Wedding Review: Tok Kadi Hassan

Eh? Tok Kadi pun kena review? lol

Yea, I initially didn't intend to until I received an email from ROMM to give feedback on our tok kadi. Not only that, the topic of tok kadi is also one of the top searched posts on my blog. So I figured, I share my hands on experience with Kadi Hassan.

I came across Kadi Hassan after intense researching of tok kadi speaking in English videos among others. I listed him among 4 others and showed all the videos to Jhon. Since he is the one who will face him especially at a pivotal moment, I let him choose according to preference.

Kadi Hassan was his first choice.

I didn't knew much of him but judging by his age, I could tell, he might be long winded. Biasalah kan? Older folks has more stories to tell. hehe I noticed that he also does minor physical touches. For me, if a stranger touch me especially when stressed, I get more stressed. lol But Jhon didn't mind at all. He said he reminds him of his grandpa and the touching would comfort him.

So okay lor!

We were so lucky to able to choose him while registering.
No issues there.

Fast forward to 1 week before our wedding, Jhon made a call to Kadi Hassan because we were advised to to double confirm the arrangements. Apparently, he didn't have the papers in hand and said will call us ASAP when he got our complete details.

2 days passed and Jhon started to get nervous. Silly man. Eventually, Kadi Hassan called me. The reason being, he said it's easier to explain to me (since as a Malay/ Muslim, I already roughly know the procedure) and I can explain to Jhon better.

He double checked with our details and shared a list of facts we should know.

❣ He is a 75 years old freelance Kadi. He has no office in ROMM, therefore the slight delay in paperwork to receive in his hands. He only goes out when a couple requests for him.

❣ Someone has to pick him up near his house to your wedding location. I see no problem in this because of his age AND I love it that we can control his arrival to avoid late/ lost tok kadi. Don't worry, he will give specific road directions.

❣ He didn't specify but on my wedding day, my bro had to send him back to his house only because he has no appointment until 4pm. So after makan, they went.

❣ He explains in complete detail on what is going to happen during the solemnization.
- Marriage declaration
- Recite Syahadah
- Kadi's Khutbah
- Istigfar
- Recite Al-Fatihah
- Recite Taqlik

❣ He ensures greatly that he will never ask Jhon religious questions but Jhon can ask him.

❣ He ensures that he will never shame Jhon or put him in a spot in any way.

❣ Being a freelance Kadi, he does indirectly request to give more than the standard S$100; how much extra is up to you.

❣ He said if Jhon requires, he can write down the nikah declaration and even prayers just in case he forgets. It would considered as acceptable.

He is a friendly, nice and a warm person. Yes, sometimes ter-off course in the conversation but tolerable.

On THE day.

Again, I try not to share so much story on a personal level but I tell you, it's story worthy.
So what ah... haha

Kadi Hassan was calm and confident. Even when Jhon was emotionally scattered, he tried to calm Jhon down. Before the proceedings started, he gave advises and mini lessons. He advised everyone to never question and shame Jhon directly or indirectly. Nobody is perfect and instead do self-reflections first.

I tell you, majority and if not all of his advises were on the ringer. All the trials and tribulations of certain people commenting about our relationship and religion strength was all mentioned. Best of all, those people were present. So it's almost Godsend when he said all those things. Maybe he is long winded to other people but I don't mind. What he said are vital not only to us as a couple but to also other people. Plus, he didn't exceed my itinerary time.

Being a tok kadi for so many decades, he also knows the standard procedures in photo taking and such. So he was also the guide to help pose, vital moments and such which was nice.

Majority liked Kadi Hassan, especially my mom. She knew about people's comments about Jhon too so she had felt very happy that someone wise had declared what's truly right and wrong.

We have the utmost respect for him and glad he was the one who married us off.

For those who are wondering, the marriage declaration in English is

"I accept the hand of, [bride's full name] in marriage, with the said mahar."

Will consider to post a video of him in action when we have our wedding video.

   

Wedding Review: Gubahan Cinta

Initially, Jhon and I decided to DIY our wedding trays. We had brainstormed so many ideas but as months passed by, that idea dwindled down. I knew for sure I wanted to book sireh dara but at the same time, I was looking at potential wedding tray designs too. Just in case we decided to rent them, we can use the same vendor.

That's when Gubahan Cinta came along.

In my opinion, her costs and style are in middle ground for me; nice works with affordable prices which is hard to come by. (cheap = low quality, high class work = expensive)

In slightly less than a month, we met up with Kak Wannie to pass our stuff  (except for money and jewelry) and finalized our chosen designs. Even on that day, I was still unsure should I go for my favorite red colored flower bouquet because my sanding outfit was royal purple.

We also had issues with Jhon's cycling sunglasses. We had bought it but the company had to order it overseas and was supposed to arrive weeks before meeting Kak Wannie. Some how, it was delayed to a few days before the meet up. In the end, we only got it 2 weeks before the wedding. We just took pictures of what will be showcased to her and eventually, she arranged everything on pick up day (night before the wedding).

Besides the late sunglasses, Kak Wannie also did on the spot set up of the duit hantaran, rings and bracelet. Abg, Kak Yana and Jhon had picked all the 8 trays, 1 flower bouquet and 1 sireh dara.

The wedding tray theme was gold & silver.

Hers

His

I know to most, it's really simple and actually doable for a DIY. I agree but since Jhon and I had to plan our wedding from beginning to end and with lack of help, we didn't think we can do it ourselves especially at crunch time. So yeah, for this case, we did sacrifice money for time.

I know what you're thinking too, if we were paying for it, why not choose a 'worthy' design? Well, since day 1, I wanted this concept lah. We wanted my trays to be simple, humble, classic and traditional and we got exactly what we wanted.

Since our wedding decor was gold, it was obvious that the color accents I choose is red. My first initial thought was having a full blown red roses but I appreciate this version has it has different textures with some dimensions. Sireh dara design was chosen by Mak. She wanted a super traditional one and she said this design was the closest to it.

I don't have any proper pictures of the hantaran together from guests and this is the best version. I like it that they match when they sit together.

If you like simple & affordable wedding trays, sireh dara/ junjung with not overpriced flower bouquets (fresh or satin), Gubahan Cinta is good for you.

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9th Year Anninversary

23rd June 2016 marks our 9th year together and 2nd month in marriage.

I swear it was not part of the plan. I've always been a realist-borderline-negative person and to have Jhon proved me wrong just as he said he would the night he declared his intention to court me. It was a first time for anyone to prove me wrong.

Obviously, marriage hood is hardly ever happily ever after but to achieve this far was definitely an achievement especially from a person like me. Read realist-borderline-negative person.

Unfortunately, we didn't plan a special and 'nice' date mostly because it's Ramadhan. Muslims are supposed be solemn and at the best behavior so I didn't think my initial idea of a couple SPA massage would be a good idea. Orang busy terawih, kita busy kena massage, eh?

But we did break our fast outside at one of our favorite restaurant, Hei Sushi.

I dolled up extra just for fun but guess what?

Amidst of getting our sushi plates, waiting for our ramen and breaking fast time, I forgot to take pictures to document the night. BLARGH! This always happens, when hungry, photos don't matter. By the time we were done, we were so bloated and can't wait to walk it off.

Whatever it is, whether how big we celebrate our special day, it's as long as we are with each other.

Jhon, just know that...

   

Wedding Review: WedInc' Petals

Read the day I booked them.

Before I start I want to share how blessed I feel to have all really good and friendly professionals handling my wedding. Obviously, when I choose them, I choose them for their skill set and works but to able to liaise with such wonderful people was a mega plus point.

One of such vendors was Wed'Inc Petals handled by Kak Andriana.

When we first met for our first appointment, I knew I liked her. Not many people can make me feel comfortable especially for an awkward coward like me.

ANYWAYS, we did communicate after our appointment. It was just me telling her what color I want for my pelamin which was gold/cream/glittery gold. I was informed if I knew what color I want, I should tell her ASAP just in case another couple wants the same color scheme. (nanti tak cukup kain)

The real interaction was about 2 weeks before the big day. Kak Ana met Mak, Kakak, Jhon and I under my block for survey and discussion. It all went pretty well. I was never the bride who has a list of requests, I just have a few. My preferred color scheme, pelamin design and to have Mak decide the table arrangements.

Honestly, I've always wanted my buffet table separated with the guest tables. It is because
1) It looks more organized,
2) It looks nicer from my point of view as I can see all the guests and
3) Since I had a small wedding, it forces all guests to sit in front and not to hide behind.

I had mentioned this concept to my family but they were a little apprehensive. Ada bicycles lah, jauh nak ambil makan lah... So I kinda let it go because I knew despite Mak being super understanding, she is particular about table arrangements. lol Luckily, Kak Ana brought the topic up and managed to more or less convince Mak. We decided to let Mak see on the day they came to arrange so she can visualize the set up.

On Thursday, WedInc' Petals crew came so I informed Kak Ana to let Mak take the lead. (this is important BTB/ GTB, this is avoid crew confusion with she said, he said).

When I came home, everything was more or less arranged and I saw Mak's gleaming face and that's all that matters. By evening, when the family and I went down to kaypo, the crew were 60% done and I also loved the arrangement. It's different, organized and symmetrical.

On Friday evening when everything is more or less complete, it was surreal.
After all these years, all those decorations were for me, my wedding and it was beautiful. Whether it was night or day, the area was gleaming because of the gold. I felt happy and cheery when I see the colors. It was what I wanted and more.

Sorry that the pictures don't give justice because it's not from a professional camera but you get the gist of it.

Mak was so satisfied that when she saw Kak Ana, she gave her a shoulder massage. lol It was so random and she only does that to show utmost love and appreciation to people. There was a moment Mak was sitting one corner with her telling personal stories and my hardships of my relationship to her. Malu sey! Seriously, Mak is not like that, okay and let that lady do her work! lol

On my big day, my decor got the most compliments by my family and friends. Even my cousins who are engaged (even my guy cousin) were asking. [Yes, family don't know I have a blog. It's not a secret but not openly shared so if they follow closely enough, they should know] All these while, my caterer and decor people don't know each other so they also managed to exchange contacts. YEY! lol

Anyways, I am so happy to have Wed'Inc Petals be part of my wedding. They only handle 2 weddings per weekend. Not because they cannot handle or what, their aim is to give their utmost attention to each wedding. Kak Ana, has been nothing but friendly but open in most respectful way especially sharing her opinions yet accepting ours.

After the wedding event and during the tear down, Mak, Jhon and I actually lepak with her (of course she was multi-tasking with work) at the pelamin and share the events of the day. Macam dah members pe. hehehe

Well, the entire family was really happy with the decor and I would definitely recommend to the highest amount not only for affordable prices, beautiful decor but also top notch sincere people skills.

WedInc' Petals
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Wedding Review: Kompang Al-Falah

As mentioned before, Jhon and I are not particular with kompang. All we know is that we want a live one because of the vibes it gives. You know, it's like watching and hearing your favorite singer/band perform live compared to just listening through mp3.

About less than 2 weeks before our wedding, Khairul called me to double confirm on our arrangement such as the timing and who was our orang kuat so he can liase for payment.
That was it.

Jhon's berarak starts at 1pm. I was surprised but happy that the group had arrived 15-20 minutes earlier. (I love punctual people but even more if they come early hehe) But as usual, actually, we came down 10-15 minutes late. haha

I went down first with Kak Yana by my side and Jhon went down with Abg a few minutes later. It's odd to be the one behind the fan. It's exciting but kompang and groom's entrance is one of my favorite part of the wedding so I can't help but peek out to see what's happening.

I try not to story-mory so much here because I will blog about my wedding as a whole. But it's hard lah. Focus! Just talk about the vendor!

So, as expected, the kepak bing-bing was on point; not messy and have a decent beat.
Kompang Al-falah is known for their Hasbi Rabbi so I was ready... to not to cry. It's one of my favorite zikir lah... so confirm emo.

Luckily, I managed to control myself. What caught me of guard was that they did a simple English translation version of it which I appreciate A LOT. Honestly, I forgot that I requested it. hahaha Khairul did say he will try his best to see if zikir in English will sound nice or not but this way is good enough for me!



Voice wise, no need to say lah, merdu at least to us. We don't have silat people on our side expect for Syazan so one of the kompang people volunteers. Good lah, as much as I enjoy silat, I wouldn't want too many people taking turns either. hehe

If you are looking for an affordable, simple, talented and nice kompang group,
I definitely would recommend Kompang Al-Falah.
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Side Note:

I noticed that there is a trend now to just play kompang music instead of a live one. Not that is a problem. To each it's own. The sad thing sometimes couples said kompang is expensive especially for an average 20 minute performance. But if you think about it, if you divide $600 to 11 people, each person gets about $50. Pretty okay for a weekend side job right? And that's not considering transport.

I know, I am talking on behalf of the vendor, not as a client. As a wedded couple-to-be who are paying thousands, even $50 extra costs matters. I know that but don't imply that kompang is over charging their services. That's unfair. Of course, I know of certain kompang services that charges over $1,000 but that's a different issue for a different time.


   

Wedding Review: Nurie Creations

It's funny that although Cik Normie and family has been around for 12 years, when I mentioned to my vendors, they never heard of Nurie Creations. As I've said before, Nurie Creations has been an underdog and humble caterer. They don't have social media, they only advertise by word of mouth and newspaper ads. Well, not anymore, Cik Normie... hehe

They also don't do too many weddings in a weekend to ensure full attention to their food.

After a few meet ups (food tasting, official booking and deposit) with Cik Normie, the time has come where it's crunch time to our wedding.

4 days before my wedding, a Chinese man called me and I was confused because he just asked "You ordered toilet?". [Mak's new bed came by that morning too so I was wondering, I knew we ordered a bed but bila masa aku order toilet??"] It turned out to be the porta-porty uncle. I was confused because I thought tentage & toilet will come together the next day. I asked Mak to join me downstairs to guide him where to put the item. We got those metalic porta-potties and it was interesting to see how they set it up. [jakun lol]

The next day, tentage crew came. Again, brought Mak downstairs too so we can guide them where we wanted the kitchen to be and requested for extra socket for the DJ. As soon as they were done, they left; no hassle.

On Friday morning, Nurie Creations came to set up, prepare and cook for our Friday dinner. My dad was already downstairs and he called me saying Pakcik Amrie was looking for me and that there was a problem. WAHH.. I tried really hard to control my nerves especially my dad ni, sometimes like to anyhow say.

I went down with my sis and turned out, that putting the temporary kitchen area at the back was not a good idea although it was nearest to the water pipe and out of view. Pakcik Amrie consoled me to remain calm and quipped to my dad about he was stressing the BTB. lol He calmly explained that the location was under people's bedroom windows and from experience, people tend to complain due to smell (-_-) and noise. So to avoid complains, it's best to just move it to a different location. Not my preferred location but it's still okay since my guests are still away from the kitchen.

It was the first time I talked to Pakcik Amrie because all these while, it was Cik Normie who always dealt with us. In terms of personality, they were so different. She was soft and sweet while he was vocal and hands on; they work well as a team. Speaking of teams, the entire crew was friendly and nice too. Forever acknowledging and smiling.

Besides that, everything went smooth sailing.

For Friday dinner, the tulang/ bone steak was exceptionally spicy so spicy lovers were jumping for joy and as for the taste, it was on point, no complains. We didn't have many guests on Friday which was expected, just a small group but it was relaxing lah. I didn't take any photos but the entire family just lepak downstairs, eating and mingling with some guests. I also love that the kitchen were always topping up the buffet tray even when it was getting late and there were barely any guests.

The next morning, the wedding day, they had served lontong. I didn't get to taste at all since I was already busy upstairs. I was informed that the lontong was okay only. Unfortunately, I can't confirm. Different people, different taste buds and expectations right?

After our solemnization at 10am, we had about 20 minutes of 'free' time before our outfit change. Pakcik Amrie asked if we wanted brunch. It was not in the itinerary but since we had enough time and it's good for our tummy and energy, we said yes!

I had their mee hoon goreng and Jhon had the nasi briyani with basically everything in the menu lah. I am a slow eater and I eat even more slowly when the food is delicious. 20 minutes was not enough time for me to savor it but food was really delicious! Especially the goreng pisang and jemput-jemput, Jhon and I merebut!

Fast forward to about 1:30pm, Pakcik Amrie walked to the pelamin asking if we wanted our lunch served. We weren't sure at first but 10 minutes later, we had someone request for food. I had the nasi briyani this time. Again, food was on point. (sorry not a very good food blogger in describing food perfectly haha) We also had deserts and like I said before, I wish we had more time to eat more, in fact, I can't wait to eat more food after the wedding in the most comfortable clothes in an almost barbaric way.

After the wedding, everyone was singing praises of the food. Everyone's stomachs were satisfied and I heard about people taking 3-4 servings of food! Alhamdulillah but I jealous! haha

One thing I appreciate from Nurie creations, besides packing for guests, they also packed for the hosts. They packed it in big Tupperware so all we need to do is bring it up. We don't have to transfer and organize the food in our own pot/ Tupperware. As we bring them up, those who wants to eat, just open and help ourselves. Less work for tuan puan rumah!

After changing out of our final wedding outfits, we changed and headed downstairs. Technically, we can pay the caterer the next day. BUT, we would be busy for at least 3 more days. Since we already have the money, I brought it down and gave it to Cik Normie. She was shocked and joked to my mom that I didn't want to see her anymore. lol

Would I recommend Nurie Creations?
YES!

Not only their prices are freaking affordable, they are experienced, not stingy in food, not greedy in money, caring, sweet & genuinely nice AND their food is top notch especially their sweet & sour fish, goreng pisang/keledek & jemput-jemput which always kena top-up off the stove.

Pakcik Amrie was so hands on and I appreciate that his duty was not only restricted to his kitchen. I would see him march up and down the guest area to make sure the kendarat did their work efficiently, if there were any complains or problems,  even made sure my mom eat and nudging her to rest because she was everywhere & tiring herself out. Where can you get this kind of service?

Usually, there is always a catch when it comes to cheaper packages but Nurie Creations does not do that.

For just under S$8,000 for 500pax, we had an overflow of

❣ Bone Steak & bread
❣ Lontong
❣ Nasi Briyani
❣ Ayam Masak Merah
❣ Daging Briyani
❣ Dalca
❣ Acar & Paceri
❣ Mee Hoon Goreng
❣ Bubur Pulut Hitam
❣ Putri Salat, Kole-kole & kuih bakar
❣ 4 types of chilled drinks
❣ Hot coffee & tea
❣ 50 pax Nasi berkat & food for hosts

With an additional of
❣ Sweet & sour fish
❣ Goreng Pisang & Keledek
❣ Jemput-Jemput (F.O.C and depends of availability)

Sorry to say about other vendors, cheap packages means they tend to cut the menu but not Nurie Creations; like I said, not stingy and greedy, if you have 1,000pax, you can get less than S$10,000 if don't want additional food types.

Alhamdulilah, I came across Nurie Creations during my cousin's wedding (I suppose I should thank her too! hehe). Catering was one the expensive factor in a wedding and we were starting to get stressed as we researched for them. I hope our paths will cross again because I want more of that food!


   

Ramadhan with My Husband

Salam Ramadhan, fellow readers!

As you are reading this, it should be the 3rd day of Ramadhan. I hope every intention of fasting, solat, zakat, to read more of the Quran will be achieved for you and me.

This ramadhan is the first ramadhan for Jhon and I as a husband and wife. Not only that, the first ramadhan Jhon actually wakes up for Sahur. All these years, when he attempts to fast, he doesn't wake up for sahur because he can't wake up early. I don't even know how can he even achieve to fast full days like that. Of course, he also mentions about acid reflux.

Since I am around, I can physically wake him up and prepare proper food for sahur.

Our first sahur together was funny and chaotic which make life interesting, I guess. haha

So you know, I am a morning person. As soon as an alarm rings, zup! I wake up with no problem. When I lived at my other house, I was always the first one to wake up.

This time, it was different.
All I knew was Abg Jamil called me through my handphone asking if we were waking up for sahur. I confidently said yes, thinking it was 4:30am. To my surprise, it was already 5am!

Kalang-kabut lah! We have only 30 minutes to cook and eat.
Thank God for microwaves, I managed to cook chicken drumlets. I also scurried frying eggs as Abg Jamil looked on with glee while Jhon was standing in the middle of the kitchen dazed. Imagine that scene!

We rushed but Alhamdulillah, we managed to have our proper meal and milo. Since Jhon had sahur, he also didn't complain of stomach aches or gastric only sleepiness which we all know, it's normal even with decades of experience. hehe

So that's our first Ramadhan together. I just want to logged in here for memories sake. hehe

   

Zana's Wedding

Click here for Zana's solemnization.

Zana's wedding event was the next day. When we arrived, the marhaban had already started and everyone was bustling about.

Ready in black & gold outfit.

After a while, Hadfiz arrived with his entourage and kompang group.
To Jhon and I this is just a reminder that this is going to happen to us real soon.

Our favorite hadang duos with muka stoing me at the background and wacky Shibly in the foreground.

This is after the 3rd hadang and after he had to dance to Watch me (Whip/ Nae Nae)
At this point, my other cousins were jokingly thinking what they want to make Jhon dance/ sing to before letting him enter. I wagged my finger and warned them "NO EH!!! Don't make it embarrassing eh!!" haha

The moment I got teary eyed. I'm sorry, even though I was physically there, my mind was on my own wedding. I was standing behind Jhon and as he turned, it turns out, he was teary eyed too.

When Zana went's to her husband's side (which was only a few blocks away), we had ample free time. It was also the first time majority of the 3rd generation cousins are around and playing together. Too bad Kakak's children, Irfan and Nadya was not around.

There was a nearby playground too so of course I joined. I also fell and rolled on the ground. What's new?

My mom and her cousins. Susah nak jumpa ni...

Complete family of Uncle & Auntie Tipah's family. They were going off because Auntie was not feeling well and the couple arrived.

Cake cutting time.

Congratulations to Zana & Hadfiz.
May both of you be always happy together, have strength to overcome any trials & tribulations and insert all the good words to say lah. I am horrible at this. haha
I just hope and pray all the best in your new chapter in life.



   

Zana's Solemnization

1 month before my wedding was actually my cousin's wedding! Can you imagine the stress? That weekend would be useful for our wedding preparations but of course, we dropped it temporarily so we can give our utmost attention to her wedding.

Zana's wedding is a standard 2 day event. 1 day for solemnization and 1 for the wedding event. Mak, Jhon and I had arrived extra early to help, just in case but Mak kept asking me to rest. But if mak cik/ pak cik suruh tolong, tak kan say no, right? kwang kwang



I love this picture but not so much of myself. Bad angle, why I look chubby? lol

Mak does what she does best, socializing.

The queen of the day. I like this outfit.

Zana with her mom.

Zana and her makciks. haha

Zana and I. hehehe
About 1 month after that, we would be switching places.

Is this what the groom was facing? Intimidating!

But not to him, I guess.

The nikah begins.

That's it for the nikah. We didn't take much photos because since our wedding was next, there were plenty of socializing on our part too. Paiseh, on people wedding, had to pass our wedding cards. Especially to relatives that we had not met for decades!

Anyways, the solemnization went smoothly with the usual teary eyed moments for the newly wedded couple. Yey! Dah kahwin!