Cold feet, clammy hands, sleepless nights, sudden fits and countless reiteration and memorization of my vows – it all boils down to one final day, 6th April 2008. 

On the eve of the wedding, I checked into a nearby hotel – to calm those nerves. It’s best to be away from parents, uncles, aunties and friends who will chant the same question – “So are you ready?”

“HOW CAN I NOT BE READY?” 

So, my 24 hours in the hotel was spent practicing the song I wrote for Deb as she walks down the aisle, memorizing my vows umpteen times, trying to catch some beauty sleep, praying and reflecting on the momentous journey thus far. It was really overwhelming. My best man came over for dinner and as usual, sprang me a surprise – he has not gotten his tie for the wedding yet! Sigh… somethings just never change.

Sunday morning. This is the final hours of my bachelor life. Will it change from now on? If so, how? The questions will be left unanswered and discovered in the future. 

I arrived at Sime Darby Convention Centre, having at least 500 pair of eyes on me. “WHERE IS MY BRIDE?” Oh, how I desperately needed her by my side to ease my tension. Shook hands with hundreds of family and friends and our wedding coordinator, Joanna ran out and alarmed – “What are you doing out here!? Get in! She has arrived!”

I wonder who’s getting married? Looks who’s fluttering? She or me?

Final check. Archway and deco. Done. Sound system. Perfect. Bridal party. All set. Pastor Henry. Accounted for. Miss Deborah Chan. No where to be found.

The afternoon went by so quick. Sophenie and Grace, gracefully danced down the aisle. Pretty flower girls and our handsome page boy nervously walked down the aisle. I got onto the stage and croaking-ly sang the love song – and the doors opened. Aaahh... The guests stood up. Applause, scream and cheers resounded the hall. My eyes were fixed on only one. Dad passed her to me, whispering – “she’s all yours”. 

In a blink of an eye, it was time for us to exchange the vows. I forgot two lines. Nevermind, I recovered. Pastor Henry then said – “You may now have your first kiss with your bride”. 

“WHAT?”

“NOW?”

“SO QUICK?”

Yes, it was our first kiss. We saved it for this day. We wanted it to be special. 

Our kiss lasted eight seconds. It felt like 8 hours. Time ceased for a moment. Lips locked. Hearts sealed. Union secured in the Lord.

Yes, we’re married. 

The boy once, hated girls.

The boy once, fought with girls.

The girl once, prayed.

The boy once, hoped.

The girl once, had dreams.

The girl once, desired.

The boy once, determined.

The girl once, longing.

The boy once, travelled.

The girl once, travelled (alone).

Then the boy and girl both prayed. They dreamed. Holding onto hope. They desired. And were determined. They waited and longed.

And today, they travel the same road, not alone. But together. 

“And a threefold cord is not quickly broken”  - Ecclesiastes 4:12.

That three is me. Her. And our God.

As you would have reckon, this snippet is post dated and I’m writing from a perspective of a married woman who just settled into her love nest with her hubby – oh and not forgetting the fact that I’m loving every moment of it! 

Dating back to April 6th, my cellar full of memories, thoughts, captured expressions and writings unravel effortlessly. It took us months to prepare for the wedding and the day went by in a jiffy. Here are some moments that mattered most to m heart. 

The night before the wedding, my family came over to the Le Meridien for dinner and some quality time with their soon-to-be-wed daughter. We chatted, laughed, goofed around and finally prayed. There was laughter, tears, family hugs, candid pictures and words of wisdom – finally a goodnight to end the day, as the bride needed her beauty sleep. 

Morning of the 6th:

The few hours leading to the wedding was by far the longest wait ever. Bridesmaid had arrived at the hotel real early, we had spent some quality time sharing and praying and at mid day all 3 of them crowded in the bathroom dolling themselves and each other. They squealed and squirmed just like how high school girls would before the prom night. Ahhhh what fun to watch! 

My make up artist arrived not long after, did an amazing job with my make up and hair. Getting into the gown that day spelt the difference. I had worn the gown once in Bangkok and another in Aussie, traipsing the streets of Melbourne taking our pre-wedding shots. But this time around, a feeling so surreal accompanied my array. The train of my gown will sweep across the red carpet as I meet the person I call my husband.    

Hands help tightly to my dad, I whispered, “This is it daddy, please don’t cry as you give me away. I love you very much”. Dad strikes a huge smile at me and silently pats my hand. Within moments we were at the end of the aisle, my sweetheart had sung the last line to his song, left the rest to the band, hopped off the stage and eagerly waiting for the ‘handover’. Dad unveils me, give me a peck on my cheek with a whisper ‘I love you’. 

Now our hands embrace, it has been exactly a day and a half since we’ve seen each other. I was gleaming and I was pretty sure Terence was nervy (cause his hands were cold and clammy). We stood at the front of the hall, joy overflowing. Praise and worship was awesome. The 1 Corin 13 skit was hilarious. Pastor Henry spoke, I made some mental notes and then I heard the cue for us to exchange our vows. 

Terence’s vows sank deep into my heart as I heard it, chuckled at his witty lines and melted at his sincere promises. It all made sense, our life, this relationship, our commitment to God and to each other. 

Now it was my turn. Rachel, my lovely sister had endured repetitive doses of my vow. By then, I could sense a mischievous smile growing on her face as she heard me say it for real. The weight of those words carried itself as I sealed my vow with “and today you have my entirety, my all”. 

We arrived at the moment where the groom kisses his bride. The climax of a well-written love story… and it’s going to be our first kiss. Our eyes locked onto each other, my veil gently put back, everything was silent (I couldn’t even hear my heart beating!) and smooooooooch! (It lasted 8.5 seconds – as we found out from our wedding video!) That was the first of many kisses to come, as Pastor Henry puts it. 

Well as cliché as it sounds, life has never been the same. I have a strong feeling and confidence that it’s going to get better!