Mavin and Victoria - The one we waited for

Weddings

Aug 20

Let me start by telling you about the story of a girl and a guy who knew each other for a really long time but never had any interest in each other. They were in the same church, same lifegroup and had the same friends. But that was all it was for years; just friends.

As they reached a more independent age, they prayed to God for a partner and told the friends around them that they’d never find a partner in their circle because that seemed so ridiculous. But sometimes, God likes to troll us too. Said girl and guy suddenly started considering each other, and as life progressed, they found themselves coming together, much to everyone’s amusement and joy.

That’s Mavin and Victoria’s story in a nutshell. Very much coincidentally, that’s also the same story for my wife and I. It’s the similarities like these that bring us together instantly. I immediately had an affinity and deep connection as this pair started together forever at the altar.

There are many things I like about Mavin and Victoria. They take having a wedding in Singapore to another level. Paylah or Paynow via QR code your angpow? Man, why didn’t I think about that? Mavin hadn’t seen the gown yet either and didn’t pick Victoria from her place, opting to see her only as she walked down the aisle. But they also decided to have a quiet moment together before the ceremony started, so they met near the picture booth with Mavin’s back turned and prayed together, all whilst keeping the secrecy.

As they marched down the aisle, Victoria was all smiles and so was Mavin. I’m sure Vic’s dad was beaming too but Covid19 regulations lah, dad had to wear a mask.

Even as the service rolled on, you could feel the joy of those in attendance much more than usual. Well, particularly too that the couple arranged for PET so that the unvaccinated could attend too. We had about 100 in attendance, the most i’ve seen in ages, and man it made such a difference!

One thing that I loved seeing (don’t think of me strange), the tears flowed freely throughout this wedding! Victoria, cried as she thanked the people around her. Her mother and grandmother cried. Her maid of honour cried. Even the best man who never cries, cried. The atmosphere was full of gratitude and thanks and that was amazing!

There was this ONE detail I noticed and loved, Victoria had a bespoke gown made with Caramel Co. She pointed out this little “M” etched on the cuffs of her sleeves. When asked, she said “I wear my heart on my sleeves. My heart belongs to Mavin.” Dang. Cue the waterworks.

As we moved over to Alkaff Mansion the vibe changed into a celebratory mood. And it’s often a change in venue that determines the mood and atmosphere. Not that one is better than the other, but it’s to note that the place can help set the mood for the vibe too.

Friends and family cheered Mavin and Victoria on as they entered, participated in fun games and contributed their thoughts on what a good marriage was and where they should have their honeymoon (as I write this, i’m pretty excited since borders are opening and places like Germany, Taiwan, Brunei etc. are starting to become available. Maybe I should go on my second honeymoon soon too).

Mavin and Victoria even played the now common back-facing shoe game, except this time the shoes were swapped out for items that represented them; A pack of tissues for the oft-emotional bride, and a cucumber for the groom because…. He’s cool as a cucumber (I never saw that coming).

As we wound down the day after lunch, I loved the colours of the saris the bridesmaids wore and we quickly pulled everyone aside for some gorgeous pictures.

With that many ladies in one picture, I had to be the one to break the bad news, “Please don’t be offended, but shorter ones in front please”.

And finally the day was done. A glorious 8.8 wedding in the bag and I was ready to head home to enjoy the eve of my birthday (yup, my birthday’s on National Day. No the nation does not celebrate my birthday). But not before we grabbed a few portraits in front of their very very CLASSIC Rolls Royce ride before they…. rolled off. I loved everything about this one.