I have been always looking for an outdoor wedding venue for my sister's upcoming wedding in 2010. Aha...I finally found one (well...this will not be the only one, I will still keep an eye on other outdoor wedding venues!) in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - CIAO RISTORANTE. Thanks to 'Jules Eating Guide to Malaysia', a blog created by Julian Si.

From the name , I am sure you are able to guess what kind of cuisine are they serving in their restaurant. [Tips from wikipedia: The word ciao is an informal Italian verbal greeting, meaning either "goodbye" or "hello".] Yes, that is it...It is an Italian Restaurant established since 1991. It is strategically located at a colonial bungalow along Jalan Tun Razak; with a serenity space, a large garden for all kind of functions (up to 210 persons for seated dining), and ample parking lots for its patrons and guests.

I love the setting of the venue very much, especially the romantic ambience at the garden. I am a "great ambience lover"! I will easily fall for places with beautiful setting, as well as their romantic ambience. I have created a collage based on photos taken from their portfolio online. It includes Ciao's garden entrance, garden walkway, fountain setting, tented events, decorations, and etc. Please see below.

However, I have no comment in terms of "foodie sensation", as I never tasted before (but I'll definitely drop by when I am back to KL for vacation next time!). For more about the food tasting part, feel free to drop by Julian's blog at juliansi.blogspot.com =)

More details about Ciao:
428 Jalan Tun Razak,
50400 Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia
03-9285 4827

Ciao's website


Enjoy, people!

For brides and grooms who live in Miami, or those who would like to throw their wedding parties in Miami - here is an option of the off-site catering services for YOU!

A Joy Wallace Catering Production & Design Team (AJW)
Led by Ms. Joy Wallace.
They have been doing business in catering industry for almost 21 years! AJW was established in December 1, 1988 (wow...I was only 2-year-old by the time Ms. Wallace started her own business and growing to be one of the top caterers in South Florida).

Today, AJW is not only an outstanding catering icon in Miami, but it has expanded to helping couples/companies plan their special occasions. In addition to catering service, talents in wedding planning, event production, and floral design are also recruited to join the team.

Here is part of their outstanding clients list:
Coca-cola
Hearst Magazines
NFL
University of Miami
Former Presidents Bush, Clinton and Reagan

Photo credit: A Joy Wallace Catering Production & Design Team


To view more of their recent portfolios, visit their website at www.ajoywallace.com/index.htm or www.ajoycater.com/.

A Joy Wallace Catering Production & Design Team
8501 SW 129th Terrace Miami, FL 33156
305.252.0020

Contact form

I just came back from a long-weekend vacation at Miami, Florida. It is truly a rejuvenating and relaxing break. Beautiful scenery, refreshing air, nice beaches, and wonderful people. I just love it!

photo credit: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, website


My first spot at Miami was Vizcaya Museum and Gardens which belongs to Miami-Dade County, just a few minutes away from downtown Miami. The attraction spot is amazing and well known as one of the United States National Historic Landmarks. It consists of a main house (showcases European arts, interior designs, and its architecture), 10-acre gardens, and a hardwood hammock. No wonder there were so many brides who would like to capture their special moments with a stunning Vizcaya garden as the background.

For those who are considering a nice, historic backdrop for their wedding albums, this is a great place for your wedding photo shoot. For a group of six (including your professional photographer), you will only need to pay $125 plus 7% sales tax to get the photography permit from Vizcaya. However, in order to protect its delicate arts and decorations in the main house from flashlight exposure, your party is only permitted to take photographs in the garden only. For more information with regards to photography permit, you are welcome to contact Jessica Aguilar at jessica.aguilar@vizcayamuseum.org or (305) 860-8421.

Well...some brides and grooms might be fallen in love with outdoor ceremonies and receptions, especially the garden-styled wedding, this is the right place for your upcoming weddings.

photo credit: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, website


The Mound at Vizcaya is a popular spot for couples to exchange their vows (love messages). For a Daytime Garden Ceremony at the Mound (up to 25 persons at the ceremony), you pay $1000 plus 7% sales tax to rent the spot. Besides that, Vizcaya Gardens is also available for rent during evening hours. Evening rentals entitled you to a larger party (125 persons and up) and guests have exclusive use of the inner courtyard, outside terraces, and gardens. Base fee for evening rentals between 6:30pm to 11:00pm varied on Weekdays, Friday, and Weekends. For an evening event on Monday to Thursday, you will only need to pay $7500. Whereas, the fee spikes up to $12, 500 for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening ceremonies/receptions. What a huge difference between days ($5000)?!! Way to save money to splurge on some other elements in a wedding - Plan a Weekday Wedding Day! For more information, please kindly contact Adrienne Kaiser at adrienne.kaiser@vizcayamuseum.org or (305) 860-8448.

photo credit: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, website


Afterall, it is YOUR DAY, it worths spending more time searching for a place that truly represents the two of you. If you need some guidance, Yours Moment is always here for you =)

Beautiful DIY Flowers + Affordable Budget = Beautiful Art Works at Low Cost

It's Spring! What else is better than beautiful blossoms to represent the lovely season? Flowers not only brighten up your day, but their pleasing aromas can also calm you down after a hard working day or the most stressful and yet happiest day in your life - Yes, it's your wedding day!

Flowers are something that can't be eliminated from your wedding checklist. Flowers can either dramatize your lavish wedding or to dress up your small-scale intimate wedding nicely. However, it is kind of costly to dress up your entire wedding decorations using all real flowers. Cost of hiring a professional floral designer to decorate your wedding could go from a few hundreds to a few thousands dollars. Wow, that's a huge amount from your pocket! Ouch!

If you are truly a flowers lover and you will not satisfy to celebrate your special moment without the companion of flowers, what can you do to get rid of the expensive bills?

There are a few options such as
1. Choose in-season flowers, so that you can save some money to import the selected flowers from other places.
2. Minimize flower usage and complete the decor by using candles. Candles create romantic feel especially in the dim light room.
3. What's in season? What's the hit in Spring 2009? It's the {Paper Flowers Arrangement}!!

Let us focus on {Paper Flowers Arrangement} today.

A touch of creativity, inspirations, and sacrificing every afternoon on weekends leading up to your wedding day to create splendid artworks on your own without breaking the bank! Who knows you are a talented artist behind the scene?! Even if you are not, simple steps and tools as seen on the newest issue of Martha Stewart Wedding Magazine (Spring 2009) - BIG BLOOMS ON SMALL BUDGET, prove that DIY Paper Flower is not hard at all! Inspiring? Get a copy of your Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine =)

Not a big DIY fan?
That's alright...If you have the budget, there is always a talented floral designer readily to dress up your wedding with their artworks! Eloise Corr Danch, a talented freelance artist resides in New York City, can lend you a pair of hand!

Macy's Annual Flowers Show @ New York flagship at Herald Square is showcasing Eloise's elaborate paper artworks. Over 2,500 handmade paper blooms comprising of long, swirling garlands and 20 beautifully decorated headgears are dominating 23 windows at Macy's New York flagship.

Here are some of her brilliant, eye-catchy paper sculptures at Macy's:

Do not set a limit for your unlimited imagination...Let it wander and give you the inspiration to dress up your upcoming wedding! That's always YOURS MOMENT.


Happy Reading!

Next - >