Party with Destiny
Melissa Hashim and Shahjehan Safian kept running into each other at events, and finally made it to their most memorable one
Melissa Hashim and Shahjehan Safian kept meeting at events, and celebrated their most memorable one
These two lovebirds, Melissa Hashim and Shahjehan Safian, more affectionately known as Ben, have more than one thing in common. Besides both being the youngest in the family, plus one of each of their parents hailing from Perak, they both are akin to planets, constantly orbiting around each other but never colliding. And it took just one tiny step in the right direction; that little push came from Melissa’s brother, the one responsible for officially introducing and making them gravitate towards each other.
The story began in 2008. They had always known and were aware of one another, but only in the periphery. Melissa fondly recalls the first time they met, “The first time I saw him, or rather he saw me, was at some event, an event I was late to, in fact. No words were spoken then, just a lot of exchanging of glances and smiling from Ben.” Did Shahjehan somehow know that this was the woman he was set to live the rest of his life with? Or was it really one of those ephemeral moments of a sparked connection with a stranger that would hit you once-in-a-lifetime, never to be witnessed again?
The true sign and indication that this was indeed fate, was when they met again at Melissa’s house for her annual year-end party that same year. In comes her brother, and the introductions were made. “I didn’t quite know
who he was, but he refreshed my memory by bringing up the other event. Who could have forgotten that smile on his face? He was the only person smiling when I walked into the event hall... late!” said Melissa.
Since then, they became on-and-off friends, as Melissa was unavailable at the time. But as we know, love is always on time. It was not until 2013 that they started hanging out more, and they began dating, after he finally confessed that he had liked Melissa the moment he laid eyes on her. He asked if they were officially together, on New Year’s Day 2014 in Bali. Then Melissa shared that the wedding proposal was done at Cape Panwa, Phuket. And how did the groom feel at the time? “I was very nervous,” he confessed. “There were a lot of people around us and I had to do it quickly before it got dark. The timing was absolutely perfect, just before the sunset.” Melissa agreed, and then added, “It was a beautiful setting. Our table was by the edge of the cliff, just when the sun was about to set. He pulled me aside (he was pretending to want to take a photo with me), got down on one knee and popped the question with a ring in his hand!”
Shahjehan did mention that the place was full of people, so naturally Melissa was a tad embarrassed as well. “I’m not the type of girl who enjoys being in the limelight, and I quickly said ‘yes!’. At that moment, I looked up and saw a group of people with their mobile phones out, cheering us on, taking photos and recording the proposal.”
Fast-forward to the day they tied the knot, he expressed that he felt ecstatic, relieved and overjoyed. “Words really cannot express how I truly feel. All I could think about is
“Words really cannot express how I truly feel. All I could think about is that I just couldn’t wait to begin this journey with my beloved wife”
that I just couldn’t wait to begin this journey with my beloved wife.” As for Melissa, she is still getting used to calling someone else her husband. With a lifetime of practice, we are sure she will get the hang of it in no time.
The nikah was an extravagant yet classy affair, attended by friends, family and royal delegates. Shahjehan wore a white baju melayu, while Melissa’s attire was specially tailored by Innai Red. “I had specifically told them that although the baju was to be somewhat modest since it is an akad nikah, it had to be a fun and glamorous dress to wear as well. This is why there were intricate beads sewn onto it, dangling beautifully and gracefully from my dress. And you know what the best part is? They made it so fun to twirl in. Innai Red really got the concept right,” shared Melissa. And the blushing bride was positively glowing that evening.
The wedding reception, on the other hand, saw Shahjehan adorned in a champagnecoloured full songket to match Melissa’s gown by Jovian Mandagie. There was no doubt the attire was gorgeous, but to us, nothing meant more than the stolen yet meaningful glances they shared, both glad to have met and have their futures together set.