Our Story

How We Met

Gary and Chrstine were both introduced by Gary's cousin on the fateful night of Friday, 11th May 2001... at least, that was what Gary recalled. We talked and laughed... and phone numbers were exchanged.

However, after about 2 months, Christine had to return to the States to continue her studies. There were rare e-mails when we updated each other about our life at that point in time. But, that was about it... except of the tragedy of September 11, 2001 at which Christine was in Chicago and she wrote a lengthy e-mail to family and friends on the updates of the catastrophe. And, to her surprise, Gary replied and started calling her, "the CNN broadcaster".

Christine returned to Malaysia again during her winter holidays and they met up once in a while. Their friendship continued to grow and then, she went back to the States again.

It was only when Christine returned to Malaysia permanently that they made the connection that helped them embarked on the wonderful journey of love.

Groom's Proposal Story

One fine day, I had to send a business partner to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). On the way back from the airport, I stopped by at Cyberview Lodge Resort and made the booking for 1st January 2006. Christine and I have visited the place and we both fell in love with it. So, I wanted this to be a surprise for her.

Then, on 9th May 2005, I brought Christine to choose her engagement ring. Knowing that she's a lady with her own mind, I'd rather she choose the ring rather than me choosing the ring which she might not like. And she chose this beautiful distinctive engagement ring which features a round brilliant cut diamond masterfully set in a trellis setting.

I collected the ring without her knowledge.... And I planned to propose to her on 11th May 2005 since it will be 4 years that we have known each other. So, I asked her to dress up as my princess and I went to buy her a bouquet of roses.

When I went to pick her up at her house, she was beautifully dressed. And I drove to our destination. She was asking me all these questions about where we are going and why and what... and I kept teasing her with weird answers.

When we approached KL Tower, she was surprised and her smile melted my heart. After we were seated at the Seri Angkasa Restaurant, I told her that I left my wallet in the car. I actually went to get the ring and flowers. I left the flowers with the restaurant personnel and kept the ring in my pocket. The ring box was jabbing me the whole night long.

It was when I finally proposed to her after dinner that I was freed of the jabbing ring box and a beautiful smile alighted her face. When she said, "yes", we just wanted the moment to last forever....

In the car, I gave her another surprise, the booking receipt for Cyberview Lodge Resort on 1st January 2006. From her expression, I knew that I made her a truly happy person.

Thereafter, I sent her home and went partying with my friends.... The day was really a reason to celebrate!

Bride's Proposal Story

I was at work... and down with the flu. And Gary asked me, where do I want to have dinner. Since I wasn't feeling too well, I answered, "Let's have Teochew porridge for dinner". Gary was taken aback.... "Today is a special day," he exclaimed. I was puzzled. I had no idea what this day meant for the both of us. And I made a wild guess, "The day we first met each other?". Gary said, "Bingo!"

When I got back from work, I quickly showered and dolled up myself. Gary soon arrived.... While he was driving, I asked him where is he bringing me. And he asked in return, "Where do you want to go? The best or second best?". Naturally, I answered, "The best!"

To my surprise, Gary made his way up to the KL Tower. When we arrived at the Seri Angkasa Restaurant atop the KL Tower, Gary told me that he left his wallet in the car. My instinct then told me that he probably went to get a bouquet of flowers or the engagement ring from the car. But, he returned empty-handed. Then, I thought to myself, "I could've been wrong. I might have to wait another gazillion years before he actually propose. Oh well, might as well enjoy the dinner."

Dinner ensued uneventfully. And I was feeling very tired because of my flu. I asked Gary whether we could leave. But Gary told me that he wants to enjoy the view. So, we had coffee and tea.... After a while, Gary asked me, "What song do you want to listen to?" And I replied, "Wonderful Tonight". I felt that the song fitted that very moment. So, he went to request for the song... and he came back with a dozen of roses!

Then, he put his hand into his pocket and brought out the ring. He asked, "Would you marry me?" And I said, "Yes!"

After the proposal, Gary asked me, "Do you want the good news first or the bad news?" I answered, "Bad news first." And he told me that 1st January 2006 is not available for a reception anymore at Cyberview Lodge Resort. I was so disappointed and Gary refused to tell me the good news thereafter.

When we got into the car, he gave me an envelope. I just glanced at it and put it aside because it is the same envelope in which the receipt for the engagement was placed when we first went to choose the ring. Gary then said, "Open it and read carefully!". When I read the piece of paper in the envelope, I saw a receipt for a down payment for the booking of Cyberview Lodge Resort on 1st January 2006! He booked it like a week ago and kept it as a surprise. So, the 1st January 2006 at Cyberview Lodge Resort was booked by Gary.

What a great surprise!