Wedding of Alfred + Geeta, Thean Hou Temple KL

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.

Thean Hou Temple in Taman Seputeh.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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