Singapore singer Chew Sin Huey tied the knot with an East meets West wedding

Chance Meeting

I met Anders’ buddy Henrik first on a plane to Hong Kong and we stayed friends over the years. I was away on holiday in Europe when I visited Sweden. Henrik arranged for Anders to be my guide. Little did I know then that this man, who picked me at the train station, would one day be the same man to whisk me away from my family home on our wedding day.

Late-night proposal

Anders proposed via Whatsapp. I was awakened by the ding of the text alert and an image of champagne, flowers and a ring box on his table along with five lit candles. In my grogginess, I thought it looked like a prayer or deathly wedding ritual, and laughed till I went back to sleep – without saying yes! Poor guy. He must have felt terrible. I finally Whatsapped my acceptance in the morning.  

East meets West

My family was very happy that Anders’ family and other relatives were willing to embrace our customs, especially the tea and gatecrashing ceremonies. I later changed from my kua into a Western wedding gown. In Northern Europe, it is not uncommon to start a family without a marriage certificate. I told him that in Asia, marriage usually comes first.

Tears in my tea

During the tea ceremony, my grandfather and siblings could not fight back their tears. Anders was crying as well. At that moment, I knew this man was going to fit well into my close-knit family, and treat them like his own.  

All the good things

We didn’t really have a theme. It was not extravagant by any stretch, but many of our guests complimented us on how it turned out. One of Anders’ friends even remarked that our wedding was the favourite part of his South-east Asia trip. All we wanted was for everything to be heartfelt. Our motto was good food, music, and atmosphere – and a good supply of wine!  

Live performance

The climax of the reception was the live performance at the end that was never part of the plan. I was pushed onto the stage and joined by my friends who are singers as well. Before I knew it, all the guests were on their feet and crowding the foot of the stage.  

Sin Huey & Anders

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“I will always protect my husband and appreciate his presence in my life.”

This story was first published in Her World Brides Mar'17 issue. 

Sin Huey & Anders

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 Two wedding styles in one photo. 

This story was first published in Her World Brides Mar'17 issue. 

Sin Huey & Anders

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Sin Huey wore an intricately designed, traditional headdress with her kua.

This story was first published in Her World Brides Mar'17 issue. 

Sin Huey & Anders

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The gatecrashing ceremony was a novel experience for Anders’ groomsmen.

This story was first published in Her World Brides Mar'17 issue. 

Sin Huey & Anders

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The banquet was held in Johor Bahru. 

This story was first published in Her World Brides Mar'17 issue. 

Sin Huey & Anders

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Husband and wife. 

This story was first published in Her World Brides Mar'17 issue. 

Sin Huey & Anders

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Sin Huey looked gorgeous in her embroidered lace and tulle princess ballgown.

This story was first published in Her World Brides Mar'17 issue. 

Sin Huey & Anders

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Their wedding cake and champagne fountain.

This story was first published in Her World Brides Mar'17 issue. 

Sin Huey & Anders

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Checklist

Venue DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru  (+60 7-268-6868)

Gown and kua: Lin Haute Bridal (www.linbridal.com); suit: Cocoon by D.danny  (cocoonbydannytan@gmail.com); rings: Boucheron (www.boucheron.com)

Hair & Makeup Shawn Goh (shawn_0912@yahoo.com)

Photography & Videography Amazing Group (www.amazinggroup.zenfolio.com)

Flowers Bunga Bunga (+60 7-226-3200)

Cake Cake23 (sara.cake23@gmail.com)

Live music Perfect Pitch Entertainment (+60 12-906-6614)

Special Thanks To Shahrul Othman, Karman Lum, Hee Koh, Michael Raj, Tan Desiree, Amy Wang, Tan Ejay, Tan Eray, and Qian Yu Lee.

This was first published in Her World Brides Mar'17 issue.

For more beautiful weddings and wedding advice

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