063: Our Wedding Video

Being video enthusiasts ourselves, Akmal and I were very particular when it came to entrusting someone to edit our wedding video. After being quite disheartened at the quality and style of wedding videos in the market, we were so thankful that Umar was available.

He was not fazed by our lengthy brief, with his team delivering above and beyond our expectations. We wanted our guests to be the highlight, with the speeches being one of the most important elements of the video. Our style is laid back and unfiltered, so definitely no scripted monologues. Most important of all, we wanted the emotions of the days to be captured - my dad's laughter, my mom's tears, Akmal's nerves and joy from our beloved guests. Which they indeed successfully portrayed. Hats off to them for all their hard work - we are very happy customers!

By the talented Umar Mita:

Ours. from Akmal Khadir on Vimeo.

062: What Happened in August (Part 2)

2. When I grow up, I wanted to study in a prestigious university in London.

Graduation!

Right after the wedding, my family and I dashed to London in time for me to wear the traditional black robe with its matching hat! It was really humbling having my whole family attend my first graduation. If Embahyah was still here, I bet he would have proudly taken the first flight to London too. 

For everything that my parents have done to make my wedding what it was, my scroll (not that I was given one!) is dedicated to all their hard work throughout the years - from teaching me ABCs, to helping me with my science homework, supporting me through failure in college to pushing my academic abilities in university. They were there with endless support and encouragement. And as Asian parents are, their expectations of nothing short of the best results in class or school taught me to aim high and work hard. For nothing opens up more doors than education. 

Mi familia in front of the red medical school.

Never thought I would graduate as a married woman, but it was him

who gave me the courage to pursue philosophy in the first place. It was

a blessing to be able to celebrate this achievement together.

And for all the years of hard work, this small recognition tastes so sweet. Alhamdulillah.

This entirely is dedicated to mama and papa, for without them and their prayers,

nothing remotely close would be possible.

A short note about my late Embahyah here. When he was studying history in university, his wish was to achieve 1st class honours. However, although he worked so hard, he fell short of a few points and was awarded a 2:1. His dream continued, as he expected one of his children or grandchildren to achieve better than he did whilst at university. When I told my Embahmak that I was awarded first class, she hugged me so tight with happiness. 

She said, "Embahyah would have been so proud of you. First in the family." 

This brought tears to my eyes - because I could imagine how elated he would have been, because no one treasured academic excellence more than my Embahyah. I pray that Allah protects him. And inshaAllah, if I meet Embahyah in heaven again, I would like to tell him of this achievement just so I could witness his reaction. To see that happy face, filled with light and joy. Oh, how I miss him.