If Carmen Ow could recall her most memorable birthday celebration, it would probably be the one in 2013. The only daughter of boutique property developer Victor Ow and Ow Pui Yee and director at Clydesbuilt Group of Companies shares, “I was supposed to be having dinner at Garibaldi with friends from Melbourne and was told that only the private room was available.”

In fact, her boyfriend of two years, civil servant Bryan Tan, with the help of her friends, had planned a surprise. “I was told that there was a ‘guest chef’ that night and only a set menu was offered so I would not be able to order from the a la carte menu. But Bryan later emerged dressed as a waiter, together with my friends,” she continues.

She thought it was a surprise party until she noticed one of her friends holding a restaurant cloche and realised what was happening. Inside was a ring placed atop a piece of bread—a joke significant only to the couple. The “guest chef” who had written the menu was Bryan himself, who, as a joke, had coined a menu where each dish contained an ingredient Carmen does not like. She explains: “In the chef’s note about the inspiration behind each dish, he related the ingredient to their shared experiences.”

The Theme & Concept 

Following jaw-achingly hilarious fetching-of-the-bride festivities that included sticky notes, blindfolds, bananas and wet feet (you get the picture), the bride and her father were driven in their Rolls-Royce to The Clifford Pier where a breathtaking scene was set for the solemnisation ceremony. Explaining her venue choice, Carmen says, “Soon after renovations at Clifford Pier were complete, I inquired if I could hold my solemnisation ceremony there. It’s a beautiful open space steeped in history. Also, when he was younger, my dad caught a fish by the pier, making the place all the more meaningful.”

Wanting nothing of the typical sombre wedding solemnisation, the couple opted for something more cheery and light-hearted. A kaleidoscope of colours filled the space. Pops of purple and blue were seen in the floral decorations created by Fiore Dorato, the solemnisation booklet, table runners and even the bridesmaids’ dresses. As a surprise to her Star Wars-loving husband, Carmen added some elements rarely seen in a wedding, but perhaps quite symbolic of this match clearly made in the stars.

“Bryan always joked about how cool it would be to have a Star Wars wedding. So, to make his dream come true, I decided to have mini Star Wars Lego figurines placed amongst the flowers in the bridal bouquet, and have the groom and groomsmen wear a Star Wars Lego figurine pin instead of a boutonnière,” says Carmen who glowed during the ceremony in a Vera Wang gown accessorised simply with a diamond necklace, while Bryan oozed style in Tom Ford.

The sci-fi theme continued at the wedding dinner banquet at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore the following weekend, where star-shaped confetti against dark blue table runners offered visions of the night sky or the galaxy, while special Star Wars cards were prepared for guests to pen their well wishes, and table numbers bore Star Wars characters as a watermark background. “I even asked my wedding planners to arrange for Darth Vader and two Stormtroopers to ‘guard’ my house before the gate-crash. It was hard to keep it under wraps and Bryan was completely blown away!” shares Carmen.  

In contrast to the colourful mood at the solemnisation ceremony and lunch, the dinner had a classic feel. Carmen and Bryan wanted to be able to look back in years to come and not find that the wedding looked dated. The couple, who had their pre-wedding photos taken in Paris, also worked with their planner and wedding vendors to inject touches of European opulence to their wedding banquet. In the reception area for instance, a specially created sticker with the backdrop of the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles was attached to the glass doors that opened out to the cigar area. A palette of ivory, cream and gold settings with cascading orchids and romantic tea lights created a dreamy mood. 

The bride’s father played a big part in the evening’s food, working with the hotel to ensure there were generous amounts of bird’s nest in every bowl of soup and that the abalone were well sized and cooked precisely the way they like it. For the noodle dish, the hotel chef specially created a dish that married two of the bride’s favourite dishes: pork neck bee hoon and Japanese ramen.

As guests feasted and made merry, the couple weaved through the room to greet family and friends who eagerly extended warm hugs and well wishes. Of course, compliments about the bride’s dramatic outfits that evening were forthcoming. For the grand walk-in, she wore a stunning Elie Saab Cinderella-like sequinned gold dress with a puffy skirt and train that, with her megawatt smile, instantly lit up the room. The look was completed with her hair, worn in a long cascade of waves that flowed over her shoulder. During the speeches, she took to the stage in a figure-skimming red number, also by Elie Saab, worn with an updo. For the after-party meanwhile, practicality was the keyword. She chose a girly white Mary Katrantzou frock that allowed her to comfortably hit the dance floor with her husband and guests.

The Highlights

While the floral decorations, the artistically plated food and the couple’s outfits provided a visual treat, for auditory pleasure, guests were indulged with the luscious vocals of Moxi who belted songs close to the couple’s hearts. Between sets, a mix-tape of soul oldies kept the vibe sophisticated. Other entertainment included a photo wall at the reception area decorated with flowers and baubles that had guests losing their inhibitions and striking their most wacky poses for the camera.

During the after-party, DJ duo Rave Republic kept guests on their feet and when they needed a break, guests were lured by the decadent dessert bar. Designed with a Marie Antoinette feel, the buffet table was adorned with candles on candlesticks and flowers in delicate pastels. The couple had specially engaged their favourite tipple provider Jekyll & Hyde to manage the cocktail bar. At the cigar area, connoisseurs sipped on glasses of whiskey and exceptional Louis XIII cognac.

Surprises, touching moments and downright rib-tickling speeches tugged at guests’ hearts. During the dinner, Carmen was pleasantly surprised when a video, secretly produced by Bryan and his groomsmen, was unveiled. “It was a music video of some songs that I love, including one from the Spice Girls and Beyonce’s Single Ladies. It was hilarious and had everyone in the ballroom laughing hard,” she shares.

A number of speeches were delivered that evening, all well-scripted, and for greater effect, some were even accompanied by photos of Carmen and her friends when they were younger. The couple were particularly grateful for all who helped plan their big day in one way or another, and to their friends and family among the many guests who showered them with love and affection. As a token of appreciation, all the bridesmaids were presented with an infinity bracelet from Tiffany & Co. “It’s something to remind them of the day and a representation of our friendship,” shares Carmen.