One.

Exactly 24 hours. And what was I feeling? ... Nervous, excited, happy and knackered at the same time. I am seriously serious when I said I was knackered. There's no such thing as enough rest if you're your own wedding planner although it's a lot of fun.

What was happening on that day ya? Oh woke up in the morning only to find my (best)cousin, Nazihah to "nag" me .. "Cho! Asal bilik tak kemas lagi ni? Asal ni asal tu.." So cute. Dah la pregnant. Lagi cute. Hehe. She helped me to sweep the floor, mop, wipe here and there, arrange furnitures, threw rubbish etc while I was again running up and down the house. By the time the running was over I was dued for a shower since the person who did my mehndi was just around the corner.

It was 11am when Aunty Mumtaz arrived. It was barely 20 minutes and voila, the henna was beautifully drawn on my skin. Soon after, everyone else in the house was queueing for Aunty Mumtaz! My mom, my cousins, Sakinah and even my mat salleh aunty did it on her ankle hehe. I was told to sit down for an hour and just watch tv to let the henna dry up, which obviously that didn't happen without 'much' endurance. Time tu la nak garu muka, garu hidung, tak boleh duduk diam. Psychologically la I think. Teruk betul. Before Aunty Mumtaz left, she did leave a tube of henna for me to touch up in case if I find the henna on my nails were not strong enough for my liking and true enough, the colour was not as even as the ones on the skin and it wasn't brown enough. So Nazihah and Sakinah (one of my BGFFs) helped me to put on the henna onto my nails and little did we know that it only takes 5 minutes for it to turn red! Instead, we left it for 20 minutes and my nails turned almost BLACK! I was panicking already! We quickly scraped off the henna and Nazihah and I were left to fix my nails. Boyy, it took us almost 2 hours to fix it! I had to soak my fingers into the water while Nazihah try to scrape off whatever that she can from the nails. By the time it was all over, my fingers looked real ugly :( We let the nails dry up and just used another normal tube of henna which Sakinah gave for only 5 minutes this time and wash off. It looked okay by then. Phew. Alhamdulilah. Call that a scary mehndi experience! Lol.

It was also during this time that the house was in the last stage of cleaning & rearranging and the deco team from Kapas Couture and Kem Salleh himself came to set up the dais and bilik pengantin. I, on the nonfruitful hand, lounged on the chair for nearly 4 hours to be exact and that 4 hours felt like the longest time wasted ever since.

5pm. Time to snack up a bit, did a little more runnings and off to get ready for the malam berinai kecil. At 6pm the mak andam came with his assistant but the house was still a mess - my room was still being done so he was made to wait for an hour before I get things sorted. Last last terpaksa make up at my mom's room and you can never tell how semak my mom's room was at that time. Poor thing!

8pm. Ready with my make up and costume. I swear the sanggul lintang melaka head gear is pretty but it was SO heavy and tight! I couldn't move my head much fearing that I can trip at any movement! You can tell that I didn't like it being on my head just by a look on my face. I was faking the smile the whole time. But I did it for my mom - it's her wish to see her daughter get dressed in baju melayu melaka with sanggul lintang, just like she did when she got married. All the stress and pain were worth the effort when I saw how happy she was. Tak boleh lari la kena dengar cakap mak or orang tua-tua when it comes to wedding ni. Orang Melayu and adat resam is like brother and sister. You can not part with it. So yeah, we also had a small marhaban and zikir sunat going on at this time but this do was attended by very, very close and immediate family and friends. Sorry tidak menjemput tsk tsk.

Macam drag queen kan the make up. Pfft.

The only thing that was manageable that night hehe.

11pm. Took out the sanggul lintang and costume. Tak pernah rasa lega gila okay haha! I was cleaning the house again while some others buat bunga manggar, signages etc. It took me 1 hour to shower that night after the cleaning. Not only that my hair is already long and thick, the mak andam backcombed my hair so it was pretty much tangled everywhere! Letihnya Masya Allah.

12pm. Anxiously waiting for my hantarans to arrive which Mel, Shida, Tasha, Ema and Adeq went to pick up. They left quite awhile ago and haven't came back since. So there I was, puzzled, thinking of the worst that could happen. So half an hour later, they came back. I saw the hantaran. I swear it was the UGLIEST hantaran I've ever seen in my entire life! I asked for champagne eustomas + roses + sweet williams but guess what the hantaran maker did?? She ONLY gave me freakin eustomas and that's it! When I looked at it, I kept asking myself, is this what I asked? Because if I remember correctly, I asked for the three types of flowers but why is it that there are only eustomas - as in filler flowers, there? Curiously, I called her and asked. She said I only asked for that. Wtfish? I remember asking for something else! And to add salt to the wound, my sirih junjung looked like a freaking center piece! Sirih junjungs are supposed to be tall, significant and proud but this one, omg is intolerable! It was fugly to the core! And to make things worse, it's already 1.3oam by that time! I got so angry and disappointed of course, I called her up and gave her my piece and yet she had the cheek to say .. "If you want me to fix it then you have to send it to my place?" WTFISH TIMES TWO! Working ethics zero! I know things won't go a hundred percent perfect in weddings but hantarans? No way! I'm so not paying.

Panicked, I went downstairs and grabbed Kem's hands and took him upstairs to my room and showed him the hantaran. He was speechless, in fact, everyone was too! All my girls knew my taste and they're certainly sure that that was not what I wanted. I begged for him to help out of which he did along with my uncle, aunty and Ema and Adeq. I wanted to stay up and repair the fugly hantaran with them but my uncle Musa shoved me off to bed (it was already 230am at that time).

Uncle Musa: "Pengantin kena tidur sekarang!"

Me: "Alaa takpe it's okay I can wake up at 6 later!"

Uncle Musa (while pushing me to my sister's room): "No! Gi tidur sekarang jugak!"

Me (reluctantly dragging myself to the room): "Okay fine fine. Goodnight"

End of (one chaotic dramaful) 4th June 2010.

Four. Three. Two.

4 days before, 1st June 2010, Tuesday:

Still attending the conference I was telling you about in the most recent post. Came back home, ran errands and had an appointment with a new mak andam to view costumes for my (sudden) malam berinai which my mom decided just a week before the wedding. I had to ask around the family for numbers of mak andam who does make up and have costume of sanggul lintang melaka (since my maternal family is from melaka) to rent. Imagine the stress! Met he/she at 9pm and as this decision to have a malam berinai came about at the eleventh hour, we hooked up, although I didn't quite like the mak andam's make up. Will tell you about that later. In fact, I was so busy I didn't even inform Hashley that my mom decided to have a malam berinai. Teruk kan? Trust me I was seriously busy!

3 days before, 2nd June 2010, Wednesday:

1st day of leave, I should be yayying about it but I was made to go to the office for a bit in the morning to clear up a few stuff. By the time I was done it was already close to noon I should have gotten a half day instead of one day full leave. Lol. I can't really recall what transpired on this particular day but what I can remember apart from being all busy filling chocolates into the favour boxes and sticking tapes on toothpicks onto the thank you tags was that Aimi went to get my bunga manggar stuff as well as picking up my accessories to be worn from Saidatulnisa and some friends came over to help besides Mel who came practically almost everyday (so sweeeeet! thank you i love you!). The canopy was already up. It was pretty much busy busy busy in the house with people coming in and out and helping around with whatever that needs to be helped with *thanks yalls!*

2 days before, 3rd June 2010, Thursday:

Last spa session before the big day. Yayers, j'adore spa! That's literally the best place to be before the wedding comes since that'll be your only escapism from all the stress and unnecessary tensions. After the spa sesh ended, went back home for lunch and off to Manggis Production with Abang Jimmy (my cousin) to have a preview of the video montage. Guess what, I loved, loved it! Can't wait to review the vid for you :) Picked up the dulang hantaran from Kak Shaja from Shajaratul Design, polished the trays myself with the help of Shida, Mel and Abang Hisham. Had kenduri doa selamat with the family. Non-stop going ons in the house do macam-macam. The cousins did the bunga manggars. Mel and Shida sent the trays for hantaran to gubah. Makcik-makcik from my mom's charity home came over to siapkan the yassin's organzas and bunga telur, so much more! I was running up and down the house making sure everything was in order sampai nak cakap dengan Hash pun takde masa. We didn't talk for days! Dah la memang tak jumpa dah. Rindu gila but what to do kan. And they say brides must stay at home and do nothing, I tried but guess that couldn't apply to me. Hello, banyak gila benda nak buat kot?

0_0 <--- by this time, this was how I looked like!

Five.

Day 5, Monday dated 31st May 2010. Was still working and was assigned to attend a conference at PWTC for two days starting Monday with my senior officer. Got back home and some of my cousins were at my place to help around. I also passed my favour stickers to Ayesha from Gateaux for my favour boxes. Slept early since I was still working the next day.

Six.

Been here and there and just about everywhere since we got back from our honeymoon. So phewww am back in game, as in back on the blog sphere. I don't know whether I should blog about the wedding first or the honeymoon but I guess chronology of events would help me to perhaps remember every detail of the wedding and its preps. So yeap, wedding's first.

Six days away. Went for waxing ... you now, the whole works :p Got Tasha taking me around to Strip, The Curve. Strip's really professional and they use hard wax instead of hot wax like Saluga's (Saluga's good with threading and other stuff but I don't quite recommend you to go there for brazilians - I once did with them and I will make sure that'll be the last. It was painful to the core!) Unlike Strip, it isn't so bad! My senior colleague suggested to go to Strip and true to her words, they are indeed professional and the pain wasn't as bad as I experienced before. It's slightly pricey than other places but it's okay, I'd rather pay more for less pain. At the thought of going for brazilian, I could only think of anything for less pain! Lol.

At night, we had our last family committee meeting. Really good meeting, it was. I was filled with much contentment and love, looking at all the people that are involved in ensuring that the wedding would be a smooth sailing and successful event. I can never thank you enough.

Seven.

Got up early to get ready for a dentist appointment.

But before that, I met up with my aunt and cousins from Bolton, Manchester whom I haven't met in years. So happy to see them and now I can "speaking london" for a bit. Silly :)

Off for the above mentioned appointment at 10ish. Polish and what not. Ems fetched me (thank you darling) to take me for my (one of) final fitting. Stopped by the house to pick up BC (Best Cousin) and BSP here we come.

Love the dress. In fact, all the dresses that he made :) Syukur alhamdullilah! Masih tak cukup lagi bersyukur ni. Ish. Can't wait to wear them!

It was already lunch time by the time the fitting was over. So my DEAREST designer took us out for lunch at Sup Meletup. Yeap, sup meletup. Hehe. By far, he's the most wonderful designer that I have ever met in my life. I can see myself sending more clothes for him to make for a lifetime now. Lol.

I also did my facial today. Today's treatment was unlike the usual. It was something to do with Hydrating majiggy hence it was longer than average time and slightly more painful than that I can tolerate. Oh I finally did my threading after months! Say yay to evenly shaped brows baby!

Supps at Pappa Rich with me familia and back with oily face and slight pain in the ear. Not now please :(

Eight.

Eight more days. And seven is just a few minutes away. Counting days can be quite nerve wrecking and exciting at the same time.

Guess what did I do today?

I did my first bridal spa treatment!! And I swear you have no idea as to how excited I am or sound like since computers are tone deaf! It was effin amazing! I can't wait for the next session to come and be all pampered, loved and indulged. This is PURE BLISS!

I don't wanna be telling what I did or where I'm doing it but you'll find out sooner or later (but some of you might have known already so let's play along here guys thanks hehe). I wish to share them with you only after the whole works are done, of which I have my reasons for doing as such.

So after 3 and a half hours of spa, my best friends Ems and Mel picked me up and we headed to Chic Nail Spa at Bangsar Village II to join some others for obvious reasons. I must say that the ambiance is, not was, marvs. But the service? Not really. I guess it's safe to say that people go there in hoping to prove themselves right of the parlour's reputation of being pretty, parisian chic interior concept and indeed, they are right. However it's a sad thing to discover that their service was pretty bad. It was practically impersonal. I don't understand why they rushed their customers (maybe because we're nobodys) to choose the massage lotion in a jiffy. Dah la banyak. To top to that, some of my friends who did french manicure were not satisfied with the outcome. Was it just us experiencing that or you went through the same?

Had late lunch at Marco's Pizza at BV I (please try the Penne Marchiata) and headed home and took a nap. About 7ish, Mel, Ems and Sakey took me to Midvalley to get stuff for Bilik Pengantin deco. Yay, one more thing settled! Thanks girls.

It's half past one and I'm supposed to be asleep now (apparently my masseuse said that one of two problems that I have is 'lacking of sleep') Therefore, I guess I better go now.

Early morning and three things on my To Do List tomorrow. Be(ar) with me. Lol.

Nine.

So many things to do but so little time. I must say that work takes away bulk of it and everyday when I reach home from the office, it's already dawn! :(

Anyways, I went with FFIL to Ampang Point yesterday to get our dresses. Alhamdullilah, this one turned out well, much much better than the one I had for mine even though that lady insisted on us paying for the pair of shoes we never intend to wear since she got it all messed up already. Again, I shall spare this story once the wedding has passed, insya Allah. Banyak benda that I chose not to disclose since I try my best not become the cliche bridezilla here, although at times, I very much feel like I'm "eating the same cake".

The day before yesterday (Tuesday), the videographers came over to collect momentos (if there is such a word haha) and to discuss as to how the montage will be like. Agak kelam kabut la my preparation for the montage. I'm hoping for the best je for now and I have faith in them to give me an awesome result. But I guess it won't be fair if I expect much from them since I was the one who delivered the pictures late. Again, blame it all on work 90% and 10% tiredness. Well, what to do kan? Kalau tak kerja, siapa nak bagi saya gaji? :( So yeah, that's settled for now, Alhamdullilah. Can't wait for the preview next week!

Anyhow am supposed to compile an album which consist of the important faces for my photographers' easy reference. That too is one the things that I have put on hold for what seemed like the longest time ever.

Okay, one by one, zaznur. Kerja settlekan dulu. Then everything else. Am very, very, very looking forward for my bridal spa treatment!

Ten.

Dear Mdms and Sirs,

May I refer you to the above matter.

Kindly be informed that the Big Day is ten (10) days away from today. I believe explanation of my current sentiments may be superflous as I refuse to remind myself that I am nervous, crack-up of the number of guests and emotionally in fear of the post-wedding jitters. Not pre-wedding, but post-wedding. Allow me to come back to you again, personally on the latter.

On the other hand, as I have been frequently asked by many as to what we both (the Bride and Groom) would like to have as our wedding gift, we have decided with several options for your "further action". "Several" here may not mean "a few" though but you are more than welcome to give us "several" :) (Just kidding)

Below are the list of things that you may want to consider in making us a happier couple:

1. Cash

2. More cash

3. Bedding set

4. LCD Flat Screen TV

5. Dvd player

6. Baroque furniture/house items

7. Kitchen Aid Mixer (preferably baby pink or mustard yellow)

8. HiFi system

9. Vouchers of any kind

10. Holiday trips

11. Toaster

12. Steam Iron

13. Cooking utensils

14. Pots and pans

15. Baking utensils

16. Cutleries

17. Funky pillows

18. Digital frame!

19. Cute cake stand

20. Tea sets

21. Sofa

22. Microwave

23. Oven

24. Washing machine

25. Small fridge

26. Cash yet again hoho

27. Towels

28. Hand made whatevers!

29. Ipod & speakers

30. Your presence :))

Should you wish to seek for clarifications, please contact me at zaznuriah@gmail.com. We will be more than glad to assist you pertaining to any matter *smiling profusely*

Sincerely,

B&G to Be, Insya Allah.

Make Way, Make Way!

I don't wanna say much cuz words won't and don't justify the excitement that I get through out the one night stay at Lansons Place, KL for our Bachelorette Party with my girls. Hell a lot of fun, I swear. To top to that, Didi came back alllll the way from Jogja for this and so did Shida from the UK (well not just because but so what?) A huge reunion of an awesome possum time. Strictly BGFFs, no boys, no dramas :)

The Brides to Be dressed in red.

Paper centre pieces made with love.

Deciding team. Swear we were shouting and screaming mannn. Nasib tak kena halau from the hotel.
Team Zaznur & Team Sha.

Yes, still waiting patiently for Nurul to count.

Game One: The Toilet Paper Wedding Dress.
Team Sha: 1. Team Zaznur: 0

Lost due to un-systematically design lol!

Team Zaznur. Long veil there.

Game Two: The Couples Quiz.
Answers supplied by our Fiances. So supportive of them. But if you actually read Hash's choice of answers memang silly gila. Hahaha.

Jangan stress babes. Subject: Zaznuriah & Hashley.

Wall deco.

Circle of BBs. Spot the baa baa black sheep lol

Game Three: Wedding Taboo.
Copyrighted by Dalia Dania Ruslan.
Sue you if you copy this game.

Late night supper at Pelita, KLCC.

Extremely Loud, Low Key, High Pitch :p

Gift from Sweekinah (Sweet + Sakinah)

Thanks Tashy for the magnets!

Sash. Duh.

1st Prize for The Wedding Taboo game.
Team Zaznur: 1. Team Sha: 1. Win Win situation haha.

Party Packs pour moi :))

Thanks for the amazing times girls. Forever will I remember the good time that we shared. May this beautiful friendship blossom till the end of our lives, insya Allah. God bless. Love you all xx

Bride Din Din & My. Freddy Reddy.

Last Friday, my sister organized a strictly cousins only bride party/dinner for me at Fridays, The Curve. 23 of us came and that's only like one-third of the cousins. It was really nice of them to have made the effort to come and I bet it was difficult for my sister to plan since my cousins are all over as in bersepah-sepah haha. From big to small cousins, they made it. Sangat terharu biru hehe. After dinner, 11 of us went to watch Nightmare on Elm Street and boyy, I was screaming or what! Haha. I had a lot of fun, I really did.

It's been far too long since we cousins did this. Priceless moment, priceless pictures, priceless people. Semua priceless lah! Thank you very much for this! Thanks Yayi! *love*

#1

Yes, one more month baby.

How am I feeling? Excited but nervous as (insert here).

One month means technically 31 days. One month can also mean four more weeks. And you know how weeks pass us by.

Been counting months and now days and God knows much has happened. Good and bad, alhamdullilah, I've been steering well, I hope.

Truthfully speaking, what should I update on? Hantaran? Gubahan? Make up artist? These have been overly repeated in the previous posts and months and I guess repeating it again would be a bore (if not to you, to me) so I intend to just tell you bits and pieces, instead on the overall checklist.

Well..what's left undone on my part? Guest of Honour's gifts, Music or Song Selections, Bunga manggar(s), and Basket for flower girl. I think. The rest, all in the execution stage (except start to clean the entire household) with much help and enduring support from friends and family. I hope everything will be as planned, Insya Allah *prays hard*

Oh I went for my fitting for all four attires already and I must say that I love love love my akad attire the most! :))) It feels so surreal to be wearing it and there were times that I resisted to take it off! Each different attire gives a different effect to it. Akad - all sweet, demure and elegant. House reception's attire is a bit English and vintage - a combo of my design which I re-designed from my mom's dress back in the 80s. The one for hall reception gives a rich, sophisticated and classic effect, perhaps due to the colour of the attire and the one to be worn at bertandang is nothing but absolute grandeur. Please girls, not that I'm boasting, I'm just describing the feeling I felt whilst trying on it :) I can't wait to wear my baju nikah! *smiling profusely* Alhamdullilah syukur everything turned out well. Allah has been good to me because I know I have been tested a lot off late. Hehe.

Okay I think I'm going in circles now. Better go before I start blabbing like a bimbs. Take care and til next b2b update - not on the checklist but whatever I feel like writing prior to the wedding.

Loves.

Shower Me The Bride :)

Hello dears,

It's been awhile. Was unwell since last Friday, well technically still is on and off and have no idea what's wrong. Maybe am in need of a second check up at the doctor. The antibiotics have finished but am not recovered just yet. Prolly just too tired (but not really?) or whatever reasons related to exhaustion.

Anyways this isn't about me whining about my health, it's about the awesome Sunday or rather Funday I had with my law besties - Nurule, Sherry and Tt.

Well, we the b2bs (Sherry and I - Sherry's getting married this Friday *excited*) were informed that we'll be kidnapped sorta on Sunday 2nd May from 230pm til night. The organizers were Nurule and Tt (obviously them, who else? hehe) picked me up and drove in the direction of OU. As I hopped into the car I saw all three of them with absolutely no make up on, looking very simple as if nak pegi minum dekat mamak. I on the other hand looked overdressed, macam nak pergi birthday party eventhough I thought I wore something verrrry simple for a bridal shower majiggy. I was clad in a long top and leggings. So confirm bawak gi spa ni. Hahaha. Peace Nurul, you should know that I know you girls better lalala :) But truthfully speaking I was hoping that they'd take me to the spa, just any spa please cuz I believe my body feels like an aging woman already.

The cute thing about my friends is that diorang semangat sangat tapi tak tau jalan boleh tak? When Sherry and I offered help, they refused but we kept on going in circles. Last last terpaksa jugak mintak tolong kitorang and there I was with Google Maps and Tt made a phone call to the spa and we arrived Kayu Ara. It was TANAMERA SPA :)))) (dalam hati yessssss!) Elated, we made our way to level 3.

Apparently Nurul and Tt had planned Ayer Spa Package which consists of 1 hour and 45 minutes spa package of Choice of Tanamera Massageworks and Choice of Tanamera Organic brown sugar or Himalayan rock salt scrub. So I chose Basil oil (good for migrains and asthma problem) for massage and a combination of the Organic brown sugar and Himalayan rock salt for scrub. Tt and and Nurul were in for the hair treatment while waiting for the pengantins to be ready (it turned out that the pengantins finished their treatments earlier than they did haha!)

The first thing they did was to soak our feets into a bowl of hot water with petals of roses and some salts I think. Even that too was relaxing (okay maybe this is all in the mind haha) and lie face down (face through that round thing which I don't fancy. Agak merimaskan di situ) and my masseuse - Fazidah did her excellent job. Imagine, whilst scrubbing yang sakit tu pun boleh tertido? Call that relaxing or what! I was having the time of my life :))) Showered and I actually felt rejuvenated, especially at the eyes. Rasa macam before datang mata sembab but after that it feels (not visibly) super fresh! Thanks Nurul and Tt. I really, really loved the spa treatment!

After the spa, we (S & I) bought Dunkin Donuts sandwich on our way home and rested whilst waiting for the other two ladies go run around preparing for dinner. Got ready for dinner and off we went to a place somewhat very similar - Solaris Dutamas. Susah nak surprise saya ni, sebab usually I'm the mastermind for planning. Hehehe. We walked into a new restaurant there called The Pink Sage and saw soft pink, hot pink and black balloons situated at a designated table and the table wasn't small, it was meant for at least 10 people! Bahh, I knew right there and then Shanee and Cindy sure invited haha! True enough, they did along with Diot Mak Buyung sangat comel and Syazna. I guess my surprise was Kak Liza being invited hahaha. But she couldn't make it due to family commitments :) S & I were given a crown, a sash and hugeee Bride to Be button/pin to wear for the night. Speaking of 'wear', S coincidentally wore soft pink and hot pink and I was in black (as always haha) which go along with the theme!

Anyhoots, the only meal that was nice and worth recommending was the nachos - effin good I tell ya, even better than Hard Rock Cafe's. I would go there again just to have nachos lah. Got ourselves a good luck and congrats card from them just before we were off for home. Oh, not forgetting, Diot's "buat anak kena cara Islam...yang lain... tuttttt ....." hahaha! Diot, Diot, penuh betul dengan nasihat. Takut saya! Kena study ni :p

So yeah, that was my first bridal shower thrown by none other than my besties. I had so much fun girls, thank you oh so much! And thanks Shanee, Diot, Nana and Cindy for coming. Never will I forget this moment! ♥ you!

Usik-Usik Merisik.

"Orang Jawa turun ke dusun,
Singgah sejenak dipinggir kota,
Kami membawa sirih tersusun,
Sudilah sepiak membuka kata.

Orang dusun pergi ke huma,
Bawa ke pekan seikat keladi,
Sirih tersusun kami terima,
Sila nyatakan hasrat di hati."

source.

Ecewahhhh. Lol.

Just last year that this happened - 19th April 2009. I remember being all nervous and stuff and was in fact late when it was time to 'sarung cincin'. I made everyone wait because I just got back from the saloon to have my manicure pedicure done and hair trimmed. Sumpah tak tau kena turun sarung cincin and salam semua orang. I wasn't prepared for any of this at all and boyy, was I nervous or what! I was nervous to the t! Haha.

Praises to Allah that a year has passed by in a blink of an eye. Moga-moga urusanku di dunia berjalan lancar, sihat selalu, panjang umur dan murah rezeki. Amin :) Ye, saya suka sebut Amin sebab cara tu je la Allah boleh makbulkan doa saya/kita.

Anyways, here are some pictures of my minimalistic merisik which I never shared in my blog for your view :)

I was very very shyyyyy, well judging the fact that I hardly get that kind of attention from anybody or rather, everybody.. :)

To those who's about to embark on this journey, have lots of fun experiencing it!

#2.2

google.com

Here's another one! :)

Top Tips for Planning Your Reception.

August 23rd, 2009 by Fay Khoo | Posted in Cultural, Planning & Ideas, Traditional | No Comments

A huge percentage of your wedding budget is spent on your reception party and it’s also the event that consumes the most time after the vows are completed, so it makes sense that you will want to make it perfect. Rather than get overwhelmed by all the things you have to do, steal some tips from the pros on how to work it smart, not hard!

1. Sort out the big jobs first – from choosing your venue or caterer to picking your florist and entertainment, get the big jobs out of the way early so you can focus on details closer to the date.

2. Do sweat the small stuff – details can make your reception party extra special, so go ahead and create a sweet centerpiece instead of a floral arrangement.

3. Make a timeline – mapping out a timeline means you won’t have the 11th hour sweats when you realise you’ve overlooked something.

4. Sign on the dotted line – make sure your vendors all sign agreements and that you know their terms and have read the fine print. *especially this!*

5. Lighting counts – you don’t have to break the bank with a professional lighting expert; instead create a lovely ambience by scattering scented candles around the room, or simply switch harsh white light bulbs for softer amber ones.

6. Select a theme – not only will it make your party easier to plan and decorate, you can also create guest favours and place settings that will lend itself to the story you have chosen for your special day.

7. Make memorable favours – you don’t have to spend big to create memorable favours for your guests. Are you a greenie? Give guests tree seedlings in a customised pouch with a little story about the tree and what it would mean to you for them to plant it.

8. Remember the little ones – goodie bags for the children will go down a treat if you fill it with fun crayons, candy and even stickers.

9. Go the extra mile – details matter, so if you are having a beach reception, consider including sunscreen and mosquito spray in the bathrooms; it may not be glamorous but your guests will love you for it.

10. Less is more – in these trying financial times, it’s tacky to end the night with a massive firework display. Why not opt for thoughtful alternatives like coloured sparklers instead?

Hope that helps!

*Psst. Changed the photo of my heading in the spirit of getting married in another 6 weeks. Lol. Picture: thanks to Style Me Pretty. Edited by yours truly :)

#2.1

google.com

Got this from The Wedding Guide sometime ago. Thought of sharing with you lovelies :)

Planning your wedding!

August 5th, 2009 by Stephanie Chai Posted in Planning & Ideas No Comments

So Prince Charming just proposed and you are aptly floating on ‘cloud 9’. Though step 1 of ‘getting engaged’ is done – you’re now faced with the ginormous task of PLANNING YOUR WEDDING!

Where do you start? What to do you do? For most of us, we’re tying the knot for the first time. Here’s the TWG down low:

1. BUDGET – Don’t blow the bank but don’t skimp either. Remember, marriage is FOREVER… so if you need to spend a little extra then do so. If you do find yourself a little short, it is normal to ask family members to help out. In some cases, loans can be considered too (just don’t call the ‘ah long’!).

2. WEDDING SIZE – At the end of the day ask yourself ‘What are you comfortable with?’ However, this isn’t a decision you make alone… talk to your fiancé, parents and the ‘in-laws’. Remember what happened with Carrie and Mr. Big! Communication is always key.

3. So now you know how many peeps are coming and how much you’re spending. Next up – what will your THEME be? Vintage? Glamour? Traditional? If you don’t have a wedding planner, make sure its something you can do yourself.

4. The DATE – In Asia, times & dates play an important role due to our different cultural beliefs. Whether or not you are superstitious, some couples play the ‘be safe than sorry’ card. If there’s a special date you’re thinking of – decide early. You may find there are many other couples thinking the same!

5. The WEDDING PLANNER (optional) – A planner not only helps you organize the entire wedding, but can also help you get special deals depending on the strength of their ‘connections’. Fees range from a few to over ten thousand.

6. VENUE – Be it a church, hotel or restaurant… you need to shop around and BOOK early. Popular hotels and their ballrooms can be booked up to a year in advance for wedding receptions.

7. Choose your CELEBRATE (a pastor, Imam or Hindu priest for example). Usually, a token sum will be given unless specified.

8. The GOWN. There is no doubt in my mind that every bride wants to look beautiful. And having the right frock will get you halfway there. Start looking at least 6 months before the date so you have ample time to get it tailored and have a good look around.

9. The RING – Ahh, the ultimate symbol of love. As a rule of thumb, wedding rings are generally 3% of your total budget. Some couples do get matching rings though bear in mind you may not want your husband donning something too fancy! When it comes to diamonds, always look for the 3 c’s – colour, cut and clarity.

10. Find a PHOTOGRAPHER/ VIDEOGRAPHER. Consider a professional since this is special occasion, and make sure that they are reliable so that you don’t have to worry about forgetting your wedding, for years to come.

11. Send out INVITATIONS. DIY or go to a professional. Usually, they are sent 6 – 8 weeks in advance and add a personal touch. Don’t send a mass email like Emma did in ‘Bride Wars’.

12. FOOD TASTING – It’s most likely you’re holding the wedding reception at a restaurant or hotel ballroom. If so, it’s wise to demand a couple of food testing tryouts before the big day. It also makes for a good excuse to have a dinner with friends!

13. CAKE! Cakes can range from the reasonable to the cost of a designer dress. There’s no set rule either – they can be fun, serious or just an apt reflection of you guys as a couple.

14. The ENTERTAINMENT – A wedding reception is always more fun with some entertainment. Whether you hire a band or dj… it’s perhaps not a good idea to just press play on your ipod. Let the professionals do their job! And if you want to make your wedding dance one to remember… practise some special moves ;) -

15. The BACHELOR/ HEN’s night (optional but advisable) – Your last night of ‘fun’. Whether you hire a stripper, bar hop or simply have some fun with your friends at home… the most vital ingredient of this night – be with close friends! -

16. Holla – it’s time to get MARRIED!! Congratulations!

*Take note of this. This helps A LOT!

Customer is ALWAYS KING!

I've never dealt with someone so ignorant, who's business senses are even worse than those garbage in the trash bins waiting to be recycled. Maybe the garbage in the bins are even smarter than this person that I'm dealing, or dealt with so to speak.

You see, mom wants to give out yassins to those who will attend our akad nikah ceremony. Suddenly this particular blog commented on my chatbox giving a link to hers. So I clicked and saw quite nice yassins and eventually emailed them for a quotation on 20th March 2010.

Chronology of this uncalled for drama goes like this.

20.3.2010: Emailed for quotation. Waited for their reply and she (I assume it was a she) emailed me with this amount:

"300 unit- RM4(harga termasuk yaasin + pocket envelope)
RM3 (tanpa pocket envelope)"

21.3.2010: I asked them as to how does their envelope looks like and she asked ME to refer to her blog. Bukan dia sebagai offeror yang supply me with the info(s). Fine, and so I did.

22.3.2010: I asked for the revised quotation again since at the beginning I asked for 300 pieces then I changed to just 250 pieces.

24.3.2010: Still no reply from them. I emailed them AGAIN for the quotation. Only then she replied, but this time giving me a different price as per quotation dated 20.3.2010. She said,

"Hi..
For 250-RM4.20 (yaasin) + RM1 (custom made pocket envelope)
tq"

So that means RM5.20 for a piece of surah yassin la kan? RM1.20 is a lot of difference isn't it?

Then she added,

"I just realized I typed it wrong...never shud email when the baby is sitting on the lap!
For 300-RM4(Yassin) + rm1 (envelope)
For 250- RM4.20 (yaasin) + rm1 (envelope)
For 200 - RM4.50(yaasin) + rm1(envelope)
Sorry for the miscommunication...."

What kind of a reason is that, NEVER SHOULD EMAIL WHEN THE BABY IS SITTING ON THE LAP??? Tak kelakar wei. Tak kelakar and tak cute langsung!!

I on the other hand who was trying my best to not be annoyed with such reasons, then replied..

"Really you didn't notice? Dah lama jugak kita ber email tau :) - can you sense the sarcasm there?
I decided based on that quotation. How? :("

and further sent another email to her saying...

"Hmm I nakk ... Tp boleh tak dpt discount? For 250pcs yassin + envelope round figure rm5 each?"

Then she replied,

":( tu ler..human error...luckily that my baby is not disturbing me at the moment.
Hmm..so macam mana? well, it's up to you dear..the choice is yours..
nak amik 200 or 300..with envelopes kan? "

See those words - "LUCKILY THAT MY BABY IS NOT DISTURBING ME AT THE MOMENT". LAGI TAK KELAKAR!

Still 24.3.2010. Now this reply,

"Well...I baru tanya my husband...and he said OK lah..
By the way, do you have anything else that you want to print s.a. wedding cards, tags, paperbags..u name it."

Daku dengan penuh baik hati, replied with this,

"Yay! Alhamdullilah thank you! :) so rm5 each. Total rm1250 right? how do we go about now? U will come up with the design as per my details then if everything okay baru I bank in 50% kan?
I'd also like to ask how much do you charge to print for:
A) thank you tags for 650pcs design A
B) thank you tags for 650pcs design B
C) message card for 350pcs postcard size
Thanks!"

26.3.2010: I sent them an email.

"So macam mana ya? When can I see the artwork so I can bank in the deposit?

Thanks."

26.3.2010 @ 1.37pm: She replied with..

"Tonite yer.. :)"

Okay I waited.

I got the first design only with the letterings of Surah Yassin (in Jawi) on 26.3.2010 @ 7.16pm. with this email:

"Hi...
For inlay dalam...u nak letak apa? usually org letak nama parents like
terima kasih daripada etc..."

27.3.2010: I replied dengan excitedness (menyesal excited) saying..

"Yay!
1. Tapi perkataan "Sempena" tu memang ada is it?
2. Hot stamping metallic pink okay.
3. Inlay dalam tu ada sample gambar tak so I can think of the words to be put in.
Thank you!"

At this point, the design was only the letterings of Surah Yassin. No artwork whatsoever.

27.3.2010 @ 3.28pm: She replied..

"bhgn dlm up to client actually."terima kasìh dr x n y serta
keluarga","sempena walimatul urus x n y" etc .yg sempena tu if x nk
ltk pun xpe.up to u."

And sent me the sample picture that I asked for at 9.27pm on the same day.

So on 28.3.2010, I replied,

"Okay got it already.
So okay, here goes.
1. Cover : as per earlier discussion which is -
a) Hot stamp metallic pink
b) Nama pengantin: ZAZNURIAH & HASHLEY
c) Tarikh: 5hb June 2010 / 22 Jamadilakhir 1431H

2. Inlay : seperti dalam gambar sample dan tambahan details are as such -Ikhlas Daripada
Datuk Ibrahim Thamby Chik & Datin Zaharah Dato' Jelani dan Keluarga

Okay, so can I see the final mock up Yassin and the quotation please?
Thanks."

29.3.2010: She emailed me with the cover but this time WITH THE ARTWORK I NEVER KNEW THAT IT EXISTED AND WHICH THEY CAN DO...

"Salam,
Harga RM5.00 x 250.00 = RM1250.00
*Harga termasuk sarung.
Tq."

29.3.2010: I replied..

"Salam.
Thanks for the design, they're lovely.
However, for the cover right, you ada buat 4 corners of the flower kan? I nak 2 je: top right corner & bottom left corner.
Is that possible?
Thanks."

Her reply on the same day was.. "Boleh :)" and emailed me the amended version of the design.

So I said,

"Okay. Better :) Confirm as per discussed.

So how do we go about now? Am supposed to bank in 50% right? Can I have your account number and details please?

How long will you take to get them ready?

Thanks."

Then on 31.3.2010: I sent an enquiry email stating:

"Dear, the mail below refers.

Could you please direct me as to the procedures from here? Thanks.

Oh just wondering, if that bunga tu guna bunga ikut gambar yang I attach boleh ke? Btw can I have your number please? Senang sikit nak communicate if emails lambat :)

Please reply to this email and the email below. Thanks."

Boleh tak MINTAK TOLONG DIA REPLY? Business apa ni?

So here, instead of replying via email. She texted me and said "Boleh tapi tak sesuai".

I said, "Tak sesuai ke tak boleh?"

She replied, "Boleh tapi I've been criticized for being to western (westernize la - English k.o?) with that kind of flower. Tak kena dengan concept Islam"

Saya dengan annoyed yang nak meletup replied, (not precise words but strong words are clearly remembered) "Really, honestly I feel sorry for those who judge one's iman and faith on the flowers on the cover of a Yassin. Those who have that perception are close minded people. It's like as good as saying, orang pakai tudung baik dan orang tak pakai tudung jahat. Tak semesti bukan?"

Someone got chickened out or insulted wtf and did not reply. I waited and eventually feeling bad for giving a complete stranger my two cents. In fact, I sent her an sms the next morning apologizing for being too blunt.

But guess what, that person instead, sent me this email and together with the design as per my request:

"Hello,
Here's the account number:
MAYBANK 16xx34xx16xx H BIN A H
TQ"

Wtf? I didn't confirm ANYTHING! But I still remained calm and replied with this on 5.4.2010:

"Salam.

I went through the pictures and I was thinking kita go ahead with your design la k? Senang you nak buat and simple. So I attach balik the picture yang you buat tu.

Therefore:

- Your design

- Metallic Pink

- 250 pieces

- RM5.00 each

Once I have banked in the 50% deposit, I'll email you. Thank you.

Regards,
Zaza."

Then the miraculous blog owner replied with:

"Salam
As stated in the blog, we charge rm25 for any artwork done.So, the grand total amount would be as below :-
Yaasin -250 x rm5 = rm1250
Artwork(Design given by client)= rm25
Grand total: rm1275
*postage rate will be known on the day of the delivery.
The yaasin will be printed as soon as we receive the 50% deposit.
Have a nice day!
TQ"

Immediately I replied with:

"Oh initially I didn't ask for any artwork, you came up with one. So I assumed rm5 was all inclusive.
I suggest u be clear step by step so people won't get mixed up.
In that case, I only want to stick with rm5 for each yassin + envelope. No need artwork.
Please take note, thank you."

6.4.2010: She emailed, saying...

"Hi
Do read the blog . I assumed you have read it. Anyway, the other clients had no problem with this at all.
All printers charge any artwork given by their client.We do not charge any artwork that is already done by us. For the sample that you had given us,we had to charge it coz our designer wasted his time + energy doing it for you and you yourself sounded as though you didn't want the design that we had normally use.(as posted in our blog)
Since you haven't given the deposit, you can still cancel it.The choice is yours.

Thank you."

So on 8.4.2010, I replied:

"Salam.

God knows how difficult is it to deal with you.
First of all, I remember I had to frequently ask you for quotation or artwork even to the extent of emailing twice just to get a response from you.

Secondly, at the very beginning you gave me a vast difference of price from RM4 with envelope to RM5 with envelope on the basis of your baby was on your lap therefore you were in a mess at that time. Having relied on your RM4 offer, I vouched in for an order. After I repeatedly ask for quotation from 20th March to 24th March, you "suddenly" realized that you got the numbers wrong and decided to change hencewith. I kept silent and since I still want the Yassin, I proceeded even though I was already puzzled and trying hard to not be annoyed with your reason because in business dealings, regardless of whether it is online or offline, there is this such thing as Business Communication. Clearly you are lacking in that area.

Thirdly, I remember correctly and if you want the facts, I asked for the artwork from you twice. I am the offeree and you are the offeror but I have to ask from you twice. Not you promptly alert me on it. And I also remember correctly, I just asked for the Yassin letterings, never did I know that you are able to do the kerawang/bunga on the cover of Yassin. Fyi, you posted a picture of the kerawang yassin only on the 27th. I placed an order from the 20th. So when you emailed me the artwork of which YOU created with the flowers, I myself was stunned. I only had the impression that you will do the cover based on the last design dated 20th March. Refer to your blog. And only then I asked whether is it okay to change the flower to some other design and your answer was, "Boleh but tak sesuai dengan yassin.." so I assumed that you will not do it and the story of you being criticized for the flower goes on.

I then waited for your text reply for two days from my last sms reply but to no avail. Suddenly you texted me asking for payment and emailed me the cover of the yassin WITH the design that I asked. In any way where does respect and humility lie in the sms? You don't just sms your customer OUT OF THE BLUE asking for payment when none is confirmed.

And yes I did ask (for the design) but you never said you WILL do the design. You just said it was tak sesuai and did not reply my sms at all. I was not informed that you will do it. You just did it anyways. But still, I kept quiet and when I take a look at it, I then emailed you to just proceed with your kind of flower. Suddenly you mentioned an extra charge of RM25. Okay FIRST OF ALL, I HAVE NO IDEA that you can put flowers on the cover of the yassin and second of all, I never did ask you to waste your designer's precious time if I knew that you will do it anyway. What about me wasting my 18 days from 20th March to 8th April?

Thank god I havent made any payment just as yet. It'll be a whole lot of mess if it did. Thanks so much for your precious time "wasted" on me. I suggest you improve on your kind of replies to a more professional level and perhaps take a good read on Contract Law. You'll then improve on your business.

And by the way, I've paid you RM25 for the precious design. You may wish to reply or not but I don't think we'll go any further from here.

Thank you very much for your time.

Salam."

So at 6.17 pm she replied,

"Zaza,
Miscommunication happens..shit happens.
Anyway, have a nice wedding!
TQ"

Followed by another email at 6.19pm:

"Salam
Pls give me your Maybank acct coz I do not want to accept rm25 after all the commotions.
TQ"

And another on 9.4.2010:

"Salam
Pls give me your Maybank acct coz I do not want to accept rm25 after all the commotions.
TQ"

10.4.2010:

"Salam
I'm still waiting for the acct no. If I do not receive any email from you, I will post it out next week.
TQ"

Of which I finally replied to this looney saying:

"What is it that you want to post out?"

She replied,

"RM25..
I will not accept the money.
Any proposed designed given by client other than ours should be charged a min of rm25( IF the client decided not to go ahead with the design)
In your case, you cancelled the design..so RM25 is applicable. If you have decided to go with it, we will not charge you for the design.
Since your Yaasin orders has been cancelled, I do not want to take rm25.Consider halal.
TQ"

I don't understand why I'm still replying to this woman who is incomprehensible of simple English.

"Look, I've made payment based on your own words. Again, I suggest you be clear step by step, think and scrutinize every word before you say something because your own words will be interpreted and work against you (see: contra proferentum rule).
So please stop emailing me in this manner. I've made my payment. Consider that halal. I do not wish to have any communications with you at all from now.
Thank you."

10.4.2010 @ 1.18pm: She emailed again after being so stupid to not understand the words, "I DO NOT WISH TO HAVE ANY COMMUNICATIONS WITH YOU AT ALL FROM NOW" saying..

"Ok I will post the money since you do not want to give me your account no."

Of which I replied 2 minutes later saying:

"I suggest you go donate the money to the blind, deaf and mute.
I do not want the money.
Thank you."

I can't believe it myself. Such a rude earthling. Ignorance of their own nature of terms and conditions moreover simple manners. Semoga berjaya lah dengan business anda.

Dears,
Know what you're doing. Regardless of anything. Jangan bagi chance untuk orang memperbodohkan anda. Tapi exception in this case. Nak buat macam mana kan kalau orang tak faham bahasa! No matter what, customer is always right! Tak caya pergi Google lah. Kalau tak jumpa lagi sah memang anda menjadikan diri anda ignorant.

Allah tak menjadikan manusia dilahirkan bodoh. Kebodohan boleh berubah menjadi bijak sekiranya seseorang itu berusaha dan berikhtiar untuk memperbaiki diri.

Wallahuallam.