Meant to be together I’m from Johor Bahru in Malaysia, and Steven’s from Penang. We met in the church we attended as uni students in Kuala Lumpur. After graduation, we started a long-distance relationship that lasted seven years while I worked in Melbourne, Australia, and Steven shuttled between the US and Penang before we got married. We are both living in Melbourne now.
Two diamond rings! The proposal was romantic. I wasn’t allowed to know the location, so Steve drove me to the marina and walked me blindfolded to a catamaran. I had to wait until we set sail before I could take off the blindfold. He popped the questionw ith a huge diamond ring balloon accompanied by a real one. We then literally sailed into the sunset with a glass of champagne!
No fuss, no muss We didn’t want anything elaborate; just a good time with family and close friends. We didn’t have a theme so we kept things all white, elegant and minimalist
The highlight of our wedding As we are based in Australia, and most of our loved ones are living in Malaysia, our wedding felt like a big reunion. We were able to catch up with everyone who had impacted our lives in one way or another. We felt very blessed to have them all present.
This story was first published in Her World Brides Dec 2016.
Yee carried a lush clutch of hydrangeas edged with baby’s breath to match what her bridesmaids had.
This story was first published in Her World Brides Dec 2016.
A heartfelt greeting for guests, set against the gorgeous beach in Penang.
This story was first published in Her World Brides Dec 2016.
“We are both very grateful to God that we found each other, and that is expressed perfectly in the lyrics of the song Together by Steven Curtis Chapman,” says Tak Yee (friends call her Yee).
This story was first published in Her World Brides Dec 2016.
Instead of a ring pillow, they went for a jar of potpourri.
This story was first published in Her World Brides Dec 2016.
The couple had an all-white theme.
This story was first published in Her World Brides Dec 2016.
Guests each received a fan, a wedding programme, and a paper cone of petals for tossing at the newly-weds.
This story was first published in Her World Brides Dec 2016.
Gold-painted bottles and jars, as well as tealights in glasses added a rustic vibe.
This story was first published in Her World Brides Dec 2016.
Serenading his wife.
This story was first published in Her World Brides Dec 2016.
Guests tucked into a deliciously dense chocolate cake with buttercream frosting.
This story was first published in Her World Brides Dec 2016.
“We simply can’t wait for the next chapter of our lives to begin!” says Yee.
This story was first published in Her World Brides Dec 2016.
The breathtaking sunset.
This story was first published in Her World Brides Dec 2016.
Happily married!
Checklist
Venue Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort, Penang (www.shangri-la.com/penang/rasasayangresort)
Wardrobe Gown: Wishbone & Ivy in Melbourne (www.secure.wishboneandivy.com.au); suit: M.J. Bale in Melbourne (wwwmjbale.com)
Hair & makeup Maggie Lee in Penang (www.facebook.com/maggie.lee.1042)
Photography Yu Hsin, Tinydot Photography (6674-7367)
Videography Passion Portraits in Malaysia (Adrian Yap, www.passionportraits.co)
Decor Flowers: Ohara Florist in Penang (www.oharaflorist.com); marquee lights: Floralsense Weddings & Events in Malaysia (info@floralsense.com.my); lights: Ironman Trading in Penang (www.ironmany.my); chairs: Trinity Events (trinityevent@gmail.com); favours and accessories: One Tree Wedding Stationery (www.onetree.com.my); cake toppers: www.etsy.com/shop/ittybittywoodshoppe; Cake: Sugar by Love a Cupcake (www.sugar.com.my)
Wedding planner Amy Aw, Sugar & Spice Events in Penang (www.sugarnspiceevents.com)
Special thanks to Both our parents for all their love, the rest of our families and friends, plus a huge thanks to Amy for helping us plan and coordinate our wedding in Penang while we were in Melbourne. She was amazing!
This story was first published in Her World Brides Dec 2016.