The day I became a Jie Mei

It has been exactly a week when I became a Jie Mei at Ann’s wedding. But here’s my recount of that wonderful fateful day, 15th November 2008.

During Ann’s birthday celebration at Scarlett’s Desire in August, she had mentioned her intention for us to be her Sisters, or Jie Mei, at her wedding. So excited I was that I bought a new pair of heels - to match my green dress, just for the occassion.

I reached my parent’s or rather sister’s place in Yishun late on Friday night. I started preparing some stuff needed for the sabo session. Too bad, what I had prepared didn’t get to be used as the Xiong Dis arrived late. I had 3 lemons freshly squeezed and made into popsicles. In each popsicle is a key that is supposed to open the gate to Ann’s home. But we didn’t have time to get either the Xiong Di or the Groom to eat the lemon popsicle.

Saturday morning started as early as 4.30 in the morning. At the same time, I kept SMSing Stef who lives in Jurong East to make sure she had woken up and was getting ready. She would then fetch me in the cab she was in to arrive at Ann’s place. We arrived shortly after 6, then Stef and I quickly got to work on pasting some sweets onto the ceiling near to Ann’s front door for one of the sabo games.

Soon after, the rest of the Jie Meis, May & Mable arrived.

Ann the Bride with her Jie Meis. Clockwise: Mable, Stef, me, May

When James the Groom and his Brothers (Xiong Di) finally arrived at 7.30am (which was ridiculous as they had to leave the Groom’s place in Toa Payoh at 6.30am and Yishun is just some 20mins drive away!), the sabo begun. James was a good sport when he picked out a card that read: From the ground level, shout WO AI NI NG BEE HWA, AKU CINTA KAMU NG BEE HWA, I LOVE YOU NG BEE HWA for the Bride to hear at level 9. He did it loud and clear. We managed to get one of the Xiong Dis, Patrick (who ratted on his own Xiong Dis that they actually made a stop over at Ang Mo Kio McD’s drive-thru), to grab a sarong and while in the sarong, took his pants off and showed us his pants. Another Xiong Di who picked a card, I guess it was Ben, who had to be hoisted up by the other Xiong Dis to pick 9 sweets off the ceiling outside Ann’s front door with only his mouth. When James was finally let in the house, he had one last task to be done.

From inside the room, May who was with Ann, slipped out another card insisting James to find a singing partner and sing In Love With You (originally by Jacky Cheung and Regine). James grabbed Ben and boy, did the Groom sung well for his Bride to hear. It was then, the Bride gave the green light to let the Groom in.

The entourage then went on to Toa Payoh where the Bride & Groom prayed to their Gods and ancestors as well as had the Tea Ceremony for the Groom’s family. I couldn’t get a clear picture of the Tea Ceremony, sadly.

Bride & Groom praying

Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony

After the Tea Ceremony was over, we then set off to the newly wed’s new home in Bishan. Although they said that the house is not 100% done, it was already nice and homely.

Home to the newly weds

After a change of outfit – the Bride changed into a beautiful red Cheongsam (which I have no photo of in my camera! though she changed into the same Cheongsam later in the night as the last outfit), we left Bishan and went back to Yishun for the Tea Ceremony with the Bride’s family.

At this point, I was too worn out by my cramps that I couldn’t take any more photos. Before heading out to Raffles Town Club for a rest before the Dinner reception, I made a quick pit-stop (thanks Patrick!) back home to get my stuff and changed into something more comfortable.

I had a good rest (after having taken 6 painkillers, yea!!) in the room provided by the Bride & Groom. By 7pm, I got myself ready and was entasked to be the “roving reporter” to interview folks who were invited by the newly weds. I thought it was an easy job, but typical Singaporeans would shun away from any video cameras at all cost – they cannot even say “Congratulations James & wife!” or something simpler. I was irritated but I tried my best. The ones who seem to come forward are relatives and extroverts (which are sadly, few!).

The Jie Meis for the night. Standing: May & Zee. Seated from left: Mabel, Stef (Soo Chin) & Christine.

When the Bride & Groom first took their steps down to the reception area, everyone was mesmerized by how beautifully different Ann looked in her wedding gown. Simply enchanting.

Bride & Groom coming down to the reception area

With my significant Wan

I felt that the wedding was according to schedule and it was pap-pap-no-fuss-rushing-past through the night. I even thought that this was the first Chinese wedding that the 1st course was served on time. Perhaps it is because I was part of the entourage I felt that there was no delay. Oh and I love Raffles Town Club’s Halal food spread. We were served per course, just like how the Chinese menu was. They were good at trying to keep the similarity constant. We were so delightful when our expected chicken-soto-soup turned out to be shark-fin-soto! Here’s a look at our 1st course of the night.

1st course - 2 sticks of satay, 2 popiahs and a cute gado-gado portion

During our 2nd course of the night, the newly weds went for a change. The only regret I have is that when Ann was in this very elegant blue dress, we didn’t get to take a photo with her! The blue dress is so wow!

The couple had a 2nd change for the night

At this point, James presented a surprise and he said a few words which were a mix of English and Mandarin. I didn’t know he was such a romantic. I understood what he said although my grasp of Mandarin is not strong. At one point he looked at Ann’s parents and said something like he would take good care of their daughter. It was such a moving moment I couldn’t help but to tear. The Bride of course did too. Awwww..

The night didn’t seem want to end. The couple went for a last change before thanking each and every one of their guests.

I felt the excitement and joy throughout the night. This honoured feeling that as a Malay, I get to experience first hand of a Jie Mei duties for the big day of a close girlfriend. I’ve been to many Chinese weddings, but I never understood the customs and auspicious whole-day event. I have definitely gained a better insight and it will be a story I’ll repeat to my children and grandchildren, insyaAllah. Thank you, Ann for giving me this memorable opportunity.

The Bride, in her red Cheongsam, and the Groom thanking their guests

My taitai ladies

"HUAT AHH!!" - The Bride & Groom with the Xiong Dis & Jie Meis

>> A whole lot of photos here and here <<