Persandingan with Style in Singapore

Why was the rusty, antique "Alfina" portable typewriter placed as the centrepiece at the "Persandigan" ("wedding" in Malay) to attract the attention of antique collectors and heritage friends?

Congratulations and best wishes to Ain and Jup on the occasion of their wedding on 25 May, 2014.

Ain is the daughter of my neighbor Inche Mohamed Kamin Bin Suradi.

Presenting a "Selamat Pengantin Baru" gift to Inche Mohamed Kamin

The wedding reception was held at the void deck below the same block where we lived as neighbors for over a decade on different floors.

 
With the professional service of Shaiful Esnain, Event Planner of  "Anggun Decor",  an ordinary void deck space was transformed and designed creatively into a "look-alike hotel restaurant".

 

Although ergonomic setting, display and presentation of the void deck to welcome the guests to the "persanding with style", the traditional customs and formalities are not compromised. 

Pls read more about "Wedding Customs Around the Muslim World" contributed by Rozita Mohd Said at Zawaj.com here .

On the Wedding Day

Early in the morning, freshly prepared and cooked the piping hot delicious food on the spot before the guests arrived.  Compliments to the chef and the polite, attentive and efficient services for the staff at Iryani Catering.

This "Instagram" poster placed on every table ... Awesome! Isn't this very stylish way at the "Persandigan" for smartphone users for everyone, young and not-so-young!
 

Please be seated and enjoy your lunch ...

Its a hot, sunny day makes one sleepy ...

One for the family album to submit to the Singapore Memory Project

Game time with a prize for the correct answers ...

DJ in action ...

Here comes the young, handsome groom and his buddies (all wearing sunglasses) in traditional style ...

Next, timeless traditional ceremony of the "Persandigan" according to Rozita Mohd Said:

The feast is often a noisy, lively and informal affair. This is further enhanced by the colourful costumes worn by the guests themselves. A Malay band group may be hired to add to the gay atmosphere. The arrival of the groom is heralded by the hadrah troupe. This group, of mostly teenagers, will beat the kompang (hand drums) and sing Quranic verses and good wishes. The groom is often flanked by bunga manggar (palm blossoms) carriers and a busload of relatives and friends.

The mak andam (beautician) as well as members of the bride's family will waylay the groom and ask for an 'entrance fee'. Only when they are satisfied with the amount would they allow the groom to see his bride. After successfully overcoming the 'obstacles', the ceremony takes place. Relatives will sprinkle petals and rice (fertility symbols) on the couple seated on the 'throne'.

A related blog topic, "Persandigan in Singapore - Then and Now" linked here .

"Quiz Time" for the groom!  He was challenged to answer question slips and acted correctly.  He was asked the question "How much do you know about your newly wedded wife?"  He answered them correctly Ain studied from primary school to poly!

The "Dancing Groom" had to dance to entertain sportingly as requested. Its so fun and everyone enjoy.

Bravo!  Jup passed the challenging tests and obstacles with flying colors for the hands of Ain.

Veiled with a colorful and decorative fan, Ain accepted and approved the "entrance fees" from Jup.

The veil was removed and revealed the beautiful face of demure Ain with a shy smile.

The touching moments of love and respect as bride and groom hold their hands and their hearts.  Cheers!

The bride and bridegroom pay respect with gratitude to Ain's parents with love and blessings ...

A memorable family photo with best wishes for happiness and blessings at the completion of the "persandigan" with style!