The preparation for our wedding day was like a stiff wind - it was strong enough to make our head spin but gentle enough to make us enjoy it.
Kevin and I had to find all the rules and regulations about the marriage ceremony so that it's recognizable in the US laws and also satisfies the Islamic religious ones. After numerous phone calls and internet searches, we managed to acquire our marriage license from the Stanislaus County Clerk. As for the Islamic side, we contacted an Imam in Stockton, as that's where the nearest Malaysian family lives (as we had hope to have at least some Malaysians to the ceremony). The Imam was very helpful and friendly so we quickly chose him to perform the ceremony. I then contacted all the Malaysians that I could get from my Sac State days to be witnesses to the wedding and also to be our guests, and asked K. Ros, who comprised the only Malaysian family in Stockton, if she could be our home base while we get married in the Islamic Centre of Stockton. K. Ros, being the mother figure for the Central Valley Malaysians, welcomed us with open arms.
Halim and Fadhil, who lived in Sacramento (an hour's plus away), had agreed to become our witnesses. Halim also become the chief guide for Kevin (from how to tie the samping to finding their way within the mosque). Kevin in the meantime, twisted his tongue on practising the Syahadah (the verse for conversion) and also reading up on the important facts of Islam.
Soon enough the big day arrived ..............
(By the way, you will see me writing K. and Abg. in front of some names. K. is an abbreviation for Kak which means Big Sister in the malay language, and Abg. is an abbreviation for Abang which means Big Brother. Malays usually address someone older than them as a sign of respect to the elders.) |
