Wedding Goes On – Minus the Bride & Groom

By Patrick Beech

Haziq Abdullah and Siti Faathinah Zolkifli were eagerly awaiting their wedding reception on July 2nd after planning for it, months ahead.

Everything was done – from the guest list to the menu – nothing was left to chance.

However, a few days before the reception, Haziq felt ill and the 26-year-old visual designer took a Covid-19 test. To his horror, he tested positive.

My wife also did an RTK test, which came out negative. However, just to be on the safe side, we did a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. The results came back the next day, showing that both of us were Covid-19 positive,” he said.

Haziq said he and Siti Faathinah were left in a quandary as to how they should proceed with reception plans.

“We were discussing the pros and cons of postponing or pressing ahead with the event. We talked about reorganising the guests’ list, which would be difficult as we had about 180 guests. After much deliberation, we decided that it would be better if the reception went ahead, minus the bride and groom,” he said.

The unusual wedding reception proceeded as planned. Guests turned up in their finery to enjoy their meal and mingled to celebrate the couple’s union.

The couple exchanged pleasantries with some of the guests via video call, thanks to Haziq’s father, who walked around the hall with his mobile phone.

To make up for the disappointment of missing out on the wedding reception, Haziq said he and Siti Faathinah would organise a small celebration with their family and close friends when they recover from the virus.