T's Wedding

Prologue

In 1999, our parting words to T after his graduation from MIT was - "We'll be  looking forward to your wedding in Bangkok soon..." As the seasons changed, our toddlers morphed into gangly teenagers, and T moved higher and higher up the corporate rungs, accumulating more lavish toys along the way ( some of which we got to play with and gawk at ) In between , he was navigating a roller coaster of emotional ups and downs. We waited for him to get off the ride and have his feet on more stable ground.

T is a big boy with a big heart. He is generous to a fault and endearingly sentimental. What you see is what you get - the real deal, with no pretences. Witty, delightfully charming in a raw appeal that shows up the rough edges that is his true identity. Through the years, he has dabbled in photography, song-writing, soap-making, eco-farming, some of which have fared better than others. I'd say, stick to photography - he has an eye for details and the abstract. Still we waited...

The Meeting

In June last year, we had a pleasant surprise. G and I were in Bangkok for a weekend getaway and met up with T - with a companion. It was an interesting introduction. T called G and said his friend would be picking us up. The friend called up and introduced herself as T's fiancee...Hmm, something's afoot! 

Dinner was uneventful. T was not about to reveal anything ground-breaking. I was bursting with anticipation and expectation but it was an anti-climax - no follow-ups. Attempts to wheedle out more details on facebook messaging proved futile - T kept mum.

The Friend

Her name is Tomm. She has a lovely smile, relaxed manner and a girlish appeal. I was thinking that T has a good eye in more than photography....

The Invitation

I was back in Bangkok in October 2012 with A after her PSLE exams. It is easy to be seduced by Bangkok - good food, shopping, spas, what's there not to like? T was too busy to meet up but instead, it was Tomm who took us out for dinner. I suggested "Cabbages & Condoms", a quirky venue with a social objective. Food was average, ambience was tackily captivating, with decor on a condom theme, but of course, that was to be expected. 

Out of the blue, Tomm asked for our address to send out an invitation. I held my breath - So he did pop the question, and she said "YES". I plyed Tomm with questions that I was burning to ask and she responded to them with that light exuding from her eyes that could only be from one very much in love.

The Wedding

Another excuse to be back in Bangkok, and there couldn't be a better one. It was a grand affair, held at Oriental, Mandarin , officiated by royalty, and attended by the whos-who of the social elite. Good thing G checked earlier on the dress code before turning up in a  shirt and tie unannounced. l went in an all weather and function cocktail black number, and realised that this was an un-black tie occasion where almost all the ladies wore anything but that. ( all but one )Ouch! But at least the men wore black suits so black should not be such a faux-pas? I chose to live in blissful ignorance and continued to strut around in my stilettos.

The bride was radiant and stunningly beautiful in her gown. The groom was a tad solemn, with a hint of trepidation, but he was glowing in the transition of moving on to the next phase of his adventure - as a husband, mentor, soul-mate, provider and protector. 

We have waited so long for this moment. T, we are so happy for you and Tomm.  Couplehood beats bachelor and bachelorette-hood hands down - and we are qualified to say this after 25 years. May your days together be like heaven on earth, and have a truly blessed and fulfilling life as a couple. We love you.