So, I have been playing with my wacom tablet for a week now, and I think I am making some progress, ok, let’s say I have very low expectation for myself.

From sketching out my dolls and plush toy, I am working on something in a slightly larger scale. I decided to draw our wedding photo. Believe me, it’s a little challenge there. 

If you are married, you would remember the frenzy pace on the actual wedding day. We didn’t have studio photoshoot, so all we have are the actual day photographs. (I still wouldn’t change a thing about that, we are really not into the idea of studio photography)

On the actual day, since we had a buffet lunch reception, we were really busy entertaining our own guests, and it was nothing but crazy fun! It was so nice to be able to mingle with literally everyone on our wedding day. We didn’t like the idea of the usual Chinese wedding style, because we wanted to be able to move around more freely. 

That said, it also meant that the photographer had a really tough time deciding who to follow to capture the photos. Needless to say, it’s always about the bride.. errhhhem… hahaha.. 

The only proper photos that we had taken together alone were the finale of the wedding, when we grabbed our luggage (ok ok, fine, they were already loaded into the car in the morning, come on, a little exaggeration wouldn’t hurt, would it?) and raced to the airport right after the wedding reception. Took some really nice photos and took off to our honeymoon. (This is going to a story we will always talk about in years to come)

Unfortunately, the suitable photo that I can use to do this drawing, was the last photo we took outside the airport, but we were both squinting our eyes due to the direct sun ray. I had to resort to picking out the ‘heads’ from other photographs which we took separately with our friends and try to fit them into the ‘bodies’. 

For us, the love sparks first presented itself when we were ‘trapped’ at a bus-stop. We were on our way to visit Joycez in the hospital, Mike was kind enough to meet up with me so that we could take bus to the hospital (he had a really major car accident the month before and his new car was completely smashed). It started to rain really heavily, and Mike added a thunder lightning to the heavy rain, he told me that we had to get down the bus, as the bus wasn’t going to the where we wanted to go!!!!

You can read the rest of the story at mike & lis story. 

Now, neither of us could remember which bus-stop we were trapped on that fateful day. Neither could we remember the date, or the bus number. wahahaha.. Let’s say this could be a really good ‘creative’ slot for us to fill in with our creativity of details, we just need to agree on it. It’s not that important for us to remember those trivial details, at least we remember the key things that bring us to where we are today, in my opinion, that is enough.

Year 2008 has been an eventful year, despite all the dramas, it has been a wonderful year for me. 

Or, should I say, we have the power to decide if we want to embrace it with positive thoughts. Many say that it’s a year of Change. I guess it’s not wrong to say that. 

Rather, it’s a year of drastic changes. Change is constant, it is happening even as I typed.. Some changes cast heavy impact on many of us, therefore we perceive them as undesirable. 

In micro view, zooming into the smaller scale of an individual, change is unavoidable too. This picture was taken 2 years ago (or 3? I can’t really remember). We have changed so much, whether we have initiated or desired for it. I have gained a couple of kilos since, I was younger then, Mike was poorer then, our little yellow car is now a slightly roomier silver car etc. 

I was still Mike’s girlfriend. The computer I am using now to post this up, is iMac in place of my reliable Dell pc. 

Life is only interesting because of the many unexpected drama episodes that play by themselves, by seconds. We can plan, plot and execute, but the outcome may just turn out different. 

I used to draw with real 2B pencil and paper, now I sketch with my wacom intuos3 tablet. While I tried to sketch up as close to the photo, the outcome turns out differently. I like it anyhow, because I ready myself to an open-mindedness as I started the project. 

End of the day, when all the dramas sink in, we are still here to review the year, for all of us who survived and lived the bad times, we are still the blessed group, to be given the opportunity to talk about it now, to be given the chance to overcome the difficulties and brace ourselves to welcome yet another year.

Often, we found ourselves spending a considerably long time trying to recall the so-called ’special’ dates, such as when we first went out, when we first dated for real etc. Fortunately, he chose to propose on my birthday, so we don’t have a problem with that (we think we may have a problem with the year later on in years to come though). We got married on an easy to remember date, 01-02 (year may still be a problem later on in many years later).

As soon as we had decided on the wedding date, we quickly decide that we shall just remember that date as anniversary. Seriously, it has got to be a replacement, we cannot keep having so many dates to remember! I am not particular of the date we got together as a dating couple, it doesn’t mean much to me. The marriage superseded the dating date, doesn’t it? 

This year is quickly ending, and just the other day, we were both amazed that time really passes quicker than we imagined. Whenever that happened, we tend to ‘torture’ ourselves to recall the year and date all over again. hahaha.. 

In my opinion, it’s a good thing we are both nonchalant about dates, we will never have our partner getting upset over a forgotten date, since we are both equally bad with that. 

As the new year approaches, I am glad I have printed 2 copies of wedding books from blurb. The first copy is now with Mike’s parents; while the 2nd copy has reached me yesterday. I am very pleased with both copies.

I printed with premium paper this time around for ourselves. I read up in the forum and flickr discussion that some people had bad experiences with blurb. S0me feedback that the pages are creased, dots found in prints, finger prints, the binding etc. 

If you know me personally, you know I am more anal about prints than many people you might know. However, I think I do good with justification of needs and expectations. If I wanted the studio quality wedding book, I would probably have printed with my photographer. For the price I have paid to Blurb, the quality far exceeds my expectation. 

It’s almost like demanding a 5-star hotel restaurant service quality in a hawker center. It is only reasonable that we expect higher service quality and presentation from a 5-star hotel restaurant since we are paying a 5-star price. However, it would be a bonus if we get a matching service out of a hawker stall price we are paying. We always compare apple to apple, that makes us ‘reasonable’ people. 

That said, I do have a basic standard that each vendor should at least measure up to. Say, for digital prints, I don’t expect the offset quality, but I do expect that the prints are clear and the color congruent throughout the prints. Dots and stains are not acceptable, crease is not acceptable for any kind of prints. 

Marching into 2009, I hope we have a wonderfully pleasant year ahead of us, and for everyone else. 2008 has been a turbulent year for many, let’s hope the ‘excitement’ stays with 2008.

When Mike and I first went out, what impressed me most would be the rare gentlemanly actions displayed by him. 

Many a times, when a couple moves up to become a married couple, many of the magical sensation they once experienced when dating are somewhat diminished or vanished completely. 

It’s not just about impressing an opposite sex, but to embrace the ‘actions’ (it depends on how you perceive) as though they are your virtues. Perhaps those were the little things that your spouse was attracted to you. 

Mike still opens the car door for me, hold the door for me, carry heavy purchases for me, walk ahead of me in crowd etc. I remember I was indeed delighted with these small things when we first dated. 

I know he is not just doing that for me, he does it for most female friends too. I am perfectly fine with that, because that clearly shows his genuine respect to the female. Sure, there are things he only does for me, and I am happy to be privileged in that sense.

We have heard so many times how a married couple, or a couple who have been dating for years, complaining about the ‘before and after’ behaviors. We really should be paying attention to these complaints, as they may be the leading reasons to a drifted relationship. 

A marriage is not a destination, it is a journey, a journey we promise to last a life-time. For a promise like this, it’s definitely worth the effort and time to be motivated in working hard to improve and sustain on.

Our marriage is not perfect, neither are we as persons. Perhaps that is the interesting part, because we will always have something to work and improve on. Imagine a monotonous job you are in, and the mundane routine you wake up to, how uninteresting can that be? Maybe the positive attitude towards achieving a great relationship and marriage is not to aim to be perfect, but to constantly explore and better ourselves, so that we could always expect new pleasant discoveries and be happy we are better today, than yesterday. 

Personally, I think it is important to start at the right foot in any kind of relationships, including friendships. Be genuine.. that’s what you would be able to upkeep, because it’s tougher and tiring to keep holding on to a mask which may not fit you so well in time to come. 

We are more likely to keep a marriage going long and strong if we have been the genuine us from the beginning, because that will give us a better chance to attract the right person who sees the real you right from the start.

Many of the brides ‘graduated’ as an almost expert in wedding planning after their own weddings were over.

I didn’t become one expert, since my wedding was really simplified and casual. I won’t know the nitty gritty details of the Chinese traditions, since I had omitted most of them (or did I follow any at all?)

I just created a series of ring pillows for my shop. While doing so, I did wished that I had that for my wedding. 

It’s interesting and memorable to have a nice ring pillow. After the ceremony is over, we can keep the pillow as decoration. The ring exchange is such an important moment, it would be so lovely to keep the pillow which will constantly remind us of that moment when vows, and pledge of love was exchanged. 

I have a rather different concept towards wedding. As much as I may wish to splurge the budget on the wedding feast, but I guess, for me, it’s what that may leave behind for me that mattered.

I wouldn’t mind spending a little more for actual day photographer, he has to be good enough to capture precious moments (I really don’t fancy studio takes, guess we are not so wonderful with poses, I prefer impromptu candid takes, which shows the real actions); I would also spend on favors, because that is what people get to keep; I would spend on ring pillows, because I get to keep them too. 

I didn’t spend a great deal on the wedding dress, maybe because I had always dream for a simple dress. I wanted to have a dress that I was completely comfortable in, and a timeless piece is amazingly what turns out to be the simplest. Haven’t we smirk silently when we saw someone’s exaggerated up-to-date ‘trendy’ bridal dress in the photos, years later? We would think to ourselves, ‘wow.. old school.. so yesterday.’ Indeed, it was very yesterday, but do we really need to look out-dated in years to come? 

Year end is crazy for me, so is it for Mike. Soon after Christmas Santa rides away, we will be celebrating our 2nd wedding anniversary, how time flies. Can’t believe we are married for nearly 2 years.

Despite our crazy paces, often, I settled down in thoughts, stealing some time away to appreciate what I have now. 

Last night, I was peeling the orange for Mike. I love peeling oranges, far exceeding eating them. Due to my reflux problem, I refrain from eating too many oranges. In most evenings, I would ask Mike if he would love to have an orange, knowing that I love the process of peeling, he would always say yes. 

Every healthy relationship and marriage, has its ups and downs. We do have our share of disagreements too. Despite that, I tend to ponder over the brighter side of this marriage. I can’t exactly imagine anyone else in place of Mike, who will take all my nonsense. 

Mike would never force me to do what I don’t enjoy doing, and he tries to create as many opportunities for me to do what I love doing. 

Being so vastly different in personalities, we learn to gain perspectives different from what we normally would. In view of that, it could be a really good point why we are perfect for each other. We may not always be comfortable with each other differences, but with a cool head, we will always be able to understand that we didn’t mean to hurt each other. 

For all we know, we are definitely not matching up to the standard married couple. We are one hell of an odd couple. Mike doesn’t bug me to tag along to all the social activities he is involved in; I don’t drag him to my family gatherings and activities too (Fine, I am not a group person per se; if I am not going to any of them, why would he?)

At this stage, and in many years to come, or rather for the rest of our journeys, we will continue to fine tune, adapt to changes and do whatever it takes to continue appreciating this good fortune to have met each other and come this far in life. 

When we first dated, we talked about stuffs like fights and all, we agreed that we don’t need fiery fights to know each other better. As a matter of fact, I am not a fan to fights and shouts. I have probably outgrown that long ago. I learn that I can only really hear someone, in a calmer conversation. I have long grown tired of challenging the useless ego and messed up emotions, which are present when 2 persons (or more) enter a fiery fight. 

Not only the world needs some good old peace, everyone of us needs a small cut of it too, don’t we?

I am not exactly a fan to using wedding photos as wedding favors. However, if I am making one, I will be selecting photos that carry some significance to the the story/message I want to convey through the favors.

Using my own wedding photos, I have selected the black & white photos for this purpose.

Magnet/Insert card:
+ I chose the photo that was taken at the airport arrival hall - signifying that we have arrived at a new life stage - marriage
+ With a tiny tweak on the hue of the image, to spice in small interestingness to the entire presentation.
+ B/W photo has its limitation, and many people may even think that it can be too boring since it’s just grayscale tones. I have adjusted the image towards a purplish pink hue, while retaining the original color for the magnet. I hope to provide an improved visual effects in terms of toning.

Thank you note:
+ I chose the photo that was taken at the departure hall (we were really leaving the country though) - signifying that we have gracefully ‘depart’ from our bachelor status.
+ To maintain consistency, I use similar fonts and effect for the text
+ The photo was highlighted on the kissing scene (hah!), I don’t know, generally, people feel that it’s really sweet.
+ I dimmed down background just so that the thank you phrase can be highlighted without the noisy background.

I am definitely a story person, the wedding photographer we chose to engage heavily determines if the photos get to tell stories on their own.

I decided to create this mock up after many requests on photo magnets. You may have many other ideas on how to decorate and present your wedding photos and make them into wedding favors. Just drop me an email and we can explore the possibilities.

Although it doesn’t take a special occasion to remember how great our partners have been, but it does help to bring out the best of our partners. 

I had a 3-day birthday celebration marathon for the last 3 days. It wasn’t common for me, I have always prefer a simple meal, or better still, not celebrating at all. 

There is quite a fair bit of bad news lately, which impact on Mike’s work directly. I didn’t want anything extravagant for my birthday, so we had simple meals with friends and family. 

Mike has been exceptionally supportive towards what I do. Crafting is an interest and it creates the best ideal job for me, since I get to work from home, and do what I love doing. Psychology and counseling has been my passion for the longest time. With my present work, I am able to take time to self study in the areas that interest me most. 

Although the days ahead seem challenging, but Mike still take time, and effort to get me small surprises for my birthday. It takes willingness to keep the love in the marriage burning, and I am thankful we are both putting in tons of efforts and still enjoying every moment of it. It’s not trying or draining for us, it’s a process that we are both willing to enjoy.

I haven’t been active, or rather, I have been really absent in the scenes of family gatherings, for as long as 10 over years. You won’t catch me during Lunar New Year, nor during Christmas, nor any other occasions… Regrettably, it’s probably the funeral that you may see a bit of me. 

I am not going to find excuses, sincerely honest, I am just not a group person. 

My baby cousin is recently married. Apart from being really swamped with work, it’s just not a surprise that I didn’t attend the wedding. 

Clarice is baby cousin. I remembered her as a small girl with lovely dimples. When we were younger, when I was still tagging along with my parents for most family occasions, she was always the sun flower standing out in the crowd. She has always been someone who brings joy, and you just need to look at her, to blow any blues away, in an instant.

Her wedding photos can be viewed at this blog. As I went through the photos, I was daunted by the realization that she has grown to be such a fine lady. I feel that I barely knew her, yet it seems like I have known her for life. 

My wishes for the couple were delivered to them by the wedding couple doll I made for them. It’s nothing much, just sincere wishes. I am just a simple person with simple intention.

How often do we think about how amazing a relationship is developed, and later enters into a marriage?

The other night, just before we called it a day and go to sleep, Mike was chuckling to himself. When asked, he said, ‘It’s still amazing that you are my wife’. Huh? 

He explained that it’s still amazing when he ran a flashback on our friendship. It is still unbelievable that I was just his sister’s good friend, and his client, who is now his wife. 

All I know is that, this is going to be a undying story we are going to talk over and over again in the many years ahead of us. 

The conversation always end with my unbelieving conclusion that I have been cast a spell by the Chaong’s family. To be exact, it’s the Chong and Chaong. Jessie is my best friend in Secondary School, she is Mike’s distant relative, who lived just a floor above where his family now lives. Later on, Joycez becomes my buddy when we worked together. That was when Mike came into my life..vaguely. 

Undebatable, I was and still am never able to get away from the clutches of the Chong & Chaong. I am glad and grateful that despite the twists and turns in our life journeys, we managed to keep the friendship, and in turn earn me a sweet husband.