A Wedding Tale - the day I got married (part I)

5.45am The beeping started and my hands instinctively shot out to shut the alarm.

6.15am Dad sent my photographer, Teoh, to Vicky's place. Decided that I could afford another 20 mins of shut eye

6.45am Woke up. Washed and dressed up. Brothers started arriving soon after 7.15am. Got the corsages pinned on and ribbons tied to car doors. Had breakfast while waiting to leave.

8.20am Finally got the all clear from Vicky's stable. Got into the Volks, with Steven as the designated driver. Got there in barely 5 minutes, waking the neighbourhood with our shameless honking.

The games began. The sisters demanded push ups, Steve and Ray obliged, with both hands pushing up their male boobs. Guess that was not what the sisters meant.

Next, they wanted a song. Steve grabbed his guitar and we belted out 'Oh Vicky' to the tune of the evergreen 'Oh Carol'. They wanted another, in Chinese. We sang Teresa's 'Moon represent my heart'.

Then came the sticky part - the angpow negotiations. I managed to escape with my first two angpows. The biggest one still safe in Steve's pocket. The gate opened and we marched upstairs to find the bride.

Found Vicky in resplendant white on her bed. We were made to eat half-boiled eggs before going downstairs for the tea ceremony. Since we could not reach my place by 9am, we had to leave after 9.

9.15am Reached my place. Took the customary route to the bridal room. Another photo session ensued.

9.30am Time to take off again. Now for the Church Wedding Ceremony. Left with my brothers so that we could prepare the church and squeeze in some song practice time. The church started filling up and was more than half full by 10.30am.

10.30am The church bell rung and the march in began, followed by the church ceremony. I shan't bore you with the details.

11.15am We're married! Time for more posing. Family, relatives and friends took turns to have their photos with us. After maintaining my smile for half an hour, it was time for lunch. A minor 'water-shortage'problem was adverted by some helpful intervention.

1.30pm Tea ceremony again. Now for my side of the family.

Atfer everything was completed, it was time to pack for the night.

(to be continued)