2009 was truly a challenging year... particularly when all astrology books I read told me to lie low or face the wrath of the "Tai Sui"... It's really not that hard to guess which route I took... Hint: I was "young", ignorant, naive and rebellious... After a triumphant 2008, I almost thought I was invisible... :-) So ya... I didn't lie low at first... but in the end... under various circumstances... lie low I did... So here's an account of what happened throughout 2009:

Work Wise...
2009 was definitely a character building year:

• The year started off with a portfolio change which my mind was ready to embrace fully... unfortunately... heart rules over head and I found myself embracing it only half heartedly... the other half was still well... in limbo... Among which... this resulted in massive miscommunications, lost of bond... trust... and alliance albeit not intentionally... I paid dearly for my silly mistakes... and vow to always remember the feeling of helplessness in the midst of paying the consequences.
• Thank goodness, I still got my chance of promotion... and as a matter of fact, I got promoted twice... once in August (backdated to July)... and the another time, a grade promotion 2 months later that also comes with a salary change...  :-) By the way, I changed work station twice too... the first time, it was for the worst where my back was facing out but lucky thing, it was for the better, second time round... with a solid wall behind my back (office practices open concept... very hard to get a seat with solid walls... so I count myself extremely lucky)!

Status Change...
2009 was the year OWLoon and I went full force into planning our wedding...

• It all started when OWLoon and I legally registered our marriage in the beginning of the year
• Had loads of fun renovating our Bridal Room in KS...
• Became models (or models wannable) when we shot our pre-wedding photography with Bridal Concept...
• Religiously went through all the Chinese customs like "Tai Chan" (meeting of both sides' parents), "Guo Dai Lei" (Betrothal Day), "On Chong" (Bed Installation Ceremony) and of course, the "Chut Moon" (Actual Day)...
• Had fun planning our respective wedding dinners at 2 separate wedding venues... which meant food tasting twice... and went through the hair splitting exercise of collecting RSVPs, confirming guests list, sending out physical invitations and finalizing seating arrangements...plus planning out the itinerary for our dinners twice... one for KL and one for KS...
• Completed the entire affair with a Family Trip to Bangkok for a week over Christmas...

Other Milestones

• Bought a new car in time for CNY...
• Braces temporarily removed!

We have videos on our wedding dinners (bride's side on 29-Nov, groom's side on 06-Dec as well as our Actual Day on 06-Dec) but the files are all too huge to be uploaded here... Hence, here's the short edit of our Actual Day (which was shown at the groom's side dinner)... :-)

Guess what???!!!

We registered on 09-01-09 and that means our wedding anniversary's on 9-Jan every year!!! What a coincidence eh!!! Kekekekeke...

The groom's side's wedding dinner was held on December 06, 2009 at Yun He Restaurant (Swallow City) which has a restaurant and a Swallow City (Bird Nest) in the same plot of land... Though it was a restaurant, it has a super huge hall... OWLoon's sister in law and cousin did the registration for us which in actual fact only meant collecting "ang pow"s cos seat arrangements were done manually by OWLoon's parents and uncles. When it came to the stage, remembered asking OWLoon: "How come don't have our names on the backdrop one?"... to which he responded by saying: "GOT!!! But in Chinese"... No wonder I didn't notice it... hehehe...

We had 5 pairs of "heng tai" and "zimui" to help us with our march in. Each one of them were given a party popper which they have to "fire" when we walk past... Here are some shots of them excitedly learning how to "fire" a party popper...

Our march in started with a pair of singers leading the march in... The fatter lady on the right is called "Xiao Ma Yi" (Small Ant... who was the winner for Astro Talent Quest - the oldies version... last year I think)... and the one on her right was one of the finalists for Astro Talent Quest - the youth version)... They sang "The Wedding" song in Chinese... When the singers reached the stage, they continued singing while OWLoon's parents marched in... followed by my parents... then our 5 pairs of "heng tai" and "zimui" with their party poppers in hand...

After our "heng tai" and "zimui" were stationed at their respective spots - making up 5 stations along the super long aisle... someone cued us to march in... Prior to us reaching each station... they were supposed to get ready and "fire" away... but *chuckles* the 1st station we walked past... NOTHING happened... the party poppers for the 1st pair were faulty... As we were walking past them, could hear them saying... "CRAP it doesn't work... (press press press)" nervously... hahaha... and then as we reached the rest of the stations... our cute "heng tai" and "zimui" went 1, 2, 3!!! The looks on their faces were so funny after they saw what happened to the 1st couple... Luckily for us, for the rest of the stations... the party poppers worked fine much to the relieve of the balance 4 pairs! Hehehe...

Here's a pict of us at the main table... (Clockwise) OWLoon and I, my brother and his gf, my parents and of course, OWLoon's parents... My good friend sat at our table too!

While "Xiao Ma Yi" and the other lady entertained us with their songs... one of OWLoon's "heng tai" went on stage and did a duet with them...

Since I wore my green evening gown at the bride's side's dinner, I intended to wear the pink one this time round. Unfortunately, the zipper was stuck!!! So I had no choice but to wear back my green evening gown... not that I minded anyway... I love the gown... made me look so slim!!! When it came to the cake cutting time... the restaurant prepared a REAL cake with loads of pink icing instead of the usual fake 5-tiered cake... After cake cutting... OWLoon was told to feed me a piece of cake... not with a spoon... but with his mouth!!! So embarrassing...

Because the stage was exceptionally HUGE... the restaurant manager arranged for so many of our relatives to be up there with us... Apart from our parents, our siblings and their other halves were invited too... as well as our uncles and aunties... There were 3 toasts that night... the first "yamseng" came from OWLoon... followed by my brother (who gave out a SUPER DUPER LOUD AND LOOOOONG "yamseng") and finally, OWLoon's elder brother (who also gave out a SUPER DUPER LOUD AND LOOOOONG "yamseng")!!!

After that, we started going tables to tables which was kinda awkward for me since I don't know most of OWLoon's parents' friends... Nevertheless, when we reached the "tai kor" of KS table... something funny happened. One of the uncles said that since it is a happy occasion, they should have the honour to give the bride a kiss (and was busy wiping his mouth with tissue)... thank goodness OWLoon hugged me and said: "Cannot, cannot, but you can kiss me instead"... hahaha... Anyway, all was good and fun... these uncles are actually quite nice and gentlemanly...

Some photos with OWLoon's friends... And oh... the guy with 2 kids below has known us for 13 years!!! One of OWLoon's friends who knew us the day we started our courtship! :-)

During the bride's side's dinner, we totally forgot taking photos with our parents and our siblings... Hence, this time round, we made sure we did so... :-)

Not just with my parents but with OWLoon's family and relatives too... The lady in the 2nd photo here is OWLoon's auntie (father's sister) and is also our favourite auntie of all... She's humorous, humble, extremely helpful and nice to us too!!! We call her "ah koh" :-)

While the bride's side's dinner felt like it ended in the blink of an eye... the groom's side's dinner felt as if it lasted longer! When it was time to bid the guests farewell... I was already extremely sleepy and tired!!!

Prior to us leaving the restaurant... we took numerous photos with the young lovely couple who is non-other than my younger brother and his gf who is also my bridesmaid... This lovely couple had been so supportive and helpful throughout both dinners as well as our Actual Day ceremony that they deserve not just a big hug... but maybe a big fat KISS too... hahahaha... So to boy and MK... many many thanks!!!

To my other friend, SVB... many many thanks too for being there for us throughout the entire journey of us becoming husband and wife... Every single step we took... you were there with us...  right from the moment we got registered... to the banquet venues selection to the gowns selection to the wedding dinners... and finally, our Actual Day despite being pregnant twice along the journey!!! Thank you SVB from the bottom of our hearts!!!

And with that... OWLoon and I are officially... legally... and customarily MARRIED... Yippieeeeeeee!!!

And so the journey back to Kuala Selangor (KS) continues... in our ultra comfortable Alphard... I was truly HAPPY each time it drizzles... cos old folks believe that if it drizzles on Actual Day, it goes to show that the couple's extremely loving! OWLoon told me that when his entourage left KS to KL, it drizzled... then mid way, it stopped... but when they were near my house... it started to drizzle again! And the BEST part was that, the exact same thing happened when we were on our way back! When we left my house, it drizzled, then stopped midway... but when we reached KS, it drizzled again!!! It's almost as if they knew we were reaching our destinations! So anyway, to the Hokkiens, door opening was not such a big deal, hence there was this stranger dude who opened our car door... and the minute I got down of the car, firecrackers were lighted...

Hokkiens being Hokkies... they have lots of customs and "laws" to follow... like how I had to walk over a pot of burning charcoal... Noticed how the house was empty when OWLoon and I arrived? Everyone was "hiding" at the back cos' they were only allowed to come out only after we have completed the necessary prayers to gods, kitchen god and most importantly the ancestors...

We had a few moments to breathe while they set up... And again, the tea ceremony started with OWLoon's parents... Have not seen them smiled so much before... they must be happy cos OWLoon's the youngest in the family... And I got additional jewelery that added on to the already HEAVY jewelery from my family. Came "ang pow" giving time... instead of singles and kiddos rushing over to get their share, it was OWLoon's older siblings who rushed forward... to collect "ang pow"s for their kids... hahahaha...

After the tea ceremony, the entourage has to walk to our apartment; 2 minutes away where a little boy was invited to roll on the bed to bless us with fertility. To encourage him to get on the bed, sweets were placed all over the bed. The little boy must have been terrified with a group of strangers cheering him on when he stomped his tiny feet on our bed... hahaha... After that, OWLoon removed my veil while I removed his jacket and placed them on the bed.

Outside, the 4Ms and the rest of the entourage were happily enjoying themselves... before we all went to have our lunch at OWLoon's parents's house.

These were some of the wedding props at our home. And at the end of it all, I could finally remove all my jewelery... (definitely felt like a Christmas tree)... but I made a little fortune that day... jewelery from my parents alone were already worth RM15k, imagine with the rest combined! Kekekeke... :-)

That marks the end of the Actual Day customs that we had to go through to be officially married! :-) Next post will be on the groom's side dinner held later that evening.

On the eve of Actual Day, my parents threw a pool side party for relatives and family friends... all was fine, everyone enjoyed themselves and many complimented the food... But as the night progressed, the drinking "kaki-s" went to my house and continued drinking... Since it was a happy occasion, on top of the bottles and bottles of Henessy consumed and the endless cans of beer consumed, my father brought out one of his many XOs which he has kept for over 20 years!!! That night, the last batch left at 3.30AM!!! And the following morning, the make up artist and my photographer arrived at 6AM sharp!!! In other words, I only had 2 hours of sleep and was extremely TIRED!!! Becos of that, I was rather quiet and grouchy... and found myself extremely dissatisfied with the hairstyle and the make up done... (the make up artist for my pre-wedding photography and dinner was FULLY BOOKED hence I was stuck with this 2 dumbos)!

While the make up and hair-do session was in progress, the photographer went around snapping photos of some of our props for the wedding.

When all was done... I had to get ready and my parents came in to put on my veil...

While I was quietly waiting in my room, outside my family members were having fun!!! I could hear their laughter even from my room... (Clockwise) My father ensuring that the cups on the altar are filled... My mom (in gold) alongside with my 2 aunties... dunno talking about what...My brother and his gf (who is also my bridesmaid) discussing door games... and surprise surprise... my "zimui" who comprises of 4 MOUNTAINS... hahahahaha... there were other female "zimui" but nothing beats my 4Ms "zimui"... kekekeke...

Downstairs, OWLoon and his entourage reached at 9-ish... and being Cantonese, door opening's an important event for the bride's brother... hence my brother was downstairs to nego for an "ang pow" first before OWLoon could get down from the car... kekekeke...

OWLoon and his 4 "hengtai" vs. my 4Ms and several other "zimui"... Must say, they got it so EASY... cos the timing was rather tight... we must be back in KS before 12 noon and the distance itself is ~ 1 hour and 30 minutes at best... Plus, my family members were on his side... could hear them saying "OK lor, OK lor... let him in already..."...

So all they had to do was to answer several questions by my 4Ms pertaining me... and sing a song out loud... and to provide RMXXX... and 99cents... :-)

After passing the 4Ms tasks... OWLoon came in and greeted me... his first few words were... "Lou po... lou kung is here to fetch you lor..." and for some strange reasons, female family members felt like crying cos they thought it was rather touching... kekeke... me... I was getting kinda bored sitting in the room alone...

Like all important Chinese festivities, the first thing is of course to pray and seek blessings from higher divine powers and most importantly, our ancestors...

Thereafter, the tea ceremony began with my parents first. All was ok in the beginning, I knew that my parents were trying rather hard not to mention anything tear-jerking... but someone said something like "Will you miss your daughter or not..." and that sent us all teary eyed... Altho' we no longer live in the era where once married, brides somewhat end their ties with their parents, it was still a pretty emotional experience for us... it's like after years of being a kiddo (in our parents' eyes)... we're now all grown up and ready to start our own family... and officially start to also be part of the "Ong" family...

After the tea ceremony... it was the "ang pow" giving time to all the singles and kiddos in the house... It was so funny seeing all of them greet OWLoon his new title / rank as part of the family...

Then after numerous family portraits, my father accompanied us to our bridal car and sheltered us using a red umbrella which signifies that we will always be sheltered in his protection... Then my father also threw a mixture of rice grains, tea leaves and salt I think, onto the pathway leading to the car and on the car... so ward off "evil spirits"...

And that marked the end of the Actual Day ceremony at the bride's side... Next post will be on the Actual Day ceremony at the groom's side...

Since OWLoon is from KS and I’m from KL, it was a mutually known fact that we will have separate dinners. The bride’s side dinner was to be held a week before the Actual Day as well as the groom’s side dinner. Hence on November 29, 2009, it was THE BIG DAY for my family and I. Our dinner was held in Oriental Pavilion (OP) in Jaya 33. Here's an attempt to recapture what happened that night...

We reached OP at about 4-ish and immediately started with the make up sessions… My mom went ahead first, followed by OWLoon (backside itchy – requested for the make up artist to do his hair for him last minute but lucky thing she was really nice to agree do it). Mine was last cos’ my parents, family and OWLoon will have to greet guests at the entrance… Me? I'll take my time... hehehe...

While the make up sessions were in progress, outside... at the main hall, my friends were busy laying the red carpets… and decorating the reception tables… while I briefed by fellow cousins and families… who will be managing the reception tables… Here's a nice photo of them... (bout 9 years ago... when I was 21, I too was like them... all nicely dressed up, manning the reception table at my cousin sister's wedding... how time flies...).

When it was my turn for the make up, I was fully confident that my make up artist from Bridal Concept will turn me into a pretty bride cos’ I kid you not… my make up artist is really SUPERB; the same one who did my make up for the pre-wedding photos! However, the make up took longer than expected that by the time she was done with me, it was time for me to march in!

I was literally shivering (not sure if it was from the air cond chill or that I was anxious). While waiting for the cue for us to march in… OWLoon said this: “After years of courtship, we are finally getting married…” and sent me teary eyed… Instead of whispering a sweet reply back to him, I told him to shhhh… and not make me cry for I might ruin my make up… hahahaha…

My parents marched in first as the hosts of the evening… followed by OWLoon and I… We marched in with the band playing Cannon in D… While we were walking in, the minute I saw familiar faces of my friends, colleagues and families… I was somewhat calmed… within seconds!!! What my friend said was true! Friends and families who truly matter to us will be there to share the special occasion with us! And boy was I grateful for their presence… for it made the occasion even more special!

When we reached the main table, we realized that the seating arrangements for our parents were incorrect… I had OWLoon’s parents next to me and my parents were next to OWLoon… :(

After the 3rd dish, I was scheduled for a gown change but upon entering the make up room with my make up artist and my friend, they both said that the wedding gown’s superbly nice and thus I should do the cake cutting ceremony in it… and change only for the table to table “yam seng”… And so we marched in again with me wearing the same wedding dress… but this time happier and with a much lighter mood! On the way out and in, OWLoon and I took the opportunity to pass by table to table to greet my friends and some of my relatives… (at least we made full use of the time… hehehe)

Prior to the cake cutting ceremony, we had our pre-wedding video shown first... Unlike the usual slideshow with background music, ours had a fairytale theme to it and was animated in 3D. The video was part of our package with Bridal Concept and was made in Taiwan (Note: Will attempt to post the video here once I figure out how to condense the file and convert the DVD into mpeg).

Thereafter, OWLoon and I went on stage to do the "fake" cake cutting... We used OP's existing cake prop... which was a plastic cake... All we had to do was to put the knife in the slot available... hehehe...

After that, it was time for the stage “yamseng”… where both sides’ parents went on stage with us… This time round, the standing arrangements / positions were correct!

Alas, it was time for me to change out of my wedding dress into my beautiful evening gown… I initially planned to change into 2 evening gowns... but in the end, did only 1 change so that we can have more time to mingle from table to table…

Then before we knew it, it was time to bid guests farewell… We stood at the exit for a good 5 minutes when we noticed our guests were not leaving yet… We were told by OP that the minute dessert is served, we should be at the exit di… but surprise, surprise… our guests were either busy finishing the dessert or chilling / relaxing to the band's performance while waiting for us… ;-)

Thus we took the opportunity to take more photos with our guests…

Finally, guests began making their way to the exit and we once again rushed to the exit to bid them farewell…

Only after that, OWLoon and I were able to sit down with our friends and to truly CHILLAX…! We continued drinking and stayed there till 12am… which would’ve been later if it wasn’t for OP wanting to close shop… Our friends wanted to continue drinking elsewhere but both OWLoon and I were already super tired thus we politely declined and headed home.

After months and months of preparation, the dinner came and went at lightning speed!!! But I must say that I was truly very, very happy that night... and could not stop myself from smiling all night long!

Next post will be dedicated on some of the details of the night... Cheers!