What is it about snow that instantly paints a magic brush over everything? That romantic dusting of powder, the majestic and moody ice-topped mountains, the dreamy blanket of white over everything – it’s so beautiful, and an adventurous shift from our tropical weather of course! Sure, it might get a little cold, but what’s a couple of frozen minutes for photos that will last a lifetime, right? These following brides certainly were not afraid to travel to some far-flung places for that winter wonderland feel.
There’s something wonderfully exotic about Iceland, with its terrain that’s unlike anywhere else in the world. These portraits are such a breathtaking palette of blues that you almost wonder if it’s really Mother Nature at work. Mysterious and dramatic, Iceland is the perfect romantic backdrop against which to capture your love.
Forget those sunny beaches, there’s nothing like these majestic mountain ranges to get you in the mood for love, especially when coupled with the magic of snow! The best thing about snowy backdrops – they make ideal all-white “canvases” that allow you to fully stand out.
You don’t have to go too far away from home. Japan is practically a hop and a skip away, and it’s even more exciting when it’s ski season. (Sneak in a vacation, perhaps?) The best thing about Japan is that you’re not limited to just Niseko, there are other parts of the mountains too, like Shirakawa-go.
Winter wonderlands sometimes also mean you’re beholden to unexpected storms. These newlyweds were greeted with a snowstorm but they still made it work, which resulted in some playful yet romantic bridal portraits. Hallstatt has become a little touristy over the years, which makes winter the best time to visit as the cold means there are fewer people.
Dramatic landscapes and picturesque scenery are found throughout Norway. Oslo, located in the southern part of Norway, and Tromsø, which is at the northern part, boast some of the most visually impressive coastal landscapes in the world, and Norway is also home to the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights.
To some people, New Zealand must seem like the farthest corner of the world. To others, it is heaven on Earth if such a place indeed exists. From the snow-capped mountains to the lush meadows, the country’s majestic terrain is Mother Nature at its untouched finest. Undoubtedly the perfect backdrop for your bridal portraits, it’s no wonder so many couples choose New Zealand for their destination photoshoot.
Melbourne might not necessarily be known for its winter scenery, but visit at the right time of year, and you just might discover a snowy wonderland in the mountains. We love how this bride dramatised her bridal portraits by wearing a ballgown complete with a full skirt.
Featuring many of the most sought after wedding professionals in Malaysia, Marriott International x WAF2019 was a delightful revelation of what we predict will be the wedding trends to look out for in 2020.
#01 Hanging Installations
From chandeliers and crystals to flowers and more, hanging installations, whether lush or minimalist, seem to be what it’s all about. The ‘Love Tunnel’ experience by Wishing Tree was mesmerising, proving that wedding décor is no longer one dimensional. The layering of mirrors and crystals left us breathless, and we can imagine this being an absolutely stunning entrance to your wedding space.
This piece by Elisa Florals would make an excellent backdrop for your VIP table, while this minimalist piece by The Next Big Thing and Wildflower is another good example.
Above: Décor by by Wishing Tree
Above: Décor by by Wishing Tree
Above: Décor by by Spring Cottage
Above: Décor by by The Next Big Thing and Wildflowers
Above: Décor by by Elisa Florals
#02 Gold and Bronze
Wishing Tree’s Gilded Affair section, complete with gold finishing and even a bronze mirror, looked really elegant. Gold sprayed leaves were everywhere, including in the Contemporary Chic section by WM Décor and the Destination Vogue section by Darling Florist & Events and Tie The Knot. Gold and bronze elements were definitely all over the cakes and desserts too.
Above: Décor by by WM Décor
Above: Cakes by Raindough Desserts, sayaBAKE and Miss Shortcakes
Above: Décor by by Wishing Tree
Above: Concept by Tie The Knot. Floral by Darling Florist and Events
Above: Concept by Tie The Knot. Floral by Darling Florist and Events
#03 Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces
This one was a surprise. No matter the theme, WM Décor showed that mirror boxes at different heights with decal stickers can be quite fun. Even reflective materials like Perspec have found their way into this latest look, and we love Spring Cottage’s bold approach in covering the entire aisle for a very modern and chic effect. Zahuohang’s installation with a futuristic touch was definitely something you didn’t see often.
Above: Décor by Spring Cottage
Above: Décor by ZaHuoHang. Photo by www.pinkpool.studio
Above: Décor by ZaHuoHang. Photo by www.pinkpool.studio
Above: Décor by by WM Décor
#04 Neon Lights
The Peak Xperience’s bold photobooth at the Eclectic Pop section was worth every Instagram post. The neon lights completed the look for the Speakeasy Bar, prepping the crowd for the perfect after party.
The centrepiece by Spring Cottage was modern and chic, while the soft fabrics and floral elements by WM Décor gave everything a romantic finish. While different looks can be created with different fonts and treatments, one thing is certain – expect lots of neon in the coming year!
Above: Décor by by The Peak Xperience
Above: Décor by by The Peak Xperience
Above: Décor by by Spring Cottage
Above: Décor by by WM Décor
#05 Bold Colours
Pink is definitely a thing. Mixed with deep blue, green and gold, it’s the perfect recipe for a statement piece. Embrace bold patterns and prints, such as those seen in Wishing Tree’s installation, and check out Marble & Co.’s dramatic pattern print background.
One of our favourites was the Speakeasy Bar done by The Peak Xperience. That hot pink carpet was unforgettable, and it just goes to show that you might not even need flowers. For the Eclectic Pop section, The Peak Xperience sprayed leaves in all kinds of gradients, which was too beautiful for words.
Above: Décor by The Peak Xperience
Above: Décor by The Peak Xperience
Above: Décor by by Marble & Co.
Above: Décor by by Daun & Petals
#06 Silent Disco
Someone once asked us why after parties were not so successful in Asia. We think it’s because in addition to booze, you need a good DJ, and some venues have curfews which make it tricky. Also, it can be hard to move your guests from one venue to another. Silent Discos are the answer to all of this, so cheers to successful wedding after parties in 2020!
Above: Concept and Décor by The Peak Xperience
#07 Mixed Floral
Using only one colour or one type of flower is something we don’t see from wedding decorators, so the challenge is getting the right combination of colours and flowers. Here are some good examples. Contrast seems to be a thing, even if it means injecting pops of colour into a monochromatic theme. Wildflowers, mixed arrangements and non-symmetrical stylings like this G.H. Mumm Champagne Bar by Wishing Tree are just gorgeous. WM Décor used pampas while Elisa Florals opted for dried flowers punctuated with pops of colour. Even when green leaves are used, different types of greenery are often used for different themes.
Above: Décor by by WM Décor
Above: Décor by Wishing Tree
Above: Décor by Wishing Tree
Above: Décor by Elisa Florals
Above: Décor by ZaHuoHang. Photo by www.pinkpool.studio
Above: Décor by by Marble & Co.
#08 Mixed Textures
Furniture comes in all kind of shapes, textures and fabrics. Don’t be afraid to mix them up, from metals and fabrics to glassware. It can get messy if you don’t know how to do it, but these decorators pulled it off flawlessly. There were so many interesting layers! This is what we call customised wedding décor.
Above: Décor by Elisa Florals
Above: Décor by Elisa Florals
Above: Décor by WM Décor
Above: Décor by WM Décor
Above: Décor by ZaHuoHang. Photo by www.pinkpool.studio
Above: Décor by KAMI Design
#09 Personalised Bars
Be your own style. We love this G.H. Mumm Champagne Bar done up by Wishing Tree –– it spells luxe all over. Bring in your own mixologist, or some hotels might have one if you know your recipes. Cocktails were served by W Kuala Lumpur at the Speakeasy Bar and Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral at the Tropical Bar. Serve your favourite cocktails, customise your own, or simply find a drink that goes with your theme to enhance the atmosphere.
If you are in for the real thing only, serve single malt. Let your guests know that you pay attention to the details, right down to what they are drinking. And if you think bars are boring, think again!
Above: Décor by The Peak Xperience
Above: Décor by The Peak Xperience. Mixologist by W Kuala Lumpur
Mixologist by Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral
Above: G.H. Mumm Champagne Bar Décor by Wishing Tree
#10 Insta-worthy Corners
Photos are no longer restricted to the photobooth, plenty of Insta-worthy corners seem to be the new goal. Surprise your guests with beautiful touches and interesting setups that will have them taking photos and videos at every turn.
Above: Décor by The Peak Xperience
Above: Décor by The Peak Xperience
Above: Concept by Tie The Knot. Floral by Darling Florist & Events
Above: Concept by Tie The Knot. Floral by Darling Florist & Events
#11 Gentlemen’s Sessions
If you think weddings are not for men, think again. At Marriott International x WAF2019, the grooms-to-be and their best men had an absolute blast mixing their own whisky blends and having their men-only sessions. Bachelor parties don’t have to be dodgy, give them a real drink and see if they don’t choose that instead!
Above: The Blend by Chivas – The Gentlemen’s session at WAF2019
Above: The Gentlemen Club with The Glenlivet at WAF2019
Above: Décor by Mint Events & Soirées
#12 Sweet and Savoury
Cheese Bars, Tapas Bars and Dessert Tables all can be part of the décor. It is another way to complete your theme and keep your guests occupied. Considering how late dinners in Asia sometimes start, you just might be surprised by what a hit these additions can be. And remember, don’t under order.
Above: Décor by WM Décor. Food by Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur and Le Méridien Putrajaya
What a romantic and passionate shoot set against the dusty ruby shades of the “Sahara”. Believe it or not, this desert-esque location is actually in Sepang, Malaysia. We’re intrigued by this bold yet minimalist take on the traditional bohemian style, not to mention the raw magnetism of these images. Thanks for these amazing shots, Jessielyee. Photography!
The bride had her hair down, lustrous and sexy, without the typical up-dos or accessories. She didn’t need to play it sweet; her alluring personality and confidence were beautifully magnified, projected and captured in these stills. We also love the detailing, which accentuated her dramatic flair. Check out the beautiful floral ring she wore, as well as the boho elements such as macramé and rattan, all of which helped to create a mysterious, romantic feel.
Facing the Andaman Sea is The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi, home to one of the most beautiful natural private beaches on the island. Perfect for your destination wedding, The Andaman is also a resort that believes in sustainability and preserving the environment. You won’t find any single-use plastic straws (instead, wheat straws are preferred), and their food is sourced locally.
Textures such as dried leaves, wildflowers and pampas grass are one way to add a bohemian yet dreamy, romantic vibe to a beach wedding. We love the ornate circle arch framing the bride and groom against the muted neutral colours of the beach and sky, while the bright pops of orange proved a fabulous touch for a festive look. Many thanks to Tie The Knot and Darling Florist & Events Langkawi for styling this with us, and Joshua Koh Photography for the photos!
Having a cosy wedding doesn’t have to mean forgoing glitz, glamour and romance. As a matter of fact, it can be all that and more if you’re celebrating your wedding in the Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur ballroom. Thanks, Elisa Florals, for doing a wonderful job, and Louis Gan Photography for capturing these details for us.
This may well be one of the most unique wedding experiences we have come across! To commemorate their wedding, this couple seized the challenge of bungee jumping off the 220-metre high Verzasca Dam – in their gown and suit, no less! Born and raised in Switzerland, the groom found the woman of his dreams in a Singaporean. When they said yes to the rest of their lives together, they enlisted ABC Studio to document their wedding journey. Thanks for these exhilarating images and videos, ABC Studio.
The bride shared: “My family is crazy adventurous. Since we were all in Switzerland and wanted to do the jump as a family, my groom and I took the opportunity to have our pre-wedding photos (and video) shot there. It was amazing; the vendor told us that we were the first couple to jump in a wedding gown and suit!
“I was actually more worried about my husband than myself, as it was his first time bungee jumping (and my fifth). In that moment, we felt that if we could overcome our fears together, nothing in this world would be able tear us apart.” Of course it helped that the bride’s father had dared the groom to earn his daughter’s hand in marriage by doing the bungee jump!
Our hearts sing for this couple – their album is filled with breathtaking views of the mountains, most of which were shot en route to, and from, the Verzasca Dam. Everything happened within days of each other, including the registration of their marriage at Villa Villette by Lake Zug, where they had the ceremony in both German and English, and their apéro, or reception, which took place at Schloss Meggenhorn (Meggenhorn Castle). As their guests mingled, the couple drove out to Luzern for more photos, and from there, rode a horse carriage back to the castle.
“After that day, our photographers told us that they needed more footage, and suggested that we do Zürich another day. I was really impressed by that and very grateful to have them; they weren’t at all calculative of the time they spent with us, but instead were really focused on getting us the best wedding footage,” added the bride.
We’re besotted with these drop-dead gorgeous styled bridal portraits! An art gallery is the perfect venue as it allows you to start with a blank canvas, and this concept of incorporating art into romance is a refreshing breath of fresh air. A modern take on everything, from attire to styling, it also shows that neutrals and monochrome palettes can be just as exciting. Many thanks to Ribka of Ever Mine Ever Thine Ever Ours for this chic concept, and to WeFreeze Photography for capturing these shots perfectly.
Ribka of Ever Mine Ever Thine Ever Ours: “The concept for the shoot was inspired by One Line Art, which is a simple yet intricate type of art. As an art and design enthusiast, I started to develop the idea, and the venue selection was obvious – we knew an art gallery would be the perfect place with its white walls, concrete floors and plenty of natural light.
Nothing spells romance like velvet textures and draping as part of the backdrop at a ballroom wedding reception. Completing the elegant space at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur is this classic all-white look, along with the feathery light brown pampas grass that we have been seeing in almost every wedding this year. Our favourite part, though, is the bunch of dried lotus pods and foliage that Tailored Floral graciously sprayed gold – the pops of gold certainly brought the entire look together.
For this, The Wedding Notebook’s creative team took the liberty of experimenting with the stationery, slotting place cards with menus that doubled up as bookmarks for wedding favours. The Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur pastry and banquet team also exceeded all expectations, taking our moodboard and bringing this amazing banquet spread to life. Many thanks to Joshua Koh Photography for capturing this romantic dream.
If you fancy the idea of using dried flowers for your wedding, we say to you: do it. Pepper Suite Events, Fire, Wood & Earth, and Verena Mia fused their creative genius for this collaborative styled shoot, “Untamed”, which celebrates the spirit of being wild and free.
Two décor canvases – the first bohemian and the second, a beach – lent a contrasting visual effect to the natural elements and the flowing gowns by Mia. We love the splendid ocean view all around The Asmara Nusa Dua, and the nearby semi-private beach with rocky cliffs in the background was perfect for the second styled shoot.
The gowns – one a soft grey-blue tone and the other, a pale mauve – were made of layers of silk and chiffon that created movement against otherwise still backdrops. For the bohemian concept, Pretty Wildflowers bound together a cascading bouquet of dried wildflowers collected over the past year. We love the long wisps and ‘airy’ quality it exuded, and the fusion of dried willows, palm branches and peacock flowers in the beach shoot gave the set an air of elegance that we’d love to see more of in future bridal albums.
The perfect venue is a beautiful blank canvas that will fit any theme – and the newly refurbished Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur ballroom is exactly that. Now boasting a contemporary feel with neutral colours, it was the site of this gorgeous setup. We cannot thank Sherly of Tie The Knot enough for her efficient coordination. It was also our first time collaborating with Jasmine. A Photography – she’s truly wowed us with her photos!
With stunning rooftop views of the Petronas Twin Towers outdoors, and art deco inspired walls and ID indoors, the W Kuala Lumpur is more than just a venue for you and your loved one to tie the knot. The contemporary and trendy space is a perfect play on glamourous and chic with bright pops of colour and art. Many thanks to Joshua Koh Photography for capturing these Instagram-worthy shots, pulled together by The Wedding Notebook magazine; it was wonderful a playground of colour and creativity.
The décor was centred around 50 shades of pantone pink from the guest escort cards to all the wedding stationaries with creative typography, perfected with the hot pink dragon fruit plating provided by W Kuala Lumpur. Known for their cocktail curation according to any theme, the W Kuala Lumpur also perfectly pairs their drinks and décor with delectable desserts and unparalleled cake design. An abundance of pink flowers and other bright blooms, was spot on according to our moodboard all brought together by Pathway Events & Design. Touches of gold and the use of ghost chairs complimented the creative tablescapes set against the artistic mirrored staircase – every single corner was Instagram-worthy!
We also have the honour of having Alan Yun and his lovely fiancée Emily for this styled shoot. For this shoot we got Emily something chic – a two piece, intricate lace top with tulle skirt – from Designer Bridal Room, we love how they have something for every type of brides. Alan looking dapper and confident as usual in a royal blue LORD’s tailor suit. We also glam her up with a pastel pink number, to match he was in a blush pink shirt inside and grey suit.
Saying ‘I do’ to the love of your life is the start of an adventure, and what better way to capture that than with a real escapade? Classic destinations for bridal portraits (think Paris and Japan) will never lose their sparkle, but veer off the beaten path and you’ll have a photo album that proves to your grandkids that grandma and grandpa were once super cool and adventurous. Want a gasp-inducing, heart-stopping adrenaline burst with your beloved? Here are some ideas!
We’re kidding – this is not meant to be a horror story, but it is meant to get your blood pumping. For the sea babies and dive addicts, there’s a spot in the Philippines where you can swim with whale sharks in their natural habitat. In Oslob, right by Cebu where the beaches are breathtaking and the sunsets picturesque, sneak in a cliff jump or go canyoneering by the Kawasan Falls.
For many, just a glimpse of a leopard in the flesh is a once in a lifetime experience, and enough to get their heart rate up! The beautiful terrain on which these animals roam, as well as the exotic experiences, combine to make Africa the perfect spot for exploration and photoshoots.
If climbing ain’t your thing, you can still scale a mountain or two. For some, Machu Picchu is a bucket list item, as is the magnificence of Rainbow Mountain. There’s nothing like taking in the grandeur of Mother Nature – all while capturing your love.
There’s no preparing for the beauty of the Antelope Canyons in Arizona, USA. There really isn’t anything else like this in the world – the majestic structures inspiring awe with their narrow crevices, sharp angles, and rich orange hues.
Road trips may not appear glamorous but they’re a real intimate way to get to know your partner. Being in a small space together for hours on end means you’ll either love each other more or learn to! Also, New Zealand’s untouched landscapes and natural beauty is unparalleled.
It may not seem as obvious to you and me, but rock climbers are a romantic bunch – you’ll need to trust each other as you work your way through the routes and find your way to the top. In fact, many have likened marriage to rock climbing! If you and your beloved share this as a hobby, met through this hobby, or want to do something different – shed the suit and dress, strap on your harnesses, and climb!
Speaking of natural beauties, Scandinavia in the winter has the most beautiful terrain that’s straight out of a fairytale. A winter wonderland indeed, the experience is completed by the surprise sightings of such animals as reindeer and moose!
Another exclusively Scandinavian experience, many a couple has dreamed of viewing the Aurora Borealis together. Even though it’s one of the more commonly photographed natural phenomena, nothing beats a real life viewing, especially in the arms of your husband- or wife-to-be.
We’ve heard the jokes – a marriage is like one long Walkabout with the person you’ll be exchanging vows with. When it’s just the two of you in the middle of nowhere, you truly have no one else but each other. The Land Down Under is the perfect backdrop for bridal portraits, its endless outback and sprawling beaches a sight for sore eyes indeed.
If heaven on Earth means being in the arms of the person you’re going to marry, why not capture your bridal portraits at Shangri-la in Lijiang, China? We don’t mean the luxury hotel chain, but rather, the actual place that has been described as heaven on Earth. This untouched corner of China is deeply underrated, from the colours and textures of the breathtaking terrain to the exotic animals and expansive skies.
