2: “… all dressed in white.”
Place: Cyberspace, specifically MSN Messenger
Date/Time: Tuesday, 6 May 2008, 3:42pm
Objective: A request.
Sometimes even the most casual of conversations can carry a whopper of a surprise so one best ready oneself when a good friend chats you up online…
Arwen: hey hey
Kenny: heya
Arwen: I need to ask a favor
Arwen:
Kenny: sure
Kenny: go ahead
Arwen: not sure…
Arwen: if is too big…
Arwen: for you to say yes
Arwen: but…after a deep thought
Arwen: I can only think of you
Kenny: yes?
Kenny: i’ll definitely try if it’s within my ability to do so
Arwen: can u be
Arwen: my wedding planner
Kenny: good gosh
Kenny: thank goodness
Kenny: i was kinda frowning
Kenny: and muttering to myself
Kenny: “is she gonna ask me to donate a kidney…
Kenny: … cos i already promised mine to somebody else.”
Kenny: lol
Arwen: no
Kenny: it’d be my honour to be ur wedding planner
Arwen: I am not
Arwen: instead
Kenny: but are u sure?
Kenny: me?
Arwen: yeah
Kenny: i never planned any wedding before leh
Arwen: I think about it
Arwen: I am too touchy…too perfectionist
Arwen: u are closest
Arwen: I can think of
Arwen: u would probably
Arwen: get close to what I will like
Arwen: I know..u nv done one
Kenny: wow.
Kenny: thanks
Kenny: i’d love to do it!
And that, dear friends, is how I found myself to be entrusted with the responsibility of planning an entire wedding from scratch. For one of my closest and dearest friends, who, might I remind you (and myself all the more), is a dedicated perfectionist under the unfortunate delusion that I might be anywhere close to the her level of dedicated perfectionism.
Naturally, I’m on full panic attack mode right now.
But I am not without my resources. I’ve got friends, too.
A quick missive to A Lil Fat Monkey, who just happen to be planning one of his best friends’ wedding as well (what a very cool coincidence, eh?), chockful of pleading adjectives, and as quick as a diarrhoeal bumblebee, I received the following rescue manifesto:
Wedding eh? Haha, you and I both have the same job specs I see. Well 6-months is all we have on our side too. Anyway get the following done in the following order:
- Determined Budget
- Look for venue: ceremony and reception (good luck getting Chinese restaurants now unless she has loads of the above)
- Look for dress (decide to make or rent or what)
- Look for Caterer (if your venue is not a restaurant)
- Look and book for a wedding officiant (Sept is a peak wedding month)
- Get invitations done and sent out before July
- Work out the day’s itinerary
- Book photographers, entertainment, florist, make-up artist, etc
- Work out wedding favoursThat’s the main stuff to worry about. I’ll say go buy a copy of Martha Stewart’s Wedding Magazine and there’s a very good checklist that comes with every issue. It’s about RM30. Can give u good decor ideas too.
Also, your friend and yourself can look through Malaysian’s Bride Forum and The Knots for tips on what to expect. The forum is esp good because it tells you where to go for specific things, i.e which photographer’s good, which dress rental place sucks. etc etc
Good Luck!
And with that, I can stop hyperventilating. For the moment. Cos my first meeting with the bride-to-be is coming up this week, and I’ve got to find a way some how and live up to my new job description: The Wedding Planner.
Credits: Photographs are of Ciao Caffé Ristorante, Kuala Lumpur.
Continued from Part One last week… and to be concluded in Part Three.
61 Comments
wah, good luck, bro!
hmmm, what kinda food are you thinking of ar? chinese? western? fusion? sharksfins soup? or roast beef? how about desserts? the cake?? 3 tiers or 8 tiers? flavour?? and that’s just the about food…
having said that, i’m sure you’ll do your good friend proud lah!
Nic (KHKL)
Good luck is what I’ll need, together with loads of panic attack pills and pedantic, purposeful planning.
As for food, it’s really up to the bride and I’m gonna give her some array of choices. I’d rather focus on the venue first, something garden-themed as per her wishes, and then see what sort of cuisine they serve and if it’s not to the bride’s liking, then we’ll look into catering outside of the venue.
And yes, that’s just the food. Then there’s everything else… Egads…
oh well, maybe I could also ask you to be my wedding planner maybe after 10 years or so.. I just really can’t find my husband yet. I think he got lost on his way to me la..
equilibrium2008
Haiyo, why after 10 years so long? First, I’m supposed to set up a dating agency to find you a date, now be your wedding planner too? My dear, I think you have too little faith in your own charm (or too much faith in my abilities, haha).
And if husbands are to get lost on their way to their wives, maybe I can design a road map for them? “Here be the Path to Ye Ole Wives…” or something liddat. No?
Maybe there’s something in this dating agency bit after all…
how exciting! I have never been so interested in weddings until we are planning our own. Perhaps u can give me some ideas and tips as well! With your eye for details, I’m sure it will turn out great.
maybe we need your help as well! LOL
daphne
Weddings, hmm. Can’t say I’ve ever been that interested in them either. In fact, I’m notorious for avoiding wedding dinners for the most part. So I guess it’s more of the “I’m doing this for my good friend” factor and a bit of the “gotta make sure everything goes off without a hitch” that appeals to the pseudo-perfectionist in me.
But being such a novice wedding planner myself, this will be interesting if nothing else. Will definitely give you pointers and tips … I expect them to consist largely of what NOT to do!
Hi dear..
You are exactly the perfect person for wedding planner.. I will book you first dear, not sure who, where, when yet…
Datin
PS: this is the first time i leave my mark on your blog
Datin
How exactly does a person book a wedding planner for a wedding that hasn’t happened yet with a groom who hasn’t been found turned up yet?
Now we all know why we call you the Datin. Oh well, your wish is my command…
P.S. Yes, and your mark would be a royal stamp of approval, issit?
hehe you should also try to draw the map towards me .. see Filipino guys like sexy girls and I know I am not.. Im chubby so I don’t think I will ever find a boyfriend here hehe
equilibrium2008
Hahaha… if I did that and you had all the guys roaming the earth and walking towards you, two things will result:
1. You’d have more guys than you can handle, which seriously may not be that great. One can have too much of a good thing, after all.
2. The rest of the womenfolk will probably skewer me alive for singlehandedly depleting their play-pool. Ahem.
Fortunately though, my abilities don’t stretch that far. But me wonders if there is a market for this sort of service. After I’m already a headhunter… couldn’t be too much of a stretch to jump from hunting heads to hunting down hearts, eh?
so I believe you are indeed starting the search for me now
which is in fact a good thing since I know I will be finding Mr. Nice soon. 
equilibrium2008 (con’t)
And by the way, Filipino men’s penchant for coconut-trunk-shaped waiflings rather than coconut-fruit-shaped ladies aside, I do think there is a market for every physical body type. Anyone who says the physical does not matter obviously is somewhat absent from the real world.
I’ve known some girls reject suitors on account of them being too skinny, too fat, too hairy, too short, etc. The list is endless. So it’s a matter of each person finding someone who appeals to them on the physical side as well, at least initially.
And anything’s possible here. It takes all sorts of tastes, after all.
The fun starts after the initial attraction and love blossoms. Cos the body? It doesn’t stay that way for long… True love ultimately ignores this; the physical attraction no more than a tool for initial courtship.
Looks may catch the fish, but my friends, what will make the fisherman/fisherwoman stay…?
equilibrium2008 (con’t)
Good gosh, I haven’t even finished my first comment and you’ve already replied! Talk about speed!
But, er, again… don’t be too confident in my abilities, my dear. I cower under the pressure…
Which makes me think, what would be the best way to go about this? Put a up a personals ad on my blog? Send out a blog ad to be posted on all my friends’ blogs? Or start a Bachelorette contest right here, right now…? The list is endless. I know for one the Datin and the Diva would want in on this too, haha.
hehe wow that’s indeed a deep message though. but I am glad I am not in a hurry and settle to those jerks who would treat me like a thrash. I would want someone who will treat me right hehehe
can lah.. maybe you can do as well or even better than Stephen Foong, the legendary wedding planner in KL. I attended two friends wedding which he planned. flawlessly executed!
that was like so many years ago, when mandarin oriental just opened. we did not know that our colleague who is so humble had parents who were so ‘atas’. even ‘menteri’ attended the wedding. there was a live band. a famous radio DJ was the MC. cute little ballerinas danced in before the bridge walked on the super long red carpet in. so much flowers the place smells so good! haha.. of course that ‘atas’ has ‘atas’ bajet.
“The Kennymah Weddings™” - Quick buy a domain for it! LOL…
equilibrium2008
No, never be in a hurry. I remember what my dear Angel told me once, “Never settle.”
What she meant wasn’t that we shouldn’t compromise; goodness knows no relationship could survive without compromise, but that there are a few key criteria that we can’t compromise on. These would differ from one person to the next — faith in God, love for children, honesty, regular use of deodorant — you get the idea.
And so while we must compromise — both partners, really — we must also know, deep in ourselves the most important things we can’t compromise on… cos those are what makes the match. Yes?
keropokman
Wowzers! I sure hope my friend isn’t expecting this level of execution! At best I can get some gym friends to triphop-dance across the stage or do some push-ups. And perhaps get a couple of “menteri makan” i.e. celebrity food bloggers to grace the event.
“Atas” budget, huh? Let’s see what I can weave with a budget more moderate and down-to-earth. That’s the challenge, and that’s where the fun is also, right?
As for the name, eh, bro… use my name for the wedding planning business, wait all the clients run far, far away leh…
yes, every relationship should learn to compromise. one cannot always give and the other one always receive only. It should be, both in the middle “all” the time.
so keropokman - you also have wedding planner business?
equilibrium2008
I still remember what one of my friends told me, “There’s no such thing as balance, Kenny. You can’t both be right. Some days you get to be right, other days you don’t. And that’s okay. So long as you have enough of both sort of days. That’s the real balance.”
And so it is. Knowing that is the easy part. The tough part is putting that into practice.
I know it is easier to say it rather than doing it. hehehe… But I am sure I would hire you as my wedding planner. but don’t give me a high price okay, let’s stick with the budget hehehe
equilibrium2008
Hahaha, well at least I know if I ever changed careers, I’d have a couple of ready clients lined up… all I have to do is to find husbands for them first before I get to plan the wedding!
Jokes aside, I do wish you the best and I promise I’m keeping an eye out for good men for you ladies out there… Now, I better start adjusting my fees properly, haha.
yes you should be. at least now you have a back up career.
equilibrium2008
Hehe, I can just see the name cards now — “Kenny Mah: Wedding Planner.” Wouldn’t that be a riot?
Now, all I need is a catchy slogan… Any ideas?
Slogan: Finding your way to love.. ahahaha…
I thought usually the bride and groom do what the wedding planner does ? We had to do everything on ourselves (with some little help from the bridal studio - that is supposed to be the “wedding planner”). Gosh, those guys and gals are lucky! Hope the planning does not create any phobia in you and make you reluctant when it is your turn
Whoo… that’s nice! I mean, it’s an honour… your friend is getting married and you get to plan for her….
“Mah services at your disposal” ??
Anyways, good luck with the planning. It looks like you’ve got your job cut out for you. And keep a close video/photograph journal of your work. Might become your portfolio for that new “Wedding Planner” career of yours!:)
Wah! Didn’t know my advice would be posted here. Should have typed in proper England….now I sound like the Ah Beng there one lah. U really embrassing me. Now I super maluations already.
May the force be with you!
equilibrium2008
That’s actually not too bad a slogan, dear. Maybe for for a dating agency rather than a wedding planner, though. Hmm…
tigerfish
Times, they are a-changin’. That’s all I can say… The way I see it, having a wedding planner relieves the bride and groom of the headache of planning an entire event which really should focus on them looking and feeling their best. In other words, transfer as much of the stress as possible to someone else.
Not sure if it’d create any phobia in me though. I’m all for a runaway wedding in a deserted island somewhere in the Carribeans… I mean, seriously, for the cost of having approx. 200 of one’s friends and family for a seat-down dinner, I might as well be sunbathing in the other side of the world…
Oops, I hope I’m not giving the bride any ideas here…
jason
It’s definitely an honour… Yet another thing in my life I get to be grateful for…
It’s strange that you used the word “honour” cos sometimes we take the things we are asked to do for granted, as mere requests, tasks or worse, chores.
Yet whether it be a wedding to be planned or an errand a loved one asks you to run, it should be seen as an honour since it means they have entrusted you with a part of their lives.
So yes, me feeling very honoured indeed.
Michelle
Hahaha, that’s another great slogan. Better define what sort of “services” though…
*sniggers*
As for a journal of the wedding planning process, not a bad idea at all… Might just do that if I can manage to maintain the privacy of the bride and groom here. We’ll see. Thanks for the suggestion!
A Lil Fat Monkey
Of course ma… Must let the world know who my guruji is… Then if the bride complains, I can point her your way… Just kiddin’!
Anyway, I didn’t plan to include your message originally but it just made sense… an online reminder of what the whole process will entail. Keeps me on my toes, it will.
May the Force be with you too, Master
YodaMonkey!No problem at all!
And about defining your “services”, well… I think it might actually be quite a good idea to keep it rather vague. That’s keeping your options open, no? *wink*
Guest list very important! You don’t want to slight somebody or a Somebody by missing them out on the invites.
Someone so many wedding dinners ar…I better see that Someone’s @$$ in the gym more often
Isn’t that every lil boy’s dream? TO be a wedding planner? I can’t wait to plan my own though.
Here’s hoping all goes well!
arwen? i tot i saw my name
Good, know who to call with loads of question when my day comes (if it ever comes, that is…)
as a part of your planning , v offer to stby 3 discerning tummyloads skewed to romance and everything nice to ritually trial-test the proposed banquet food /drinks, say at one or 2 weeks before the actual event for your final countdown so that the all-important guests will be wholly satisfied with your fine immaculate full-proof choice of the F/B.
On the important day of happiness we are also agreeable to crowd control the usual overhorny husbands and envious affectionate-less wives who might cause some possible disruptions to the uninterupted flow of the once a lifetime ( we always hope ) event.
Michelle
Keeping my options open? Well, I suppose it does make it easier to change the sort of “services” I provide without actually changing the slogan on the name cards…
Piggles
Hehe… That’s why I’m keeping the bride’s identity a secret for now… wouldn’t want every single chance acquaintance of hers or the groom’s to climb out of the woodworks demanding an invitation, would I?
The guest list will be peopled by those who love the couple and wish to celebrate their union… that’s the way it should be, yes?
As for my @$$ in the gym, yeah, I’m with you on that… definitely need to get it working out more often now that there are weddings and food tastings and what not… In fact, I can feel it getting flabbier already!
Paul
Hey, thanks for dropping by with your well wishes!
I thought every lil boy’s dream was to become a multi-millionaire and never ever having to lift a finger for more than anything than to call the butler? Or perhaps that’s just mine. Part of my entire lazy @$$ life design (sees above comment).
Either way, would be great to see you planning yours… Just wondering if you’re half as meticulous as my bride or perhaps even more so? *shudders*
zewt
No lah. Bro, you dah kahwin oredy what. Come to think of it, I can probably hit you up for some pointers too, you romantic fler you.
Henry Yeo
“… when my day comes (if it ever comes, that is…)”
Wah, that sounds like a song title lah…
team bsg
*pengsans*
Oh, you threesome really kill me.
Ok now, don’t go getting any BRIDE-ideas about sending the bride my way if you fark-up!
A Lil Fat Monkey
Oh, dude. That’s lame… even by my standards!
*sulks that he didn’t think of it himself*
What are you trying to do, steal my crown as the King of Lame Jokes?
Wah! You are indeed going places Monsieur Kenny. What next for you, a movie role perhaps???
tunku halim
Going places? Surely you jest? I’m pretty much still stuck here, sir. At best, I’m commuting more now, between KL and PJ, and some weekends to JB, but that’s about it. Only two-letter-acronym cities.
lol kenny the wedding planner eh? maybe u can start cooking up ideas for my wedding next time *bwahahahaha…*
good luck my friend..waiting to read part 3..
wow, you’re really jack of all trades eh?
good luck, good luck, but am sure you’ll do a good job
Jun
Ah, is the lovely doctor from Down Under gonna be my next client? Which month shall I put you down for? I hear July is lovely…
lotsofcravings
Part 3 will be up tomorrow, if nothing goes wrong (and nothing better). Thanks for reading, bro!
sc
You know what they say about Jacks of all trades, right? I’d rather be at least a master of one…
whoa! wedding planner! that must be a huge and heavy responsibility! so nice of you to say yes! i guess you’ll learn a lot of stuffs too..
Oh dear…trust me…it took a lot of me to read this post (wondering who is Arwen, the why behind what, and when it happened)…and of course, all the comments!
I am overwhelmed! He he…Thanks for everything!
Btw…I wonder…why Arwen? She is so beautiful…her beauty is beyond extraordinary…can’t be compare…
cbenc12
Well, I’m trying to focus less on the Responsibility bit and more on the Fun bit.
And O yes, I’m sure there’ll be loads I’ll be learning, hehe. Let’s just hope nobody gets hurt in the process of Kenny learning…
imeau
Why Arwen? Simply:
1. I need an acronym for the bride, to protect her confidentiality for the moment;
2. My nickname for the bride starts with an ‘A’ too, so regular readers of this blog can probably figure this out very easily;
3. Arwen Undómiel / Arwen Evenstar means “noble woman of the Evening Star” and this reminds me of the beautiful bride-to-be and her strength in life.
4. Also goes well with the garden theme, the white theme for the wedding ma…
In hindsight, I think it’s Arwen whose beauty pales in comparison with my dear friend and bride-to-be. Agree?
i wanna join team bsg in testing the quality of the food. LOL.
equilibrium2008:
no, i dont have a wedding planner business. kenny’s going to have one soon. hehe..
keropokman: Yes, Team BSG really have our work cut out for us, don’t they? They provide the full range of services, esp. the food testing bit.
I don’t blame you for wanting to join them; I want to ikut too!
And don’t go putting any more funny ideas into her head about me and a wedding planning business. Jangan-jangan I really get a call from a potential client, then how? Mati ar…
OMG wedding planner! This oughtta be fun!
Good luck and I’m sure you’ll enjoy every nerve-wracking bit of it!
Camemberu: Every nerve-wracking bit of it? Gosh, I certainly hope so. Thanks for your well-wishes, dear!
If your friend trusts you with it, he knows you can do a good job. You are a designer and planner as well - that’s something artistic in you and showing good taste.
alice: Well, she does trust me with it, which is great. Our first meeting went off really smoothly… how I anticipated some things before she even mentioned it… I guess she chose me because I know her and I know her tastes better than most people.
good luck!! wedding planning sounds fun!
carrot: Thanks! Fun… and much stress!
Great pictures. What’s the wedding colour theme? Flowers are quite difficult to manage, aren’t they? Lyrical Lemony has great decor ideas, I’m sure you’ve noticed.
argussimo: Yes, LL has great ideas, and I have Nigel and Allan too, to get more ideas from. I’m one lucky fella, I am…
P.S. The wedding colour theme is white, lavender and green. A garden theme.
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