Effy making a grand entrance at the hotel reception.
KUCHING: It was a grand traditional affair at the engagement ceremony of Malaysia’s singing sensation Hafiz Suip and his fiancée Nureffy Jesreel Abdullah.
The Friday night event kicked off with the arrival of guests at Pullman Hotel banquet hall, followed by the official announcement of the betrothal led by Hafiz’s father Mohd Suip Mohd Suut and his (Hafiz) future father-in-law Awang Abdullah Awg Abd Razak on stage.
Sounds of delighted gasps filled the hall as all eyes turned to the future bride walking towards the dais, accompanied by her family members.
Nureffy – or Effy to her family – was radiant in a modern ‘baju kurung’, comprising a sparkling lemon-yellow, high-neck lace top over a simple pastel peach gown. Her whole ensemble came complete with a traditional ‘tudung keringkam’ in dark crimson with exquisite gold embroidery.
The ‘man of the night’ himself, Hafiz, looked regal in his modern ‘baju melayu’ in the same vibrant colour tone as the bride’s, as he made his way to the stage, escorted by his family members.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the engagement rings by mothers of the future newlyweds. Hafiz’s mother Halizawati Mohd Salleh put the ring on Effy’s finger, as the bride’s mother Fatimah Bohari performed the same on Hafiz.
Hafiz and Effy striking a special pose for the media.
The cake-cutting ceremony came after this, where apart from marking the engagement, it also celebrated Hafiz’s 25th birthday on Feb 27.
The evening proceeded with a special video presentation of the engaged couple, as well as a showcase by dancers from Sarawak Cultural Village and singing performances by Hafiz’s celebrity friends, Khairil Azam Pilus and Hazama of the Akademi Fantasia (AF) fame.
Both families had, earlier that afternoon, held a reception at Hafiz’s house in Taman Sukma near Petra Jaya.
In an interview with thesundaypost after the grand ceremony, Effy said they both had actually known each other for about five years, but preferred to keep things silent as to respect each other’s privacy.
“We met in 2010, a year after Hafiz completed his journey in AF Season 7. I first saw him during the final AF7 concert in 2009, where I went with my parents. We were there to support a fellow Sarawakian in the reality singing competition. I never expected that he would, one day, become my fiancé,” she laughed.
Kuching-born Effy, 23, is currently a student pursuing BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance at Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. The second of three siblings, she is distantly related to Hafiz.
For the award-winning singer, he believed that Effy is the one whom he has been waiting for all this while.
“It took guts, for me, to approach and ask her out,” he reminisced. “The Empire Shopping Gallery remains our most cherished place. That was where we met for the first time – I remember that I asked her to accompany me buy a shirt right after the music video shoot of ‘Awan Nano’.”
Effy said what made her drawn to Hafiz was his humble and caring demeanour, as well as being a person who is responsible and respectful of others.
“He is also very cute,” she blushed.
Hafiz dedicating a song for the guests that night.
For Hafiz, he was smitten by Effy’s politeness.
“Ever since I knew Effy, she is a very reserved and shy person. Nevertheless, it was her politeness that drew my attention.
“She really respects the elderly. She is a very loving person to her family, and I hope that she would also remain to be that person for our family in the future.”
On Effy’s current commitment on her studies, Hafiz added: “She is a very determined student who dedicates most of her time on her studies. I respect this highly. One important thing is that I believe she would be able to handle the circumstances that may come her way in being my fiancée.”
The couple said they would plan for the wedding right after Effy completed her studies.
“It is best to let Effy finish her studies first. Also, I will be happy to let her explore the outside world, as well as to land a suitable job before proceeding to the next phase, which is marriage,” Hafiz said.
On their future, Hafiz believed that Effy is the person who could properly guide him going forward.
“I hope that we could continue to be a loving couple. She has always been my motivation, with her non-stop advice and words of encouragement aimed at pushing me to be my very best. She has been and will always be there for me during trying times; and I love her for that. I promise to love her each and every day for as long as I live.”
The entourage carrying gifts for the engaged pair.