WEDDING VOWS

From Tobias to Grace:
Grace, you are my missing rib and the second centre of my universe. Today, I take you to be my wife, and I promise that I will be faithful, loving, supportive and right beside you in everything you do. I vow to cherish you, honour you, adore you, and hold your hand as we embark on this new race called life together, forever and beyond. Nothing short of divine intervention will ever force us apart.

From Grace to Tobias:
Tobias, my perfect match, I knew you were the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with when you loved me and taught me to love more than I ever thought possible. I promise to cherish and respect you, support and inspire you, and to continue to be your playmate so long as we both shall live. I shall continually thank God for you, in times of peril and joy. Today, I give you my hand, my heart and my soul for the rest of our days.

(written on day 22, 17th May 2010)

OKINAWA WEDDING

I almost couldn’t sleep the night before. So much excitement. We reported early in the morning at 7.30am at Aquagrace chapel. I got my makeup and hair done before Tobs did his and then we both got dressed. There was a brief run-through of the sequence of events and a mini rehearsal along the walkway. Then we met the pastor and the staff (attendant, organist, vocalist, photographer, videographer, etc) before everything was set to begin.

I originally wanted both my parents to walk me down the aisle but in the end settled for my dad because it might be strange to have both parents. When the chapel doors opened, I was momentarily stunned by the beauty of the place I almost wanted to cry. The chapel faced the ocean and with its with interiors and full length glass windows, it was picturesque – almost too good to be true.

The walk down the aisle was ridden with problems primarily because my dad did not follow the rhythm so in the end we were totally not synchronized. This was one of the most unpleasant part of the whole ceremony. On hindsight I should have just whispered for him to get on the right foot. It would definitely look super awful on the video.

When it came to the time for the vows, it was such an emotional moment for the both of us. Tobs choked several times on his words, overcame with his emotions, and that made me cry too. So by the end of the ring exchange, we both needed tissue paper, which the very-experienced pastor supplied readily.

Once it was set into motion, the entire ceremony actually went by quite quickly. And it was almost as if I did not get to fully savour every moment. If only I could do it all over again, I would make sure dad got the march down the aisle correct and I would take my time to enjoy every single part of it. But I guess it is inevitable that the nerves and excitement would make everything fly by so quickly so to future brides, please enjoy the moment as much as possible! You cannot relive the experience in reality.

updates on the madness regarding the air travel crisis. tobs was told to pack up and go down to the airport ystday afternoon. there was a flight at 11.45pm out and the team is trying to get on. it is obviously full and they're going to be on the standby list. vice dean was going down to the airport to try and get all of them on the flight.

it was a little disconcerting, considering i thought the original volcanic eruption + disruption to travel plans meant a very clear sign from God that He was going to keep tobs in Singapore and there would be no risk of not making the Okinawa flight on Monday. but He has His ways of doing things, which are obviously incomprehensible to me, a tiny fragment of His entire creation.

so we went down to the airport. they got on the standby list which totaled 14 by the time they got on. chances of getting 4 seats was slim considering there were probably more people ahead of them on standby. the vice dean came down and worked her magic. suddenly, SQ offered 2 seats so candice and charles went ahead. then, they came back with another 1 seat so caroline had to go.

fortunately, there was no 4th seat available. in any case, we've prayed last night that whatever outcome, we will go ahead with it because we trust in His providence. if He were to provide 4 tickets for the entire team to fly over, tobs would go and we know He will bring him back on time. it was a freedom that faithless people do not possess - a freedom that allows one to just sit back and wait, knowing full well that whatever unfolds will be for the best and just trusting, knowing, having faith.

3/4 of the team is over there now with their "anchorman" still in Singapore. i thank God for this. even if tobs had to fly, i still would thank God. this really teaches us how to give thanks in all situations. and what a timely lesson considering the impending nuptials - we are to give thanks in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad. give thanks because we are the greatest gift God could ever give to each other:)

i don't know if it is okay to give thanks for the volcanic eruption that caused the air travel crisis. but i still want to because the NUS team is no longer going to Amsterdam for their competition which means, tobs is still around, giving his 110% to planning the itinerary and getting all the last minute details sorted out. i was very uncomfortable with the fact tt he had to go for a competition right before our wedding. compounded by the fact that he was only supposed to get back to Singapore on the morning when we were scheduled to leave for Okinawa (he'll touch down at 0630 our flight is 1025), it was really insane. but now, no more such concerns. thank God!

another thing to praise God for - my period. sorry if this is really warped but it was scheduled to come on the week we are in Okinawa. which means i will have to deal with water retention and bloating right up till then. not good news cos the chapel is on Wednesday. plus, it would mean i cannot snorkel in the beautiful Okinawan waters or enjoy hot springs. but no more problems with that now. thank God for watching over us!

HEN NIGHT

1. The spa hen
(a) The Nail Spa & Wellness @ Heeren http://www.nailspa.com.sg/
$43 for classic manicure & pedicure
(other services available such as facial, waxing, etc)

(b) Face Bistro @ Robinson Rd, Raffles Place on 24th April Sat 3-5pm http://www.facebistro.com/
$50 for classic manicure & pedicure
(other services available such as facial, waxing, etc)

(c) Juup @ Devonshire Rd (Somerset) http://www.juup.com.sg/index.php
$58 for classic manicure & pedicure
Sparkling wine + snacks

(d) Polished Divas @ Bugis http://www.polished-divas.com.sg/
$84 for classic manicure & pedicure
Cocktail + finger food + chocolate fondue


2. The pole hen
(a) Polefessional @ Bugis on 23rd April Fri http://www.polefessional.com.sg/index.php
$360 for a group of 6. every additional participant at $40
p.s: studio only has 6 poles

(b) Will continue looking for other deals if there is a demand for this

Kindly let me know
1. Your preferred activity along with option (a-d)
2. Your free dates from the 22nd to 25th April

Thank you very much for making the effort:)))

tobs made it down for fitting today! which was good cos i was having serious trouble choosing between gown 3 (see previous fitting post) and gown 7 (this one). i love the bling and the folds. it is a nice cross between gown 1 and 3. finally decided to go with this bcos for shoots that are quite a distance away, gown 3's details will not be very visible. this one is better for the crystals and folds. until i change my mind, that is.

in the Anglo-Saxon times, brides were often kidnapped before their wedding, so when the day came, the groom would let the bride stand on his left, so his sword hand (which is the right) would be free to protect her. romantic huh?