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Wedding of Alfred + Geeta, Thean Hou Temple KL

By 21/08/2009February 20th, 201015 Comments

Definitely multicultural. A Hindu wedding in a Chinese temple. Chinese tea ceremony with hands covered in henna. Sarees amongst Chinese lanterns. I love it. I love the fact that we live in a world that is so colourful. Alfred and Geeta are definitely a fun couple. Geeta is an old school friend of mine whom I hadn’t seen in years till last year. After shooting their engagement in 2008, they had to go through a change in plans after Alfred was diagnosed with cancer. The wedding was postponed to this year and I am soooo pleased to photograph this event. It really goes to show how love can really be the glue that holds 2 people together. Through thick and thin. Alfred & Geeta even had to go through the challenges of long distance relationship, with him being in Africa for a period of time, then KL, and she in Malacca. Here’s their story from Geeta’s perspective.

“We met through a mutual friend, Sharon in 2005. We started chatting on YM and met after Wesson’s wedding. We didn’t click right away. Then, he calls me from Africa and we talk almost everyday. I was attracted to his simple and honest nature – and he is a good listener. He surprised me by turning up unexpectedly at a conference at which I was presenting my paper. That’s when our love blossomed – and the rest is history.

We have gone through ups and downs throughout our relationship, that which only strengthened our love for each other. I was already a wife to him and he was already a husband to me when we stood there for each other during the hardship we faced when he was going through chemotherapy. Going through that difficult part was like on an auto-pilot mode – just going through one day at a time together – supporting each other with loving words and hope that tomorrow will be a better day. Now looking back, we are thankful for having each other and we thank God for the second chance He has given to us.

This is just the beginning of a happy journey where every passing day is happier than the preceding day. Our toast to each other, ‘Grow old along with me, The best is yet to be.”

Alfred and Geeta, I wish you years of bliss together. Thank you for your friendship! Photos were taken by Grace, Mark and Ian.

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Thean Hou Temple in Taman Seputeh.

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The ceremony had a few parts to it – firstly the groom’s ritual where he is offered a ring made of tharpai grass to wear on his right ring finger. A Pillayar poojai is then conducted by tying a saffron thread to the right wrist of the groom. During this time the groom will hold a coconut, uncooked yellow rice, and some other items in both palms. Then a few women will come and perform the nallungu to signify the fertility of the union.

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Then the groom will leave the stage and then the bride will go on stage for her part of the rituals. They have not seen each other yet at this point. The rituals are similar to what is done for the groom.

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Then a yellow thread is tied to the bride’s left wrist.

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After the bride’s ritual, Geeta walks out and then Alfred walks in again for the main part of the ceremony. She will walk in again and this is where they see each other for the first time that day.

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The highlight of this part of the ceremony is the tying of the Thaali. This signifies that the bride and groom is finally married!

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The bride and groom will then exchange garlands 3 times. Then the best man, bride, groom and bridesmaid will hold hands and walk around the ceremonial fire 3 times. The groom will then place a ring on the toe of his bride.

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Since Alfred is half Chinese, a tea ceremony was conducted after the marriage ceremony.

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View more photos from the ceremony below. Click, then press pause to let it load fully before watching!

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Join the discussion 15 Comments

  • Eddie Chan says:

    Love the shots…so colourful!

  • yungyaw says:

    Really interesting wedding. As you mentioned, Malaysia is a multicultural country and this wedding really shows this aspect.

    Lovely photos. Love the colours. Really well captured!

  • Audrey says:

    Should use the pictures and your description to educate the school children here in Malaysia who are generally ignorant of other races’ cultures & practices.

    Another awesome job, Grace!

  • Shubana Durai says:

    Awesome couples..awesome pictures…love it a lot! happy married life to both of you. and kudos to the photographers…

  • Reuben Rethinalingam says:

    Excellent shoots. Looks amazing. Magical & colorful. Portrays the real One Malaysia concept. Well done and continue the good work.

  • Dear Grace,
    I couldn’t take my eyes off the pics! Excellent work! Alfred and I viewed it on our friend’s IMac just a while ago – OMG – the colors are just so brilliant! Thanks, Grace and Alex – Hugzz and Love- Alfred & Geeta

  • Grace Tan says:

    Geeta and Alfred, the both of you made these shots happen! You look so stunning that day, everyone I showed the photos said that you are a beautiful bride. I am glad that you love the pics!

  • Tina says:

    Awesome shots!the colour is brilliant!a truly malaysian wedding…u guys forgot to mention…a hindu wedding in a chinese temple AND satay as part of the menu!!!how more malaysian can it get???kudos to Grace for the excellent shots and of course Alfred & Geeta for being such a perfect couple! xoxo

  • Wow the pics r amazing.. i love the way its taken and Geetha is such a beautiful bride… i could simply feel the joy of the wedding merely looking at the pics… wonderful .. May God Bless you and Alfred

    Regards

  • Geeta says:

    Haha, Tina, yeah I forgot about the satay! Muhibah muhibah :)
    Thanks Sunita for your well wishes :)

  • Haniefa says:

    Firstly, congrats to Geeta & Alfred on your joyous occasion. You look simply beautiful :D May u be bless with much happiness ;)

    secondly to Grace, ur work is amazing!!! simply love all your pictures!!!

  • Devinder says:

    BEAUTIFUL ETERNAL MEMORIES THAT WITH GOD’S BLESSING WILL LAST FOREVER……..

  • RM says:

    what a TOUCHING story!!!! that is what i call ‘the power of TRUE LOVE’!!congratulations to the couple and may God bless you both with all the happiness in this world!!!! the song selected for the slideshow is soooo beautiful (though i dont understand a word of it :D )… but it feels just like the couple’s story… i just have a small question to the team of Wedding Story…. who selects the song for the slideshow.. the team or the couple or jointly by both??
    all the best for the future of Wedding Story!!

  • Frat Mustard says:

    I like the feature of your mono/unipod lighting guy! :)

  • wiknes says:

    i just browse thru some wedding samples and really amaze with your photography…feel i need to praise you guyz for getting superb photgrapher…wish i could get one for my wedding.

    anyway happy marriage life and may god bless you.Mine would be next year march 2010.Hope to get your blessing too.

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