That Bride: Hydi Ng

All love stories have to begin somewhere. How did you two meet?
We met in Lan Kwai Fong! On Valentine’s Day in 2007, a common girlfriend of ours had booked a table for the “singles” in DIP (which doesn’t exist anymore). True love does happen when you least expect it.

Where was your first date?
On that particular night, we went to Tsui Wah in Causeway Bay for breakfast. Does that count? I don’t really remember, sorry. Maybe it was the Peak Lookout, you know, I don’t really keep record of the little things. We’ve just been on too many dates.

Can you tell us about the first time he said he loved you?
On MSN messenger? I’m so sorry, I don’t really remember!

Every bride has a proposal story. What’s yours?
Well, I actually initiated it over the phone in my office one morning. He thought I was joking. We met up for a dinner later that day and just decided to do it! Of course, we staged the proposal anyway and he popped the question on his knees at the Peak Lookout. (Sorry, that’s why I keep bringing it up- it’s just been such an important place for us.) I mean I expected it, but I still shed a few tears.

Tell us about the ring.
I picked a simple pair of wedding rings from Chow Sang Sang. We decided our wedding date would be about four months after the proposal, so I didn’t have much time to shop around. The ring was a simple diamond one. Luckily I didn’t even need to alter it, it still fits my middle finger nicely! Sometimes I still feel like I’ve just become engaged.

What did you do for your hen party?
My girls and I borrowed a friend’s office and we had a lingerie party art jam.  Strictly girls only, of course. We hung panties everywhere. One of my girlfriends painted an abstract woman with her legs spread wide open. It was definitely a memorable experience, every single one of us cut some of our own “private hair” to apply on the subject of the painting! But we also used glitter and other artsy stuff. This painting actually hung in my study for a few years before our first son was born.

How did you go about planning your wedding? Did you go the DIY route or did you hire a wedding planner to help you out?
I didn’t plan much. I’m not fussy or a perfectionist. I was working full time and studying for my MBA. My motto in life is always, “the easier, the better”. We ended up throwing the wedding at Disneyland, even though I’m not really a fan. But hey, they were available on the lucky date chosen for us according to the Chinese calendar. We were married before a red Mickey backdrop. It was a sign of good fortune.

Tell us about the dress.
I spent two hours in a shop called Own Image on Kimberly Road. I booked all of my dresses and his tux there as well. I didn’t want to return for multiple dress fittings or to have to worry about storing them in my own home till the wedding.

What was the wedding like?
Funnily enough, I don’t remember that much. 

The song for your first dance?
I didn’t actually realise that people made such a big deal out of their first dance. It’s not really a Chinese thing. I did however perform a Flamenco dance with my good friend. Don’t ask me why.

What’s the most valuable thing you learned while wedding planning?
Keep it simple.  It will all be perfect!

Have any tips and tricks for brides-to-be?
Picking bridesmaid and groomsmen is very important. You want the right people doing the right thing at the right time- some people can just be troublesome and will create more stress. For anyone who loves vintage or themed weddings, Pinterest is such a lovely tool these days for inspiration from shoes, hair, accessories and even flowers. It’s a whole wide world of new ideas.

What do you remember most about the entire experience?
How tired I was!

Is there anything you would have liked to do differently?
Nothing, but we’ve decided we’re going to have our 15 year wedding anniversary in Versailles Chateau. Every party is different, whether it’s the theme or the time or the place. I wouldn’t change a thing.

And that brings us naturally to your honeymoon. Where did you end up going?
We picked Guam for our honeymoon. We love the sun, sand, sea and sex. We’ve been to so many Asian countries, which is why we picked a place that was brand new to us!

Check out our other That Bride interviews! Alternately if you’re currently planning a wedding, check out our Hong Kong wedding guides on the site as well- Sassy’s got your back, ladies.