Shanghai Nights
Chong Kai-juen weds Rachelle Chai in a dream garden ceremony followed by a Shanghai Night themed gala dinner
It was a wedding worthy of envy, when Dr Rachelle Chai walked down the aisle to join Chong Kai-juen in holy matrimony in an outdoor, garden party themed ceremony. The weather was cool and breezy, and balloons danced in the air as music played in the background. The courtyard of The Weil Hotel, Ipoh, was transformed into a wedding wonderland, complete with a bridal arch, ornamental overhangs on trees, fairy lights and an outdoor live band—totally captivating the 100 or so guests who felt as if they were “in someone’s private garden on a perfect summer’s day,” to quote one guest. There were tears of laughter and joy as the bridal couple made their vows in front of Miles Toulmin, pastor of Holy Trinity Bukit Bintang, during the touching and meaningful ceremony. Guests later enjoyed the sunset over the courtyard before they adjourned for the reception, where they mingled and socialised over a selection of canapes, kueh and cocktails in a Shanghai Night setting. From the table seating’s individual place cards to the customised menus, the lavish decor of fresh flowers that hung alongside rich luscious drapes, as well as the choice of music played by a live band and even the bar, every finishing touch was carefully crafted and planned down to the last detail, so that guests have the best experience within the setting of a bygone era of Shanghai opulence. The photobooth, with its dramatic backdrop featuring a rich tapestry of peonies formed around the couple’s names, was kept busy all night, as was the award-winning calligrapher who was specially invited to help write out guests’ names and well wishes. The bridal couple’s entrance was no less dramatic, preluded by a dancing duo who cha-cha’d their way from the stage to the ballroom entrance, whereupon the couple then walked in to an inspiring violin concerto by the live band from KL.