Oceans Deep, Mountains High

Datuk Airique Soo and Datin Dorcas Leong officiated their union with a grand marine-themed wedding

After years of searching for the right woman, Datuk Airique Soo thought he would never find the one, until one day at a dinner party. There, he was introduced to Dorcas Leong, and the CEO of Hwa Tai Industries Berhad turned bashful around the demure nutritionist—although he warmed up to her mother, Wee Yoon Keow, and exchanged business cards with her. The next day, unable to stop thinking about the beautiful lady he met, he texted Madam Wee to ask for Dorcas’ email address—too shy to ask for her mobile number. To his delight, Madam Wee understood his intention and replied him with Dorcas’ number—wordlessly giving him consent to pursue her daughter. Six years later, the couple finally made their relationship official in a church ceremony at the KL Baptist Church, followed by a family lunch reception at the Shang Palace, Shangri-la Hotel KL. But as a distinguished businessman and man about town, it was natural for Datuk Airique to put together another reception for his close friends and business associates a week later at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival, guests excitedly stopped to take photos at the oceanic backdrop, although inside the venue was no less spectacular. Themed ‘Under the Sea’, in reflection of the couple’s love of the sea and diving, the entire grand ballroom of The Majestic was awash in blue lighting and decorated with marine elements, such as seashells, starfish and jellyfish, as free flow cognac and wine were served to buoy everyone’s moods. Once the ballroom doors opened, guests took their seats and enjoyed the smooth-sailing night.