Cover From a PowerPoint wedding proposal to a fairy-tale themed garden affair, Nicole Tham and Ng Chee Hong tied the knot in a grandiose ceremony in Kuala Lumpur (Photo: Munkeat Studio)
From a PowerPoint wedding proposal to a fairy-tale themed garden affair, Nicole Tham and Ng Chee Hong tied the knot in a grandiose ceremony in Kuala Lumpur (Photo: Munkeat Studio)
1 / 1
From a PowerPoint wedding proposal to a fairy-tale themed garden affair, longtime lovers Nicole Tham and Ng Chee Hong tied the knot in a grandiose ceremony at The St Regis Kuala Lumpur
When Nicole Tham Carmenn and Ng Chee Hong tied the knot in a series of grand celebrations spanning months, it was clear this was no ordinary wedding.
From a whimsical poodle-themed aisle to a PowerPoint proposal, their nuptials demonstrated their shared penchant for the playful and profound. But blended in alongside the humour and mayhem of wedding planning, the couple shared a bond founded in mutual respect and gratitude for one another.
“There wasn’t really one ‘big bang’ moment when I knew he was the one,” says Tham, who is a senior manager at Alvarez & Marsal. “It was more gradual, and I think it was when I realised that he loved me for all of my imperfections, and not in spite of them.
“He broke all the walls I’ve spent my entire life building around myself. He made me feel safe enough to be emotionally vulnerable with him.” she adds.
Read more: Hani Mokhta founders share 3 biggest tips when designing a wedding dress
Above On top of their sense of humour, the couple shared a bond founded in mutual respect and gratitude.
Above On top of their sense of humour, the couple shared a bond founded in mutual respect and gratitude.
On top of their sense of humour, the couple shared a bond founded in mutual respect and gratitude.
1 / 2
Ng and Tham ensured that their beloved poodle, Nugget, was a central figure in their big day
1 / 16
Their journey to the altar began with a uniquely modern touch. In April 2024, Ng proposed to Tham in a Bangkok suite adorned with flowers and a “Will You Marry Me” sign. But the real showstopper? An eight-page PowerPoint deck titled “Chee Hong’s Credentials to Support Nicole in Marriage.” Tham laughingly recalls, “He said the only way I process anything is through slides (Untrue!).” Despite battling nerves and Tham’s last-minute illness, Ng’s proposal was a success.
See also: Lessons on love with Cheryl Samad and Ng Ping Ho
“The moment she said ‘Yes’, all my worries and anxiety went away. It was one of the best moments in my life,” says Ng, who is vice president of digital strategy at Maybank.
The couple first crossed paths as undergraduates at Warwick University, where Tham’s initial impression of Ng was less than flattering, fuelled by whispers of his “player” reputation. Fast forward to the pandemic, where a chance reconnection blossomed into something extraordinary. “After weeks of texting and hanging out, I realised I could see a future with her,” he says.
The floral setup at Sentul Pavilion
1 / 11
Four Celebrations, One Love Story
Their wedding unfolded in four meticulously planned events. The March 2024 registration of marriage ceremony at Thean Hou Temple was an ode to their roots, followed by a tea ceremony in November 2024, hosted at their respective family homes. Ng’s groomsmen faced Tham’s “savage” bridesmaids in chaotic gate-crashing games, complete with insect cuisine. The big day came on November 3, when they exchanged vows in the lush and picturesque Sentul Pavilion. Finally, a grand reception and Alice in Wonderland-themed after-party dazzled some 600 guests at The St Regis Kuala Lumpur on November 9.
Given their love of furry friends, Ng and Tham ensured that their beloved poodle, Nugget, was a central figure in their big day. Nugget’s likeness graced everything from tableware to cookies, and she made a grand entrance in her own electric car at the vow exchange.
“We are both major dog lovers–Chee Hong had three rottweilers growing up, and the most valued member of our family is definitely Nugget, our little poodle,” Tham shares. “Nugget was really everywhere! The decorators made a life-sized cutout of her as a standee in the main backdrop.”
Above Tham with her bridesmaids at the tea ceremony
Tham with her bridesmaids at the tea ceremony
1 / 1
The celebrations also featured an enchanted garden theme, DIY hand sanitiser bars, and Ng’s personal favourite—a smoky Old Fashioned inspired by his favourite TV series Mad Men.
As Tham puts it, “We wanted the wedding to be romantic, elegant yet fun all at once.” No detail was too small for the couple. Tham’s main gown at the wedding reception was an Elie Saab haute couture masterpiece, custom-made in shades of white, gold, and ivory–and a gift from her mother, Lee Jim Leng.
Originally from the Spring/Summer 2023 collection, the gown featured multicoloured beads and sequins, and Tham recalls trying on 50 to 60 dresses before falling in love with this one.
For the tea ceremony, she wore a bespoke red qipao by Indonesian designer Gabriella Vania, featuring intricate dragon and phoenix embroidery on the train, and their initials subtly stitched as a memento. Ng complemented her elegance with two tailored tuxedos: a classic black by Logan of David & Co., and a stylish white ensemble by Rizman Ruzaini.
“Initially when I wanted a white tuxedo, Nicole was against it. She said that I would look like a waiter, but I convinced her that it would look nice and went ahead with it anyway. In the end, it came out very stylish, all credit to Rizman Ruzaini.” he quips.
Don’t miss: Rubin Khoo reflects on his parents’ unconventional marriage
The bride and groom at the ballroom of St Regis Kuala Lumpur
1 / 3
On the day of the tea ceremony, Ng and his groomsmen shared a memorable coffee break at Huckleberry. “I left my house at 7am but I was only supposed to arrive at her house at 9am with the groomsmen,” he says. “We had to stop by Huckleberry before heading over. I bought my groomsmen coffee and breakfast and it was quite a memorable moment–13 guys hanging out in a cafe at 7am dressed to the nines.”
The couple’s personalities complemented each other beautifully throughout the planning. “She’s a type-A perfectionist, and I’m more type B, go-with-the-flow,” Ng explains. Their chemistry was most evident during their first dance, where months of lessons melted into an intimate moment. “It was just the two of us in our own world,” he recalls.
Given Tham’s sweet tooth, the reception was unsurprisingly rife with sweet treats from local businesses, including Churn ice cream, Dao desserts, mini doughnuts, matcha daifukus and an assortment of mini cakes and pastries. Despite the craze of last-minute additions to the guestlist as well as surprise appearances from unexpected guests, the wedding went off without a hitch, thanks to the expertise of KL-based wedding planner Peak Xperience.
Above Tham and Ng’s personalities complemented each other through the wedding planning
Tham and Ng’s personalities complemented each other through the wedding planning
1 / 1
After the whirlwind festivities, Tham says she and Ng plan to “hibernate” for six months before embarking on a honeymoon in Japan. Reflecting on their journey, Tham says, “I look forward to growing together, building our future, and seeing how handsome he’ll still be when we’re old and grey.”
For Ng, it’s all about cherishing the little moments. “I’m looking forward to growing old with her and enjoying life together,” he says. “For me, the most important thing is to continue to love, take care and work for each other.”
Credits
Photography: Munkeat Studio and Artyphoto
Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
