Greta and I sit on the floor, in our traditional Malay dresses, with the other women while the men sit separately over the other side of the room. Dina descends the stairs in a beautifully beaded dress and joins her mother and sister on a floor of cushions. During the ceremony there are prayers and poems, Kimi recites the necessary words (they must be said correctly in one breath) that are approved by the official, and the contract is signed. Dina joins Kimi on a “throne” and the paparazzi swoop in.
Myself, Dina and Greta after the ceremony
The following night the reception takes place in the largest hall I’ve seen. We arrive early and are amazed by the sheer size of this wedding (we knew it was going to be big but weren’t prepared for this). As Ben starts to count the wait staff madly setting up the hall (he gets to 40) Greta and I are privileged to get another look in on Dina being prepared for her big night – in yet another gorgeous dress, looking like royalty.
The evening begins when the lights are dimmed and, over a sea of 800 people we see Kimi and Dina enter the hall and walk down the aisle. A spotlight follows them and cameras are flashing as they make their way to the stage. Once seated in the king and queen style thrones, the best man and maid of honor fan the happy couple with feathers. Kimi and Dina make offerings to various family, then they move to the bridal table for dinner and speeches. Afterwards Dina and Kimi walk back down the aisle and wait patiently as they greet every single guest. They eventually return to the stage where countless group photos are taken.
It has been a very different but very interesting experience for us and we’re very grateful we got to witness this special occasion for this beautiful kindhearted and beloved couple.
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