From friendship to marriage

by Jennifer Soh

Hollywood couples always get the limelight when it comes to marriage, but Naz and Sheahnee Iman Lee’s mixed culture wedding certainly proves that Malaysia is “Truly Asia”.

Sheahnee Iman Lee and Naz: Familiar faces on ‘The Breakfast Show’ on NTV7, your feel good channel.

It is no longer a secret. Actor and host, Nazrudin Habibur Rahman, or more commonly known as Naz, 30, and NTV7’s 7 Edition newsreader, Sheahnee Iman Lee, 29, got married recently.

“Sheahnee and I both have mixed blood,” explains Naz. “I’m Malay-Chinese-Indian while Sheahnee is of Chinese and Australian descent.” It was only fitting, then, for them to hold a wedding that was rich in multi-cultural elements.

On March 9, 2008, Naz and Sheahnee took their friendship to the next level by getting engaged.

“On the 9th of March, I converted to Islam and chose the name Sheahnee Iman Lee. The ceremony that was held at Naz’s family residence was strengthened by our engagement bond,” said Sheahnee, who produces the second season of Captains.

On June 26, 2008, the couple took their vows at the Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor (JAIS), Klang, with a one time lafaz and with both of their immediate families as witnesses.

The akad nikah ceremony ended with lunch, and in the evening, a doa selamat ceremony took place at Naz’s family home.

Newly weds: Naz and Sheahnee

A small and intimate inai ceremony was held at Naz’s family home in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur on July 6. During the ceremony, the bridegroom’s side presented 11 hantaran trays, while the bride’s side presented 9. In keeping with a traditional Chinese belief that the number 8 brings luck in life, the wang hantaran was a sizeable amount of RM8,888.

Besides that, the bridegroom’s side of the family also presented a set of jewelry that included a pair of earrings, a locket, and a white gold ring to Sheahnee.

Happily married: Naz and Sheahnee, surrounded by relatives

Later, a tea ceremony, which is a traditional Chinese custom, was held at Sheahnee’s family residence Bukit Raja, Klang.

On July 8, 2008 the persandingan ceremony was held at the Perdana Grand Ballroom, Dewan Perdana Felda, Kuala Lumpur at 8:00 p.m.

Over 1,000 guests consisting family members and friends were present at the Court Yard Garden. Well-known make-up artist, Nurul Shukor, was responsible for making sure that the couple looked great on their wedding day, and the happy couple wore red and cream traditional costumes designed by Wan Huzairil.

Naz and Sheahnee Iman Lee: The couple of the month

“I thank Naz’s family because they helped a lot in preparing the wedding,” said Sheahnee.

Naz and Sheahnee’s reception ceremony was a star-studded event, thanks to the presence of their celebrity friends, including Ning Baizura and her husband, Omar Sharif Christopher Layton Dalton (Omar), Harith Iskandar, Daphne Iking, Cheryl Samad, Zizan Nin, Elaine Daly, Tony Eusoff, Yasmin Yusof, and many more.

Being married is only just the beginning for Naz and Sheahnee, and the two will now face new challenges in life. However, Naz looks forward to sharing his future with his new wife. “I’m ready face married life,” he explains optimistically. “What’s most important is that I be a good husband who will guide Sheahnee in learning about islam.’

“We will continue to hold firmly on to Islamic teaching,’ adds Naz. ‘I pray that our marriage will go on until the end of time.’

The couple had their 5-day honeymoon at the Pangkor Laut Resort, Pulau Pangkor from the 14th of July, before they returned to work as usual on July 22nd, 2008.

In conjunction with Eid Al Fitr, NTV7 will be airing Sheahnee and Naz’s wedding footage entitled When Love Knocks on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

Photos and quotes courtesy of www.ntv7.com.my, http://myselebriti.com, http://www.emedia.com.my, http://www.budiey.com, and www.Pictiger.com