Fairy Tale Endings

I'm sure every one (or every girl) has dreamed for their life to be a fairy tale. Some feel like Snow White, some feel like Belle, some feel like Aurora (that's unfortunate). Nevertheless, we've all dreamed of achieving the same goal as these ladies - and that's to have that fairy tale ending of riding off into the sunset together with Prince Charming and having that majestic wedding.

On the 3rd of November 2012, one of my beloved sisters in Christ, Samatha Guo, finally achieved that fairy tale ending. This Cinderella has finally ended her chapter of being a bachelorette and got married to her Prince, Daniel Lim. Now, she steps into the chapter of the fairy tales that Disney doesn't show you, but I guess that's the beauty of it because then it'll be the adventure that both will go through together.

the adorable invitation card

So, I've always loved weddings because it just shows so much hope that people do still believe in love and wanting to show everyone their commitment to each other for as long as they live. Cliche as it may seem, I still think it's the best moments ever in someone's life. And also because we girls always wanna know what the bride wears and how we can compete with the weddings. Hahaha! I keeeeed!

The chapel was beautiful and it had that traditional feel with the high ceilings, stained window glass and white walls. The flower arrangements were simple yet sweet (just like the bride) and everyone came with bright outfits to help bring life to the ceremony.

As I sat there, I thought to myself, "How wonderful does it feel to finally find that person you want to spend the rest of your life with" and I felt so happy for Sam because although it might seem trivial, it is hard to find someone perfect for you and yet she was able to find that person in Daniel. Someone who would be willing to stand by your side through troubles and victories, to guide you in your darkest times, to share your dreams and aspirations with you, someone to show you that life is beautiful even through all the wars and sufferings.

Being able to know someone who has always been cheerful and sees all the rainbows in every dark storm and now knowing that she has someone who will help her see the heaven on earth, just makes you feel so touched and  warm on the inside (;

photo credits from Samantha

Finally, the time has come for the ceremony to commence.

The reverend is present, the bridesmaids are ready, the Prince awaits his Princess and the best man stands by in case he makes a break for it (HAHA! I'm just playin' withcya!) the emcees usher the guests to rise to receive the bride as she walks down the aisle.

the beautiful maid-of-honor, Koh Shinuan

the bride, Samantha Guo, escorted by her loving father

her father, handing over his daughter to the groom

the hand-off has been made

As the hand-off was done, the ceremony begins, with praising & worshiping God to remind us that the love we feel for someone else is blessed by the love of God. Word was shared by the reverend to speak to us of the love of God and to tell us how we should love one another as God has loved us, and that is only possible if we put God as the center of our relationship. Seeing the both of them as the word was shared, I know for sure their love will overflow like the grace of God because He will surely bless them. The reverend was quite cute with the way he ended the sermon, reading along the lines of "we are the children of Abraham, so go forth and multiply" (multiple hints to the couple)

After word was the service of uniting these two bodies as one in holy matrimony.

vows being exchanged

Daniel feeling emotional for clinching the best prize in the world, Sam as his wife

a loving father, touched by the words of his daughter & new son

the look of eternal love in their eyes

In all honestly, when Daniel & Samantha got emotional during their vows, I couldn't control the waterworks either. Neither could most of the congregation either. I guess it just shows how a couple's love can move so many people and allow people to feel the love they have for each other.

Even through all the tears, these two can still joke halfway through their vows... which I think is adorable because it just shows their character of being jovial and lively, seeing the beauty in every tear.

sealed with a kiss

signed, sealed, delivered... I'm yours

At this point, I couldn't help but feel sad because both their fathers co-signed the ROM papers & in my little head of mine, I thought "No one's gonna sign that for me now" - what a great way to dampen the mood huh? But one can't help but feel these emotions, and it had to come in one go at a wedding.

Introducing: Mr & Mrs Daniel Lim

Once they were announced man and wife and they proudly strutted their swag down the aisle together, it was time for them to give they appreciation speech.

It was beautiful and adorable and Daniel was pouring his heart and soul... and tears. Shinuan had to occasionally duck in with tissues to the point Sam just took the whole box for him. I could feel his love for his family and how much he appreciated everyone who was there for him during the years of his growth into a man and a man of God. Even at parts which I didn't understand the dialect, I still felt his deep gratitude and love.

For Sam, she tried to be professional, prepared a speech and all because she said she'll cry us a river if she went freestyle like Dan. But before she could start her first line she started to hold back tears as she thanked her father. Eventually, she kind of ditched the speech and used it to make sure she didn't leave anyone out.

joy and love through tears and laughter

And with that, the ceremony ended. But it doesn't mean the end for these two. If they started a vlog channel on YouTube on their married life, I'm sure it'll be absolutely hilarious.

I know for sure they'll continue their adventure in their fairy tale, and Sam... I hope you get to have your honeymoon in Disneyland.

However, as we now know... Disneyland isn't the only place where dreams come true.

I love you both.

Daniel, Samatha, & Pocket

A Fairy Tale indeed