We were to forced to end our night lives early and went to bed at 1am as we're to get up at 4am just to be prepared to reach Jimmy's house at 6am or earlier. Being the punctual handful, we reached as planned, looking like pillow-hungry zombies. Nevertheless, we're at the peak of our youth so 3 hours of sleep is only "wet wet water" for us (I'm actually only speaking for myself ;P).
Upon arrival at Jimmy's house, we're greeted by the "just-woke-up-but-trying-to-look-awake" Jimmy offering us some light breakfast. After breakfast, we were prepared face the obstacles set by the Phoebe's band of sisters at Paya Mengkuang, as usual expecting the worst, hoping for the best.
Guess the sky was happy for Jimmy and Phoebe too, as she shed tears of joy, lots of it. We started our journey to Paya Mengkuang in 3 cars. Jimmy was chaffeured by Alvin, followed by me in Aaron cars and KC driving alone. The 1 and a half hour journey was not too bad despite the wet weather and with lots of oversteering at steep corners going thru oil palm plantations.
Upon reaching Phoebe's home, we're greeted with open gates and it was still raining. I told myself, I will need to properly wipe my camera dry when this is done.
The "flower boy" opened the car door for Jimmy and was given an angpow for his "hardwork" and Jimmy got off with a long smile. The band of brothers, dressed smartly were like commandos reaching the rendezvous point and were prepared to face any embarassment set up by the band of sisters. Luckily time was short and they were only requested to sing a song, loud enough to wake the neighbourhood.
There were casualties of many red packets before the gates were opened only to find an even tougher obstacle, and this time, it was up to Jimmy alone; to pursuade his wife to open up the door to get a good look at her after not seeing her for more than 24 hours.
Another round of sacrificing red packets were done and as soon as the price is right, also pursuasion from the mother-in-law who seems to be siding Jimmy, the doors of happily ever after was finally open revealing the anxious Phoebe in her wedding gown. Jimmy went in and proceeded to give her a kiss on bended knees and Phoebe was ready for the prayers, followed by the tea ceremony.
Just before the tea ceremony, the newly-weds were required to drive around the neighbourhood before re-entering the house to continue with the tea ceremony. Hmm.. I've never heard of this traditional rule.
Tea was served to the elders followed by Jimmy and Phoebe's turn to be served by the younger generations. After some photo sessions, we were about to leave as we had a tight schedule of reaching Jimmy's home before 10am and off we go again, and again in the wet weather.
Upon reaching Jimmy's home, the sun was out and everyone showed their gladness. Since the convoy was early, they were not allowed to enter the home until 10:15am. So photo opportunity for me!!
The newly wed entered the home with a bang, and proceeded to offer their prayers to the upper power and also their ancestors. Another round of tea ceremony was carried out to Jimmy's elders followed by his younger relatives. Everyone hanged out and chatting while it was my turn to smile; Photo Opportunity!!
Here are some of the remaining shots for the day. Enjoy
And we made our way back to KL after having our lunch at Wing Heong Restaurant in Taman Blossom, Seremban. Stay tune for the grand finale!!
