24 couples tie the knot in Penang to mark Mid-Autumn Festival

Many new journeys: The 24 newly-wed couples posing for a picture at the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society at Jalan Macalister, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: Trust an accountant to get all his “calculations” right.

Oh L Vynn celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is a time for families to reunite, by getting married yesterday as it was also his birthday.

“She is the biggest and most precious birthday gift I could have ever asked for,” said Oh, 31.

He married his longtime girlfriend Tai Yee Cheah, also 31, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is a major celebration on the Chinese calendar where loved ones mark the occasion with mooncakes.

“We have known each other since college and after 12 years together, we finally decided to tie the knot,” Oh said.

Tai, also an accountant, was tight-lipped when asked if there would be a birthday cake for her new husband after their registration ceremony yesterday at the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society.

“It’s a secret,” she whispered.

Oh and Tai were among 24 couples who exchanged their marriage vows at the society here yesterday in conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The festival is considered auspicious in Chinese culture because it symbolises reunion, harmony and prosperity, aligning with the values of a strong, happy union.

It is a day with a full moon, which represents completeness and togetherness and is believed to bring good fortune to couples starting their lives together.

Others who took their vows were physiotherapist Tan Yik Xian, 32, who married nurse Lee Kar Hooi, 34.

The couple, who met at work, have known each other for six years.

“Since early this year, we have been planning to have our marriage during the Mid-Autumn Festival as it is an auspicious day,” said Tan.

As for doctors Reynart Chow and his wife Yap Yi Hui, both 28, they are now looking forward to building a life together.

“We got to know each other in university. Now, we can move forward with setting up a home and building a family together,” said Dr Chow.

At present, he is based in Selangor while Dr Yap works in Penang.

All the newly-married couples marked the occasion with their families and friends.

Present at the ceremony was the association vice-president Datuk Seri Yeap Beow Chong.