Rooted in Love

For Amanda Sura Nanta Linggi and Jonathan Inggit Jacques, their wedding depicted the essential traditions of Iban culture, rooted in unique rituals and distinct heritage

Amanda Sura and Jonathan Inggit pronounced their love in a couple of exciting celebrations that were full of flair and tradition

Although these two lovebirds lived in their own separate worlds before 2014—despite having a tonne of mutual friends and families that were very much wellacquainted with each other—it wasn’t long before their stars crossed and they realised that their love was fated.

Shortly after embarking on their courtship, their love was put to a test when they encountered one of many challenges: longdistance relationship, which went on for about a year and a half as Jonathan was posted in South Korea for work. Time passed and upon returning, he couldn’t wait any longer and asked for Amanda’s hand in marriage.

Jonathan Inggit Jacques and Amanda Sura Nanta Linggi were all about bringing together their fairy tale wedding in a small and intimate setting, with close family and friends. “We basically knew everyone who came by name,” Amanda quips. They had two incredibly beautiful and unique celebrations, including a church blessing and a Kapit traditional ceremony, where the couple got decked up in opulent, beaded finery topped with exotic and majestic headpieces.

The church blessing ceremony was held in Chinahouse at The Old Courthouse, and the stunning bride was walked down the aisle by her father to the tune of Ed Sheeran’s Tenerife Sea, wearing a vintage off-shoulder gown and a veil peppered with Swarovski elements.

Later the couple hosted an evening reception at the Imperial Hotel where guests were treated to a series of exciting performances by a group of Sarawakian dancers. Themed around romance, with the colour palette being blush, grey and light gold, the hall decor was kept to a minimal and had an elegant look. Poems were printed on smaller backdrops with lit up panels along the aisle to mark this moment. Amanda and Jonathan walked down to a live band version of The Chainsmokers & Coldplay’s Something Just Like This, and the harmonious night continued with a jazz band performance alongside a group of cultural dancers.

For the Kapit ceremony, the couple was welcomed by 21 Kelab Gurung Sarawak members alongside talented musicians that sounded the gong throughout the service, typically performed to mask the sounds of omen birds which signify a form of taboo for the newlyweds. Decked up looking like regal warriors, the event was an incredibly exciting cultural experience for all.