Memories of our wedding
Reflections of the day
Vanessa and I would like to thank everyone who made the effort for tuning into the livestream. We recognize despite the preparation that went in the days and hours before the ceremony, it failed. We have written our reflections of the day’s events for you to savour the better parts of the day through our eyes.
#IVChong
I woke up feeling like it was just like any other day but it was not. I knew in my mind that the big day had arrived and all the time spent making this day a success had finally arrived. That was when I felt the excitement kicking in, the day Vanessa gets to finally be mine.
The day started with me, arriving at my family house meeting the man who would have the responsibility of bringing my bride safely to the solemnisation. He has been someone who saw my entire transition of a Singaporean into a Malaysian and I would consider my first few friends in Malaysia. He had a big smile on the face, giving me assurance it’s a great day and it was going to be alright.
My Dad, the person who brought the family back to Malaysia is also the one helping me prepare for the big day of which I start my own family. He has been the one to raise me up with my Mom and today he gets to see me finally complete another achievement in life – marriage. He imparted some manly advice on how a family is run and expectations that go long with it. I plan to bring that with me moving forward. The conversation felt slightly heavy because it was happening over the trip to the barber but it was necessary for me to understand the responsibility I would soon carry.
The next moment that was so memorable was taking pictures with my parents. I picked the room that my parents first stayed in after they were married in Malaysia as well as the dresser that was given by Dad to Mom. I felt it gave homage to where I was from. You can see the delight from my Mom’s face in the picture above as she saw me in my suit for the first time too.
It was a rush to the office and I felt the pressure building in anticipation for the main event. I was thankful for the setup crew that was there making sure the last pieces were in place so that the office would be perfect for the ceremony. There was a trio of siblings there who made me feel at ease and confident that the day was going to be awesome. Each of them had a part. There was a quick modelling shoot, adding the final touch to the suit with the boutonniere and also having a mini prayer meeting before we started the ceremony.
A short while after the minister who would wed us arrived and we had a quick exchange of celebrating the next phase in life. I think ministers in general can understand the excitement of a couple that would soon be married to each other.
Before I knew it, the beautiful bride was walking down the aisle with her father. Some tears almost escaped when I heard “Till I found You” playing. The memories of all the highs and lows, that we had been through flashed through my mind and it had led to this moment. A huge “Wooo” escaped me when I saw the bride entering the room with me finally being able to see her right in front of me. She was absolutely stunning.
The last moments that we managed to capture on livestream greeting the crowds were unforgettable. Seeing the comments and well wishes coming in filled both our hearts with joy and love. We are grateful to everyone.
Her reflections
It rained, as expected. Heaven showered its blessings that cleared the sky , just as it did on other noteworthy days such as the day he asked me to be his girlfriend, for my hand in marriage and even when we signed on to be legal partners.
My nearest and dearest girlfriends were with me throughout. Preparing to be a bride takes a community (especially when dressing up isn’t her strong suit). I am immensely grateful for those who have been with me through valleys in the past, they were now here to button each of my 28 pearly buttons and not to mention undo each of them (which turns out to be more difficult than the former)
My last few moments with my family at our Gasing-home (and Rangie, our orange cat) was incredibly precious, although both my brothers were at the office sitting for their college exams at that time. It was preparation for me to step out of the place I called home for some 20 years.
Due to the restrictions, we couldn’t have anyone beyond our immediate family in person. But there were a few people who made extra effort to see me first even before I walked down the aisle. I was shocked and deeply touched by their gesture. And then I understood what it meant to be special on one’s on a ‘special day’.
A dear childhood friend, whom in later years became a close ‘bro’ to Ian, came to fetch me. My sister and I indulged in light-hearted conversations during the car ride. Moments before exiting the car, I realised that on the other side of our vows, he would be my (new) Pastor’s son. He gave me a mini pep-talk and welcomed me to the new church family, which was very heartwarming.
Our moments at the altar were so much more than expected. Perhaps beyond events on a schedule, I hadn’t actually considered how sacred and emotional this experience was going to be. Pastor spoke on 1 Corinthians 13, which happened to be the exact verse that inspired my vows to Ian. When I exchanged my vows to Ian, I turned into a huge mess. I didn’t think I would be that kind of bride. Those weren’t easy words to say, but they came from a deep and true place. I listed those reasons as a matter of fact, but only declaring it at the altar, did I realise that those really were the reasons why we stood on our makeshift altar under imperfect conditions, still wanting to be united in marriage.
Later that evening, my close friend shared some heartfelt words that reiterated the words from that passage. I find it difficult to believe in coincidences, it is far easier to believe they are #OOPF moments of God-sealed blessings. This had to be one of them.
An uncle also showed me a picture of his younger (and darker hair-coloured self) at my parent’s wedding and expressed his excitement of being present now at mine. Yet another reminder that memories make experiences worth having.
I still reel in the many moments of our wedding, with vivid memories of every little detail. It smelt like almond blossoms, sounded like our homestyle covers, felt like warm hugs, tasted of iberico pork ribs, and looked like everything sage, blush and burgundy. Except for the livestream, I wouldn’t want it any other way 🙂