The nikah day~
Ever since 2022, we made it a point to meet at least once a year.
If we were lucky, twice. And that rhythm carried us all the way to the end of 2024, when Mimi confided in me something big. She was planning to get married. But she wasn’t sure how to tell her parents. She needed my advice.
I’ve known Mimi’s parents since high school.
Aunty Liza has always been the coolest mom, free-spirited, a total social butterfly with a radiant warmth. She carries this energy that makes you feel instantly welcome. She’s fun, approachable, and above all, her heart is just... good. Kind. Big.
Uncle Rosley, on the other hand, is quieter. More reserved. He has a serious air, especially next to Aunty Liza, but beneath that calm exterior is a father who would do absolutely anything for his daughter. He might not say much, but his care is unwavering.
So I told Mimi, “You’ve got nothing to worry about. They’ll understand.”
But she hesitated, not because she doubted their love, but because she’s the youngest, and would be the first among her siblings to marry. It felt like a leap, even for her brave heart.
One of the first things I remember telling her was this:
Marriage isn’t just about you and Jijui. It’s about two families, joining as one. Two sets of people, with different values and upbringings, learning to coexist and grow together. It’s not always easy, but it’s beautiful when it works.
At the time, I was four years into marriage, and Allah had blessed me with such loving, supportive in-laws, I wouldn’t trade that for the world. And as her best friend, that’s the kind of joy I desperately want her to experience. The kind that goes beyond the wedding day. The kind that feels like home.
Eventually, planning began. Mimi once told me she wanted to get married on 10 January 2025. A few weeks later, I shared with her that I was pregnant with my second baby, and due on 1 January 2025. It broke my heart to tell her I might not make it to the wedding. But then, she changed her wedding date to 10 May. And got engaged on 10 February. I would like to believe she rescheduled everything just for me, and I refuse to believe otherwise. Hahaha.
I was the first to know what kind of wedding she wanted. The venue, the vibe, everything.
December 2024.
Mimi and Pan (my husband) are alike in one way: neither of them loves reading. My best friend and my husband, why?! Opposites attract, I guess. Thank God Iryss was there, and she had the best time. At least someone shared my joy.
10 February.
It was intimate. So Mimi. She picked up her engagement ring just the night before. And to my surprise, Aunty Liza made all the dais decorations by hand. They used what they already had at home, plus touches of daun keladi (elephant ear plant) and orchids everywhere. So simple, yet so breathtaking.
The food? Top tier. That laksam was unforgettable. And Mimi’s makeup? Flawless. It lasted all night! Of course, we stayed till late, because it’s Mimi’s house. Her home has always been a second home to her friends. Even Iryss made new friends with Mimi’s cousins’ kids!
Now, in just three months, Mimi will be a wife. She chose her bridal entourage, and we, her Guya girls, threw her the most adorable, intimate, cutesy bachelorette party. I may not be the most creative, but I love planning, and the girls made my Pinterest boards come alive. Mimi? Of course she cried. Of course.
She doesn’t love packing. Planning ahead isn’t her favorite either. But Mimi always knows what she wants. And while she might leave some things to the last minute, she rolls with it with grace. That’s her gift.
She wanted an intimate nikah, and that’s exactly what she got, on the lawn of her home in Kota Damansara, surrounded by loved ones all dressed in white.
10 May.
I had all these things I wanted to say in the moment, but I’ve learned now - write it down. Because when you don’t, the rawness fades.
Before the event began, it poured. The ceremony was meant to be outdoors. No tent. No shelter. I was worried, and all I could do was pray that Allah would let the rain stop. And by the time I arrived... it did. Almost.
We had very little time to get everything ready.
I was mostly assigned as the liaison officer/seat arranger for the reception, but I also helped with the setup. Mimi entrusted me with the final dais look, which made me nervous. The flowers smelled divine even from afar, all fresh. It was asymmetrical, and I had my doubts, but the florist said it matched the design Mimi approved. I didn’t question it further. It was beautiful, even if not symmetrical.
Everyone pitched in. Uncle Rosley, her brother, her aunties and uncles. We wiped chairs, laid tablecloths, set candles and flower vases. All the dulang girls played our parts. Upstairs, once all done downstaris, we tried keeping Mimi calm, helping with her dulang trays, fixing details, hyping her up.
I even got to meet Dato’ Khadijah Ibrahim, whom we called ibu. Such a sweetheart.
When it was time, we all got into position, guided via walkie-talkie by the real MVP of the whole event, Kak Shasha aka Mimi’s sister. I didn’t have my phone much, so I didn’t vlog. But this post, this is my record.
I was the ring bearer, one of the dulang girls. Naturally, the ring should come first... and it should be the smallest (read: shortest) aka me. Hahaha!
The akad was intimate. Uncle Rosley as wali, marrying off his daughter. Jijui was so nervous, it was honestly adorable. And when the words “sah” were spoken, fireworks lit the sky. It took me back to my own nikah day. But this time, all of Mimi’s best friends were there. I cried. We all did. She’s now a wife.
When the formality settled and everyone started mingling, Ummu, our best friend, sang “Bukan Cinta Biasa.” Her voice. The lyrics. Mimi hugging her mid-song. We were in tears. Magic was in the air.
It felt like we were teens again. Back in 2008-2012. The years when we first grew into ourselves, through heartbreaks, losses, dreams. We’ve seen each other in every version of ourselves. And even though we don’t talk every day, when Mimi hurts and needs to talk, I’m there.
To see her this happy, it means the world to me. The whole event, while meant to celebrate Mimi and Jijui, ended up becoming a full-circle moment for all of us. It was healing. It was joy.
We took Polaroids, laughed, ate till late, but not too late. I’m a mom of two now, remember?
But as much as I felt joy, I also felt regret.
Regret for not being more expressive that night. For not telling her, really telling her, how happy I was for her. For not taking more photos together. For not helping her enough with those flying lanterns she had planned so carefully. For not doing more, even if I know she didn’t expect me to.
So Mimi, if you’re reading this:
I am so, so happy for you.
We’ve been through so much together. We’ve dreamed big dreams. And even though we’re on different timelines, different paths, the moments where our lives intersect? Those are among the best things that have ever happened to me. To have you as my best friend is a gift from Allah, and I love our friendship so, so deeply.
Welcome aboard the wild, beautiful boat of marriage. It can be scary, but with the right partner, it’s the most amazing journey. And Jijui is so lucky to have you. Just as you are, I’m sure, to have him.
Now… Iryss, Nawwafh, and the rest of the Guya babies can’t wait to meet Mimi and Jijui’s Jr. 💛
Should I write part 3? The Reception?
You already know I will.
