First Steps

The hunt for a pair of wedding bands to suit two very different individuals with varied tastes and preferences has begun.

After several shop visits, we've seen a couple that we don't mind having and shortlisted one or two designs that look promising. All the same, we're still keeping our options open as we make our rounds to other shops on our 'to visit' list.

We picked up a few things along the way:

1. Most, if not all, jewellery shops call it a day by 9:30 p.m. as we've been denied entry into some of them and others had their roller shutters closing just as we stepped out of the shop.

2. Platinum costs about twice as much as white gold but apparently retains its shape longer and is suitable for every day wear.

3. His ring size is almost three times the size of hers. Inevitably, his ring will be more costly so she's thinking of going for a platinum ring while he sticks to one made of white gold to even out the cost! :p

Bridal Party

We wanted those dear to us to be part of our wedding, so we thought it best to have our siblings and close buddies take on the honourable role of waiting on us hand and foot for an entire day!

Chief Bridesmaid

Marie Segaram

Bridesmaids

Chuah Pei Jet . Jennifer Ooi

Bestman

Chew Phye Beng

Groomsmen

Richard Ranjit . Jonathan Ooi

Flower Girls

Caitlin Loh . Chloe Chin . Ysabel Selvasegaram

Wedding Details

Many of you are probably asking the question, "So when is the big day?" Well, to save us the trouble of having to repeat ourselves, we're going to fill you in on the day's activities. Be sure to mark your diaries with the correct times and locations!

Wedding Ceremony

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Venue: Petaling Jaya Gospel Hall

1A Jalan Gasing

46000 Petaling Jaya

*Lunch reception to follow

Tea Ceremony

Time: 6:15 p.m.
Venue: Sabah Room

Level 1, Putrajaya Marriott Hotel

IOI Resort

62502 Putrajaya

*Family members and relatives of the bride and groom are warmly invited to attend

Dinner Reception

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Venue: Putrajaya Grand Ballroom

Level 3, Putrajaya Marriott Hotel

IOI Resort

62502 Putrajaya

*Pre-dinner drinks and tidbits will be served in the ballroom foyer from 7:00 p.m. onwards

(Click on respective maps for larger view)

His Story

I started planning for the proposal a month or two before the actual day. I knew the 'when' and 'where' ... just not too sure of the 'how'. I knew that there must be an element of a scam or a trick (not sure if she would say yes, or when she is in a right frame of mind). It has got to be fun, rather than a traditional candlelight dinner and all. I knew that I had to do it upon landing in Melbourne ... after all the flying, the momentum would be there (too tired to be self conscious) ... the element of surprise would be on my side ... the chance of an argument on my intended proposal day would be slim. Thinking further, a proposal in the airport would be unique (at least to me) ... makes her see the side of me that is willing to do something outside my safely guarded personality without betraying myself too much. Furthermore, if I am stuck at her place, and with her, there is no chance for me to go out by myself to plan. What am I to say? "Hey, I am going out for awhile to see my friends" ... I have no friends there ... not too realistic.

The 'how' came together when I first discovered that she would be arriving from Sydney an hour after I land at Melbourne airport from KL. A slim window ... just enough for me to make the necessary arrangements before she arrives (maybe more specifically, her good friend Pei Jet and gang to make the necessary arrangements before she lands - girls have a natural gift about these things).

The plan was simple. I meet Pei Jet and friends at the airport ... they bring the flowers (no florist in airport la) ... we decide where to spring the trap on her ... when she arrives, they run frantically to meet her telling her that I am held up at customs for some illegal possession ... they say that I tried calling her but she was flying ... so couldn't get through ... so had to call her friends. Upon hearing that, she panics, runs like a mad woman to find me ... only to see me with flowers and a ring. To dampen the effects of the panic (so that she doesn't slap me when she sees me), strangers come up to her and pass her roses as she walks to find me ... just to add confusion ... (confusion dampens anger).

So on the 12th of December 2005, I boarded the plane, ring in my pocket, hoping for no plane delays ... hoping that Pei Jet remembers ... hoping that I don't mess up.

As planned, I arrived on time ... Pei Jet was there too. We found the perfect location ... a nice long walk way ... a little private, but not empty (need strangers to pass her the roses) ... with pillars so that I can hide behind and spring out at the last moment while being able to see what's going on.

Joanna, as scheduled (and as usual), had not arrived ... probably still up in the air somewhere. We started making plans and deciding who to do what and when. So the finalised plan was simple ... Sue Anne pretends to be the frantic friend telling her about my capture ... Pei Jet the tag along and eventually our video crew ... and Sue Lynn the 'flower girl'. We would give her a few miss calls from my phone and Sue Anne's phone ... I would then switch off my phone so that she can't contact me and can only call Sue Anne wondering what is going on.

At about 10.30 a.m. on December 13, 2005, she calls Sue Anne's phone. Sue Anne tells her something is wrong and meets her in front of McDonald's. I was told that Sue Anne then proceeded to tell her of my unfortunate and potentially life threatening plight ... expecting a panic cry ... sack cloth and ashes type of reaction. She tells Sue Anne to hold on ... she wants to get her bags first. Now, that was surely not part of the plan. I could potentially be jailed ... tortured ... deported ... and she wants to get her bags first. Her bags?? What could be inside?? A metal cutter to cut me out? Sleep inducing gas to smoke me out? Her Sydney souvenirs to distract the guards? Maybe the bag itself so that I can hide inside?

After she got the all important bags ... she tells her mum of my plight. Her mum coolly tells her ... go check la ... (she is in it too). Off she goes ... I believe completely oblivious ... completely unaware that her life would change forever.

We've got the rest on video ...

Her Story

DECEMBER 13, 2005

She flew in from Sydney. He flew in from Kuala Lumpur. They were scheduled to meet at the Tullamarine International Airport in Melbourne.

When she arrived, she received a distressing phone call from a friend that he was being held up by the customs officers for some reason unbeknown to her. She was a little worried initially, but wondered what he could be up to while she waited to collect her luggage from the carousel.

With a quickening pace, she hurriedly went to meet her friend so that they could go and rescue him from this fix. On the way to the 'holding room', a member of the public greeted her with a long stemmed rose. She was flattered and knew what was happening almost immediately.

One by one they came, with their roses and well wishes, until at the end of the passageway, there he stood with the loveliest bouquet and the most expensive item he had ever purchased.

He was down on his knee within a blink of an eye, and the words simply tumbled out of his mouth amidst the infectious laughter and smiles from those who shared in that joyous moment when she nodded her head in consent.

Welcome!

We are truly honoured and glad to have you share in the beginning of our lives together and trust that you will find all that you need to know pertaining to our special day here. We will be providing updates from time to time but do drop us a line if you need further details or would like to know how we're progressing. Thanks for journeying with us and looking forward to seeing you on December 15!

Anderson & Joanna