Author: BonSteffi

Dad

A special someone whom I wish was here today

This post is dedicated to my dearest father, who has been away since 2006.

I have not let go, and I still misses you a lot.

Everything in life changes from the day you’re gone.

Previous things that doesn’t matter to me, appears to be important.

Bad habits that I used to have, I’m eager to correct them.

People whom I neglected, I changed for them.

Details of events involve you seem so vivid and I remembered them all, especially during the period when you’re sick, the days that I made you mad, the days that we argued, the days that I lied, those days that when we’re out for Sunday dinners, the very minute you gave me your car keys when I first passed my license, the days that you drove me to school, days that you sat around in the dining area, days that you sat for hours in the hospital bed because you have difficulty breathing.

I’m not sure what to do with these thoughts; it makes me really sad and regrettable.

I still keep the things that you bought for me, everything has its special meaning to me, the bicycle that I demanded and you gave in, the wedding suit you wore when you married mum, the study table that we first bought from Ikea, the pillow that you last held, the shirt that you wore and the precious watch that you dearly owned.

Some actions I really wish I could do otherwise, these thoughts make me really sad.

I remembered vividly during the last time you’re going to be admitted to the hospital, you requested me to send you there but I didn’t, I was naïve and thought of you leaving has never come across my mind.

Reality only set in days and months when you’ve passed.

I wish I could be a better son to you, and remember more good times that we could have spent together.

I always pray that you’re well taken care of and be free of worries now and be really at ease.

Thank you dad, you have helped me grow and I appreciate everything you have given me.

And don’t worry about mum; I will take care of her and will fulfill my duties well as a son.

I still miss you, and will always do.

 

之政

Pre-Wedding Photo Shoot

The Pre-Wedding Photo Shoot

After much consideration on the weather conditions of the short-listed countries, (no kidding, she’s worried that I might sweat myself out in Bali), we agreed with having our shoot in Paris, a city famous for the romantic ambience and the Eiffel Tower.

Steffi searched and vetted through some work done by the recommended photographers and videographers through the online platform and shortlisted a handful of them.

We’re lucky to be able to book the highly recommended photographer, Alwin and videographer, Shi wei for our photo-taking session and video shoot.

We arrived early to explore Europe, first stop we went to London, U.K. Lots of Englishmen, The Beatles (which I wished I could be the fifth member), Penny Lane (The Beatles), Lobster Roll (pretty good), Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Oxford Street, Abbey Road (Beatles again).

And back to Paris where the photo shoot will be held, preparations for the shoot was pretty tough (I was a joke among my friends as I tailored 6 suits for the shoot. Haha) but the actual shoot was FUN!

During the night before, we were both nervous and excited! After we have prepared our suits and dresses, we calmed ourselves down with a few rounds of prep talks and tummies filled with comfort food.

*Irritating iPhone alarm rang, its 4am and feeling pumped!*

We got up and got ourselves prepared, Steffi got her make up done earlier, and mine was a 1 hr job.

We met up with our photographer and driver at the lobby and off we go, an exciting day!

Overall the shoot is both fun and interesting, but it was also tiring to keep posing and smiling (though Alwin thought I’m a professional). Besides the beautiful photos that were produced (You probably have seen them in our albums, if not please let me know, I will show you personally), it was also the laughter, teamwork and experience that we treasure the most till date.

And most importantly, we are very grateful to Sara for coordinating our hotel stays, lovely meals and assisted Steffi throughout the photo shoot. She made our lives so much easier during this trip.

As you can see from the album, the photos shot by the talented photographer, Alwin, are well taken and fantastic in quality. A very big thank you for the hard work!

The shoot ends, the trip continues – Venice, Florence, Rome, Milan

Bon

The Proposal

A Surprise Birthday (Proposal) Celebration

One week before our memorable trip to New Zealand. I surprised her with 2 printed Air tickets to the magical islands. It was meant to be a surprise birthday trip for her!

The main highlight of the trip was to rent a 6-seater Campervan to tour the South Island of New Zealand. Much to Steffi’s dismay, the heater was not working for us. It was extremely cold in a huge chuck of metal.

After the long painful night of chilling wind, we were relieved to feel the precious rays of morning sun on our faces. Time to stage the proposal via a birthday surprise!

The initial proposal venue was at Mount Cook. However, the weather was not ideal for the proposal to be carried out. Thus, we had a light lunch and decided to take some photos along the scenic journey back to Lake Tekapo.

Throughout the entire journey back, I couldn’t think of a proper place to propose and the day is coming to an end. This is definitely one of the most stressful drives I ever had as I try to salvage the situation. Just as we arrived at the Lake Tekapo, I saw the Holiday Hut for rent. An idea came to my mind – what will be a better way to beat the chilly night and a comfortable place for me to stage the proposal. Deposit paid and I am on track for my proposal in the Holiday Hut.

Upon entering the Hut, I told Steffi to wash up first while I prepare for her mini-birthday celebration. She obliged and I quickly get down to work.

Step 1 – I took out my ever important tightly sealed tuppleware. It contains the proposal ring and was wrapped in 5-6 scarfs. I was so worried about the customs suspecting it as otherwise. Step 2 – Setup my gopro4. This is the most important video-graphing tool as it will capture my proposal video beautifully. Step 3 next!!! My DSLR!! I tried out a few tripod positions and finally settled on a nice one. Final Step!! My proposal video in my Laptop! About time yeah!
So once Steffi was ready, I invited her to sit on the designated chair with all cameras pointing at her direction, she must be thinking that she was about to be interviewed by CNA or Discovery (somehow it already looked like a proposal to be).
All video recording buttons on the cameras are hit, and the recordings start to roll…

 

With some courage and awkwardness, I proposed.
And with some tears and funny cameras, she agreed.

Bon