The step up at this morning's relationship declaration program was an elegantly simple affair. We arrived at the majestic 127 year old Glebe Town Hall 10 minutes early, and were greeted by the registering officer, Nick Hespe, whom we first met at the City of Sydney office. He was accompanied by two other officers who worked at the Glebe Town Hall, and informed us that it was their first relationship declaration ceremony at their council office. So they were just as excited.

We were ushered upstairs, where we got a glimpse of the gorgeous interior with stained glass windows and classic high plaster ceilings. As if to accentuate the mood of the morning, incidentally there was a pianist in the main hall next to our room who was playing something.

In the small hall where the ceremony was held, one of the officers had made an effort to dress up a little table with a vase of fresh flowers. I was pleasantly surprised at the gesture.

Since Lee will be in KL for about two weeks late August, we're planning a small private engagement party cum blessing ceremony at home. Dates unconfirmed until we get a priest. This is to officiate our engagement, and to introduce Lee to family and friends who haven't met him, yet.

For all those asking... honestly, there are no preparations going on for the wedding at all. Our priority right now is to work on getting my fiancé visa application to move to Australia. And the progress for that is quite happily trucking along, I'd say. We're still compiling all the forms and the things needed to submit the application. And when Lee arrives in KL later this month, we'll be submitting it to the Australian High Commission together. It's approximately three to six months processing time. So pray that we have everything, and that it will get approved in the minimal time.

As for decisions about a reception, I am being pressured by my parents to forgo a reception or celebration in KL. To have my civil registry and convalidation ceremony in Sydney. While that is very ideal right now, because of dire financial constraints, I won't say anything is final. As much as it is a dreamy idea to have a reception that I want planned, it's obviously not practical. And I can't pander to any one else's demands. Although ironically, all my close friends' demands are to have a reception in Sydney and not in KL, too! Ugh. If they're paying for me, I'd gladly. =P

Yes, it's all very frustrating to tell anyone who asks "When's the wedding?" and my reply would be, "No date." I think that's equivalent frustration to people asking a singleton, "When are you getting married?"

Meanwhile, the date for our engagement party is set and preliminary invites have been sent.

The Saturday after Lee's arrival was a bustling affair to organise an event I've never been to myself. Just like almost all my guests that afternoon, I didn't know what would be expected at an engagement party. I didn't have much time to ponder over every single detail either, but I guess I knew what would reflect the day's celebration I wanted to have.

I found a prayer for the blessing of the engaged couple online and spoke to my dad about doing it. He presided the prayers, while I had Julia and my mum assist.

This little invite with a chibi-styled caricature of Lee and I went out via email. ^_^