An introduction to the world of tradition plus glitz and glamour, friends and family, smiles and laughter, stress and anxiety, practice and perfection, food and fun, speeches and toasts. Yes, sometimes we get to attend wedding invitations from our clients.

Upon the invitation of Y.A. Dato' Fredrick Indran X.A and Datin Rufina Nicholas, I am privileged to be a part of the wedding celebration of their daughter Olivia Constance Nicholas (Miss International Malaysia 2016) to Dr. Sandeep Menon which officially runs from 31st March to 7th April 2018.

From the temple ceremony at Sri Sundaraja Perumal Temple in Klang and the dinner reception in Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam, to the Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and Syeun Hotel in Ipoh, it was an experience full of cultural diversity, meaningful traditions, and colourful people and personalities.

In addition, the arrival and participation of Olivia's bridesmaids from 8 different countries, each carrying their title of Miss International 2016 from their respective countries added a touch of beauty pagentry to the wedding. They show style, grace, talent, discipline and duty during their stay through promotional events and charity work organised throughout the week.

One blog post is insufficient to document all details. Below are memories captured by my Huawei P10 from where ever I stand. Follow Olivia on Instagram @nicholas.olivia or #SO2018 on social media.

Dato Fredrick and Datin Rufina at the ritual

Bride's Mother Lighting the Lamp.

Sandeep and family with the priest.

The Miss Internationals 2016 forming the thalam procession.

Olinda, twin sister of the bride and Head of Thalam.

My best wishes to the beautiful couple, Sandeep and Olivia.

Dining hall next to the stage.

To happy people and friendship. Thank you Dato' Fredrick for the wonderful trip and Datin Rufina for your Punjabi Suit gift, and the whole family who are big suppoters of my cakes. Included are new found friend in Amelia, the seamstress, and our Ipoh event planner Daniel from Cherish Events and Weddings.

Such is the Life of a Humble Baker - Ron Ben Israel

Setia City Convention Centre for the dinner reception.

Duty calls. Banner pictures courtesy of Datin Rufina.

Part 2 will be all about the cake.