Jane & Andrew

Bride: Jane Khoo, Clinical Neuropsychologist
Groom: Andrew Lee, Lawyer

How you met

We met on a university ski trip in 2001. During the trip we realised that I had been rehearsing a dance solo to a music recording of Andrew’s violin solo before we met, and we were performing this duet together at Melba Concert Hall in Melbourne University. It all felt like it was meant to be and we clicked instantly.

The proposal

Shortly after we met in 2001, we performed together at the Melba Concert Hall (Andrew played the violin, I danced). More than six years later, he asked me along to a “concert” at that hall and surprised me by playing on the grand piano on that same stage and singing a song he wrote that incorporated the proposal. Sitting in the otherwise empty hall, I was stunned. It took me a while before I realised Andrew was proposing. Afterwards he took me on a horse carriage ride around the university and all our sentimental spots ending with dinner at Bistro Vue. Everything felt so surreal.

Planning the wedding

We confirmed the venue and photographer early, then spaced out the rest of the bits and pieces over a flexible timeline. Having a clear idea of what we wanted ensured that we were not overwhelmed by too many choices. Everything went smoothly. We were lucky to have found honest people who took pride in their service/product. We also had to plan a wedding in Singapore where Jane grew up and her relatives reside. So good time management was essential.  The hardest part was trying to keep the guest list numbers down. We decided to limit it to our family and close friends.

The wedding dress

Designed by Pronovias (Spanish designer). The Ivory dress called Daroca from Pronovias 2008 collection has handsewn lace and beading, a chapel train with lace detail at the hem. I fell in love with the work of this designer when trying on dresses in various bridal shops. Then I researched on the internet and selected the dress from Pronovias’ website and got it shipped in from Spain.

Makeup & Hair

Mini-roses in a braided updo hairstyle. Makeup was kept natural and pretty.

The bridesmaid’s attire

My only bridesmaid was given free reign to wear whatever she liked – she wore a green Vera Wang dress and earrings that were our gift to her. The two groomsmen and her played an instrumental part in ensuring the day went smoothly.

The groom’s attire

Calibre mid-grey suit, with a white Rhodes & Beckett shirt, an ivory neck tie from Zegna and an ivory vest from Myer. Shoes from Aquila. His pocket-chief was made from a piece of off-cut fabric from my dress to match!

The wedding theme

Autumn is our favourite season and we both always wanted an autumn wedding in a winery for the beautiful colours. So the theme and feel of the wedding was Autumn-inspired, warm, cosy and rustic. Red roses. Colour scheme – red, chocolate, antique gold, and white. Lots of music and dancing.

The wedding cake

We had personalised figurines of the bride and groom on a raspberry and vanilla cake by Kats Cakes. A hit with the guests.

The wedding flowers

All flowers for the wedding were provided as part of our package at our wedding venue Grange Cleveland Winery, Lancefield Victoria. I organised to have my bouquet and the rose buds for my hair to be also made by the same florist.

Transport

We drove ourselves to the wedding venue.

Honeymoon

Andrew and I enjoyed our belated 3-week honeymoon in Egypt and Jordan in December. It was a trip of a lifetime. The majestic pyramids, sailing down the Nile on a felucca with a big Christmas feast onboard, floating on the Dead Sea and sleeping under the stars in Wadi Rum desert – the wonders of Egypt and Jordan are really beyond words.

Also

• We prepared separate personal messages to each other that we read for the first time to each before our personalised vows. When preparing these (and keeping it a secret), we reflected on our 7 year relationship and that process really highlighted to us how much we had been through together and what we meant to each other, and really augmented our desire to marry.
• EarthHour: Our wedding day 28/3/09 happened to be EarthHour. So we had candles all around the dining room and dimmed the lights to participate in EarthHour. The sky was filled with so many stars and the blackout of the city lights made them shine even more brightly –magical.
• A pop quiz about the bridal couple was surprisingly effective as an icebreaker at the start of the evening.
• A traditional Chinese tea ceremony was held after the wedding ceremony. We offered cups of tea to parents and relatives, symbolising the family’s approval of our marriage.  
• Tables named after different types of wine instead of using numbers (because we’re at a winery!).  
• Andrew did a surprise reprise performance on his proposal song on a piano keyboard (which him and his friends snuck into the venue). The performance drew big applause, tears for many.  
• Bonbonniere: We sourced and filled in mini-glass bottles of assorted shapes with Australian extra virgin olive oil.  
• Have a timeline to guide your planning, but with flexibility to allow for unexpected situations that crop up.  
• Add personal touches that reflect both of your personalities and your relationship.  
• Relax and enjoy the wedding day, but also enjoy all the time spent together planning the day. There really is a lot of good fun to be had!
  

Wedding date: 28 March 2009

Wedding location: Grange Cleveland Winery, Lancefield Victoria

How many guests: 120

Wedding style: Relaxed elegance

Wedding photography: Lars Paysen Photography