As course mates during their undergraduate years, Boon Chuan (BC) romanced his way into Joyce's heart. Joyce shares their story.
"After completing our undergraduate study back home, we came to the UK to further our studies and work together. Two years ago, we started talking about marriage and even went to choose an engagement ring together. Nonetheless, BC insisted on keeping the ring as he wanted to still surprise me with a proper proposal.
I saw a Facebook notification pop up on my phone, that [he] had shared a video with me
Shortly after we arrived at the restaurant for dinner, he excused himself. While waiting for his return, I saw a Facebook notification pop up on my phone, that BC had shared a video with me. It was a compilation of our stories and photos for the past six years. Just when I finish watching the clip, he stood in front of me with a bouquet of roses, the ring and a photobook of what I had just watched and my friend was there recording the whole thing!
Tea ceremony is the most significant part of a Chinese wedding. It is a ceremony for the bride and groom to be officially introduced to their new families. So on our wedding day, BC came to my home in the morning and we had the tea ceremony with my side of relatives. We then proceeded to the church for the official registration and blessing ceremony.
I have always wanted a lace wedding dress and so that was my top requirement when shopping around. It was by chance that I walked into this (fifth) bridal shop in Sheffield, telling them that I wanted "a lace dress, not too bulky, no ball gown, preferably with cap-sleeves, key-hole back and could fit into a hand luggage for me to bring home". The first dress they let me try on check all the boxes!! It felt as though the dress was made for me! It hugs at all the right places showing my curves and I felt really gorgeous in it.
After some rest in the afternoon, we had a dinner reception in a hotel. We sang the first half and danced the second half of "When God Made You" as our entrance song and first dance. That was the best memory of my wedding that I cherish the most! The cake topper was made according to our likeness and I know that even if I'll have to part with my wedding dress, we can still look at our cake topper and remember our 'look of the day'!
I was truly blessed to be able to have two weddings. The tea ceremony is done for both groom's and bride's family. So in the following week, I wore the traditional Chinese wedding dress and had tea ceremony at BC's home in Melaka, Malaysia, followed by another round of dinner reception for his families and friends."
Congratulations on your marriage Joyce and Boon Chuan. Thank you for the peak inside your wedding album!
By Ingrid Szajer
Lindsey