Some Call It Fate

Dato’ Zaha Rina Zahari and Edward Chin celebrate a lovely wedding in true Malaysian fashion amongst those that matter most to them

With romantic music and high spirits in the air, weddings are always a happy and momentous occasion as people get to witness the coming together of two people. Dato’ Zaha Rina Zahari and Edward Chin’s wedding was such an affair that saw the couple immensely grateful for all their friends who came to witness the union. Guests were encouraged to write a message for the wedded pair before entering the cocktail area, with some taking the liberty to inject some humour and whimsy into their messages. Once the ballroom doors opened, and shortly after everyone took their seats, a talented pianist began to play a melody signalling the arrival of the bride and groom. Looking dapper in a classic black tuxedo, Edward entered the room with his beautiful bride by his side as they both displayed smiles to those cheering for the pair. Like a symbol of the multiculturalism Malaysia represents, speeches throughout the night were given in a mix of English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. Pictures of the couple’s akad nikah and tea serving ceremonies flashed across the ballroom screen for those who missed it—giving guests a glimpse into the joining of two vibrant cultures. Edward’s ‘fetch the bride’ ceremony where his groomsmen had to endure challenges to open a door, was also the subject of amusement for guests that night. Datin Alissa ‘Chin’ Fitri and Dato’ Sufian ‘Chin’ Majid were just some of the close friends that helped to represent the Chin family during the traditional Malay and Chinese marriage ceremonies that took place prior to the wedding, which gave the couple many memorable moments to cherish. Close friend to the bride, Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir also took the chance to give a toasting speech which was followed by the groom as he regaled his guests with a story of how the couple met, cracking humorous jokes that received a warm reception. The lively atmosphere at the ballroom was sustained throughout the night by an entertaining jazz band that dished out classics such as Nat King Cole’s L-O-V-E. Being a musical family, Edward and Zaha Rina’s kids also performed for their parents, with daughter Lara singing Love Me Tender alongside her uncle Zulkifli Zahari to mark this beautiful occasion.