A quick post today.
Our Surry Hills store is opening this coming Wednesday - wooohooo!
Shop 3
285A Crown Street
Surry Hills
www.viaalley.com
I’ve been thinking about how I should go about describing the bridesmaid dresses without giving it all away and ruin the surprise. Not that it’s a surprise per se, arrrgh.. you know what I mean…
I am very fortunate because my three matrons/maid are so easygoing. I remember sending pictures (three?) of what I would like them to wear, and not only did they all agree on the one Ben and I preferred, they were comfortable with the colour too (well at least there weren’t too much kicking and screaming!!). I think I’ve told quite a number of friends already that the dresses will be purple so I’m not really revealing something I shouldn’t by stating it in writing. Don’t ask me why I wanted purple, as it was never a colour of choice for me nor is it the colour of Roksanda Ilincic dress we’ve based our dresses off, but mm, can’t explain it, I just think purple will work well.
Emily, one of my matrons, also suggested that because it’s a relatively simple dress that we make some minor twist to it. So we’ve decided that all the girls will sport different necklines; a U, a V and the original.

Dress by Roksanda Ilincic
Lucy very kindly did all the walking for me in Hong Kong and along with Jeanette (a friend who knows all about HK shopping), found a tailor who will make all three pieces from scratch - yippee! Unfortunately, we weren’t given too many purple hues to choose from, but I think we decided on a purple that would rock it.
The girls will also be wearing the same shoes! I was a bit late in the ordering process so ended up with three different sizes, one of which may be a little bit contentious haha, but I am sure everything will work out on the day (oh, I am sooo, wayyyy too optimistic ha!). And thanks to Josephine for offering her American credit card for the purchase!
I honestly do not remember how long I’ve had Taca as my hairdresser. All I remember is having originally visited his cute hair salon on King Street before he moved to the current, bigger premise on Sussex Street.
Ben was the one who broke our engagement news to Taca when he went in for a haircut earlier in the year (yes, we share the same hairdresser) and Taca was so excited!! (Thank you Taca, you are such a sweetheart!) I don’t think I ever considered anyone else for my hair and makeup. In fact, I probably subconsciously always knew Taca would do it and never assumed otherwise. Probably a little presumptuous of me but it’s all good - he can’t wait to do it either!!
I always enjoy having a good yarn with Taca because we always have a good laugh over one thing or another – I particularly enjoy his drinking adventures as they never fail to crack me up. Best of all, Taca would always tell me the latest and best Japanese restaurants to try and I’ve sure had some fabulous yummies thanks to Taca.
It’s true what they say about hairdressers, that, for some reason, you feel like you can share almost anything with them. Fortunately for me, I found that comfort in Taca.
x
I am so happy to hear that so many of you read this blog! Thank you girls, you know who you are!! And I know a few of you boys do too, so thank you also ^^.. Now, the pressure is on to get posting and to be honest, there are a few details I’ve not shared yet (I’ve been lazy), so to keep you salivating for more, here is a pipeline of what’s to come:
Need to post:
- hair and makeup
- best man and groomsmen bio
- bridesmaid dresses
Schedule in the coming weeks:
- Peppers formal wear for what the groom and his boys are going to wear.. (yes, unlike me, Ben is the wiser one with money)
- 29 May - engagement shoot - exciting!!
Still need to do (in totally random order):
- Work out what type of “happy biscuit box” to give out at the Taipei reception
- Finalise bonbonerie for Sydney reception
- Buy an evening gown
- Organise on-the-day schedule (and organise logistics)
- WHO IS GOING TO DO THE SPEECHES? Yes, the million dollar question.
- Finalise invitation lists for both receptions
- Invitation and church program
- Sydney reception dinner menu
- Seating arrangement for Sydney and Taipei banquets
- A hen’s day or night?
- Book hotel in Sydney
- Book airline tix to Taipei
- Lock in pre-wedding facial (for Ben and me), wax (me), mani and pedi-cures (me).
- Lock in make up and hair trials
- The audio/visual equipment at venue
- MUSIC to get you all rocking
- Book in church rehearsal
- Bridal party get together
…. have I forgotten anything? Do leave me comments if I need to be reminded of anything because I am sure the list is not complete. Help me prevent a panic attack on 1 October.
I will end this post with updates on previously blogged items:
- Cake design has been amended somewhat… ^^
- Got my shoes! Thank you Sussan ![]()
- My wedding gown is on the cover of a magazine heheh.. ^^
- Paid for the second instalment of the reception venue (OUCH!)
………….. and to think I keeo telling people there aren’t much left to do.. lol.. ooops!
x
It says it all, doesn’t it? A boot camp for brides!
I never thought about going on a massive diet or what not for the wedding (in less than 5 months… wow!) but I’ve set myself the goal of having firm triceps at the minimum to ensure I don’t get embarrassed when I lift my arms to throw the bouquet so yes, I’ve been “meaning” to go the gym but of course, I have yet to - no surprise really ;p
Then during my lunch break today (yes, while I was eating) I saw a blog post about a bridal boot camp on style.com. I was intrigued because the blogger shared her very punishing (but totally worthwhile) experience doing Physique 57, a hardcore hour-long session of pilates, ballet and cardio, set up by a Wall Street exec and former Lotte Berk Method instructor. Despite the pain she seemed to have gone through, I can’t help but wish I could go through the same level of torture as well. Not just because I need the firm triceps but because it actually sounded quite fun. I mean, a combination of pilates, ballet and cardio do not sound all that bad and if it helps rescue my arm from succumbing to gravity, why not?

And of course, such classes do not exist in the land of Oz. But I seriously think it’s huge business (the entrepreneur spirit showing through again). I mean us bride-to-be’s would do ANYTHING (almost) to ensure we look good on our big day, and we will spend big to achieve it (well, in this case, work verrrry hard!)
That’s it, I am off to the gym this weekend.
x
130 days since engagement
151 days till big day in Sydney
194 days till banquet in Taipei
Days forgotten to wear engagement ring: 2
25 days till engagement photo shoot
$20,308.38 in deposits paid for various services
$a zillion to go.
14 ’suppliers’ engaged, a few more to go.
A totally different perspective huh? Ha!