The beautiful couple met at work in 2014 and Kar Wai claims it was love at first sight. Proposing at St Regis on Kar Wai’s birthday made the perfect excuse to avoid suspicion from Leann and making it a successful romantic surprise.
Leann being very petite had her dress custom made with full lace, just how she wanted it to be. She also wanted to make sure that the dress was light enough to travel from Malaysia to Melbourne and suit their outdoor ceremony. The second dress was a fun, feminine, flowy and fluffy dress that Leann envisioned dancing the night away in. The couple chose Melbourne for their wedding as whenever they are there for a holiday and good things happen. It has a special place in their hearts. Kar Wai also wanted somewhere with a cold climate to avoid the heat back home. The destination was to be a mega holiday celebration and escape with family and friends. The stunning wedding had an intimate theme with a moody palette that would remind you of the warmth, love and intimacy of Christmas.
Intimate Wedding Details
Bride’s Maiden Name: Leann Choong
Occupation: Event Planner
Groom’s Full Name: Kar Wai Au
Wedding Date: 18 October 2018
How many guests? 70+
How did you and your partner meet?
We met at work in 2014. According to him, it was love at first sight! Clearly he had a crush one me the moment we met
How did he propose?
He proposed on his own Birthday, when we got back to the hotel room after dinner. Quiet, peaceful, just the two of us. He booked a night at the St Regis (Kuala Lumpur) and I thought he was being sweet because he wanted to celebrate his Birthday weekend!
What do you love most about your partner?
His unshakeable faith in God despite going through a whole lot of rough patches in life.
What’s your most important piece of advice for creating and maintaining a strong relationship?
To never lose yourselves and your own identity in the process of loving each other. Have your own quiet space – with yourself, with family, with God.
Tell us about your wedding gown and how you chose it:
I am really petite and its almost impossible to find a dress off the rack. I had my white dress custom made – right from the start I knew I wanted it to be in full lace, but most importantly light enough to travel from Malaysia to Melbourne! Nothing over the top that would overwhelm me for an outdoor ceremony.
My second dress – I knew I wanted it to be entirely different from the first. I loved the idea of a flowing, fluffy dress to dance the night away! It was such a fun dress, it was very me
What sort of style did you envision for your wedding day?
A destination wedding was always top of our list. A great escape. A different experience. A mega holiday with family and friends! Cold climate too as Kar Wai hates the heat back home! Intimate with a touch of a moody palette that reminds you of Christmas.
What was your favorite moment from the day?
When I was walking down the aisle with my Dad and as I got closer, then it hit me really hard that Kar Wai was crying. He rarely cries. It was then the emotions kicked in.
Any DIY décor elements?
Nope!
Where did you go on honeymoon?
We’re back at work after a month away! Honeymoon will have to wait!
Any tips that you can give to future brides?
While its important to make sure your guests are taken care of, remember that its your wedding day. You and your partner need to let go and enjoy the moment – when the day is over, when the photos fade, you want to remember the REAL moments, moments that fills your heart – ugly-crying, tripping over your dress, and hugging one too many people you love!
Anything else you’d like to add?
We love traveling and we chose Melbourne because whenever we’re here for a holiday and good things happen. It’ll always have a special place in our hearts, yes even with the erratic weather! It was the best decision ever – a mega holiday celebration and being able to work with a bunch of awesome vendors, exploring styles and stories that we normally wouldn’t!
Wedding Feature thanks to Giant Invitations
Dress: Wedding Isle and 7th Heaven (based in Malaysia)
Makeup: Miss Aimmey
Hair: Miss Aimmey
Shoes: Custom made by Rhea Benson
Accessories: Wedding bands – Chopard
Grooms Suit: Sacoor Brothers
Cake: Rosemarie’s Cakes
Food: Lindenderry at Red Hill
Flowers: Poppy Culture
Photographer: Rick Liston
Ceremony Venue: Lindenderry at Red Hill
Reception Venue: Lindenderry at Red Hill
Any Other Vendors:Band – the White Tree. Videographer- Duuet Weddings
