Reflections of 08.02.14

Waking up on 08.02.14, my only thoughts were:

"Please let today's plan run smoothly and please, let time pass us by fast!"

Why?

'Cos I was a nervous wreck and I was totally exhausted. Same for my family too. We had been up till 2am in the morning to finish cleaning up. And still, it was not completed.

Tip #1: NEVER EVER think that you can clean up the whole house (especially mine) at the last minute. 'Cos that is just a recipe for a DISASTER!

So, anyways, I just helped with what I could, while my family members finished up with whatever that is left. I still had one more dulang to do and alhamdulillah, my besties came over to my rescue! Heh!

Actually, they had come over to help me with the bunga rampai, but most importantly, they helped me to calm down when I know that inside me, I was ready to BURST!

*THANK YOU SYAZ AND FINA!! <3 <3 <3 YOU GUYS SOOO MUCH!*

PS: In the midst of all the cleaning, please remember to also check whether all the fans, lights, air-conditioner, everything is working in tip-top condition!

(Apologies to those who were affected by this.. Really sorry!!)

Tip #2: Always call your caterer and arrange for them to come at least an hour before the event starts.

Why? My caterer came late! They came after the guy's side had arrived. Alhamdulillah, they were able to set up outside the house whilst the event was going on.

Tip #3: Just relax, enjoy, take loads of photos, mingle around with guests! Do all these 'cos the event is only about 3 hours long, so as long as nothing majorly bad happens, do enjoy yourself! Time will fly past and the next thing you know, everyone has left and only your family is there with you to help you clean up.. HEH!

<3 <3 <3

So anyways, to satisfy those who were curious to see the photos of my engagement, below are just some of them! Didn't want to flood this post with all my photos.. Hee!

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The Magic Date: 08.02.2014

The Coveted Bling-bling!

With all the gifts arranged beautifully..

With both sides of the family arriving!

(PSST.. that is just one side of Erwin's family..)

Finally, the moment all ladies to be engaged are waiting for!

Erwin's Lady Cousins Only..

And Erwin's Adorable Aunts..

Besties: Syaz & Fina

Poly-Mates: Nazreen

Dearest Confidante: Hana!

Bestest, Oldest Friends EVER: Naq, Anum, Syim & Jann!

My two Oldest Friends, since 5 and 4 years old respectively: Syim & Nad!

Two New Besties!! Inah & Teetee (She is also my MUA!)

Of course, not forgetting my aunt who has been one of the biggest help to me!

She helped me with the planning and the doing of most of the gift trays!

Plus, her cake is OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD!

My dad's side's cousins. Come to think of it, all of them are my step-cousins.. HAHA!

The lady in the middle, my religious class teacher.. Who has been there for me also since I was young.. Pictured here is her sister and her mum!

And yes, my mum just loves being in the photo! ;)

Not forgetting, the one responsible for the gorgeous photos! SUFYYYY!

The talented photographer! =D

And last but not least, a family photo!

And with the ticking of time, may this new journey as an engaged couple brings us more understanding with each other, love, patience and happiness, insha Allah!

Heart to Heart Talk with E's Family

So on 11th February, E and I finally met up after nearly 3 weeks of not doing so due to our busy preparations for the engagement. As usual, I would go to E's house after work (as his house is very near to my workplace) to do my Maghrib prayers before going out after that.

I was just settling down with a cup of syrup drink and keropok when E's father called E to sit down with me and to listen to him for awhile.

E's father started by congratulating us for smooth delivery of the engagement ceremony (Alhamdulillah! =D) but then he reminded us that being engaged is not the key to freedom - as in, it does not mean that now we are engaged, me and E can go out as we please, to do things that are against the teachings of Islam, ie engage in intimacy of any kind and to spend unneccessarily.

He reminded us again that an engagement is the period where a couple will face alot of challenges. Things that were never an issue between a couple could blow up into huge proportions thus affecting the relationship. He advised that the best thing to do whenever facing any problems is to sit down and talk. Lay out the problem, make sure both parties understand the situation and discuss possible solutions. He also reminded that whatever problems we have, it is okay to actually approach him or E's mother for advice.

He advised again that the period of two years will just fly if we do not make full use of the time we have now to prepare for our marriage. With that being said, one can never be fully prepared for marriage, but we still need to put in effort. He advised us to save more, do not spend unnecessarily, meet up only when needed, go for more classes on how to prepare ourselves for marriage (not just Kursus Perkahwinan ok. Because preparing for a marriage cannot be summarised in a class that lasts for two days..) and to upgrade ourselves, if we are able to, to go further at work.

I find that all the advice given is apt and much-needed for any BTBs or couples 'cos sometimes, we just forget about all the little things that matter when preparing for a wedding and will only regret later in life.

However, one thing mentioned by E's parents that really struck a chord within me was that they wish to see us last until Jannah, insha Allah! :'))

To hear from my future parents-in-law on their prayers for us, gave me some relief and hope that no matter what happens after this, I know that at least I still have the support of our families, insha Allah ameen.

One thing is for sure, for the next two years, may Allah s.w.t grant me patience to undergo the coming challenges, ameen!

An Honest Advice

"Some may ask why ur wedding so budget while others may ask why spend so much. Whatever it is, just answer truthfully.

To me, if its budget, that's what I can afford and more savings towards the house & honeymoon.

If its grand, that's to treat my families and friends for they have sacrificed so much and raised me well for years..

Point is, never succumbed to external pressures or ever be worried on what ppl gona think or say. What matters is you're happy, for this life & hereafter."

                                                                                                                         - Bro Za'im Nuriman

A wise and honest advice from my 2nd cousin. I do get tired from hearing others comment about a particular wedding - how GRAND it is or how cheapskate it is, but I feel sad for these people, (not the married couple) but those who comment. These people are the reason why most couples have to suffer, 'cos most parents are directly/indirectly influenced by these people. They might tell you, "You should spend within your own means.." but 5 mins later would be saying, "You know, that person's wedding was SO GRAND! It must cost about 30k. The food choices are MANY and VERY DELICIOUS!". 

-_- Contradicting much, right? :/

One thing I know for sure, for myself, I do not want to get into any major debts because of my wedding. I want a wedding that is blessed even for its simplicity. Best as possible, is to be moderate in spending 'cos I know, a wedding is just for one/two days, whereas a marriage is for a lifetime. And if a new journey as a married couple begins on a bad note of huge debts and financial problems, it would take alot of effort to keep that marriage going.

Anyways, before deciding to splurge, do take note whether are the things you wanna splurge on, isit essential? Are there any other alternatives with similar or better results? And also, plan early. At least, if anything unexpected happens, you can always find a replacement.

Hopefully I manage to send this message across to you BTBs, 'cos I wish the best for you in your marriage, the way that I want my own marriage to be, insha Allah ameen..