Singaporebrides | Real Weddings
June 2023
Ellie and Firdaus’s White Ethereal Wedding at The Clifford Pier
After over a decade of knowing each other, Ellie and Firdaus tied the knot in an elegant white wedding at The Clifford Pier.
Ellie, 28, a PhD student at National University of Singapore, and Firdaus, 29, Civil Servant, first met when they were both teenagers. Although they were school mates, they did not hit it off until years later when they found each other again through a mutual friend, and even then, they only met in person after a year of talking due to Ellie’s reserved nature. After a surprise proposal, Ellie and Firdaus decided to tie the knot at The Clifford Pier, a venue that they held dear to their hearts, in an all white wedding with elegant and ethereal vibes, surrounded by their family and friends.
Share with us your story.How did the two of you meet?
Ellie: We first met when we were about 13 years old. However, we weren’t close at all! I would say that we were both acquaintances. I was known as Miss goody two shoes while Firdaus on the other hand was more free-spirited and playful. Firdaus renewed his acquaintance with me through a mutual friend, and I will always remember how he told me that he was glad to have found me again.
We only truly met officially, like face-to-face, a year after we started talking! I held it off for that long as that was only when I started to sincerely felt comfortable with him. I’m not someone who is very much keen to meet ‘new people’ and only have a warm and comfortable (even though, small) circle of friends. I have to admit that I thanked COVID-19 at that time for giving me a legit reason to evade any invitation from him to meet up! But, things just fall into place as it’s meant to be.
Firdaus: We were both young when I first saw her. (sorry I have to include my wife’s favourite song from her favourite singer!). But it’s true! I first met her when we both first entered our teenage years. I had a crush on her then but I was too shy and felt a tad inferior. I decided not to pursue her because after all, we were both still young and she being so invested in school and always completing her homework, being in the top class, made me view her as someone who will achieve greater things.
Fast forward, I reconnected with her through a mutual friend. I was so glad to have found her after seeing a picture of her with this mutual friend of ours. It was then I knew that she never left my heart since back then. I was asking around if she had any suitors. Unfortunately, no one could give me a definite answer as she pretty much kept her love life quite private. So, I was left on my own to find out. I was hesitant to approach her at first, but then I remembered that there was never a time where she rejected me or anything of that sort. It was me who did not take any action since back then after acknowledging my feelings for her. I mustered up the courage and reached out to her, and I must tell you that I’m glad I did.
What drew you to each other?
Firdaus: I would say that Ellie and I are somewhat the total opposite of each other, which makes me drawn to her. For example, Science is not my forte but having Ellie around, she is always so open and tries to simplify explanations to me which is pretty cool. I still am not a fan of Science but she making it lighthearted might eventually change that. She also encourages me to try new things and overcome my fear. I know it might be embarrassing but I used to be afraid and avoid any roller coaster rides, but Ellie enjoys them so much! Although I was afraid, as cheesy as it sounds, I know that I’ll be okay because she’s around. And now, I enjoy it as much as she does (but I do get wobbly knees while queuing and after the ride itself).
She also makes me want to be the best version of myself. I want to be her best place to be around. I want to be her home. I am someone with many flaws but I hope my efforts to assure that will last her whole lifetime. She deserves nothing but the best.
Ellie: To be honest, it does take time for me to be truly comfortable with anyone. As mentioned, I only agreed to meet him only about a year plus after talking to each other. I didn’t know back then that this man would mean so much to me now and until forever, God willing. It’s a cumulative of factors which slowly drew me to him.
Firstly, I was drawn to his patience and sincere intentions. Although it took a while for me to open up and agree to meet him face to face a year later, he consistently showed from the start, his sincere intentions to befriend me, getting to know me and eventually, that lead to fondness. Simple texts such as “Good morning” and “Good night” showed how I am the first, or perhaps one of the first few persons, he greets when he wakes up and before he goes to sleep. He also made it a point to ask me if I have eaten every day and asked if I was home from wherever I was as he knew that I still had a curfew to abide by. Occasionally if I was late, he would, without a doubt, book me a cab to ensure that I get home safely. I guess you can say that these little things make me aware that he is capable and willing to look after me. It made me feel important, and that I matter to him.
Secondly, his companionship. This is one of the things that I look for in a partner, someone who will be with me through thick and thin. I feel that this goes beyond spending quality time but closeness, which results in us sharing thoughts and feelings. I would say that Firdaus does not have much opportunity to meet and actually spend quality time with me but he made me realise that despite that, he was still able to accompany me throughout anything, even if only through a virtual medium. He was there on FaceTime and kept me company until I completed any assignments. So, I would like to thank him for being around and very supportive throughout my Masters candidature. For that, I have faith that he will be with me as I complete the remaining years in my PhD. I truly appreciate him!
What is it about your partner that you love the most?
Ellie: I love how he would break his back for me to make me smile (another Taylor reference to match my husband’s!). And of course, how generous and respectful he is, especially towards the elders – which I hope our future children will learn and pick up. I love how generous he is in sparing his time and even made sacrifices in order to achieve my dreams. He also made my dreams, ours, and put in the work together with me to achieve them, which I love about him very much.
Firdaus: Ellie accepts me for me. She knows my flaws, yet understands me and gets my love-language. Sometimes, I feel that she understands me more than myself. It’s such a blessing to have someone who just gets you and you don’t have to always translate to them how you feel. She kept saying that she isn’t perfect at all, but I hope she knows that she is perfect for me and my flaws. Her friends who already knew her before I did are definitely lucky to have her in their lives.
Ellie has big dreams and I do admit that I am intimidated by those but, I do sincerely love her and what is important to her has become the same for me too. There are some days where I get worried about her as without a doubt, I believe that she will continue to strive and have heavier responsibilities in the future. She is able to accept me for who I am and instead of saying “despite of all that she is”, she makes me want to be that person who will be with her and helping to make it bearable as she takes on more responsibility. She works hard for what she hopes to achieve and that’s what inspires and drives me to be the best and be her partner to achieving our dreams together.
What was the proposal like?
Firdaus: I proposed at her favourite place to unwind. I chose it because I wanted it to be another reason why that place is special to her. About a week prior, I went to meet her parents to seek their blessings as this is very important to her. The ‘merisik’ tradition was still followed by us and it was an opportunity for me to seek her parents’ blessings and for our families to discuss the rough details of the wedding that I am ready to commit to. I was really grateful to obtain their blessings and only then did I proceed to plan a little surprise for Ellie – the proposal. She loves surprises.
I got on one knee and she said “Yes!”. Her answer coupled with seeing her happy and smiling was the best thing that ever happened to me. Having her parents’ blessings made the entire event complete. We both knew that the date for our wedding would be the same as the proposal so 5 March would always have a special meaning in our hearts. That also meant we had a year to prepare for the wedding.
Tell us about your wedding. What was your wedding theme?
Ellie: We had our wedding at The Clifford Pier, which has stunning views of the bay. However, the primary reason why we chose that place was because it was where Firdaus first celebrated my birthday with my family. I recalled being so happy and at home. Naturally, we associated The Fullerton Bay Hotel with many blissful memories and there was no hesitation in choosing that hotel again for our special day. The venue was also indoors, so it’s comfortable for our guests and it puts our heart at ease so as not to worry about Singapore’s unpredictable weather.
Firdaus: The iconic Clifford Pier has been around for about 90 years, so my wife and I hope it will continue to be, for us to show our grandchildren, God willing. We hope to be granted health so we can spend our evening walks there and relieve the memory of our wedding during our retirement days.
Ellie: Initially, I wanted pink or anything colourful for the wedding! However, Firdaus preferred a white wedding, so we settled for that as it also matched the architecture of The Clifford Pier, and had the classy and ethereal vibe that we both gravitate towards. Our florist, Mirage Flowers, used white fresh florals for the decor and it completed the heavenly soirée vibes we were hoping to achieve.
Take us back to your wedding day. What was the day like and how were you feeling?
Ellie: I remember that morning, a couple of hours before our solemnisation, it started to rain. We Muslims believe that rain is a blessing from the Almighty. So, my heart was at ease that day, knowing (and hoping) that He will bless our union. We also believe that any prayers or supplication made during the time of rain will not be rejected. Hence, I made a lot of prayers for our wedding to go smoothly and that our marriage will last and be blessed by Allah, forevermore.
Firdaus: I was a nervous wreck yet very happy that the day when I get to be Ellie’s husband finally arrived. I’m thankful for Ellie’s brother-in-law, who helped me get ready and also kept me calm throughout the hours leading to the solemnisation. I remember seeing Ellie walking down the aisle with her dad and I couldn’t help but tear up as I was really happy and touched to see her. All praises to him as I was able to utter my vows once and accepted my marriage with Ellie. I was overwhelmed with happiness when the solemniser announced ‘sah’. For my whole life, this was the first time I shed tears of joy and it was because of a very special woman, my wife. That was the start of our five-ever! (forever and beyond)
What did your family/friends have to say about your wedding day?
Both: We all heard good feedback for the staff of The Fullerton Bay Hotel (waiters and waitresses) who were there for our ceremony. They took great care of our guests and made them feel welcome to our big day. It was also a great setting for old friends to finally meet under one roof and catch up! As much as our wedding day was about us, hearing comments like “heartwarming” & “magical” makes both of our hearts flutter as we’re glad that we manage to make our guests feel touched and important as well.
Share with us the most memorable moment of your wedding?
Ellie: The most memorable segment for me was reading my mum’s letter. She told me she wrote it after she gave her blessings to Firdaus for seeking my hand in marriage. Growing up, my mummy is known for her ‘tiger mum’ traits. Although my dad is strict as well, I was more of a daddy’s princess than my mum’s as she was that strict! She hardly showed her soft side and was more straight-laced to me as being the eldest, there was more pressure on me to set a good example to my younger sibling. So, when I read her touching letter, I couldn’t help but to tear up.
Firdaus: For me, it was when I serenaded my wife during our final march in. I admit that I don’t have the most melodious voice, however, I was really grateful to see our guests standing up, showing me supportive gestures. Most were also sporting enough to stand up and blow bubbles along the aisle, as my wife’s entered. It was nearing the end of the event yet they were able to show this positive energy which I am forever grateful for. I am so glad to have all these people who showered us with their sincere love be present for our special day.
What is one lesson you’ve learned from your wedding planning that you’d like to share with other couples?
Both: Do what’s important to you both as a couple and make sure that your guests are well taken care of. Everyone has their own ideal itinerary or arrangements for weddings. Talk to your partner and decide on what works best for both of you. Try to include “aww” moments because it’s not everyday where you get to be cheesy, basking in all the love that is around you that leaves you going home with a warm fuzzy feeling!
Ellie actually wrote letters to her friends and left it on their seat for them to read to show her appreciation for their presence as she wanted them to know how important they are to her. As much as this day is about both of you, try not to neglect the guests that you invited as they are important enough to be invited by you both. Enjoy and soak in the moment, as it is the start to both of your forevermore.
The Venue: The Clifford Pier at The Fullerton Bay Hotel
Size of Wedding: Approximately 190 persons
The Bride’s Shoes: Miu Miu
The Groom’s Suit: Mills by TGC
The Groom’s Shoes: Pedro
The Wedding Bands: Cartier
The Wedding Photographer and Videographer: Nafimages
The Hair and Makeup Artist: Canvas of Glory
The Wedding Cake: Athereal Bakery
The Florist: Artcammy (bride’s bouquet, boutonnière and bridal car) and Mirage Flowers (aisle and centrepiece decor)
The Wedding Invitations and Stationery: Papypress
The Caterer: Anis and Din Catering
The Wedding Favours: The Fullerton Bay Hotel
The Henna Artist: The Henna Story (bride’s henna stains)
The Wedding Car: Own
Other Vendors: Isaychantek (for wedding trays, sireh junjung and sireh dara)
The Solemniser: Ustaz Nuzhan Halim
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