Last Saturday, the hubs and I went to Destino to select our pre-wedding photos. Our package consisted of 35 poses, in the end after 1.5 hours, we ended up with 39 poses. It's not that the photos weren't nice, it's just that we wanted to cut costs and had to be as heartless as we could.
In my opinion, the photos turned out great. Not all, as I have to say that some of the poses we were asked to pose in were so old-fashioned that it was kinda embarrasing to see them in print. The photos were nice, and had the hubs lost more weight before the photoshoot, I'm sure we would have ended up selecting even more. I kept reassuring him that they would do photoshop to slim him down but frankly he didn't want to take the risk.
Each extra pose costs RM$150 = SGD$60, and with every 4 poses selected they gave 2 extra pages for the album, which made sense otherwise the album's just gonna end up messy and overcrowded.
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Later in the evening, KC came with us into JB to select my actual day gowns. I have to say that, so far those of you who've read my blog know that I've had not much complaints about Destino. Unfortunately, today's post is one in which I have to share with you readers my disappointment, as much as I am reluctant to do so as I do love Destino for their service level.
I am by far, not a fussy customer. As long as the gown doesn't make me look fat, isn't too bling (I don't like it to be too bling), makes me look quite elegant, I am ok. Sad to say, Destino's actual day gowns were a huge huge disappointment.
Trying on the gowns for photoshoot was a breeze, trying on the gowns for actual day was anything but. The gowns were either unflattering, too exaggerated, too much bling, awful colour combination, too many details (lace + flowers + bling altogether on upper torso). In short, the dresses look like cheap dresses from the mainland, and not classy at all.
The evening gowns were about the same, came in gaudy colours, with lots of un-classy blings and stupid looking designs. I ended up choosing a dark blue toga dress that was the nicest (in my opinion of the lot). Unfortunately, that dress is a little too small for me so they were supposed to inform me whether alterations could be done (but they've not called me yet and it's been 4 days actually). I also chose another evening gown just in case, but the second gown was really chosen coz there weren't any other better options and it was late at night (about 10pm). I mean, given a choice, I wouldn't have selected gown no 2 either.
So brides-to-be, be warned. I love Destino and their services and their photos, but their actual day gowns...were really disappointing. I am contemplating right now to rent other gowns for my actual day, and that is sad because it's troublesome and secondly it's gonna cost me extra. :( Sigh.
I would advise all brides interested in Destino to look through their gown selections first. However don't be taken in by all that you see on their ipad. Some of the dresses have already been discarded due to wear and tear, in some other cases the dresses may not be something you can wear because of sizing. My advice is BEFORE you sign a package with them, look through their ipad, make sure there are at least 2 or 3 designs you like, then ask them to let you try (why not?).
Beware some of the salesgirls there though, I've a feeling some of them are actually quite experienced and quite sneaky. They may throw you excuses like "Oh another bride is trying it, oh it has been taken out etc" you just need to tell them to be upfront about it and be honest with you, otherwise don't sign anything with them.
On a happier note, I found a few shops that have some really nice gowns for rent! Gonna go check them out! :)
Showing posts with label bridal studio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bridal studio. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
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!
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!
Sunday, July 7, 2013
My wedding journey #1
It's 8th July and I'm 5 months away from becoming a missus. Somebody else's wife. Oh the horror.
The hubs (I already call him hubs) and I are pretty cool about the wedding. I haven't turned into a bridezilla and he hasn't pulled out all his hair, so things are ok (for now). Our biggest concern thus far is the issue of finances. We aren't rich people and I think it's so expensive to get married in Singapore that we are both a little scared, but have decided to forge ahead nonetheless (actually it's me forcing him to *smile*).
Here's a little rundown on our finances so far:
Hotel = $3500 deposit
Normally hotels ask for $5000 deposit. We were quite lucky in the sense that the hotel we selected only required $3500 for deposit. Which freed up the $1500 cash for other stuff.
What you need to look out for when selecting a hotel
- Alcohol - the hotel we selected provided free flow wine and beer, which was the biggest reason as to why I selected it. Usually alcohol can cost quite a fair bit, especially if you have really good drinkers for guests. So now I don't have to worry too much about wine, though I'll still need to buy hard liquor.
- Invitation cards - ours provided invitation cards PLUS printing of inserts. Some hotels only provide invitation cards but require you to pay for your own printing.
- Complimentary table/food tasting - the hotel gave us one complimentary table and one table for food tasting. We exchanged the food tasting for another complimentary table. So we have 2 complimentary tables, which really helps to save.
- Other miscellaneous items - enough carpark coupons and wedding favours. All hotels provide wedding favours but for me, teddy bears and chocolate just make these so meaningless. I would rather give my guests something more useful, like a coaster etc. This is a personal choice though. :)
Bridal Studio = RM$5000
We decided to head over to JB for bridal studio because it's definitely cheaper than Singapore. On average Singapore's packages cost from $3000 upwards (not sure if you can even find $3000 packages these days). As the hubs drives, we didn't mind travelling in if it could help us save a little. Plus, I really liked the photos from this studio that I saw on Facebook.
Photographer = $1000
Quite fortunate to get this good deal at $1000 nett for full day (with break in between). Recommended by a friend.
Make-up artist = $450
That's for me, and also a good deal. A little apprehensive though. Hasn't seen her work yet, she came recommended by the same studio that found us the photographer and it was quite a bargain. The other one I wanted was charging $680.
Wedding bands = $1800
This one we didn't fork out cash, we paid by credit card instalments. To get points also hehe. Anyway we were slightly more ambitious and bought from Goldheart's Celestial range instead...thus the cost. Actually it costs $2400 but I traded in my old Celestial solitaire for $600 so there was a discount. We actually saw rings that cost about $800 or so, if you're on a budget and not fussy. :)
That's the rough breakdown of our expenses thus far. Hope this provides a brief guide for all the grooms and brides-to-be.
What I still need to settle:
- Dress for my mum (hubs will settle his mum's dress) and sister
- Make up artist for mum and sis
- Wedding shoes
- Wedding manicure
- Videographer for the morning highlights
- red packets for the helpers
- Chinese custom guo da li items
Sigh. So many things, so little time.
Gown fitting coming up next week! Haven't dieted at all *sheepish smile* I will just go and look slightly flabby, at least not emancipated. C&K joining us for our trip down to the bridal studio in JB! Looking forward to a fun time and a nice supper! ^_^
The hubs (I already call him hubs) and I are pretty cool about the wedding. I haven't turned into a bridezilla and he hasn't pulled out all his hair, so things are ok (for now). Our biggest concern thus far is the issue of finances. We aren't rich people and I think it's so expensive to get married in Singapore that we are both a little scared, but have decided to forge ahead nonetheless (actually it's me forcing him to *smile*).
Here's a little rundown on our finances so far:
Hotel = $3500 deposit
Normally hotels ask for $5000 deposit. We were quite lucky in the sense that the hotel we selected only required $3500 for deposit. Which freed up the $1500 cash for other stuff.
What you need to look out for when selecting a hotel
- Alcohol - the hotel we selected provided free flow wine and beer, which was the biggest reason as to why I selected it. Usually alcohol can cost quite a fair bit, especially if you have really good drinkers for guests. So now I don't have to worry too much about wine, though I'll still need to buy hard liquor.
- Invitation cards - ours provided invitation cards PLUS printing of inserts. Some hotels only provide invitation cards but require you to pay for your own printing.
- Complimentary table/food tasting - the hotel gave us one complimentary table and one table for food tasting. We exchanged the food tasting for another complimentary table. So we have 2 complimentary tables, which really helps to save.
- Other miscellaneous items - enough carpark coupons and wedding favours. All hotels provide wedding favours but for me, teddy bears and chocolate just make these so meaningless. I would rather give my guests something more useful, like a coaster etc. This is a personal choice though. :)
Bridal Studio = RM$5000
We decided to head over to JB for bridal studio because it's definitely cheaper than Singapore. On average Singapore's packages cost from $3000 upwards (not sure if you can even find $3000 packages these days). As the hubs drives, we didn't mind travelling in if it could help us save a little. Plus, I really liked the photos from this studio that I saw on Facebook.
Photographer = $1000
Quite fortunate to get this good deal at $1000 nett for full day (with break in between). Recommended by a friend.
Make-up artist = $450
That's for me, and also a good deal. A little apprehensive though. Hasn't seen her work yet, she came recommended by the same studio that found us the photographer and it was quite a bargain. The other one I wanted was charging $680.
Wedding bands = $1800
This one we didn't fork out cash, we paid by credit card instalments. To get points also hehe. Anyway we were slightly more ambitious and bought from Goldheart's Celestial range instead...thus the cost. Actually it costs $2400 but I traded in my old Celestial solitaire for $600 so there was a discount. We actually saw rings that cost about $800 or so, if you're on a budget and not fussy. :)
That's the rough breakdown of our expenses thus far. Hope this provides a brief guide for all the grooms and brides-to-be.
What I still need to settle:
- Dress for my mum (hubs will settle his mum's dress) and sister
- Make up artist for mum and sis
- Wedding shoes
- Wedding manicure
- Videographer for the morning highlights
- red packets for the helpers
- Chinese custom guo da li items
Sigh. So many things, so little time.
Gown fitting coming up next week! Haven't dieted at all *sheepish smile* I will just go and look slightly flabby, at least not emancipated. C&K joining us for our trip down to the bridal studio in JB! Looking forward to a fun time and a nice supper! ^_^
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