exotic interlude

the akad nikah was followed by the menyarung cincin and bersanding ceremonies all graciously executed on another pelamin across a white-draped hall lined with rows of crystal chiavari chairs.  for these rituals, we created a pelamin that repeated the austere forest element but featured a contemporary representation of the client's refined Malay heritage in the form of a bespoke daybed with accompanying bunga pahars encased in frame pedestals embellished with flower balls.  we scattered stands of flower arrangements swathed in lianas near the walls and hanged them in triplicates from the center of the draped ceiling and the four corners of the hall to render an exotic essence to the atmosphere befitting the extraordinary charm of the bride and groom.

in black and white

recently at the Borneo Convention Center in Kuching, Sarawak, we created an experience that not only enchanted our client and her guests but also enlivened the spirits of our angels.  through a dear friend, the talented production designer Raja Malek, we were introduced to our client, Lynn, who charmed us with her wit and a personal style all her own.  her exotic background as a Sarawakian and her betrothal to a man of African descent inspired Raja Malek and us to dream of a wedding theme like no other.

for the akad nikah ceremony, we erected a pelamin that embodied our client's Sarawak heritage and her love for elements that are simple yet stunning.  the pelamin consisted of a representation of a dipterocarp tree upon a silhouette of other (smaller) trees arranged in a crescent row.  during the actual akad, the groom, the imam and witnesses to the proceeding, all sat beneath the lush white canopy of the dipterocarp.  the seemingly austere set up lent a pure and dignified ambiance to the procedure.  the play of light and shadow created a surreal experience no words can describe.

upon the wings of angels

the ambiance inside the ballroom during Jovian and Nina's second reception reflected the muted resonance outside.  but there was definitely romance in the air with the addition of lush gatherings of white phalaenopsis orchids as table centerpieces and butterflies that alighted on the apple blossoms and wisterias.  the gebogan centerpieces seemed content with their previous night's enchantments and observed the day's proceedings in quiet contemplation.   the splendid pelamin with the balinese door panels was replaced by a dramatic pelamin with outstretched wings that embraced the couple during their bersanding ceremony.  Jovian certainly had angelic thoughts when he envisioned its design, it seemed.  our angels had more earthly thoughts when they lavished the pelamin with flowers and more flowers.  the floor was less dense with fewer tables.  more space was afforded to the dance floor below the raining wisterias which sprouted graceful appendages that reached out to shade the newlyweds as they danced away at the end of the event.  we wish the best for Jovian and Nina, and may Allah bless their romance forever and ever.

romantic reverie

Jovian and Nina's second reception, also at the Shangri-La hotel, was a more mellifluous affair compared to the pomp and circumstance of the night before.  the foyer possessed the familiar air but the ambiance was noticeably more mellow.  guests would sense that the most formidable moments had passed and this second reception was the time to relish the romance that has been sealed and reflect upon the future.