Showing posts with label Destino Bridal Gallery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Destino Bridal Gallery. Show all posts

Friday, September 13, 2013

My Wedding Journey #4 - Destino Bridal Gallery - Photoshoot

On Monday & Tuesday, the hubs and I finally went for our photoshoot. We were told to reach Destino's in the morning by 9.30am. Once we got there, the make up artist (MUA) got to work. They would find out what dress you have chosen and design your hair to suit the dress. Of course, you can also tell them what you want, but they will advise you and let you know whether it's gonna look odd.

So, my MUA for the day (Vicco) started work on me immediately. By about 11.30am, both the hubs and I were dressed and ready to go for our outdoor photoshoot at Desaru! It is a one-hour drive from Destino. When we reached, our photographer Ah Hui brought us to the beach where we took some pics, but after about 4-5 poses into the shoot, a drizzle began and when we looked into the distance, we could see the heavy rain making its way over. We quickly went back to the car. Ah Hui discussed with us and asked us whether we wanted to go back to the studio for our indoor shoot instead, as from experience he could tell that this rain wouldn't stop anytime soon. Not wanting to waste time, we agreed. He called back the studio to check if there are MUAs or slots available.

Due to the heavy rain, we only got back to the studio at about 4.30pm. Immediately the MUA did my hair and make up for me for my first indoor shoot. I love Vicco my MUA because she is so good at hairstyling. I felt that I looked good in all the hairstyles she did for me! She is also friendly and approachable. Destino's package included 5 gowns for indoor shoot and 2 gowns for outdoor shoot. The hubs and I decided to do as many as we can, but I felt a bit bad that we made Ah Hui and his assistant stayed till so late. We managed to finish the photoshoot for 4 indoor gowns but we ended at 9.30pm. By right, the staff there knocks off at about 8pm so we felt bad for making them stay late. Still, they were very cheerful and relaxed and professional about it.

Hubs and I was waiting for a cab back to the hotel (he parked his car in Destino's for safekeeping coz they have a guard at night) and there were no cabs inside. Just then, a lady drove out from Destino, she asked us where we were heading to and we told her KSL. Just like that, without even knowing who we are or what our names are, she gave us a ride to KSL. She's one of the staff at Destino's and really friendly. She commented that it is dangerous to flag for cabs in JB at night. Anyway thanks Ms Mei Hui! :)

Second day, we were still told to reach by 9.30am, so make up and hair started immediately. We finished the last indoor shoot, then headed again to Desaru. This time, the weather was not sunny but at least it wasn't raining. It was just cloudy. Yay for that. Anyway we finished our photoshoot at almost 7pm and headed back to JB. Thankfully this time round, no rain so no jam. We managed to reach the studio by 8.15pm and bade farewell to our new friends.

Overall, I have to say that I was very very pleased with Destino's services rendered. The staff there are all really friendly, helpful and it is nice talking to them and seeing them work because they are just like a big family. Ah Hui (photographer) is funny, professional and really knows his stuff well. He is this skinny, humble guy who is simple and quite humourous at times.

I will strongly recommend Destino Bridal Gallery to all my friends and family and all you readers! (If anyone is actually reading this). You can find them on Facebook and look at their photos. I love their photos!

The only con, which I also mentioned to Ah Hui for him to feedback to his boss is that Destino's outdoor gowns are quite limited in collection. So if you are planning to look at Destino's, do take a look at their outdoor collection first and look for one that you like before deciding to sign with them!

Monday, July 22, 2013

My Wedding Journey #2: Destino Bridal Gallery

On Saturday, KC, the hubs and I drove into JB. I was excited because it's gown fitting day. Our appointment is at 3pm so we went in for lunch and tea break haha. When we got there, we were led into a small little area separated from the main area with a thick velvet curtain. The little area had a big sofa and sort of like a stage area with a big mirror. So I have to change on the "stage" then draw the curtains to show the audience.

First thing the assistant does is to take your measurements, because some of the dresses off the racks may not be in your size. So if it's not, then the assistant wouldn't bother to bring them to you for trying. At the beginning, I didn't know what gowns to select so the shop assistant brought me many different styles to try on. Some of the dresses' designs were so "off" that I didn't even want to try them, but she did say I need to try out the different cuttings/styles.

In the end, the hubs came up with a brilliant idea. He asked the assistant to bring in some sample albums, and he selected the gown based on the photos he saw. This way, he could easily look through 40-50 dresses in a flash and select the ones he believes I'll look good in. Though I do suggest that the bride sit down together with him to select. In any case, as he went through the album and selected the gowns accordingly, the assistant would tell you whether the gowns are available in your size.

Anyway, she brought a few of the selected ones in and they were an instant hit. Though I have to say there were some misses as well. It was quite a fun experience and I took about 2 hours plus max. Definitely less than 3 hours. It was fun having 2 good friends there as well to cast their votes. You'll be surprised at how different their tastes are. :)

Tips & Tricks for gown fitting:

1. Bring a nubra - for that cleavage

2. Make sure you are wearing a pair of nude panties or nude safety shorts or better yet, both! - some of the gowns happened to be very revealing, some are the lacy sort. I even had one that flashed my butt and my purple and grey striped panties. That's all fine but one of the friends who went along happened to be the other girl's husband. There were definitely some embarrassing moments.

3. Try not to put on make up. - many of the dresses will be worn from top down. I don't think the assistant will be very happy if you dirty their dresses with make up. Actual day photography is different...

4. If you're planning to bring friends along, bring along friends who you know well and are very comfortable with. - Like I said, there will be embarrassing moments when your body will be discussed in detail. It's best to be comfortable with the people you have with you, otherwise it's just gonna be awkward all around.

5. Look through the albums - I recommend doing it like what the hubs did because indeed, it truly saves time. In addition, unless your husband-to-be is the kind who doesn't really care, it will be good to know what designs both of you like. After discussing, I believe it helps the assistant select/recommend dresses more easily as well.

6. Note the dates - Stupid me went to choose National Day, which happened to be near Hari Raya (think massive jams across the Causeway) and also it is during the Lunar 7th Month aka Hungry Ghosts Festival. Both our mothers gave me grief over the date so we had no choice but to postpone it. Oh well more time for me to lose weight. So if you're Chinese, don't select 7th month unless your parents don't care about such superstitions!

Most important of all, have fun! It's once-in-a-lifetime experience. :)