Stephanie & Faisaal

I had the privilege of being invited to be part of Stephanie and Faisaal's wedding in Penang over the weekend. Being on the guest list of such a milestone in a couple's lives is something I appreciate and am grateful for. Although I am in the wedding industry, I seldom attend such celebrations unless the soon-to-be-weds are relatives or friends of mine. But when I do attend, I always come away with an affirmation of love, that love in its many forms is possible for those who are open to it.

 

What made this wedding so special in my opinion was the friendship and camaraderie that were evident throughout the celebrations, pre and post too. The engaging speeches by my friends Han San, Kay and Kian, recollecting the past, regaling the present and prophesying the future, were thoughtful, amusing yet respectful, and more importantly moving, well-deserved tributes to a couple whose union we were there to toast.

 

As photos of the wedding continue to appear on my Facebook newsfeed, I find myself reflecting on the events of the past weekend with a sense of gratitude, that friendships, relationships and love are what brought us all together in celebration of one of life's most cherished milestones.

 

 

With the bride and groom at Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa in Penang, Malaysia.

Busy Days

Those of us in the wedding industry would have been expe-riencing busy days since September due to the peak season for weddings. Most would agree that our schedules can be pretty frightening to say the least.

As for me, I've had to juggle between delivery of gowns at That Special Occasion and getting weddingsmalaysia 2013 to print. It's the time of year where one gets stressed out rather easily. Fortunately for me, I had the opportunity for a bit of relaxing by the pool last week when I made a quick dash up to Penang for a meeting. Some time by the pool is always welcome.

Come this weekend, I'll be in Bangkok. I promised a friend that I would attend his birthday bash and I am one to keep my word. I've no itinerary planned, I just hope to chill, have some good food, shop a bit perhaps, enjoy a massage or two. But before that, more work to clear!

Poolside at the Rasa Wing of Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa in Penang, Malaysia.

Stroll On The Beach

A stroll on the beach definitely helps soothe the senses. I was in Penang for two days, mainly for a meeting with the events team at Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa but fortunately also found some time for some solitude. Being away in a resort setting, alone, allows me to not only to chill for a bit but also provides me with the opportunity to get quite a lot of work done without the distractions of the office.

I am pretty good at balancing work and downtime when on such short business trips. The quiet puts me in a good frame of mind to put together business proposals and to churn out original ideas. I also make it a point to spend time by the pool and take a contemplative walk on the beach. Work and play, a great combination indeed.

Such trips also give me the chance to meet with clients on a personal basis. Whilst email does wonders, it is never quite the same as meeting face to face and sharing ideas that hopefully will lead to an even better business relationship. The personal touch so to speak.

The beach at Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa in Penang, Malaysia.