IT was a wedding ceremony that would be hard to rival.
Pop sensation Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin and businessman Datuk Khalid Mohamad Jiwa’s wedding reception held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre last night was indeed the wedding of the year.
The garden-themed lavish reception was a grand affair that combined age-old Malay customs with contemporary trends. Top that with a sumptuous Malay feast and a glamorous list of well-heeled guests, the entire setting last night seemed tailored for a princess-like nuptial bliss.
Dressed to the nines, guests were welcomed by the captivating sound of gamelan music by the Swara group at the foyer of the premises.
Many were also seen scrutinising the wedding paraphernalia on display at the foyer — the dais and baju kurung that were used by Siti at the Federal Territory Mosque during her akad nikah (solemnisation of marriage) and engagement ceremonies on Aug 21. At this point, nothing could go wrong.
The ceremony began at 8.50pm with emcees Ishak Nengah and Zakiah Anas announcing the arrival of dignitaries and VVIPs.
It was the moment all had been waiting for when the radiant couple walked into the ballroom at 9pm for the bersanding ceremony.All eyes were on the dashing groom and his charming bride, both dressed in matching traditional Malay attire — in white and encrusted with diamonds and Swarovski crystals — designed by Radzuan Radziwill.
There was pin-drop silence as the couple walked up the magnificent white dais, named Mahligai Asmara, accompanied by their bridesmaids — girls aged between five and 20 — dressed in white.
At 9.30pm, the Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah led the merenjis air mawar (sprinkling of scented water) ceremony to bless the couple.
He was followed by the Sultan of Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, other dignitaries and family members.
Later, Siti invited her parents Tarudin Ismail and Siti Salmah Bachik for a pulut kuning cutting ceremony to commemorate their 38th wedding anniversary.
"I am so relieved that everything has proceeded smoothly," said her mother.
The highlight of the evening came when Siti and Khalid cut the nine-tiered RM12,000 wedding cake. Bedecked in an off-white and pink Christian Lacroix lace Swarovski-studded gown designed by Michael Ong, the bride was a picture of radiance.
But the one that stole the thunder was when Siti surprised her guests with a rendition of a song titled Cahaya Cinta, which she dedicated to her husband.
Earlier at 5.30pm, Siti was in tears when she appeared on the balcony of the convention centre during a 10-minute session to meet her fans.
"I am so disappointed because I could not meet everyone personally. It overwhelmed me to see them coming in full force today. I welcome all my fans to attend the reception in Kuala Lipis on Sept 3."
The session was held in place of a chariot ride around the centre, which had to be cancelled due to security reasons.
Meanwhile, Khalid’s third son Mohd Asyraf, who was present at the reception, was in high spirits.
"I am very happy for them and wish them all the happiness in the world."
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