Racing Hearts

by Eunice Chan


There goes my heart beating
'Cause you are the reason
I'm losing my sleep
Please come back now

There goes my mind racing
And you are the reason
That I'm still breathing
I'm hopeless now

I'd climb every mountain
And swim every ocean
Just to be with you
And fix what I've broken
Oh, 'cause I need you to see
That you are the reason

- You Are The Reason, Calum Scott


As Bradley and Jojin’s gleeful laughter echoed the hallways that morning, we couldn’t help but to notice how truly in love that young couple are; the gaze, the momentum, the sense of security, the radiating joy and everything else in between. They were just savouring each moment of how the day unfolded and honouring the presence of each other in this journey. These two young highschool sweethearts definitely got us to a time of reflection about being hitched at such an early age and the benefit of doubt to all of our unspoken reservations.

It has become somewhat an article of faith in today’s contemporary culture that one should put off marriage or rather not waste time daydreaming about it, to focus on career and education first and we don’t deny admission of guilt to being part of that pool of culture.The perception across many cultures and nations undeniably reflects that young adults these days are looking at marriage as a ‘capstone’ rather than ‘a cornerstone’; where that is something that they do only after they have all their other ducks in a row and even so, a daunting foundation into adulthood and parenthood.

But then again, shouldn’t everyone be entitled to their respective pace and chapters in life? Where in all these and who do we claim to be responsible to set these stones and unwritten regulations on the right age to be married, to do this or that?

To be really honest with ourselves, loyalty and commitment are two rare commidities that most of us struggle to deal with at turbulent times in our lives and these badgering and deceitful, jugdemental comments really gets us to our knees about the yardsticks in life; where your nextdoor neighbour, or schoolmate in your chatgroup, and the ever-questioning bunch of relatives comes to you with a platter of statements: “You’re getting married too soon! You are rushing into this and missing out so much in life! You don’t even know yourself well enough and how would you know he’s the right one for you? Your career is more important to build than throwing it all away at this junction! There is so many more fish in the ocean than that person you chose…”

An endless list that goes on and to make matters worse, we are Asians. Living in that melting pot of superstitions, unreasonable expectations, succumbing to judgements and wants from family and peers and a whole lot of other nonsensical checkboxes.

Focusing our attention to Bradley and Jojin consciously throughout our journey with them, we definitely picked up more than a thing or two about life decisions; they embodied a gentle reminder that the fundamentals of a lasting relationship and marriage really only boils down to love, respect, tolerance and mutual understanding. You really do not need to be older to really know what true love is, or to have everything figured out in life, because there really is not mark of age to tell you that and it will always be an on-going process for us all.

Yes, marriage is challenging. Getting married has a million and one considerations, taking the plunge having it done earlier, might risk more challenges; but who says that having it done a few years later would make all these worries go obsolete? It is truly a perception that should be altered because at the end of the day, being able to grow gracefully and mature is a gift in itself, and growing through the many facets in life with someone else by your side to offer support could be more life-giving and serves a bigger purpose and joy in life.

Donning on her hot red laced bodice Cheongsam with Bradley clutching the bouquet of beautiful scarlet blooms in much euphoria and the plethora of gorgeous detailing to the hot-stamped invitations and other bedazzling décor off every corner, this union their young souls chose was made with love and designed with an amalgation of quiet understanding, mutual confidence, deep trust and a strong loyalty through the good times and the bad.

As the fleet of dashing Porches lined the frontway as part of the wedding entourage, indeed they reflected Bradley and Jojin's true expression of value and love for each another; of racing hearts and an everglowing love.



Wedding Planning & Coordination : Moments
Photography : Louis Loo Photography
Videography: Ken Chan Production
Décor : Dayco
Make Up : Su Yen Pang