Updates on our wedding website

Two months going on three months as hubby and wifey. The frenzy of settling down into our little abode has come to a standstill. We've gotten back into the routine of our separate professions. Aside from work, there are a couple of exciting new projects we're dabbling with. We've also made a few trips out of town after our wedding. A few more trips in our traveling pipeline. 

But for now, we've updated our post-wedding stories on our wedding website. Hop over to find out more. Some pages are still on its way. Stay tune...

Our Wedding Video

Having gone through the tedious but exceptionally fulfilling route of wedding planning, we realize that we didn’t need to empty our pockets and drain our bank accounts in order to make ‘the’ day memorable. I strongly encourage all soon-to-be-weds and those eventually planning to tie the knot to start with a realistic budget and work around it. The budget doesn’t need to be hefty but it can’t be too slim either. Work with what you have, keep some for savings and trim the budget as you go along.

There are some things that both you and your husband are willing to pay for and some things that simply stays on the “nice to have” lists. Be frank and open about this and learn to each other’s expectations then sort things out at ground level. I’ve heard of couples that went into debt after their big day because expectations were met but it was way beyond what they have. The last thing you’d ever want is to start worrying about finances when you’re suppose to enjoy each other and the simple things that life brings to you.

As for our wedding, though it was thoroughly detailed (thanks to my super meticulous husband) but we didn’t spend a sizable sum instead worked with a comfortable budget and incorporated the little details that stemmed from our heart. We paid for what mattered and enjoyed every second of it. And after everything is said and done, we have memories of that day vividly captured on video for us to watch on a rainy day, when friends come over, when nostalgia knocks on doors and when we’re looking through our photos in awe of how God makes all things beautiful in His time.

Here’s the 6 mins teaser of the full video (45 mins). For those who’d like to watch full video – give me a buzz, arrange for a time and we’d have you over for lunch, tea or dinner! Thank you Grace & Choon Ean for all your hard work and superb editing. Find out more of what they do at Integricity Visuals.

Extra extra photos!

One of the first things we jumped to after touching down at KLIA last Thursday was looking through and sifting approximately 1500 photos from our photographers. Whilst we were away honeymooning, our photographers were busy editing our photos. Like any other just-married couples, we savoured every picture, zoomed into every tiny face, show cased it to our family and friends and reminiscence on the moments where time stood still.

Terence and I had a laugh about how we'd like to be married AGAIN - simply because we had so much fun planning the wedding and getting married. Our wedding coordinator, Joanna think the same too!!! Hahaha, we might call for another wedding committee meeting soon!

Meanwhile, click here for the extra smashing photos. We'd continue to update the website with interesting clicks. Due to our incredibly busy schedule, updates will be periodic. Stay tune!

The end of a day is better than its beginning

Day 16- Honeymoon

No regrets, all smiles – it has been a thoroughly enjoyable honeymoon. Looking back it’s amazing how 2 ½ weeks went by so quickly. Time ticked to our favor and the weather has been kind to us. It is our privilege to have weaved through a land of such incredible glory that meets the eye. We have through our eyes seen a greater glimpse of the work of His hands and the greatness of His might. That as He spoke, the earth was made and as He spoke the earth was filled.

Those hair rising - spine tingling activities were a blast! Every penny spent is worth the while and we’ve got stories, pictures and videos to tell of those very seconds or minutes. But the honeymoon was made complete with the love of my life. We’ve have delved deeper into the life and soul of each other. And what can I say?! It’s only the very tip of the beginning into another chapter of life’s long story.

Sailing, sailing home...

Day 15- Honeymoon

Saving the last of our activities on sea, we chose to do a bit of sailing on our second last day here in NZ. Auckland known as the ‘City of Sails’ is well recognized as the busiest harbor in this part of the region. With many tiny islands scattered east and west, Auckland is a homeground for water lovers.

We set sail on an actual America’s Cup yacht complete with helms, grinders, wheels, enormous sails and a boisterous looking body. For many of us who are not well versed with water competitions, the America Cup is apparently the world’s oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy in the sailing milieu. And having a ride on this ‘baby’ is an unforgettable experience.

The giant mast

The Auckland Harbour or known as Waitemata Harbour to the locals is calm and glistening. The unruffled waters make it ideal for sailing. As our yacht set off, some of us got hands on into releasing the sails, grinding to maneuver the sails and directing the yacht. Looking graceful and sturdy at sea, we learn that sailing is not easy as it looks. The grinding took a lot of effort and energy with our feet planted on the ground forcing to balance on an almost sheer vertical platform as the yacht tilts to about 90 degrees.

Heading out into the sea

Figure-8 hitch

I was given the opportunity to steer the yacht

Part of the grinding crew

Two hours at sea on this amazing machine, we passed volcanoes, beach side mansions, cruise boats, the Auckland bridge and got ourselves drenched in a bit of rain! Ahhhh… the last of our adrenaline activities as we head back on land for some shopping.

Auckland from ashore

Taking our only mode of transport Bus No.11, we jollied along to Victoria Market name dubbed by the famous Melbourne weekend market. Hoping to get some good grabs and bargains we were much disappointed that most of the stalls were carried Petaling Street goods. Nothing echoed New Zealand or natively Australasia. Trudging to Queen St where over 3000 stores stood side by side, we weaved through heaps of college students, lunch goers and pre occupied office people. As my eyes narrowed into the umpteen stores, instinctively I turned to Terence and said “Ok, it’s time for some serious shopping”. Pushing aside my subconscious mind that tells me every time I say I want to shop, I almost exit empty handed. I guess I’m more of an impromptu shopper. Thankfully Terence caught a bargain sitting on the shelves of one the largest outdoor stores – Bivolouc. He found me a pair of Northface that only costs NZ$80! It’s now mine of course! :)

Victoria Market - don't be fooled by its Melbourne counterpart

Some knick knacks

An hour and a half into our shopping spree, we now have combed through many shops, bought decoratives for our home and gifts for family and friends. Hauling all of that and a few empty boxes for packaging our last stop was the Maritime Musuem. With replicas of majestic fleets, stories of ship wrecks and sea crusaders we floated into a time capsule of oceanus chronicles.

One of the earlier days speed boat

Custom Terence

This used to be the fastest boat in the 1900s

Us together at Maritime Museum. Very insightful and educational

Rolling into bed that night was bitter sweet as our honeymoon is ticking to an end. Tomorrow will be an early morning to grab another mouth watering NZ breakfast before heading to the airport.

Our goodies! Spot my new Northface shoes

Northbound after 10 days in the South

Day 14- Honeymoon

Time to bid farewell to South Island, having spent 10 days in this part of the region, we both agree that South Island still has many hidden treasures tucked away – so we’d be back again!

Grabbing our morning breakfast of hot soup and toast, we were mindful of time as our airport shuttle was at 1pm and we needed to return our rented to car before that. Trying to pack our morning with as much as we can cope we did a little shopping and strolled onto the Botanical Gardens. By then it was 12noon meaning that we had only 20 mins at the most at the garden. The 20mins went by so quickly we leaked into half an hour, by then we were quite frantic since our car was still with us and the shuttle will be picking us up in exactly another half hour.

Stamping my mark

Botanical Garden at Christchurch

Needless to say the next few mins was absolute mayhem! I was pressured into giving right directions to Terence (since we cannot afford a wrong turn) coupled with that I had to pack all our barangs in the car ready to hand over the key... Thankfully we caught the shuttle, but the chaos was not over yet! In the airport we were still stuffing in our huge chunky coats and piles of brochures collected along the way! Stuffing, cramming, fitting and finally zipping our bags – finally it was checked in and headed north bound.


Mayhem!

A relief that the stress was over!

Touching down in Auckland we checked into Copthorne Harbourside Hotel with fantastic views of the seas and bobbing yachts. Without a car now our only mode of transport was our legs! Taxi’s are ridiculously expensive and we were not too bothered about finding out the bus routes as everything is within close proximity. We walked to the Auckland Sky Tower (something like KL Tower) for a night view of the busy city. Terence took some great shots at the observation deck.

Our last agenda for the night was walking eight blocks from our hotel to Foodtown to purchase foodies for back home. Stacking up our trolley we bought biscuits, chocs, feijoas, kiwis, soups, pastas, chips and cereal. We find ourselves doing this all the time, instead of buying clothes we’d buy foodies back home. And since we have our own home now, we’d love to serve our guests with bites from NZ!


Say a lil' prayer


Auckland from the Sky Deck


Auckland Sky Tower


Part of the city at night

Christchurch - ' The Garden City'

Day 13- Honeymoon

On the wheels again up north, to Christchurch. Many people who have lived here long enough would either end up in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. This should give you an idea of what this city will look like. In the day the city is active with working people and tourists, whilst at night it dims down to a quiet ambiance of late night restaurants, cafés and bars. Though it’s growing cosmopolitan air, there’s no shortage of parks, quaint lanes, rivers and greens to escape to. If ever I were to migrate to NZ, Christchurch will be where I’d choose to build my home (of course with hubby’s consent :)

Christchurch's tram service

Christchurch's main cathedral

Entrance to the cathedral

Prayer request

Sculpture from The Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu

Bridge of remembrance overlooking sunset

Deciding to add on a little knowledge about the Antartic, we headed off to the International Antartic Centre where they walk you through conditions and facts of living in the South Pole. Cladding on jackets as thick as our bed comforters we entered a room where a snow storm actually blew. Despite knowing that everything is computer generated and that we’re only in the room for a few minutes, the feeling of getting out of the ‘storm’ was definitely persistent. With temperature dropping down to -20c and winds blowing at 40km/h our knees were already knocking against each other. I can’t imagine living in the Antartic, it’s a real challenge to the human physique.

Another fun attraction was being strapped in a Hagglund – the kind of vehicle they use in sub zero regions. With tires looking like chain saws, the bulky machine sat 10 of us swinging us up two storey high hills and crashing down without a dent or scratch on the vehicle. It can go through water devoid of it being flooded and drive vertical plains without tumbling down. The ride was not at all scary but it was made more enjoyable with children screaming and hands clasped tight on the handles in fear that we’d not make it on the next dip down the hill. Oh, we miss our Rangers already!

The hagglund ride


Animated boy next to us

Animated boy next to us (2)


Us on a snow sledge at International Antartic Centre

Taking on the snow slide

Little penguins closeby

Blue penguin upclose

As the day folded to evening, we took a gondola up to Christchurch’s highest peak overlooking the city and her glittering lights.

Christchurch's view way up from the gondola

Gives me the creeps!

Day 12- Honeymoon

Heading towards the South Island’s East Coast our next stop this morning was to Oamaru. Having intentions to spot some wild penguins, we soon realized that sightings were only in the evening and that peak season had just gone by. Not wanting to waste our visit there, we decided to wander some streets see what grasp our attention.

We stopped by Puzzling World enroute to Oamaru

I'm leaning!

Fee Fai Foo Fum. I smell the blood of an innocent Malaysian.

Again, more lovely sceneries

New Zealand is an amazing country

We soon found out that Oamaru is nothing less than a ‘forsaken, mystical, creepy’ town. The buildings dates back to 1800’s with huge structures hover and make its presence known. People in the town dress old and drippy seemingly content to be in their own world. We found many psychic and fortune telling shops looming round the corner. Coincidentally they were also having a gypsy fair stretching over many acres of land! Just as we had enough of the wandering we came to this open garage with its gates sprung opened. Large poster invited us in – “Gallery inside”. As we entered the sounds of the piano echoed the place and right in our face sculptures of witchy looking women made her welcome. Everywhere we turned there were gothic figurines and creepy paintings. The thing that sent us sauntering out of the garage was the pianist - a woman all dressed in back with dark red bushy hair sitting silently running her fingers on the piano! *Goose bumps*

Along their weekend market

It's Famous Because It's Good (Ya, right!)

This is their typical 'shopping mall'

And their typical workplace

Creeps yet?

CREEPSSS????!!!!!

Zooming out of Oamaru, we headed to Timaru for the night. Pleasant surprises for our night stay as we checked into a room complete with jacuzzi and kitchen. Taking advantage of the facilities, Terence cooked up a simple dinner of pasta, curried veggies and honey soy chicken.

Dinner for the night

A sabaath it is!

Day 11- Honeymoon

A lazy day it was going to be, as our sailing escapade was cancelled due to the extreme cold weather and drizzles. Instead we drove to Arrowtown (20 mins from Queenstown). This small town set in a valley is a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of Queeny, as the locals would call it. Only one two main rows of old heritage shop houses, it’s enough to keep you busy with cafes, bakeries, library, book shops and other nick knacks to tease the eye.

Bought ourselves some pie and sweets from Arrowtown Bakery and headed to Wanaka. The drive was long and windy, climbing several hills and finally dipping into a spectacular view – Lake Wanaka and accompanying silhouettes of mountains. Checked into Purple Cow Backpackers and quite literally spent the entire afternoon watching DVD and snuggling to nap. I suppose these are privileges that honeymooners should not forgo!

Later part of the afternoon left us strolling by Lake Wanaka and simply enjoying each other and the company of a beautiful sunset.

Beautiful Lake Wanaka

Sunset along the lake

With snow cap mountains

Swing me by the lake!