Throwback: Prewedding Photoshoot at Bromo

Happy New Year!

So sorry for the extended hiatus (over and over again) and I owe so many stories to write on this blog. Allow me to share my first post with you in the beginning of 2016. Enjoy, readers!

Exactly a year ago I and my husband had a prewedding photoshoot at Bromo. The idea just sparked off when we were talking about what kind of photoshoot we have dreamt of before. I was very excited since I haven't gone to Bromo which is one of the most famous scenic attraction in East Java. I thought, it would be such an amazing place to document it. So next, we decided to look for concept, photographer, makeup artist, and outfit. Yes, planning a photoshoot can be quite mind-boggling, because there seems to be so many things to think about.

The photographers were my husband's friends, Mas Imron and Mas Fauzi who are experienced for years in photography. Mba Rina, Mas Imron's wife, also took a part as a choreographer! :D For make-up, we entrusted Mba Mitha (instagram.com/mitha.matoz) who is a well-known Make-up Artist in Malang.

We started our day at about 5 a.m. to do a basic make up at Helios Hotel Malang where I stayed. We left the hotel at about 6 a.m. and went to Bromo by a Range Rover. It took an hour to get to Bromo Mountain. The weather was a bit cloudy.

The first theme of photoshoot was formal. I wore a simple white gown with the lace part on top and my husband wore a long-sleeve white shirt plus cream trousers. While the second one was casual where we both wore blue jeans shirt and boots.

Behind the scene :D

Feels like models :D

Thank you for your support guys!

Among the embarassing and pointless photos, we chose only three best photos that would be printed and shown to people. The reasons why we picked these photos because we love how we looked at each other naturally. It contains emotion and love.. Hehe..

During the entire process of photo taking, we heard instructions such as "eyes to eyes", "hands on the waist", "hands inside your pocket", "hold hands", "look down at your shoulder", "look far", "smile", show your teeth"... and the list continues. :D

Posing for such photos is really not something that we are used to. It feels odd, really not our style.
All in all, it's a great experience together with my husband and the supporting friends. It is super tiring. HOWEVER, we enjoyed the process altogether.

Lapindo Mudflow

The Lapindo mudflow is located in Porong, Sidoarjo, East Java, around 25 KM of south Surabaya city center. It takes 30-40 minutes to get there. The name of the mudflow is derived from PT Lapindo Brantas, an oil and gas exploration company operating in Porong and owned by the politically wired Bakrie family.

We had to pay IDR 10K/person as a fee to enter this site. The first thing we saw was a high and large retention wall built to contain the mudflow. After entering the dam, we were greeted by several motorcycle taxi drivers offering their services to go around the mudflow scene.

At a glance, this area looks like a vast plain of mudflow, but then we realized that the mudflow has submerged multiple villages in the Porong area. Really this is a terrible environmental catastrophe! Our sincere sympathy goes out to all those who have suffered great loss from this natural disaster.

Because the weather was so hot, we only had a very short visit here and took some pictures. Our curiosity of this place has finally been satisfied.

The name of the mudflow is derived from PT Lapindo Brantas, an oil and gas exploration company operating in Porong and owned by the politically wired Bakrie family. - See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/03/05/porong-disaster-site-becomes-tourist-spot.html#sthash.i7uZ1sEe.dpuf

The name of the mudflow is derived from PT Lapindo Brantas, an oil and gas exploration company operating in Porong and owned by the politically wired Bakrie family. - See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/03/05/porong-disaster-site-becomes-tourist-spot.html#sthash.i7uZ1sEe.dpuf

The name of the mudflow is derived from PT Lapindo Brantas, an oil and gas exploration company operating in Porong and owned by the politically wired Bakrie family. - See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/03/05/porong-disaster-site-becomes-tourist-spot.html#sthash.i7uZ1sEe.dpuf

The name of the mudflow is derived from PT Lapindo Brantas, an oil and gas exploration company operating in Porong and owned by the politically wired Bakrie family. - See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/03/05/porong-disaster-site-becomes-tourist-spot.html#sthash.i7uZ1sEe.dpuf

Vacation Flashback: The Honeymoon!

Now, it's time to revert to our honeymoon. On April 15th, 2015, Mr. and Mrs. Fahrur Rohman stole away from the madness of the world to take time out in a restful and romantic place: Jogjakarta.  

The lovebirds were searching for a hotel which served unique experience full of Indonesian culture, wealth and heritage yet budget friendly. Then we looked no further! All we could wish for, and more besides, was found at the exotically charming Adya Nalendra Boutique Hotel. Situated on the city center of Jogja, Adya Nalendra is the perfect choice for budget travelers who are into Javanese culture. Filled with artifacts and antiques from Javanese culture, Adya Nalendra has become a home for the discerning traveler who loves something unique and ethnic.

image taken from Agoda

Image taken from Agoda

Image taken from Agoda

We booked a Superior Room via Agoda, but once we arrived the staffs told us that the room would be maintained. And guess what? We were moved to the Executive Room! Hooray for that! :D Spending the night in the gorgeous Executive Room that treats guests to plenty of extra space and offers all the features of the Superior Room brought more comfortable feeling. A friendly staff, fabulously cultural rooms, and a good central location to pretty much everything makes the hotel a great value to consider for your honeymoon.

Several travel destinations had been listed to visit within a day. 

#1 Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII)

I always desire to trace back where my husband spent his college years. A long lost temple, believed to be part of a 9th and 10th century temple during the rule of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom, was accidentally discovered in this campus. The ancient temple which is located in the library building was unearthed in 2009, the news revealed.    

Location: Jl. Kaliurang KM. 14,5 Sleman

#2 Museum Ullen Sentalu

 

The Ullen Sentalu museum is a Javanese culture and art museum which was established in 1994. Relics and artifact from royal houses and kraton of Java, such as Yogyakarta, Pakualam, Surakarta, and Mangkunegaran are displayed here. The entry ticket is only IDR 30K for domestic tourists and IDR 50K for foreign tourists. It took about an hour to discover the museum's collection which was guided by a knowledgeable and helpful guide. For art enthusiasts and novices alike, this rarely-visited museum in Kaliurang highland will make you awestruck by the artworks and the museum building itself which is designed like a maze to connect one room to another. Surely, this museum is well worth an hour or two.

Address: Jl. Boyong KM. 25, Kaliurang Barat, Sleman.

#3 Kalimilk

Kalimilk serves freshly flavored milk and snacks. In addition to the beverages, one of the main draws of this cafe is the amusing tagline on the wall called Neneners. :D Neneners is a term referring to avid milk drinkers. The price ranges from IDR 10K to 50K.

Address: Jl. Kaliurang KM. 4,9 Sleman

#4 Rumah Paris

From Kaliurang, we drove away to the recently popular Rumah Paris Bed and Breakfast. It is an unusual home stay in Jogja with a Victorian classic style home and decor. Guests can recapture a bit of the past with vintage style pieces in every corner of this fun, cool and unique two-storey lodge. There are three different thematic rooms to lie down:  Shabbylicious Chic Room, World Traveler Room, and Beach Cottage Room. This place can also be reserved for some particular events such as photoshoot, eating out, and garden party. If you want to take pictures inside the house, reservation is required and it will be charged IDR 200K. But don't worry guys, you can still take pictures outside the house.

Address: Jl. Parangtritis KM. 8,5 Tembi

After traveling to those destinations, it wouldn't be complete if you did not eat Gudeg in lesehan (or street). My husband got a recommended gudeg seller since he was in college years named Nasi Gudeg Cukupan Batas Kota. There's something uniquely distinct about street food that is hard to replicate in an indoor kitchen. You should experience this one that other cities don't have.

Conclusively, for those of you on the hunt for lofty cultural and artistic values, definitely visit Yogyakarta and don't forget your camera.

The Mind-Boggling Museum Angkut

After an absence of several months, here I come with many traveling stories with husband. Our traveling tales will go back and forth. This quest to Museum Angkut, Batu - Malang was undergone a month after we were pronounced as husband and wife which was around May.

 

The newlyweds set off the journey at noon. It took an hour to the museum from the downtown of Malang. The ticket price was only IDR 80K for entering the museum and Movie Star Studio which is located nearby.

Mostly, this museum of transportation is indoor so every visitor can enjoy the attraction without getting wet when the rain falls down. There are several zones in the museum you can explore such as the Main Hall and Education Zone, the Sunda Kelapa and Batavia Zone, the Germany Zone, the France Zone, the England Zone, the Hollywood Zone, and many more.

#1 Main Hall and Education Zone

We start our walk to the sprawling old-fashioned cars and motorcycles. A car that attracted our attention was the First Indonesian President's car, Chrysler Windsor Deluxe.

#2 Sunda Kelapa Zone

In this part of the museum, tourists can see the old port of Jakarta with pinisi lining up as the background. At the side of the street, antique, vintage, and classic cars are parked.

# 3 US Zone

In love with everything vintage here - the bike, the radio, the wardrobe and even the portrait of people from the 18th century. It's like I'm traveling backwards in time.

# 4 New York's Gangster, France, Rome, Berlin, London

 

Each city theme serves the replica of the most recognizable landmark they have: France with the graceful Eiffel Tower, Rome with the unique Leaning Tower of Pisa, Berlin with the amazing Berlin Wall, and London with the stunning Buckingham Palace. The most favorite place of mine was the Gangster Town in New York and the Buckingham Palace in London. When we wander to the street of old New York, the pulse of dark yet gleaming town can be felt. The pub, cinema, prison, cafe in the 1930s of New York are worth visiting. Meanwhile, the garden and the structure of Buckingham Palace look seamless just like the original one in England. All of the attractions offer a pleasant spot to take pictures. Museum Angkut offers an extraordinary experience that gives a unique insight into the transportation's history around the world. So, if you have a chance to visit Malang, don't miss this place.

Wedding Vendors: Review

Catering & Dekorasi
Rumah Pengantin by Misye Sasongko Jalan Aquarius II No. 16 Bandung
Harga per porsinya mulai dari 65rb sampe 125rb. Ada paket lengkap mulai dari catering, make up & kebaya, souvenir, foto, sampai bungkus seserahan. Setelah browsing sana sini ternyata catering di Rumah Pengantin perbandingan porsinya paling besar dari pada vendor-vendor lain yaitu buffet 100%, stall dan dessert masing-masing 40%. Catering lain hanya menyiapkan 30% stall dan dessert.
Coffee break mulai 30rb per porsi, tapi bisa dinego kok asal pinter-pinter ngomong (baca: ngeyel) kayak mamah saya. :))
Dekorasinya kereeen bangeeet. Ngga salah pilih rumah pengantin. Njawani banget semuanya, apalagi pelaminannya sesuai sekali dengan keinginan saya dan masnya.
Webnya bisa dibuka di sini.

Make Up & Kebaya
Belva Ruko Setrasari Mall

Ini recommended banget kebaya-kebayanya. Busana hasil rancangan kang Ivan ini udah nggak diragukan lagi. Para sinden OVJ dan Ibu Wali Kota Bandung juga sering pake Belva. Range harganya sekitar 10-20 jt per paket.
Bisa langsung kunjungi webnya di sini. Atau bisa juga langsung menghubungi Kang Ivan yang punya butiknya. Kang Ivannya juga baik banget dan responnya cepat.
Perias dari Belva kemaren dapet sama mas Wiccky Halim. Aluuss banget make up nya dan yang penting bikin manglingi. Silahkan kalau mau lihat hasil touch up dari mas Wickky bisa cek instagramnya. MUA lain yang most wanted di Belva adalah teh yuyun dan teh isma. Harus booking dari jauh hari supaya bisa dirias sama mereka.

Souvenir
Haqi Souvenir Jalan Cibadak

Tempat souvenir paling lengkap dan paling rame se-Cibadak. Mungkin karena harganya yang terjangkau dan bisa ditawar.

Undangan
Unique Card Komplek Dolog Kiaracondong Bandung

Ketemu vendor ini saat googling cari undangan murah. Agak nggak niat juga pake vendor ini secara jarak cimahi-kiaracondong itu jauh banget. Kalo macet bisa makan waktu kurang lebih dua jam. Hih gempor! Tapi ya apa daya, daku sudah kepincut sama desain undangannya yang simple, elegan nan ekonomis. Monggo diliat website nya.
Eh sebentar belum selesai cerita tentang undangannya. Setelah mencetak 500 undangan dari Unique Card, jumlah undangan ternyata membengkak. Yang tadinya 500 undangan berubah menjadi 700 undangan. Padahal tinggal 3 minggu menuju hari H. Akhirnya kami buat undangan lagi di jalan Pagarsih, tempat percetakan paling murah se-Bandung Raya. Kurang dari 1 minggu akhirnya emergency invitation card jadi juga. Ahamdulillah. (Yak ternyata hal paling sulit dari segala rangkaian persiapan pernikahan adalah mencoret daftar undangan!!! Alhasil setelah berpikir masak-masak dan mempertimbangkan aspek habluminannas kami sepakat menambah jumlah undangan.)

Entertainment
Harmonic Music
Setelah muter-muter wedding exhibition di PUSDAI, akhirnya ketemu lah dengan Harmonic Music. Price nya paling murah dibandingkan entertainment lain pas saya survey, sekitar 6-10 juta. Bagus banget mainnya, classy. Saya dan masnya memang ngga suka dangdut, jadi request lagu-lagu pop yang cocok dan lagi ngehits buat wedding kami.

Fotografer
Redwhite Jalan Gatot Subroto Bandung

Sepakat dengan masnya untuk menggunakan jasa fotografer ini setelah melihat web page nya yang menarik. Karena sebelumnya mau book vendor photography asal sukabumi yang cukup terkenal tapi web nya underconstruction. Jadi meragukan deh kesannya. Price Range redwhite photo mulai dari 6-13jt. Kita bisa milih mau paket prewedding saja, wedding saja, atau all-in. Foto-fotonya keren, filter fotonya simple dan soft. Sila berkunjung ke web nya di www.redwhitephoto.com atau lihat instagramnya di instagram/redwhitephoto

Mahar
Toko Mas Italy Jalan Otto Iskandar Dinata Bandung
Banyak banget macam perhiasannya, pendants nya juga kece-kece. Tersedia juga american diamond yang katanya kalau dijual ngga akan terlalu jatuh harganya.

Bungkus Seserahan
Itanfa Rumah Seserahan Komplek Margahayu Raya Jalan Saturnus Bandung


Keren-keren nih bungkus seserahan di Teh Ita. Menurut saya kekinian banget, ngga jadul, ngga norak, ngga ndeso. Cucok deh pokoknya. jatuh cinta pada pandangan pertama waktu liat IGnya. Ngga mikir panjang lagi buat pake jasanya Teh Ita, walaupun jarak terbentang jauh antara Cimahi dan Margahayu. Harga sewa seserahan per box plus hias 60rb.

Upacara Adat
Bu Yayuk 
Bu Yayuk ini dikenalkan oleh Rumah Pengantin. Beliau adalah MC upacara adat Jawa yang sangat mumpuni dan disiplin. Nyondro-nya bikin terhanyut suasana. Beliau menjadi MC mulai dari akad hingga selesai acara resepsi, tidak hanya upacara adat saja. Bila ingin tanya-tanya silahkan email beliau di mc_yayuk.sulistyo@yahoo.com atau ke 082115511834.

Wedding Organizer
Eleven Wedding Organizer
Ternyata namanya Eleven bukan El-event sodara sodara. Hahaha.. Maap yak..
WO ini direkomendasikan oleh bu Yayuk yang ternyata digawangi sendiri oleh putranya. Terdiri dari lima personel sahaja untuk menghandle pernikahan kami dan kami merasa sangat terbantu dan puas. Alhamdulillah. Sempet memandang sebelah mata karena WO ini beranggotakan anak-anak muda kuliahan semester akhir. Eh alhamdulillah pas hari H mereka ini cekatan dan terorganisasi dengan baik. Sukses banget acara pernikahan saya mulai dari akad dan resepsi. Thank youuu..

Gedung
P4TK BMTI Bandung Jalan Pasantren KM. 2 Cibabat
Dari awal memutuskan menikah, saya sudah bulat memilih gedung ini. Selain dekat dari rumah, saya jg bisa dapat potongan 50 % dari harga normal karena bapak kebetulan berkantor di sini. Tempatnya memang agak sulit ditemukan bagi orang dari luar cimahi dan bandung. Untuk umum gedung ini disewakan seharga 6 jt. Parkir luas, ada guest house, kapasitas gedung sekitar 1000 orang.

Demikian sharing saya mengenai vendor-vendor dalam pernikahan saya dan masnya tanggal 11 April 2015 yang lalu. Alhamdulillah puas, nggak nyesel, bersyukur semuanya terwujud sesuai impian kami. Semoga review ini bisa memberi pencerahan bagi siapa saja yang akan menikah. Tips: sering-seringlah mampir ke wedding exhibition (sometimes it can be confusing) dan kalo misalkan cocok langsung deh di DP saat pameran berlangsung supaya dapet diskon 10%.