The American Club. The Country Club can host up to 200 guests in the Vista Ballroom and up to 80 persons in the Vista Terrace. Non-members are also welcome to host their weddings at the Club. The American Club offers an experienced team of event professionals to assist you every step of the way.

The LanghamLe Meridien Cyberport

The American Club

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Make a first impression with these beautiful, custom-designed wedding invitations.

Save the Date

MYLove Design HK3117-6864, mylovehk.com

Online design company MYLove Design HK specializes in wedding invites, accessories and

gifts. The company has a wide range of choices for modern and stylish Chinese-themed invites.

Customized orders can even be handmade.

Kalo Make [email protected], kalomakeart.com

A passionate calligrapher and stationery designer, Kalo’s elegant designs have been sold

all around Asia. Her specialty is western dip pen calligraphy and bespoke wedding invitations,

and she also provides calligraphy workshops for you to create your own cards.

Progressive Press4/F, 156 Wellington St., Central, 2522-2766, progressivepress.com.hkIn operation for over 30 years, Progressive Press provides fast and reliable service for any printing requirements. They offer a wide range of different styles, colors and papers to suit individual tastes.

The Wedding Company15/F, Bonham Centre, 79-85 Bonham Strand East,Sheung Wan, 2869-4222, theweddingco.hkThe Wedding Company is the exclusive retailer for seven American wedding invitation brands: Bella Figura, Dauphine Press, Elum Designs, Spark Letterpress, Smock Paper, Berinmade and UMI by Elum Designs.

A Little Love [email protected], alittlelovestory.com

Stationery designer Glory Lee is all about embracing and telling a unique love story

through her unique custom-made cards. Her designs are one-of-a-kind creations that you’ll

want to treasure for a lifetime.


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Whether it’s a cupcake tower or a grand multi-tiered cake, sweeten up the big day with these elegant confectionary creations from Hong Kong’s top cake artists.

Sift Shop 240-241, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Rd., Central, 2147-2968One of Hong Kong’s perpetual

favorites, Sift values quality and flavor above all in their tasty range

of cupcakes. Their bespoke cupcake towers can include custom decorated

cookies as well as elaborate cupcake toppers.

Fancy Cake Homemade Workshop 07-08, 13/F, Harry Industrial Building, 49-51 Au Pui Wan St., Fo Tan, 3568-0885, fancy-cake.comIn addition to 2D and 3D cakes, Fancy Cake’s cupcake towers are a sight to behold with gorgeous fondant decorations and a wide range of styles and flavors to suit any wedding theme.

Kisses Cupcakes Shop D02b, 1/F, LAB Concept, Queensway Plaza, 93 Queensway, Admiralty, 2721-9868, kissescupcakes.comCreamy and dreamy, Kisses Cupcakes is one of our all-time favorite cupcake companies in Hong Kong thanks to their picture-worthy creations. Fill out your wedding table with a tray of their delicious flavors, from s’mores to toasted almond to white & black, and watch as your guests snatch up every last one.

Penney Pang penneypang.comPenney Pang’s designer cakes will certainly take your breath away—from gorgeous floral creations to elegant all-white piping and detailing, PP’s cakes hold their own as the centerpiece of your table.

Ms. B’s Cakery39 Gough St., Sheung Wan, 2815-8303, msbscakery.hkMs. B’s Cakery offers cakes with extravagant and exquisite designs. Founder Bonnae Gokson, who also owns Sevva restaurant, takes joy in crafting edible works of art for couples as they start another chapter in life.

Phoenix SweetsUnit S103, Staunton Building, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen St., Central, 9864-9193, phoenixsweets.com Phoenix Sweets crafts hand-decorated custom cakes at their studio in Mong Kok. Unique flavors like Earl Grey tea and honey yuzu are available.

Cake-A-Licious G/F, 11 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2815-2218, cakealicious.com.hk From traditional tiered cakes to creative designs like 3D wine bottles and Barbies in wedding gowns, Cake-A-Licious does not disappoint. Up to 16 flavors are available.

Cake TemptationsFlat 5, 19/F, Fook Yip Building, 53-57 Kwai Fung Crescent, Kwai Chung, 2836-3388, caketemptations.com.hk Founded in 2004, Cake Temptations can make cakes of all shapes and sizes. Motorbike-shaped cake? Done. Also check out their mini cake offerings.

Complete Deelite 2/F, On Lan Centre, 11-15 On Lan St., Central, 3167-7022, completedeelite.comFrom traditional tiered cakes to more imaginative themed creations, Complete Deelite has it all. Call ahead for a consultation to get your dream cake designed.

Sweet Secrets33 Graham St., Central, 2545-8886, sweetsecrets.com.hkOpened in 1999, Sweet Secrets prides itself on using only the best ingredients such as Belgian chocolate and pure cream. They do beautiful multi-tiered cupcake towers as well as individual packaged cupcakes to use as wedding favors.

Kitchen Faerie9688-6329, facebook.com/kitchenfaeriehk Home baker Fabienne Sayarath is the woman behind The Kitchen Faerie, a cake and pastries operation that offers custom gâteaux, chocolate-frosted cupcakes and other

sweet treats.

Since Rm 14092638-1409,

[email protected], sincerm1409.com

This quality dessert shop specializes in luxury tailor-made wedding and birthday cakes with stunning multi-

tiered creations. They also do cupcake and icing cookies, macarons and cake pops for a fun twist.

Cake WalkCupcakes

Penny Pang

Since Rm 1409

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Anglo Chinese FloristShop 2C, G/F, Fung Shing Building, 168 Connaught Rd. West, Sai Wan, anglochinese.comThe staff at this long-established local florist are experts in large-scale wedding décor, and can create stunning backdrops ofany description. In addition to floral decorations, they can also help arrange lighting effects and a PA system.

Armani Fiori1/F, Chater House, 11 Chater Rd., Central, 2532-7766, armanifiori.com The florist arm of the chic Armani empire offers modern and minimalist bouquets. Expect to pay designer prices. Bridal bouquets start at $2,500 and flower arrangements at $5,000. Order two weeks in advance.

Blooms ’n’ BlossomsGrand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai, 2824-0161, bnb.com.hk Blooms ’n’ Blossoms has outlets in hotels including Hyatt Regency Tsim Sha Tsui and the Grand Hyatt in Sha Tin. Besides beautiful corsages and bouquets (starting from around $55 and $1,000 respectively), Blooms ’n’ Blossoms also offers versatile wedding decorations.

Divine Floréal9/F, BLINK, 111 Bonham Strand East, Sheung Wan, 2815-7220, divinefloreal.blogspot.hk Dreamy and stylish, the flower arrangements created by founder Yvonne make use of harmonious color palettes and rich textures.

From roses to tulips to lilies, these bouquets and

centerpieces have the instant wow factor.

Agnes B. FleuristeG/F, Chung San House, 8-10 Gough St., Central, 2563-9191, agnesb-fleuriste.com Agnes B. Fleuriste offers individual bouquets as well as venue decorations. The wedding decoration packages start at $7,500, and go up to $45,000 for more elaborate options. Bouquet sets and corsages are also available.

Ellermann Flower Boutique

Flower Power

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Ellermann Flower Boutique G/F, 36 Tung St., Sheung Wan, 2291-0388, ellermanndesign.comEllermann puts a special emphasis on working around the specific desires of its clients, allowing buyers to have a large influence on the design of the flower arrangements. Bouquets with a personal touch start at $2,500, and corsages at $250, and they specialize in a number of different stunning wedding decoration styles for a range of location types.

Kirk Floral Couture9 First St., Sai Ying Pun, 3483-7950, kirkcheng.comCanadian-Chinese artist Kirk Cheng is known for his floral masterpieces which have graced the halls of five-star hotels and international brand events in Hong Kong. Cheng studied event and floral design in London, and is now bringing his expertise to the Hong Kong scene. His customized floral arrangements will add the wow factor to any wedding.

Ovo GardenG/F, 1 Wan Chai Rd.,

Wan Chai, 2529-2599, ovogarden.com.hkThe exquisite flowers from Ovo Garden will bring style and ingenuity to your wedding set-up. The side project of the home decoration store brings

its strong sense of aesthetic to all of its arrangements. A selection of

packages available ensure that all your needs are catered for. Venue decoration

begins at around $6,000, while bouquet, corsage and hair flower sets range from roughly $1,000 to $3,000.

Peninsula Flower ShopShop G24, Hankow Center, 5-15 Hankow Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2366-9635, peninsulaflower.com This well-known florist (unconnected to the Peninsula hotel) offers imported flowers from quality suppliers around the world. The wedding bouquets are priced at around $1,000 on average, while corsages start at $150. Peninsula does venue decoration too, but may require more time to prepare for larger weddings.

Solomon BloemenShop 6H, Winner Building, 27-39 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2521-1798, solomonbloemen.comFlorist Solomon Leong specializes in custom-made bouquets, corsages and venue decor. His designs are influenced by English country gardens and European themes.

Star FloristFlat G, 16/F, Wing Hong Industrial Building, 18-26 Kwai Fung Crescent, New Territories, 5409-7063, starflorist.com.hkStar Florist arranges flowers for both retail and wholesale buyers. Floral decorations such as backdrops, archways and table centerpieces are also available. Bouquets start from $500, while corsages are $18-40. A special package including a bride’s bouquet, 19 corsages and boutonnieres is offered at $880.

The Wood Kee Shing Centre, 74-76 Kimberly Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2311-9882, thewoodflower.comThe Wood’s designs are notably modern and fresh, as it aims to be simple yet fashionable. They offer a number of differently colored flower arrangements to meet the needs of any couple. Venue decoration (starting from $80,000) is carefully designed to reflect the tone and the mood for each wedding.

Tiffany Flowers G/F and 17/F, BLINK Building, 111 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, 2526-3606, tiffannyflowers.com Tiffany Flowers offers a full range of floral services, including corsages, wedding bouquets, venue decorations and beautiful centerpieces. Renowned florist Tiffanny Yiu Yun is able to assist you in customized floral arrangements to complement your dream wedding set-up.

Kirk Floral Couture

Divine Floréal

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A Storm glass workshop from Dotted Collective When in doubt, go DIY: Sign your bridesmaids up for a storm glass workshop and relive memories of science experiments during your schooldays. Each of you will take away from the workshop an intriguing weather glass barometer that’ll make the perfect decoration for your windowsill.$280, Room G, 3/F, Hoi Deen Court, 276 Gloucester Rd., Causeway Bay, 9864-6901, dotted.hk

B Foldable flats by Ballerina Let’s face it—heels are uncomfortable. Do your best girls a favor and get them reliable footwear that is compact enough to slip into their clutches, yet cute enough to bust out at your wedding. You wouldn’t want your besties to skip the dance floor, would you? $290, facebook.com/nelnelballerina

C Mimosa scented candle by Diptyque This candle embodies lightweight scents of hay and honey and makes for the perfect addition to any home. What better way to share your wedded bliss with your girlfriends than to gift a floral scented candle that evokes images of youthful summer romance?$530, Shop 1080, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central, 2521-6799.

D LUNA Mini 2 by FOREOHelp your bridesmaids rid their skin of impurities from months of stressing out over your big day with this sonic brush for face-cleansing. The easy-to-clean silicone bristles gently remove dead skin cells and makeup residue so your bridesmaids can look as pretty as the bride. Well, almost.$1,010, harveynichols.com

E Gold pineapple from iDecorateEvery coffee table needs a standout piece, and what could possibly stand out more than a spunky, golden tropical fruit? Show your appreciation by giving your bridesmaids an unforgettable gift.$643, idecorateshop.com

Say “thank you” to your best buds with these one-of-a-kind gifts. By Stephanie Tsui

Bridesmaids’

Gifts

The Gifting Spirit

D

B

E

C

A

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Groomsmen’sGifts

H

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G

F

F Elizabeth II Five-Cent Cufflinks by PatinovaThis one’s a testament to Hong Kong’s colonial past: The face of each gold-plated cufflink is a replica of the 1965 five cent coin, right down to its milled edge. Grab these sentimental gifts while you can—they could soon be history.$770, kapok.com

G Sonic System Deep Cleansing Brush by Clinique For MenThis device suits every skincare regime to keep skin smooth and clear and make shaving easier. Its waterproof and antimicrobial features mean the lads won’t have to worry much about maintenance, while getting the best out of its targeted sonic cleansing function.$790, harveynichols.com

H Black leather card holder by Paul SmithNothing says “grown-up” better than a Paul Smith accessory. This sleek card holder features four fully-lined slots for a credit card, an Octopus card, an ID card, and a driving license or business cards—perfect for minimalists. $970, harveynichols.com

I Customised luggage tags from LeatherismGood for you if you’re the crafty type and are up for making luggage tags for your groomsmen with a DIY kit. If not, this Hong Kong company can do it for you. Include up to four pressed initials/numbers on every Italian leather tag for a personal touch.$268 for DIY kit, $328 for ready-made tag, leatherism.net

J urBeats earphones by BeatsYou can’t go wrong with earphones: Everyone needs a pair (or three). The solid metal housing and tangle-free cable mean no disruptions will ever affect your mates’ listening experience. $898, lanecrawford.com

I

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Say Cheese

“Probably the most important element for a dreamy and romantic photograph is natural light. Flattering lighting not only adds an instant glow to your face, but also creates the perfect ambience for a breath-taking photoshoot. I always advise my clients to pick a venue with full-length windows, and better yet outdoor terraces, so there will be an ample supply of sunlight for the photoshoot. On the day of the shoot, I try to get the couple in a happy and romantic mood. Photography is a form of story-telling, in which emotions are translated into images, so being in the right mood really helps in taking your photos from beautiful to captivating!”

Hilary Chan (p.40)

“First, have an engagement shoot: It’s a great way for the photographer to bond with the couple as well as for them to get used to being in front of the camera. Second, when looking at venues, think about the light in the room. Is the room where you’re getting ready in dark and cramped? Does the ceremony room have large windows? Try to shoot in the early morning or late in the afternoon (the “golden hour”). Third, get creative. Don’t be afraid to take a few risks on your wedding day. Listen to your photographer’s creative ideas as they will often result in the most amazing photographs.”

from SixSixty Studios Tobias Chiu (p.41)

Say Cheese These seasoned photographers give us their top tips for capturing the big day.


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“A picture is worth a thousand words, this is what wedding photos are all about. A perfect shot does not only mean getting your composition, lighting, emotion and timing right, but the most important element is to be able to tell your story. My advice to every bride is to seek a photographer who shares the same vision with you, to enjoy your wedding and to cherish every moment.“

“The perfect wedding photos should represent the true emotions of the newlyweds; don’t always look at the camera, just be yourself and enjoy your big day. Photographers live to capture special moments and that’s difficult to do if our main subject is stiff. Picking the right time of the day to hold your wedding ceremony/photo session is critical. In the middle of the day, the overhead sunlight will cast a heavy shadow on your faces unless it is a cloudy day. And don’t let your hair obscure your face. Wearing your hair down might be nice, but it also might completely hide your face behind when you are not facing the camera directly. Finally, always ask your photographer for more advice on what should and shouldn’t be done!”

from Kay Elle Photo

Kathy Li (p.41)

“The more fun you’re having, the better you’ll look, so remember that your wedding is a celebration, and not just a series of formalities. Surround yourself with the people that you like most, find a venue that you love, and do whatever makes you happy. Be excited, not stressed. There are always little things that go wrong on the big day, but in the end it never really matters. If you plan a wedding that keeps you and everyone smiling the entire day, every photo will look great.”

Darren LeBeuf (p.40)

Derek Ko (p.40)from Derek Photography



Ali G Studios 6110-0569, aligstudios.com Ali Ghorbani has taken on star-studded parties and filming projects from Hollywood to Bollywood. He now focuses more on local freelance work, which should be a piece of cake in comparison.

Alexander Hera 3/F, Wing Cheong Commercial Building, 23 Jervois St., Sheung Wan, 3698-0188, alexanderhera.comWhether you want elegant, organic or classic wedding photos, the team at Alexander Hera ensures the shoot is a memorable experience rather than a chore on your to-do list.

Brian Chong PhotographyFlat 10, 15/F, Tower 2, Tak Fung Industrial Centre, 168 Texaco Rd., Tsuen Wan, 5372-8770, brianchong.com Wanna take your pre-wedding photos at some exotic location? That’s Brian Chong Photography’s specialty. Be it Iceland, Germany or Korea, get your once-in-a-lifetime moments captured at your dream destination.

Chris But Photo + Film 3/F , 7A Hau Fook St., Tsim Sha Tsui, 6464-9496, chrisbutphoto.com With experience in the movie industry, Chris But is sensitive to sharp contrasts and rich colors. His services range from pre-wedding/ wedding day shooting to production of behind-the-scenes videos.

Darren LeBeuf Photography6/F, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield, Kennedy Town, darrenlebeuf.comDarren sees photography as both a professional technique and an art—playing with colors, shapes and lights to capture the emotional impact of the images. Based in Hong Kong

while frequently traveling to Canada, Darren is available for destination weddings and photo sessions in and around Asia.

Dennis Mok PhotographyUnit 1401, 14/F, Bonham Centre, 79-85 Bonham Strand East, Sheung Wan, dennismok.comA prominent Hong Kong photographer for over 10 years, Dennis Mok aims to create an unforgettably experience for newlyweds on their wedding day. Dennis uses a blend of professional techniques, combined with his unique perspective, to create memorable photos that tell a story from beginning to end.

Derek Photographyderek-photography.comA trained photographer in both pre-wedding and wedding photos, Derek Ko was educated in the UK, with western weddings playing prominently in the inspiration behind his style and methods of photography. Specializing in both videography and photography, Derek Photography aims to provide superior service from start to finish to ensure a memorable experience for the client.

Francesca L Photography 1/F, 4 On Wo Lane, Central, 2851-4678, francescal.comFrancesca Leung is a lifestyle photographer for family portraits and weddings in Asia, and has a keen and playful eye for beauty. Her work is versatile, and covers both color and black-and-white photography.

Fu Fu Leung Photography 9727-2800, fufuleung.comUnlike some of his counterparts, Jeff Leung doesn’t go after the glamor and glitz of the grand banquet or the extravagant wedding gown. He is more interested in creating a friendly, laid-back environment for couples, and documenting their moments and emotions in an unpretentious manner.

Joyce Yung Productions Unit 6, 20/F, Oceanic Industrial Centre, 2 Lee Lok St., Ap Lei Chau, 9248-9986, facebook.com/joyceyungphotograhy Backed by a strong team of lighting, visual and production experts, Joyce Yung is able to lend her international and super-hip perspective to wedding shots, giving them a magazine-cover treatment and dramatic ambience intended to engage and captivate.

Hilary Chan Photography hilarychanphotography.comA wedding and boudoir photographer in Hong Kong, Hilary is dedicated to producing chic

Photographers and VideographersGet your dream shot with Hong Kong’s best behind-the-camera talent.

Listings


Ali G Studios

Brian Chong

Joyce Yung


and timeless memories that you’ll want to treasure for a lifetime. Her classic, effortless style is reflected in her photographs, and she is involved in the creative process from the early stages of wedding planning all the way through to the big event.

Kay Elle Photokayellephoto.comKathy Li was born and raised in Hong Kong, and spends most of her time coming up with creative concepts and planning the perfect shot. She does a wide range of photography, from landscape to maternity, and of course weddings and engagements. She describes her style as simple and captivating, and is dedicated to working closely with the couple to get their dream shots.

Keith’s Wedding Photography Room A2, 11/F, Fung Yu Industrial Building, 41 Ngan Ho St., To Kwa Wan, 6128-9831, wedding-photographer-keith.com Experienced in both photojournalism and fashion photography, Keith Cheung fuses the best of both styles to create artistic yet emotionally genuine wedding pictures. He describes himself as a wedding photojournalist and seeks to capture “the moments” that you’ll want to relive time and again. He’s available for both overseas and local shots.

Lisa B Photography 15/F, Bonham Centre, 79-85 Bonham Strand East, Sheung Wan, 2869-9732, lisabweddings.com Take a look at Lisa Burrett’s portfolio of portraits, advertising shots and wedding photos and you know your big day’s precious moments will come out picture-perfect.

Martin Aesthetics 9826-9666, martin-aesthetics.com Photographer Martin Lui specializes in using soft light in his wedding photos. Lui thinks it is important to understand the couple’s story and experiences before taking on any project.

Nicola Lemmon Photographynicolalemmon.comA seasoned wedding photographer, Nicola Lemmon now spends her time traveling between Australia and Hong Kong, and is available to book for wedding destinations around Asia. She specializes in weddings, couples and portrait photography.

SixSixty Studiossixsixtystudios.comTobias Chiu created SixSixty Studios to provide an alternative to the boring “cookie-cutter” images churned out by many modern-day photographers. With his quirky and easy-going personality, a shoot (whether pre-wedding or wedding) is sure to make you feel at ease.

Steven C Photography Room 1, 10/F, Block B, Tonic Industrial Centre, 19 Lam Hing St., Kowloon Bay, 3568-9266, stevencphotography.comSteven C’s dreamy, vibrant style is the perfect choice for couples who want photos that come with an original twist. He is available for overseas pre-wedding shoots in Japan, Italy and other locations across Asia and Europe.


Studio Zagstudiozag.comKirk Kenny’s easygoing style will make you feel comfortable and immediately at ease as he expertly directs you to achieve your dream wedding photos. Having shot everything from festivals to close-up portraits and action shots, Kirk combines a wide range of knowledge and technical skills to capture each moment.

Your Overseas Wedding8102-2243, youroverseaswedding.comDon’t be put off by the company name—Your Overseas Wedding does offer wedding photography here in Hong Kong, as well as many destinations around the world. Packages including a videographer are available, as well as pre-wedding shoots.

Lisa B

Alexander Hera Dennis Mok Photography

Martin Aesthetics



Relax before the big day with a bit of primping and pampering.

Spa Ready

Sense of TouchShop G211, 1/F, The Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Rd., 2592-9668, senseoftouch.com.hk This spa offers various bride-to-be packages that include mani-pedis, facials, waxing and massages. Convenient locations are in Central, Discovery Bay, Repulse Bay and Tseung Kwan O. Get sorted with the Ultimate Bride Package ($7,890) which includes 14 beauty and massage sessions in total.

Bliss SpaW Hong Kong, 1 Austin Rd. West, West Kowloon, 3717-2797. The Bliss Spa located in the ever-trendy W Hotel has a wide range of relaxing and reinvigorating spa packages to get you ready for your moment in the spotlight. Their expert therapists will take the stress of wedding planning immediately away as you unwind with a fabulous facial, a cleansing body scrub or a heavenly muscle-soothing massage. After the treatment, relax in the steam room and sauna to let out all the pre-wedding jitters.

Chuan Spa41/F, Cordis, Hong Kong, 555 Shanghai St., Mong Kok, 3552-3510, chuanspa.com.hk The Chuan Spa will be re-branded with a stylish new look by July 2016, so you can be one of the first to try this revamped haven of peace and tranquility. The journey begins with a tri-bathing ritual, followed by a flight up a candlelit staircase to enjoy a holistic treatment inspired by the five Chinese elements.

Flawless4/F, Sea Bird House, 22-28 Wyndham St., Central, 2869-5868, flawless.hk.com With a variety of packages to choose from, this all-in-one shop offers make-up and nail services as well as spa treatments. The team at Flawless also evaluates and determines an optimal treatment plan for your skin.

The Nail Library10-12 On Wo Lane, Central, 2618-8623. For that flawless mani-pedi, The Nail Library does it best in Hong Kong. Choose from their array of delicious colors from brands such as RGB and OPI, and sit back as the expert manicurists do up your nails in style. For a special touch, go for the custom nail art and let your imagination loose.

Indulgence3/F, Prosperity Tower, 39 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2815-6600, indulgence.hk The Bridal Beauty Treatment at Indulgence begins three to six months before the wedding, with specific facials and eye treatments to make sure the bride is looking radiant by the big day. Getting closer to the countdown, relaxing body treatments and detoxifying massages will restore the bride’s body, spirit and soul.

Iyara Day Spa53 Ship St., Wan Chai, 2545-8637, iyarabeauty.com At Iyara locations in Wan Chai, Central and Mid-Levels, you can enjoy various spa services from manicures and pedicures to facials, waxing and massage treatments. The Ship Street location boasts an especially tranquil environment for brides to rest up and take a breather before the festivities begin.

FlawlessIyara Day Spa

Sense Of Touch

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Macao Travel Stimulation ProgramWedding Travel

Enchanting Macao

Photo Credit: Macao V-Wedding

Enquiry : Macao Government Tourism Of�ce Representative in Hong KongTel: (852) 2838 8680Emial: [email protected]: industry.macaotourism.gov.mo

For weddings held in Macao with a minimum of 25 non-local guests with 2 consecutive nights of stay in Macao, Macao Government Tourism Of�ce is pleased to offer tourist information kits and welcome gifts. Should the number of guests reach speci�c requirements, guests can also enjoy cultural performance (40-100 Pax) or a half-day heritage tour (101-300 Pax), adding an enchanting cultural �avor to your wedding.

Wedding TravelWedding TravelProvide Tourist Info KitsArrange Cultural PerformanceArrange Heritage Tour

Experience MacaoMACAO GOVERNMENT TOURISM OFFICE

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Wedding Guide 2016

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