It wasn’t until I saw Sabrina + Jordan standing next to their 8-tier wedding cake was I fully able to take in the scale and grandeur of this couple’s entire wedding! And perfectly fitting for an ‘old world’ inspired elegant affair that took place over two days in Singapore. Sabrina looks absolutely royal in her Vera Wang gown called ‘Gemma’…she has done an exquisite job of accessorizing our beloved Gemma from afternoon to evening with a black grosgrain sash with crystals…then spoils her guests (and us) with a Vashti ballgown ‘sprinkled’ with Swarovski crystals by Indriyani Juwono for the remainder of her banquet reception. Wow, wow, wow!!
Sabrina + Jordan | December 22 + 23, 2013 | Singapore
The Ceremony
We had a traditional afternoon church wedding followed by afternoon tea at the church hall. We customized jumbo ice cream sticks for guests to write their well wishes on. Our invitations, reply cards, church booklets and escort cards were designed and printed in Indonesia. Falling within the Advent period, we had purple flowers and altar decoration. My mother bought the unity candle from a quaint church in Melbourne, Australia. Our priest gave a meaningful homily on the School of Marriage: how we should fail in mathematics, but excel in chemistry and literature.
The Reception
We had an 8-course Cantonese dinner banquet at St. Regis Singapore the following day. Having two days means we had more time celebrating our union with family and friends who came from at least 10 countries. To have a different look, I wore a black grosgrain sash with crystals. We had off-white ribbons and lace as the stage backdrop. Our theme was old world elegance. The ballroom had antique gold chandeliers and gilded mirrors. We worked ivory and light pink roses in tall arrangements, candles, gilded cutlery and a pop of black napkin. I had the opportunity to change my hair and makeup for a second outfit. It was a nude tulle ball gown with sequin lining and lots of hand-sewn Swarovski crystals.
Sabrina’s Dress Search
I was in London when I did my dress search. I thought I would buy a ball gown as it would suit the banquet venue better. I tried on five big dresses and they were great but I didn’t feel a connection with any of them. When I was ready to leave, the Consultant at Vera Wang, London convinced me to try on one more dress: the Gemma. It’s a mermaid dress, which totally suited my character. When I came out of the dressing room, my friends were mesmerized. One quipped that Jordan would be grateful if I chose this dress! I went on to try 10 other dresses from various places. However, I couldn’t stop thinking of the Gemma – the way it accentuates the curves, the way the corset hides a multitude of sins, and the luxurious elegance it exudes. This dress is very ‘me’. I had no regrets. The second outfit (ball gown) was a compromise to the wishes of the elders.
How Sabrina Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Glamorous, Ethereal, (this last word is from the priest) Ravishing
Why Sabrina Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
I wanted another bride to experience the magical moment of wearing this dress. This dress is versatile enough to suit a variety of style: from casual chic (flowy hair down) to black tie (majestic updo and bling). We are soon moving to our marital home – a two-bedroom apartment- so we need the closet space as well. It is too beautiful to sit in the closet aside from the space constraint.
