On the morning of December 8th, 2018, for many it might seem like just another Saturday. It was cloudy, quiet, but at the crack of dawn, Daniel was already rising from his bed. He made some calls, and finally left his bed to shower and step into his tuxedo. It wasn’t just another Saturday, for him at least. It was the Saturday. The day he was about to get married.
With the help of his three groomsmen, Daniel got ready and prepared himself to finally leave his apartment. There was a lot on their agenda, and minutes away, Doreen was in her family apartment, awaiting his arrival.
Doreen’s family was one of the warmest, most welcoming families our team has ever met. It was a family that would warmly welcome anyone who enters their doors with love, going out of their way to make them feel at home. Sitting in her bedroom at the end of the hallway, Doreen was just getting final touches done on her makeup, looking as radiant as any bride would.
They held an intimate wedding at Crown Hotels, in the Southbank area of Melbourne. After a set of tea ceremonies done in the morning, the holy matrimony came afterwards. Gleaming in a stunning white gown, Doreen entered the room and sure enough, Daniel struggled to hold back his tears.
In fact, how could he not? It was a day so filled with love and joy, not just for the couple, but also so many of their beloved friends and family, who joined in to celebrate. Doreen was a woman with kind eyes and a genuine smile—it was clear if you were to ever meet her, how loving she is as a person. Daniel was a trustworthy, friendly man himself. Like a perfect duo, they kept smiling at each other throughout the ceremony, blushing at how the day was actually unfolding before their eyes. Many moments of their journey had led them to that altar, but surely, also many challenges; challenges they faced and conquered, not apart, but together.
When the ceremony ended, everyone applauded as Daniel and Doreen made their way out from the room. In true celebratory fashion, the guests were given little bottles of soap with bubble rings, blowing bubbles at the newlyweds as they exited the hall. Children started getting excited but truth be told, everyone was too. They were indoors, but the ambience was full of glee and carefreeness.
This was followed by a good few hours for some drinks, treats, and just for the guests to unwind and start chatting with one another. At the other ballroom, vendors were preparing for their gorgeous wedding reception.
Tables were decorated with flowers, candles, menus, and silverware sets. The scene sat still, glimmering softly under hues of pink and purple lights. Several tables were provided, along with a photo booth by the entrance, and a large dance floor occupying the middle of the room. In one end of the dance floor were the bridal party’s table, and on the other end was a stage, on which the wedding band continuously played romantic blues and jazz songs.
Various guests attended, and some even travelled from overseas. The night was lively, but also heartfelt. As some of Daniel and Doreen’s closest friends and relatives delivered speeches for the couple, followed by Daniel and Doreen themselves, the evening closed beautifully with their first dance, and their shared dances with their most cherished loved ones.
Even though it was a long and tiring day for the newlyweds—as it would be for any couple getting married—the two stayed as kind and lovely as they can be to everyone they encountered. Doreen, for instance, who at that night had let her hair down to loosen it up, still made a point to thank every guest individually and make sure they were getting home safely after the event. Daniel also had no intention of hiding his joy of finally being married to the love of his life; in their many wine glass toasts circulating the guests’ tables, Daniel was exuberant, belting “yaaaaaaaam seng!” with his family and friends in abundant cheerfulness.
It was a tradition essential for many Malaysian or Singaporean weddings; raising glasses and shouting a big, long “Yam Seng” to everyone involved. Many toast and laugh afterwards, slightly out of breath after saying the phrase itself, which translates to “drink to victory” in Cantonese.
But the love and happiness floating in the air covered over any fatigue anyone might’ve experienced. Under the dimmed lights of the ballroom, accompanied by the live music playing, we witnessed one of the most authentically heartwarming scenes. Through every dance, gaze, and smile, the evening was lengthy, but in the best ways memorable nonetheless.
Daniel and Doreen are two people that we hold very close to our heart. They are an absolute pleasure to know, both individually and as a couple, and it’s also seen by how surrounded they are with the most supportive, caring, and devoted people in their everyday lives. We are incredibly glad to have been able to share this wonderful occasion with them, and wish them all the warmth, love, and serendipity that they, truly and wholeheartedly, deserve.