Catch Up In Hong Kong

I was recently in Hong Kong for my cousin's wedding. I made it a point to arrive a day earlier from Kuala Lumpur before other members of my family so that I would have some time to catch up with a few friends, two Malaysians who live in Hong Kong and two locals. 

I have always been one to realise the importance of nurturing friendships and keeping in touch, and whilst our busy lives may prove challenging to do so, a little effort and proper time management help. Some forward planning - locking down dates and times to meet ahead of my trip - made it possible to catch up over a meal. Food aside, the highlight is certainly the conversation. Updates on the latest changes in our lives, personal revelations and the like, you get my drift. 

In the age of connectivity via social media, such gatherings in person are catalysts for maintaining the momentum online. The trick is to find a few minutes here and a couple of minutes there of free time, to just send a short message to say hi. We can then take it from there.

Mong Kok MTR in Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Wedding Of Ming And Roy

I've just returned from Hong Kong where I was privileged to have been invited to my cousin Roy's wedding. The wedding was indeed a spectacular affair, from the traditional Chinese ceremony and the Western-style exchange of vows in the morning in their home village of Ping Shan in the New Territories, to the banquet in the evening right in the heart of Kowloon, it was a feast for the senses.

Ming, the romantic that she is, dazzled in seven outfits - a Chinese 'Kua', three wedding gowns and three evening gowns. The bridal gown I designed as a wedding gift, as seen in this photo, was worn for the cake cutting and photos of the bridal entourage. Roy was definitely not upstaged in the attire department. An all white ensemble through to an all black outfit with strategic changes in bow-ties and shoes ensured that he kept up with his new wife. I'd have to say that I witnessed for the first time, a groom in a pair of white Nikes embellished with hundreds of crystals, trendy indeed!

What I will remember most about the wedding is the celebratory atmosphere. They certainly know how to party. The exuberance of all - the couple, family, relatives, guests - made for a truly happy and memorable occasion. Congratulations again Ming and Roy! And have a fantastic honeymoon at the Six Senses in the Maldives!

Photo of the bridal party, shot during the wedding banquet in Kowloon, Hong Kong.