Making memories

Weddings are (usually) a once-in-a-lifetime event. Couples today are taking creativity to new levels.

You don’t really have to spend millions to make a wedding memorable. What’s important are the personal touches and attention to detail that will make a lasting impression on your guests,” says Chris Abishegam, creative director of X2, an events management company.

Abishegam should know – she’s been planning weddings and events for more than 20 years. The events she organises are always an occasion to be remembered.

“I don’t know how to do anything simple. I am very good with details, and that is my speciality. Even if the wedding is for 20 people, I will go all out to ensure that the guests go home with a memorable experience, something they would want to talk about for a long time,” says Abishegam.

She and her husband Andrew Abishegam, in their 40s, got married in 1996 at Carcosa Seri Negara.

“We were the ones who pioneered chair covers, ceiling drapes, personalised banners and confetti canons that are now commonly used by hotels. There was even a bagpipe performance by the old boys of Victoria Institution.

“Wedding invitations during that time were just plain white cards but I wanted it to be different. I designed the card myself and created a personalised invitation that represented the both of us.”

Her elaborate wedding cake was made out of two structures, a church and a palace tower. The grounds were decorated with water fountains, steps and a bridge, all sourced from America. There was even a figurine of the couple.

The cake, designed by a Swiss pastry chef from Istana Hotel, told the story of the couple’s wedding in the church and of their journey to their new palace. Abishegam is now an expert in designing unique cakes, usually 6ft x 6ft in size, for clients.

“I believe that the success of a wedding is measured by how much the guest has been touched. It is very important that each guest feels involved. I’ve been to expensive, lavish weddings that are emotionally empty, and guests can’t wait to go home.

“That’s quite sad actually as so much money was wasted on an event that nobody would remember the week after.

“All the hotels that I have had my events at were very obliging and they said they had never seen an event like mine. A wedding is all about the memories you create for yourself and your guests.

“Always pay attention to emotion. Personalise and customise wherever there is an opportunity. For example, you can transform a normal dinner by renaming your dishes according to your theme and creating a story behind each dish. Handcrafted wedding favours are important, too, as that is what the guests will take back as remembrance,” says Abishegam, who sources hers from all over the world.

Her company even has a couture arm that designs bridal wear for the couple, their flower girls and ring bearers.

“The couple shouldn’t be stressed by details. I take care of everything from the food, decoration, themes and music to what you wear. X2 Couture creates gowns for everyone involved in the wedding, and sometimes, even the guests as they want to fit in with the theme.”

Abishegam takes a few months to plan a client’s wedding but her own events may take up to a few years.

“It will definitely help if the couple informs me of their wedding plans months in advance. Invitations should be sent out a month in advance, if not earlier, so that guests are able to prepare their attire.

“My personal events are a different matter all together as I am very particular about how I want things done. I roughly know what I want to do for my twin daughters’ Sweet 16 birthday and they are only six now!”

“My guests always ask me how am I going to better myself and if I ever run out of ideas. I don’t think I could, as creativity is an ongoing process.

“Event planning started off as a hobby but it has taken a life of its own and grown into a successful business. I put my whole heart and soul into every event, and that’s why it is so successful.

“You must love what you do and do what you love. Each event is unique. We pride ourselves in never doing the same thing twice,” adds Abishegam.

Abishegam’s weddings usually cost between RM100,000 and RM200,000, but she says that she has also planned weddings that cost millions.

“It doesn’t mean that you have to splurge to create beautiful memories, but money does help of course. No matter what your budget, we can always come up with something that you will cherish forever,” says Abishegam with a smile.


http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2008/1/5/lifefocus/19450131&sec=lifefocus