Saturday, September 20, 2003

Alan and Siew Gin Wedding - Santa Fe New Mexico

Welcome to our wedding website. We hope you can enjoy our website as much as we've enjoyed our wedding.
Alan and I had a blast that day and we hope that all those who were there with us enjoyed it as much as we did. Your presence have made it truly special for both of us.
For those who couldn't make it, hope this website will give you a glimpse of what it was like that day!
Enjoy!!!
Love, Siew Gin and Alan
Alan and Siew Gin at the Hacienda























Why Santa Fe?

Well, there are really two versions of answers to this question.
Alan's answer:
"Siew Gin saw Loretto Chapel and fell in love with it
and made me do it!!!!"

Siew Gin's answer:
"Yes, I did like Loretto Chapel, but I also fell in love with Santa Fe.
From the old historical buildings, to the vibrantly colored adobe houses, to the warm atmosphere of
the city, fantastic food, arts and crafts ... what is there not to like?
Besides, I thought since most of our guests are from out of town, Santa Fe would be a more interesting and fun city to come and visit for the weekend. And we did look around in Colorado but
nothing was comparable to what we saw in Santa Fe. We also found Hacienda Dona Andrea which Alan loved because of its scenery, seclusion and uniqueness...."

The Proposal

Much to the surprise of many people, including Siew Gin herself,
Alan did finally decide that he'll settle down and proposed.
The historic day was 8th Feb 2003 and it took place at one of Alan's favorite spot in Rocky Mountain National Park.
On 7th Feb, which was Siew Gin's 27th birthday, Alan had specially flown back from England, driven thru snow and fog, picked Siew Gin up and proceeded to Stanley Hotel in Estes Park,where
he not only wined and dined her, but put her up in a really nice room.
On the morning of the 8th, Alan woke Siew Gin up, at the crack of dawn and told her to dress warm, promising a trip of mystery and excitement up in the mountains, in the middle of winter at sub-zero temperature!!
Siew Gin thought it was probably another one of Alan's weird idea of romance or cruel joke, trudging around in snow, freezing to death, but she happily complied. And, so, up the mountains they went...
At the appointed spot, which is a beautiful cliff with rocks to climb about, they got out and after enjoying the view for a few minutes (she was still confused, what the heck??!!!), Alan suddenly got on his knees and said, "Will you marry me?"
Siew Gin, being slow and all, was still in a daze.... but eventually realized what was going on and smiled and said "Yes!" Alan then whipped out a ring and sealed the proposal by slipping the ring onto her finger.
And to impress her more, Alan also produced some champagne (coke for him) for the occasion which they toasted and sipped to celebrate.
They also braved the freezing cold and reenacted the special event for, pictures before making their way home, with hearts bursting with happiness.

The Ceremony

We got married at Loretto chapel






















The Bride

She was wearing Demetrios dress in Gold Coffee color.
Also adorned in a Swarovski Tiara and a custom length Jensen veil.
Jewelry consist of a ivory pearl earring and a double strand pearl necklace borrowed from Evelyn Bagg.
Flowers were a combination of dark red and terra cotta yellow.
Did she comply to traditions?
Something old - pearl necklace
Something new - dress
Something borrowed - pearl necklace
Something blue - garter











































The Wedding Party


The groom

He was wearing Hudson Full Dress from Chaps Ralph Lauren, with ivory shirt, vest and bow tie.Adorned in a deep red boutonniere to match the bride bouquet.























The Service

The service was held at Loretto Chapel. A beautiful old chapel built in 1873.
Other than it's beauty, it's also famous for its miraculous staircase.
Reverend Bill Brokaw was the minister for the wedding.
The service started at 1 pm with the lighting of the Unity Candle by the two mothers. Evelyn and Yok Lian each lit a candle on the altar to represent each side of the family.
Then the Bridal March music was played and Siew Gin and her father walked down the aisle followed by the two bridesmaids.
After the declaration of intentions, Siew Gin's father gave her away with a loud audible kiss on her cheek, much amusement to the audience. Then the minister asked Siew Gin and Alan to
light the unity candles with the candles their mothers have lit to signify unity of two families. The exchange of vows and rings followed subsequently.
With that, the minister pronounced Siew Gin and Alan husband and wife and invited Alan to kiss his beautiful bride.
Before the recessional, the marriage license was signed.














The Honeymoon
After the secret was kept for so many months, it was finally revealed that the honeymoon was in Florida when Siew Gin was on the flight and heard announced by the flight attendant.
It turned out Alan has made plans for them to drive down the Florida Keys, somewhere they've both never been to!
Upon arriving at Miami, they were assigned a little under-powered Hyundai. From then, they knew their honeymoon was going to be an adventure.

Their first stop, Islamadora which was in Key Largo. They had a quiet chalet by the water where they spent their first day snoozing on the hammock under the coconut trees.





The second day they went on a sailing trip out to sea for some snorkeling activity at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. They also had a chance to walk around the mangrove trails.
Then they continued their drive down stopping at Bahia Honda State Park that offered some really great views of the ocean

They finally arrived at Key West and stayed in this cute little bed and breakfast run by two gay men who were so very sweet, and made really hor d'eouvres for Happy Hour.

At Key West they spent their time visiting the Lighthouse Museum, Fort Zachary, hunted for good Cuban food, and even went on a Ghost Tour that scared Siew Gin to death.
And of course, they had lots and lots of Key Lime Pie.
On Friday they made their way back to Miami to catch their flight to Indianapolis where they spent the weekend watching the Formula One Grand Prix and visiting downtown Indianapolis.