Taipei, Taiwan (Day 1) - Arrival + Vivi Bride (Pre-Wedding/Bridal)

Day 1

I told myself i will forget everything by the time i reach day 8. Thus decided to quickly run through some details of my trip before i forget everything. We took Airasia flight to Taipei and arrived at Taoyuan Airport around 3pm. the purpose of me and Mr Fiancee - Keen's trip this time is for our wedding photoshoot. And yes, we are getting married. :) Although its almost a year from now, but time is passing so fast that its already Day 3 in Taipei.

Thankfully, i went and do my homework with Suz. They were my secret tour guide. I have this 2 little small pieces of paper with their advice on where to go and we even planned when to go. I did make my visit to Vivi Bride in KL and trust me. Their advice is close to 0. I however, had fun going through all the pictures there. I suddenly hope that my pictures will not have a huge head of mine overshadowing Keen.

We took Suz advice and chose to take the bus rather than cab all the way to the shop. Trust me when i say it is not as hard as how the KL Vivi people describe it. They kept saying its better to take a cab. Maybe cause me and Keen can't read chinese characters. We believed in ourselves and went ahead to take a bus. Once we come out from the custom door, we walked all the way to the right and turn left at the end. It was raining all the way.

Su advice us to take from the counter she bought her tickets from the last 2 trips she was here. We and a whole bunch of people was queuing at the first counter while the staff from the second counter was busy calling out for the same destinations. It was almost my turn when i found out that they too have bus to Taipei Main Station (TMS). That is where we are heading to. We bought our ticket and waited for the queue outside. Take note of the bus number.

They segregate our bags according to destinations and thank god our bags was placed outmost. Apparently, we passby Vivi Bride on the way to TMS. Keen did some homework before we come to Taipei and he recognized the shops around and spotted Vivi on the right. We were hoping the bus will stop somewhere and about 2 blocks away (It is not that far) the bus stopped for customers who was heading to Ambassador Hotel. We would rather walk from here to Vivi than to take a train from TMS to nearby station (Minquan N. Road) which will result us in a similar distance of walking.


We headed right to the hotel and we were a little too early. It was only about 4.30pm when we reached the Bridal House and it was really nice. A lot like how i imagined it to be. Our appointment is at 6.30pm. I kept thinking it is 6pm. Once we arrived at Vivi, there was a nice gentlemen who opened the door and brought us in. We dropped our bags there and I raised my concern to a pretty lady at the counter. We had made appointment for our PS. There was a man sitting right next to her and that was our photographer (Ta Ker Lau Sher)

We raised our concern on the weather for our PS day. They say they are fully booked the day after (Tuesday). We were sad but there was nothing we could do. We told ourselves we will make the best out of it. We went out for quick dinner and upon arriving back to Vivi Bride, we were told to go try groom's clothing.

It was a few shops away opposite the road. Keen tried on the coat and thankfully Ai Ping and Cherly informed me about the extra charge for bow tie other than the white and black ribbon. 2 bow tie + 2 vest adds up to TWD2000 extra. We were ready to pay for it and thus just went ahead. They even provide the white shoe and tux shirt for the bow tie.

Next we move on to choosing my clothes. They did give many options but they will ask and respect our opinions on color preference and designs. I tried on a few and finally chose the few below. Don't bother trying on with heels, cause on the shooting day, most of them will be worn without heels. Just tip toe and you will briefly know how you will look like. The Vivi Bride there has plenty of choices and the place to try these dresses is not the same place we went to discuss. It is just nearby but upstairs. More like their outlet. 1 door away is where the make up will be done for PS. Trust the lady who choose the clothing for you. She know and can judge your body best. Just make sure you tell if you have any preference. As for me, I wanted a dress which is short in front, long at the back.

Once when we are done with clothes choosing, we went back to Vivi Bride and was told a great news. Ta Ke Lau Sher's customer for Tuesday plans to postpone her PS. She is a local in TW. But she didn't confirm. They tried calling her but no answer. They finally resorted to calling her salesperson and told her to inform them to take the pictures later. I was so happy when they managed to change us to Tuesday. We heard some HK couples still have to take the wedding pictures under the rain.

We quickly grab our bags and went to check in to our hotel, 1 street away, Bailee Hotel (Highly recommended) especially if you are taking wedding pictures nearby. The rooms was comfy and the best part is that they actually provide condoms for you. The price for the room (Booked by Vivi) is at TWD1480 per night with buffet breakfast between 6.30am to 10.30am.

We dropped our bag and head for dinner nearby. They serve mainly goat/lamb meat. And at that weather (cold), it taste superb and kept us warm.

Love,
Angel