#zurjonWeds - The Nikah (part 2)

Read #zurjonWeds - The Nikah (part 1)

After that, it was still chaotic because we were still overwhelmed and EVERYONE was telling Jhon what to do. Salam her, stand here, stand there, wait, etc at one go. I have no idea how it will look like in the wedding videos but kesian Jhon, terpusing-pusing.







This is where the crying starts again.

Eventually, everything settled down and even so, we had to keep reminded by Fad from VideoSmith to do everything such as salam and ring wearing slowly. No doubt, we redo a few times. I felt bad for Fad. Lol We are not the mushy so sentimental (physically) kind of people. I hope we didn't make it too difficult for him.



Reciting the doa after solemnisation.



Cry, cry, cry...



Then laugh, laugh , laugh.















I'm not going to post all of the visitor shots. It's already hard enough to choose to post photos here.



Dunno why my eyeshadow here look so bertepek one but this picture is organic.





The most organic ones are the best but that also means the camera shutter couldn't capture fast enough. Mr Lim needs camera meant for sports for us. haha



After the standard photo taking and such, we had a little time left before we can go upstairs for an outfit change for our wedding event. Pakcik Amrie from Nurie Creations offered brunch so apa lagi? We said YES!







After brunch, we went upstairs to change and get ready for the wedding event.

  

#zurjonWeds - The Nikah (part 1)

Yes, yes, I know, this post has been delayed for quite a bit since my wedding was on 23rd April. In my defense, I've been posting reviews first (so I can link them as I write this post) and well, honeymoon, settling down with a new routine, Ramadhan and Hari Raya does keep my days busy.

I will break this down into 3 posts, the solenization (which I will divide into 2 smaller parts) and the wedding event and I will try to be as detailed as possible mostly for my memory sake.

Let's begin.

My day started earlier than Jhon because I need at least 2 hours of get ready time. Everyone was busy and Ayah had this habit of asking me to go downstairs to see and comment on the arrangement of items. I had to tell him "I don't want to go downstairs! I am princess (queen) today, I don't want to sweat and stress unnecessarily" That's got to be the most selfish thing I ever said in my entire life. haha I forced grub on some breakfast (no appetite) and made Jhon via message that he had eaten too.

No doubt, I was tensed and when Versari Ade's Mak Andam, Kak Dee arrived, I was numb. I kept glancing at the note Jhon wrote me. I didn't want anxiety get the best of me and tawakkal I did.

I told you, no bridal room. haha but it looks organic. 10-20 years down the road, not only the items serves a memory, the room itself too. There's a few pictures where my spongebob box was in full view too.



At about 10am, I was told Tok Kadi was downstairs and probably 10-15 minutes after that, I went down with Kak Dee and Mak by my side. I was nervous only because all eyes were on me.



The place was surprisingly crowded and the sofa was placed off the stage and to the side as planned. I was actually happy and excited but at the same time telling myself to not to get too emotional.

I was fine. As soon as I sat down, I unknowingly lifted my legs and shook them. I suppose it was a nervous/ happy thing but it was improper to a point Kak Dee had to whisper me to stop. haha I tried to calm down by listening to Zikir Munajat that I had requested Abg Hamdan from Dann's Entertainment to play.





As I said, I was fine, we were taking photos and such until I looked up and just realized Jhon was already downstairs with us and was seated at the pelamin with the Tok Kadi.
I didn't notice it at first but I saw a tissue in his hands as he wiped his red nose. Was he having the sniffles? It was then I realized, he had cried and was still trying to control his tears.





I can't help it. I cried too.
 In those 8 years dating him, I've only seen him cry 2 times, both relationship related. Now, I get to add 1 more into the list.

Despite having warned him that it's going to be a nerve wrecking experience but being a typical man, he said he will be under control. Not surprisingly, the situation was so overwhelming (in a good way), he cried. Surprisingly, he cried, a lot.

Apparently, he started to feel nervous when he was wearing his samping and when he was downstairs and saw his mom, he bawled. He said he couldn't stop. As he walked towards the pelamin, instead of sitting on the stage, he went behind it. (I didn't see this happen, probably busy leg shaking lol). Everyone who saw was confused but Jhon said he was just trying to regain his composure. When he sat on the pelamin with tok kadi Hassan, that's when I saw him.

All those while that I've been controlling my emotions to avoid crying were down the drain. I am a sucker to see a man (especially the strong and silent types) cry. Everyone thought I was being dramatic and that Jhon was too nervous. But it was not that at all. The feeling was indescribable. You got to understand, it's been 8 years (at that time) and we've been through plenty of obstacles mostly from people around us. It's the general feeling of overwhelm, happiness and relief all into one at full force.
It's like, this is it.
We are doing it, we did it.

Of course, I laughed afterwards because it felt silly but I can't deny that feeling. It took quite a while for Jhon to regain his composure but luckily, Kadi Hassan was very reassuring and managed to comfort him.



Until this point and probably until we grow old, I will always joke about how it looked like a forced marriage. hahaha

Well, the solemnization went well, as mentioned on my review on Kadi Hassan, he did his sermon that is on the dot for us and everyone else. He was clear, concise and not intimidating. Sign here and there, explanations and finally the moment had come.







Before we knew it, everyone was getting ready for the moment. We recited doa, received a green light for the commencement from Ayah and did the actual proceedings.















Jhon did his declaration of his intention to marry me the best way he could. All we truly need was that sentence, the wali and witnesses. It was that simple and with that, we are officially married.

At that point, it was still unbelievable. Dah? we are married?

Continue to #zurjonWeds - The Nikah (part 2)


   

Marmite, Win or Fail? (Giveaway + Contest)

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Aahhh... Marmite.

I don't know about you but the only thing I know about Marmite are those relating to Youtube challenges. 99% of them are always bad and almost torturous.

[Good Mythical Morning -The British Food Taste Test (w/Sorted Food)]

On Marmite's defence, we are not supposed to eat it by the spoonful's (although there are a small group of people who does). Like salt and pepper, we are to take only a small amount to taste. When I was informed I will receive not one but THREE bottles of Marmite. I knew it's going to be an interesting day.

You see their popular slogan since 1996 is "Love it or Hate it". That alone tells all and it's finally the day I find out which group I will be categorized in. But first let me share some titbits about Marmite.

◉  Marmite was invented by accident by a German scientist in the 19th century, Justus Liebig. He discovered brewer's yeast could be concentrated, bottled and eaten.
◉ The word marmite is French for an earthenware pot and in the past, the yeast extract was supplied in it. The picture of the pot has since been the logo of Marmite you see today since 1920.
◉ Despite the discovery in German, name from France, Marmite was founded in England.
◉ It's not only Halal certified but also 100% vegetarian.

◉ It is noted as superfood for it's high content of vitamin B & folic acid among other nutrients.
◉ It's so super that it was used as ration in World War I, treated a form of anaemia in Bombay AND malnutrition during the Malaria epidemic in Sri Lanka.
◉ There are so many ways to eat or use Marmite in food; from the basics of spreading thinly on bread, as a soup, chicken wings and many more.

The options to use Marmite are endless but since I am a newbie, I stuck to the basics.
I attempted a Marmite breakfast of Marmite-Butter toast & Marmite Cashews.

Firstly, I did smell and taste the Marmite as it is.
It looks like a runny version of Nutella so I can relate to Nutella-Marmite pranks. The first whiff I got reminded me a little of soy sauce or oyster sauce but a deeper breath proved otherwise. The taste was savoury, supposedly salty but I don't taste that for some apparent reason with a touch of bitterness. It's definitely an acquired taste.

Firstly, I made the Marmite-Butter toast where I spread a layer of butter on a toasted bread and then a thin layer of marmite on top.

I also tried to do Marmite Cashews. You can do from scratch, pan fry the cashews, coat it with 1:1 teaspoon of marmite and water and bake it in the oven. The cashews I had were already roasted and we didn't have an oven at my new home. So I just pan fried the cashews with the marmite & water mixture.

How does it taste like served with food?

I'm sorry, not a fan. That would be the first and last time I eat Marmite unless someone else can cook it well enough to convince me. I did taste it with an open mind without any expectations. I ate bugs in Thailand and balut in Philippines, okay? I didn't enjoy it. 

Naturally, I let Jhon tried it too and his reaction was the opposite. In fact, he finished the Marmite coated cashews. He said he liked it and found it edible enough.

So I supposed it's a fail for me and a win for Jhon. At least I have someone who can finish the Marmite that I received. haha

You can get your hands on your own bottle of Marmite at any supermarkets or stores near you at 115g bottle at S$3.69, 230g bottle at S$6.47, 470g bottle at S$12.33.

I know, I know...

What if you hate it right? Waste money only.

Good news, readers!

Head down to SampleStore.com here to redeem your FREE cute Marmite 70g bottle sample!

(sample launches on 8th August 2016).

Not only that, there will be a #MyMarmiteMyWay review contest on Sample Store.

After redeeming your free sample, share in their Sample Store review your personal experience on how they enjoyed their Marmite free sample e.g. mix in porridge, soup, toast or cooking. 3 winners to each win 3 different sized bottles. Winners to be announced on Sample Store Instagram & Facebook page. Contest ends 30th September 2016.