I am very certain it was in 2008 when it all began. I will not forget how one afternoon while I was on holiday in US, a chat window just popped on my screen. It was Ribka, all the way from London where she was completing her degree. Of course, more than 80% of our conversation was about Mario. Then, when I briefly visited Jakarta on the same year, I remember how Mario joined me in the balcony of their house and talked to me almost the entire night and, just the same, more than 80% of our conversation was about Ribka. Back then, it seemed like I was just flicking through pages of a Sweet Valley High book.

Who would have thought those two people who only had huge crush on each other would end up in the altar?

Maybe none, but a lot of us hoped.

We are really happy that we were there to witness them promise forever to each other. As some of you may know, we are expecting our second child and when we travelled to Jakarta for their wedding, I was on my 26th week (but looked like I was on my 34th). I even had complications round about my 16th week and we were not sure whether I would be allowed to travel. But God must have known how much we wanted to be there, how much Meeko wanted to see his youngest brother marry the love of his life, for me to watch this girl I have always considered a baby sister, walk up the aisle and marry the man of her dreams and of course, to watch Lucia, our daughter grace the celebration as a flower girl. Oh, she made a charming and adorable flower girl. She really did.

We were not their official photographers. They would not let us do the job because they want us to just enjoy the day because we are family. I made a promise to Ribka though that I would take photos of her getting ready (although I may have made that promise well before I did the pregnancy test). She told me not to worry but I insisted, so I asked to be driven to her hotel that morning.  And Meeko did the rest because after the ceremony, my body started to remind me that I was pregnant. We did not want to get in the way of their four official photographers so here are a few of what we made.

By chance.

For love.

Just how stunning is this bride? And that lace on that dress? And that light?

There was just no way anyone could hold their tears during this part of the ceremony when the couple descended from the altar to receive blessings from and give thanks to their parents and grandparents. Everyone in that church were in tears. I welled up and so did Meeko. Luckily we still managed to press the shutter with tissues in our hands.

To our dear Mario and Ribka, your wedding was the highlight of our trip. You have no idea how happy we feel that we have been part of it. When Meeko did not make it to Martin’s wedding, I felt my heart crush. I wanted him, at least, to be there but because Lucia was born the day before, there was just no way. I said to myself though, that when Mario gets married, he has to be there. God has been really good because He made it happen and He made you two happen.

Just like any story, there’s always an element of conflict. I believe those conflicts make a story a bestseller. Yours is. We have seen how you went through those with your hands held and your faith to each other steadfast and we are so proud of you, of how you got through triumphantly. We left Jakarta with great happiness because our dream for you both has come true. Always remember that we are always here for you, your older brother and sister. We are just a whatsapp away and that every night you are in our prayers.

Stay in love and stay strong and we will see you again soon.

With much , much, much love, Redge (and the rest of the team, Meeko, Lucia and ‘peanut’)