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Things to Take Note of When Choosing Your Wedding Gown

So you’ve said yes (to your favorite person), and next, it’s time to say yes to the dress. Exciting? Yes. Overwhelming? Also yes. But don’t worry, here are some things to take note of when choosing your wedding gown, especially when your wedding is taking place in a hot and humid climate like Malaysia. 

Before you fall head over heels for the sparkliest, puffiest, most princessy gown available on the rack (no judgment—we all have that moment), let’s talk through a few real-life things that brides often forget to consider until it’s too late. Because the truth is: a stunning gown is great… but a comfortable and venue-appropriate stunning gown? That’s even better.

1. Outdoor Wedding? Consider This Before You Say Yes to the Train

Ahh, outdoor weddings with beachy breezes, garden vibes, golden hour magic and wind in your hair. But here’s the thing nobody tells you: a long train + grass or sand = drama. And not the good kind. 

If your wedding is outdoors, especially in a natural setting (beach, garden, forest), think twice about long trailing gowns. They look beautiful in photos, yes, but they also pick up dirt like a mop and get stepped on… a lot. You’ll spend more time adjusting the train than enjoying your day.

Tip: If you love the look of a train, go for a removable, detachable train that gives you the princess-look during the ceremony but the ability to freely walk and dance after that.

2. Try Sitting Down (Seriously!)

It might sound obvious, but so many brides forget to actually sit in their gown during fittings. And trust us, this matters more than you think.

That dreamy ballgown or super fitted mermaid dress might look stunning when you’re standing, but what happens when you’re sitting at your reception for speeches, dinner, or during the ceremony? If the bodice digs into your ribs or the skirt completely takes over your chair (or the person’s chair next to you), it’s going to get uncomfortable real fast.

Tip: During your fitting, try sitting, squatting slightly, and even try a few dance moves. You will thank us later when you are feeling comfy all night long.

3. Itchy, Hot & Heavy? No Thanks

Some gowns are made for aesthetics, not comfort. If you’re eyeing on a gown with heavy embellishments or super stiff material, ask yourself:
“Can I wear this for 8+ hours without melting or scratching my skin off?”

Especially for outdoor weddings in warmer climates or during the summer season, breathable fabric is key. Avoid gowns with tons of layers unless you want to feel like you are baking inside a tiered cake. You can have both elegance and comfort, it just takes a bit of trying on. 

4. Indoor Wedding? Watch the Stairs (and the Chairs)

If you are getting married in a ballroom, hotel, or a church with grand staircases, think about how you can move around easily. Puffy gowns may look magical… until you need to climb stairs, walk through narrow aisles, or sit down for dinner. Same tip for your footwear, do opt for something that is easier to walk and climb those stairs in. 

Test this in your fittings—can you walk gracefully? Will your train be a hazard on polished floors? 

Bonus tip: If kneeling is required (e.g., in a Catholic ceremony), make sure your dress allows movement and that it’s appropriate for the setting (i.e., nothing too low-cut or sheer for a religious venue).

5. Venue Vibes Matter

The dress should match the vibe of your wedding venue. If your wedding’s in a grand cathedral, go for something timeless and classic. If you’re having a laid-back celebration in a cozy garden or intimate café, you might want something light, flowy, and less structured.

You don’t have to go full theme, but your gown should feel like it belongs in the space where you are saying “I do.”

6. You Will Move A Lot So Dress for It

From hugging 100 people, dancing, posing for photos, to bathroom breaks (yes, we said it), you will move. A lot. So try moving in the gown before committing. Do a little spin. Try sitting. Imagine lifting your arms for a group hug.

If the gown is restrictive now, trust me, it’ll drive you nuts halfway through the day. Comfort is really the key here.

At the end of the day, your gown should make you feel beautiful, comfortable, and like your best self. Not a version of what you think a bride looks like on your Pinterest board—but you, feeling your very best.

So when you are at your fitting, bring your heels, walk around. Sit. Think about the place you are getting married, what the weather’s like, and how you want to feel in those little, in-between moments.

Because your gown? It’s not just for the aisle. It’s for the hugs, the photos, the laughs, the teary smiles and the late-night dancing. Make sure it’s one you can live in, not just look pretty in.

Wedding at The Majestic Hotel: Adrian & Tracy

The Majestic Hotel’s orchid conservatory is one of the most beautiful indoor spaces in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Imagine being surrounded by hundreds of orchids! As orchids require a certain cooling temperature to blossom, you and your guests can enjoy the fresh and cooling breeze as well. Adrian & Tracy didn’t want a huge glamorous wedding with hundreds of guests so the orchid room was perfect for them. We absolutely love how the photos turn out! Orchids seen in every photo :)


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Unique Places to Throw Your Kid’s Birthday Party

As a mother of two, I love planning themed birthday parties for my kids and finding unique ideas to execute to make their birthdays extra special. In fact, when my daughter was 4 years old, we came up with a list of fun party themes we could do in the coming years. But I find that as the years go by, we start to slowly run out of ideas. So, I thought what better way than to compile a list of unique places to hold a party for parents who are struggling to think of fun things to do around KL and PJ. From a whimsical kids spa to rolling fun and exciting outdoor adventures, these unique kids’ party ideas will turn the special day into an unforgettable experience.

Jac & Ivy

Get a pampering kids nail spa experience at Jac and Ivy. Kids get wrapped in luscious mini-sized ropes (yes, they have one for both girls and boys) and sip drinks while getting kid-friendly face masks and water-based manicures and pedicures. The spa uses Puttisu products from Korea, which have 100% kid-friendly and non-toxic ingredients which are suitable for children ages 3 and up. Kids get their own little corner for their pamper session on mini chairs, while parents can also relax and indulge in a nail session of their own. Jac and Ivy also create a special birthday tea party with mini treats, decorations, and they can even get a photography session on the spot with Stories.

For more information visit: https://www.jacandivy.com/kidz-spa

Rollerwa

Get the party rollin’ with roller skates! Roller skating is making a big comeback and what better way to do it with a cool laser-light ambience filled with the latest k-pop songs? At Rollerwa, there are plenty of Instagram-worthy places to take photos and places to rest if your feet get tired. If you are new to skating, fear not! They offer walkers on wheels for beginner skaters on weekdays, and there are places at the side with less slippery mats and hand-holding bars for you to practice your skating skills. If your kid is an avid skater, they are allowed to even bring their own quad roller skates (no rollerblades). They provide both skates and safety gear so you just need to show up. For birthday events, Rollerwa has a private party room set aside, which allows you to bring your own food and drinks for the special occasion.

For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/rollerwaMalaysia

Photo credit: Discover KL

MAD about Education

If your kids love the outdoors, this is the party for them. Explore outdoor nature adventures through activities that are not only fun, but educational as well. MAD about Education uses nature environments such as forests, lakes, parks and even beaches to curate a special, exciting birthday party for your kids following their interests. Kids get to explore mangroves, dig for sea creatures, and go on a wonderful picnic.

For more information visit: https://madabouteducation.com/birthday-party /


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2023 Year End Reflections

We don’t remember days, we remember moments.

This quote is at the forefront of our Stories’ Lifestyle website and is one that speaks deeply to our team. At the core of it, our job has been to immortalise your happy moments through photographs and videos. This year we went beyond that by engaging with community and creating experiences for families to make new and unique memories together.

Here’s some of the moments we remember from this year!

Engaging with community at the Ibu and Makchic Events

We were happy to be invited to both events held by Ibu and Makchic this year, two organisations whose work we love dearly. At the events we created a mobile studio setup and took complimentary family photos. It was really nice to be able to give the event goers a little momento to bring home with them and to give some families who may not have stepped into a studio a chance for a professionally taken family photo!

Father’s Day Beach Adventure

We worked with educational program organiser Mad About Education (“MAE”) to create a unique Father’s Day experience where families spent a morning in Pantai Kelanang where we engaged in some play activities, explored mangroves and of course, took family photos! The event was such a success we got requests for similar experiences immediately. (Psst.. we’re in the midst of planning more of these, so stay tuned!)



The Flight of Imagination

And finally.. our proudest creation of the year! I’m sure you’ve heard of personalised children’s book where the text is changed to reflect the child’s name. Together with the team at Makchic, author Kimberly Lee and illustrator Munsya Rahman, we created a one of its kind personalised photo storybook experience where not only are the names personalised, so are the pictures in the book – replaced with photos of your own family. The process in taking the photos and having them be a part of a book, not to mentioned to actual unboxing and seeing your images will be an experience your family will treasure forever!

Looking back, we are so proud to have all of you along for the ride as we continue to create memories worth making. We look forward to seeing all of you again in 2024!

Oh! Don’t miss out on the promotion we’re running for The Flight of Imagination Book Experience! Click on the button below to find out more.

Take me to The Flight of Imagination

Our founder, Grace Tan, has also written a year-end reflection on our business website. Do check it out here!

A Memorable Father’s Day Event

For the past 15 years, Stories has been capturing heartfelt images of families, and through our experience, we believe that it’s the photos captured in natural moments that evoke the best of emotions. When I joined as business development manager, I had a focus (especially after the past two years spent in pandemic) to create opportunities for meaningful experiences that go beyond just a standard photoshoot. 

Because of this, I’m so glad that our very first Father’s Day Event held at Pantai Kelanang two weeks ago was a huge success!

For Father’s Day this year, we knew we wanted to create a unique experience where families could get together to celebrate their dads while also spending a meaningful morning enjoying each other’s company. After a bit of brainstorming, we connected with educational program organiser Mad About Education (“MAE”), who runs outdoor programmes and activities for children and families. 

Together, we planned a family-friendly activity that would take families out of the city, teach them about nature through play activities, and provide a unique family photo opportunity.

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