Wedding Bells

My parent's wedding in 1970

In Malaysia, school holidays  are synonym with wedding receptions. Most parents are busy entertaining their children for a short break as well as fulfilling invitations to attend wedding receptions from relatives and friends. For Malay community and being Muslims, marriage is based on Islamic principles with a blend of local customs. The wedding reception is full of colors and blessed by family members whom gather for celebration from all over the country.  

Apan & Sue's enthronement in June 2007

My 1st family's wedding reception was in June 2007, celebrating my brother, Apan with his devoted and lovely wife, Sue. It was an unforgettable and the best experience for all of us in the family as we worked really hard to ensure the ceremony went well.

2nd ceremony at Taman Warisan, Putrajaya in July 2011

Basically, in Malay custom there are 4 stages of ceremony that performed by most couples. Induction (Merisik), Engagement (Bertunang), Vow (Nikah) and Enthronement (Bersanding).

Both bride & groom with Qadi for Nikah session

Nikah is the essential of them all where the groom will shake hand with the Qadi whilst delivers his vow. Then he will sign the marriage contract & provide the bride with dowry (mas kahwin) which symbolized that the groom is willing and prepared to build a family with the bride and take care of her till the end of their life. Some couples whom are not affordable will perform only the Nikah ceremony. But majority will perform all the 4  stages of ceremony as mentioned earlier. In other words, wedding ceremony is the celebration for family members and friends with food, fashion, laughter and of course love because for the singles, if you were lucky enough, the cupid will struck and you are next in line :)