Taipei, Taiwan (Day 3) - Vivibride Photoshoot (DaDun Farm)

This was actually the time we bumped into the other couple who happened to conveniently steal our bouquet. The car was parked outside and we just need to walk down from the Make Up office. We had a wonderful driver whom I forgotten the name. But he was so great that he made a special balloons for our photoshoot. Most people have those round or heart shaped balloons but this driver of ours technically made us a special balloon, hold my umbrella and saved me from being hit by the umbrella when the strong wind blew.

***Our wonderful driver of the day. We tipped him extra on that day. The whole journey cost around RM300 in total.  

***Our lovely balloon on that day. We did not take it along after the photoshoot in Da Dun as he said other couples might want it. We decided to leave the balloon there and let other couple experience the joy of having it.

Tips1# Balloons and fireworks are FOC. Make sure you ask about this during the package sign up. Cause I did ask and they have confirmed with me. Best thing is to write it down, black and white on the receipt.

Our first destination was to Da Dun Farm. During the journey, it was still cloudy and have slight rain. We were blessed as after 40 minutes, upon approaching the Farm, we see sun shining down on us.

 

***Location of the Farm. :)

We selected this location as I am flower craze. My whole purpose of going Taiwan for the photoshoot is because of the flowers. 

*** Be amazed with what they can do with such small pile of flowers.

***A little swing famous for photoshoot.

 ***The tiny flowers that just started blooming

 ***My best favorite spot

 ***I really hoped he took a clear picture of this but he didn't. We have side view of this heart shape only

***This is not sunflower but close enough. There are more flowers here than during the time we took it. It took some time before they start blooming.

Tips2# Do check online on Da Dun website (I know they have one) and see what flowers they have during what month. I missed some other flowers as mine was not in the season. Plus it was raining the night before, making a lot of flowers not bloomed open yet as the sun just start to smile at us. Not forgetting, this Farm charges RM80 per car for entry.

Immediately, the driver starts calling other drivers and tell them Da Dun is good for photoshoot. They have very good relationship.

Tips3# Make sure you know what location you want to take your pictures in. Ask them for suggestion. Tell them what concept/feel you want. I told them flowers and no seaside (We have a lot of those in Malaysia). I also wanted Fu Gu (Ancient) with red lipstick but Chen Lau Sher assure me not to as she said red lipstick might not look so appealing in wedding pictures.

Tips4# We got a wonderful assistant. She helped to repair my HTB make up and hair. I checked with a few friends and theirs did not help Groom do anything. My MUA concentrate on changing clothes, make up and hair do for me while assistant helped my HTB. We were truly blessed to have them both. Chen Lau Sher and Ann from HK. If you happen to see her when you do your photoshoot, tell her Angeline says "Hi".

 ***From a curly hair, it is nicely made into my second style

 ***My superb MUA and assistant. Ann and Chen Lau Sher

Below are some samples of our wedding pictures taken in this location. Like I say, be prepared to be surprised with the result. 

 

Overall, in this location, we started off with my purple dress, followed by white (I did not expect white to start so early)

Love,

Angel

Taipei, Taiwan (Day 3) - Photoshoot Preparation with ViviBride

It was superb early for us and we managed to grab some breakfast in the hotel before heading to war zone. We were advice to go to their make up studio upstairs rather than their ViviBride store. I met my make up artist, Chen Lau Sher (Teacher Chan) there. We actually brought some food packed from nearby bread store but it is not needed as apparently they will prepare some cakes and breads for us. Postings below are some of the items being used for the make up session. I repeatedly mention to Chen Lau Sher that I personally work for events before and did photoshoot + have experience with make up done by make up artist before (which is true). I also told her my preference, I do not like soft make up on my eyes. We need to briefly set an expectation before they start, else, when they don't achieve it, it will be our fault for not telling in advance. They provide nail polish service but only the simple color and not design if someone comes without any.

***My MUA for the day. Very experienced and very professional. Do not get cheated by her no make up look

Tips1# Do not bring too large of a bag especially if you plan to bring the MUA out as the car fits 6 but that includes their props, their equipments and your bags.

Tips2# Remember to request for your bouquet color. I know a lot of brides do not do this and they will provide the pink bouquet probably. I personally love red and I requested for red + some white bouquet. Somehow, when we were about to leave, some other couple conveniently took our bouquet and left us with pink. I insist that I want my red bouquet and Chen Lau Sher efficiently requested and made sure they gave me mine. One other reminder, make sure the bouquet's stalk at the bottom is properly cut. As mine was not cut nicely (second bouquet). It did cross my mind that my initial bouquet that was stolen probably would have been the best.

***Look to the right of the picture, how long the stalk was. But overall shot, only a few was affected.

Tips3# Bring your own ampoule as theirs cost RM50 each. I got mine from SASA in KL and it barely cost me RM20 each (and this is one of the best brand there).

However, do not say no entirely to the MUA. I know they just want to make a living and this ampoule money goes to them. I did say yes to 2 bottles for my face and the rest, my body and fiance's face use the ampoule that I brought. During testing, she just broke 1 of my vial and pour it to test on palm. It was a big waste but it was only RM20 (She was doing a test to tell me mine is not very absorbant, but mine was really good) Thus, she did not refuse. 2 for my face as theirs is one clear and the other with foundation base. I think it brings the same purposed but rather than say "NO" and she screws up my hairdo and make up, I told myself why not. I proceeded with 2 bottles with her.

***This is the brand she was using. Note the grey bottle is the clear ampoule and brown is the one with skin base. 

They were using double lash. Meaning 2 single layer lash to give the ultimate effect to lashes. It is commonly use for photoshoot. Make sure you tell her if you feel uncomfortable as you need to use it whole day long. 

***The after lash effect. I felt like Barbie already. Do not be shocked with my face. Pay attention only to my Barbie lash.

Tips4# If you are able to, get a color lens with natural color. Example, black or brown. Do not go overboard by getting super huge ones, you will not want to look different than usual. Mine was only 14mm and it only has a natural ring around it. My natural eyes are dark brown but I have small cornea making my eyes look hanging in pictures taken. This tip was given by Chew Yee from KL Vivibride branch.

Tips5# Do not worry if your back is not smooth or shoulder has pimples. It is all solved by this little bottle here.

 

***This cream is used generously on your shoulder back and arms. It is to give you a fair effect. I doubt it can be used on actual day make up but in pictures, this works stunningly. 

Tips6# Do not worry if your HTB (husband-to-be) has very soft thin hair. The MUA here are professionals. Leave it to them.

On both bride and groom's hair, they will use a jaggard clipper to make the corn hair effect (its easier to style) and for bride, first hairstyle is always to curl. As it takes longer time to prepare this.

 ***I personally requested Chen Lau Sher to help my HTB add a little lines for his brow. I know how much brow affects someone's look and she made him look even more wonderful.

***Our final effect for 1st make up and hairdo. In case anyone is wondering, my hair is real. She somehow manage to make it look so fluffed up.

Tips7# I colored my hair about 2 weeks before my trip to give some colors for my pictures (I normally don't) This advice was given by my hair stylist who happens to be my closed cousin, Emily. My only slack was I did not do the same for my HTB' hair.

Tips8# It is your decision whether or not you want to bring your MUA out. But I find it wise to bring her out. I paid this much to go so far. I would want to make sure I got different designs for my hairdo in different dresses. And true enough, it was a decision I never regretted.

Tips9# Make sure you make your request for Balloons or Fireworks early. I made mine but somehow they forgotten and did not prepare. Constantly remind them.

Tips10# Final advice on the prep here, bring an Iphone or phone with a good camera if you have. They will keep trying to take it away from you but if your HTB can keep in his pocket, you will get a lot of during photoshoot pictures. It brings more memory than just the one they took. Trust me on this.

Love,

Angel

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