Their Love Story
If you are looking for the 'juicy' scoops of Andrew & Sharmaine's love story, you are on the right page. Read on to learn how their relationship blossomed.
Their First Formal Introduction
They had been attending the same church since 2000 and were aware of each other's existence. However, it was only six years later that they were formally introduced for the first time.
As Sharmaine was exploring a possible career move into the social service sector, she was introduced to Andrew as he was working in a charity organisation then.
Hence, their first conversation was merely an exchange of information. No 'scales' fell. Hence, no sparks flew.
But with that first formal introduction, left a lasting impression on one another.
Andrew's impression of her:
"Wow... what a sweet and wonderful sister! Which brother has her as his girlfriend will be greatly blessed."
Sharmaine's impression of him:
"He seems unfriendly, arrogant and bo-chup."
Their First Official "Date"
It was only after two years after the formal introduction that they re-established contact.
That happened from a follow-up call from Sharmaine who was responding to some church-related matters ( or that was what she claimed... *wink*).
Upon that call, they hit it off and started to develop their friendship from then on.
They remembered their first "date" as a dinner initiated by Andrew after a week from that call on the pretext of discussing possible ideas for organising joint events for their church-mates. Ha ha...
The "date" or discussion took place at Redhill market over a meal of duck rice. It was right before their church-wide conference in late January 2008.
Sharmaine's further impression of him:
"He seems more friendly, but still looks hao lian (arrogant)."
Andrew's impression of her:
"She's really pretty and stylish. I like."
Their Answered Prayer
After Andrew and Sharmaine got together, they realised that they were God's answered prayer for their Mr/Ms Right.
Andrew:
One definite answered prayer was having girlfriend who was a counsellor. And I found out later that she really was! =p
Why this was my prayer I leave to you to guess. Haha...
Another was for a compassionate lady, and I found that in Sharmaine =D
Sharmaine:
I was looking for a guy who is prayerful and really loves God and guess what? I found that in Andrew.
I was also looking for a person who can accept me for who I am and is sensitive to my needs and feelings, a person who can really encourage me and cheer me on to my dreams and I found that in Andrew too!
The Proposal
Andrew proposed to Sharmaine on her 29th birthday in 2009. The place of 'ambush' for this memorable event was at the Morton's of Chicago.
Sharmaine was given a surprise gift of a set of jigsaw puzzle which displayed a portrait of them when completed.
Little did she expect that a few pieces of the jigsaw were "missing". And these pieces when fitted would form the BIG question- Will you marry me?
When finally Andrew gave her the "missing" pieces for Sharmaine to complete it, he popped the question and asked for her hand in marriage.
Sharmaine gleefully agreed.
Andrew:
I really wanted my proposal to her to be special just to show how much she meant to me. And that I truly love her.
My proposal was my way of telling her that I was serious about committing to her. And I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.
When she accepted my proposal, I knew I was blessed! =)
Sharmaine:
I was pleasantly surprised when I was brought up to the Equinox to celebrate my birthday as Andrew told me that he was bringing me to Shokudo.
I knew he was up to something when the waitress handed me a bouquet of 99 roses shortly after I was seated at the breath-taking Equinox.
Initially, I thought he was going to propose at the Equinox but he didn't and that kept me guessing throughout the night whether or not he was proposing. And if yes, when would this happen.
I really liked the proposal by Andrew as I felt his sincerity and how he really took the effort in planning and making it special for me.
Though I was moved when he popped the question, but I also had a moment of cold feet when I thought of the seriousness of my decision.
Nonetheless, deep down in my heart, I knew he was the one and I eventually said YES.
This, of course was one of the most significant moments in my life :)
Our Green Wedding
The couple have plans for their upcoming wedding to be as green as possible.
Their wedding venue at The Legends@Fort Canning Club is easily accessible by public transport. Having chosen an outdoor elegant style banquet with the marquee against the usual ballroom concept, they're indirectly cutting down on carbon emissions.
Their intentions were reported on an article- Say 'I Do' to Green Weddings- featured in the Straits Times on 7 December 2009.
Extracted from article:
"The couple will use fans instead of air-conditioners, recycled paper for invitations and a hybrid bridal car. The caterer will also use biodegradable ware and shark's fin soup will not be served."
They believe that these small efforts can make some difference in sustaining our environment.
Btw, you have been warned that it might get abit warm... heh heh =p
