When Julie and Govan decided to tie the knot, the location of their choice was Cameron Highlands due to fond memories they have of this place. The wedding ceremony took place at the nostalgic Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel which is housed in a red brick building in Tanah Rata. This building which also housed a boarding school and a convent was built in 1935 to serve as a place to educate European children, whose parents were working in the local tin mines and rubber estates.
The couple had chosen the colours of autumn as the preferred wedding theme. Julie, who is an interior designer, had put her creative prowess into action in choosing the textures and colours of her wedding paraphernalia. Her flowers selection was awe-inspiring, with a riot of colour with the like of African daisies, roses, orchids, berries and so on.
On the morning of the big day, the sombre chapel was beautifully transformed: pews were dressed with flowers and on the centre aisle, lit scented candles and flower petals were placed on both sides. The stained glass panels over the altar let in the morning sunlight, as if to welcome the 60 closest friends and family members as they ushered in to witness the ceremony.
As her brother walked her down the aisle, Julie was a picture of tranquillity. Smiles of encouragement were seen on the faces of the guests as the organist played a traditional tune. Throughout the vow ceremony, hymns were sung and this created a sacred atmosphere as the event unfold. Such a simple ceremony but pregnant with a wonderful meaning. As the couple walked out after the ceremony, friends began to shower them with blown bubbles to signify their good wishes and blessings.
Immediately after the photo taking session, the guests were led to the Equatorial for brunch. The Tudor-styled resort is located at the highest accessible point of the highlands surrounded by rolling hills and valleys. The brunch was held outdoors at a sprawling garden overlooking various fruits and vegetables' farms. It was fantastic and being at the highest point of the highlands gave us the 'on the top of the world' feeling. The meal was served buffet-style with a variety of sandwiches, salads and light refreshments. Soft music was heard in the air as the guests indulged in their revelry.
Later in the afternoon, Julie and Govan headed out for their photo shoot at Blue Valley which is well known for its tea plantations. To spice up the mood, a rented truck which is a significant type of vehicle to transport the highlands' produce, was used to transport the couple to their destination. They looked like a couple of playful children riding on the back of the truck. However, their smiles were enough evident to the onlookers that they indeed relished every minute of this experience. Despite the sunny weather, the highlands cool air did wonders to refresh the couple on this outdoors photo shoot.
As the evening fell, the guests were once again ushered to the Equatorial for the dinner reception at one of the resort's function halls. The cocktail was set up at a balcony outside of the hall and this delighted the guests as they enjoyed the cool evening breeze.
A mini 'autumn tree' with flowers, candles and ribbons hung on its branches served as the centrepiece on each table. As the guests seated, the centrepieces did make them look as if they were dining underneath magical trees! To add soft glow to the whole setting, willowy organza in orange, yellow and red were put up to grace the walls.
Each table was thoughtfully named 'Love' with the word translated in different languages. Julie and Govan's love for their friends and families were apparent throughout each item they designed for the occasion. For instant, they had decided to give fresh strawberry jam, packed in charming bottles as token of love for the guests. These tokens were made by a local cafe with the strawberries locally grown in one of the fruits' farms. Apart from this, the couple had made a collage of their photos collected from their travellings as the so-called guests' book. This was very unique as the collage could be put up on a wall as a decorative item in their home. How creative ideas can come from unexpected sources!
Julie, who was spotted with a chic short hair cut had opted to stay true to her Indian roots by dressed up in a yellow saree. She looked absolutely radiant beside the man she loves.
The meal was served course by course with delightful Indian cuisines.
Halfway through the dinner, Julie and Govan were ushered to the front for the cake cutting ceremony and to lead the guests for the opening toast. When the time came for the newlyweds' first dance, the lights were slightly dimmed and spotlights with various colours were projected on the ceiling to create a brilliant festive mood. Before long, lured by the spectacular lights, the guests left their seats and joined the couple to dance the night away.
The wedding had become one of my memorable events as it marked the beginning of my true friendship the Julie and Govan. This friendship has blossomed and thrived long after the excitement at the highlands ended, and to all of us, that is one priceless gift.
Instead of a guest book, be creative and make your own photo collage where the guests can sign on. Hand-assembled favours and stationeries will make it personal and meaningful.
When having dry branches and candles, ensure that the candles are placed away from the branches as the dry items can easily caught fire.