The venue is finalized!

The unpredictability of life never ceases to amaze me.

Just when Qi Qi and I thought we had found the perfect venue for our solemnization after numerous recce trips and a stringent selection process, a major brick wall emerged right smack in our faces. 20-09-2009 had always been our premium ROM date, having chosen it from the list of recommended dates from the almanac – and the string of numbers were of course meaningful as well. Alas, we had not counted on other couples adopting the same thinking as well.

Hort Park has been booked on the 20th of September and would not be available for us…

I do not know what exactly devastated us more – the fact that our choice venue had been eliminated in such an abrupt manner, or that we would have to go through another arduous round of selection to select an alternative venue. Indeed, it took a lot to lift our deflated morale before Qi Qi gamely suggested that we explore other venues which we had yet to visit.

Never underestimate the allure of well-taken pictures. Especially when 2 despondent souls are scouring the internet for that elusive wedding venue. For it was during one of these random searches that a gem of a place was unearthed.

The site where Raffles House stands in Fort Canning Park used to be a colonial house for Sir Stamford Raffles during his final stay in Singapore. Pictures of the interior of the house gave us a majestic feel, but what really impressed us were pictures of the garden set-up for previous solemnization ceremonies – that gave the both of us ample impetus to make a trip down to check out the place.

And we were not to be disappointed. Overlooking the Clarke Quay and CBD area and offering a peek of the Singapore Flyer from certain angles, the view was nothing short of breathtaking. The garden space was extremely close to what the both of us had been visualizing it to be all along and the dining area was in close proximity to where the outdoor ceremony would be held.

Guess I'll let the pictures speak for themselves:

The path leading to Raffles House...

And the nice little pathway leading up to the place...

The solemnization area...

Suffice to say, we fell in love with the place on first sight. Raffles House, where have you been hiding all along??

Within 3 days of inspecting the area, the security deposit was paid, and the both of us are already drawing out plans for the Big Day.

After a long-drawn-out process, it is somewhat ironic that Qi Qi and I had come one full circle (literally) and returned to Fort Canning Park for our solemnization – albeit one held in a different setting. Anyhow, it doesn’t really matter, does it? We’ve got our place, and we have just taken another big step closer to our haven.

Recce Trip 3

Remember I mentioned about our rating table on solemnisation venues in one of my previous entries? Yes, I know it is long overdue, so here it is:

Based on the ratings table, we selected 7 more venues that we thought were worthwhile to recce. And so, Jeff and I embarked on our third recce trip on 23rd May 2009, determined to complete all that we shortlisted. Given that some were in the west, some central and some north, this task wasn't easy at all. :P

The reveal of the 7 places:

1) 12:00pm Raffles Country Club @ Tuas

We got to know that the outdoor Raffles Foyer, which has a pretty good view, would be out of bounds from June 09 on wards. And so the only existing venue in the club available for solemnisation would be the restaurant, Shanshui Palace itself. Solemnisation could be held at the balcony overseeing the reservoir.

Raffles Foyer

ShanShui Palace Restaurant

Pros: The place could accommodate all our 70 guests. Given that it is sheltered, there is no issue with wet weather. Ample, free parking space. Cost is also very affordable at about $28 - $45++ per person.

Cons: Too alike to banquet style. Not what we wanted - a garden wedding. Location too west.

2) 1.30pm Beaulieu House @ Sembawang
The place was extremely far. But it gave us a good feel the moment we walked into the park.

The food listing sounded good to us, with a mix of western and chinese food. Prices of the food were fair too, with a choice of either $32 or $40 per pax. An elegant decoration (including reception table, solemnisation area, dining area and surroundings) could be provided at a decent price - $488 for 50 pax, with $3 per additional head.

Pros: The antique colonial setting and outdoor garden by the sea appealed to us. Quiet surroundings. Affordable and cozy for 70 pax. Sound system could be provided at a cost too, so seems like everything could be provided at one-stop. Flexible with our demands too.

Cons: The place would not be exclusive to us, 20th sept has been booked for a solemisation as well. There would also be no air-conditioning (other than the side-hall which was booked). No good wet weather contingency plan - would have to move indoors if it rains.

3) 3.00pm Bottle tree village @ Sembawang

Bottle tree village was near to Beaulieu house, however, it was relatively more inacessible (will not be able to get there without a car). Nothing really special about the place, got fish spa, prawning though. Backdrop was also not impressive, though overlooking the sea. We did not bother to talk to the person in charge to find out more (unlike the first 2) as we ruled out this venue completely.

4) 3.30pm Bottle tree park @ Yishun

A big park with prawning and fishing activities. We spent more than 30 minutes searching for the solemnisation venue, but to no avail. Also could not seek help from the general office which was closed. I personally quite like the greenery feel, but we both agreed that it might be difficult for guests to find the specific solemnisation area given the big park.

5) 4.30pm Hort Park @ Alexandar

Pros: Hort Lawn - Garden feel with pretty background, fits perfectly to what Jeff and I wanted. Rather exclusive place. The location is also convenient; no need to provide shuttle bus.

Cons: Basically we would have to do everything by ourselves - sourcing for marquee, caterer, decorations, etc. The marquee cost is not going to be cheap too. No free parking and inconvenient for old folks who will have to climb down a fleet of stairs to reach hort lawn.

Hort Lawn

6) 6.00pm Peony Jade @ Keppel
Pros: Oriental feel of the restaurant. Solemnisation area faces the sea. Decent price too.

Cons: Solemnisation area is just beside the pool, which could be quite crowded. Given the limited space, it is unlikely that any chairs can be placed there. We weren't impressed and ruled this venue completely once we left the place.

Solemnisation area

7) 8.00pm The Pines @ Stevens Road
After dinner, we headed to our last destination, the Pines. Cost is still acceptable, about $55++ per pax.

Pros: Gave Jeff an atas feel. Rather spacious garden with indoor dining. Centralised lcoation. Ample free parking.

Cons: Alike to banquet style with round tables setting. Limited back setting for photo shots.

After some discussion with Jeff, we shortlisted 3 venues for consideration, in order of priority: Hort Park, Beaulieu House and The Pines. The reason for Hort Park to be our first choice of solemnisation? Simply because exclusivity meant more to us than anything else. Though Hort Park meant that we will have to put in extra effort and time to plan and source, we certainily do not mind doing so. After all, this is once in a lifetime event. We were just glad that we have found our so-called ideal venue. :)