Love, a Prayer, and a Five‑Year Wait
It all began with a small prayer. While Rishi Kumar, a 26‑year‑old guy of Indian descent, was making a quick wish for both wealth and companionship at the Lorong Koo Chye Sheng Hong Temple (15 Arumugam Road, just a stone’s throw from the MacPherson MRT), destiny had something else in mind.
When the Eyes Met
At that instant, Rishi turned around and, with a bang, spotted her. Jiang Huiyi, as identified by the Shin Min Daily News, was busy tending to temple duties. He knew, right then and there, that this was “the one.”
Love at First Sight (And First Prayer)
Rishi admitted to the Chinese evening daily, “It was love at first sight.” His heart didn’t let him rest on his laurels; he took the palace‑altar sign for a go‑ahead and marched straight to get acquainted with Huiyi.
The Road to the Reconciliation
- Initial meet: 26‑year‑old Rishi, 24‑year‑old Huiyi
- Age‑gap snag: Huiyi, a clerk, thought a 20‑year‑old (his age back then) was too young for a real relationship.
- Protracted patience: Rishi persisted for five years after the first meeting in 2014.
- Final kiss‑and‑laugh: They officially tied the knot on January 14, 2021 after a long romance that sparked in 2016.
Prayers, Persistance, and a Parallel Career
While the patience paid off, Rishi kept his temple routine alive, praying and chatting with Huiyi whenever free. He also quick‑paced through the world of insurance brokerage, earning a living that keeps the couple well‑off.
Mastering Mandarin on the Side
With many Chinese friends, he says, “I got Mandarin “over the years just by listening.” Rishi’s lad might have started out a bit tongue‑tied, but he’s now that conversational smooth‑talker with a touch of Bollywood charm.
It’s moments like these that remind us: sometimes, the universe will toss a twist of prayer your way, and all it’s gonna take is a willingness to keep hoping—and maybe a little chanting from…?
Hooray! The Love Story Comes Full Circle
Why the Temple?
- Both wedding planners agreed that the venue should be the place where their first hello turned into a hello‑again.
- With the temple already a name on their checklist, the ceremony carried an extra sprinkle of destiny.
The Honorary (and Respectful) Officiant
The wedding was officiated by Tan Thiam Lye, the chairman of the Taoist Federation (Singapore).
Huiyi mentioned that her dad, the director of the very temple, asked Tan to lead the ceremony.
“In the end he agreed, and we’re all thrilled,” she told us.
A Sweet Final Touch
- Everything was wrapped up with gratitude and smiles.
- With the right people in the right place, they turned a simple “I do” into a memorable moment.
So here’s to love that finds its perfect spot—a golden temple, a heartfelt officiant, and a happily ever after that’s truly, truly sweet.
Love Knows No Borders
On a sunny Friday, the temple shared a heart‑warming snapshot of an inter‑ethnic wedding ceremony that had everyone in the family cheering. The day’s star‑players, Rishi and Huiyi, looked absolutely stunning in their wedding attire.
What the photos captured:
- Huiyi in a classic, red kwā that screamed cultural pride.
- Rishi rocking a sharp blue suit that gave a modern spin to tradition.
- Family members all around, laughing and clapping – the soundtrack of a happy tradition.
And let’s be honest, the emoji storm in the comments was just as colorful as the outfits. All in all, it was a celebration that proved love truly knows no borders.
Heart‑warming Wishes for the Newlywed Couple
After the big “yes,” the comments section exploded with a flood of good vibes. Fans and friends poured over the screen, sending love and cheering the newly minted couple into a future that’s as bright as a double rainbow.
- “When fate beckons, you can’t hide no matter how hard you try,” one commenter warned with a mischievous grin.
- “There’s no need to keep the romance under lock and key—let your love shine!” – another fan added.
- “Congrats on your whirlwind romance; may your lives be as adventurous as your love story!” – shouted an enthusiastic follower.
In short, the namescapes are now full of “lovebirds” who’re cheering the couple on to their happily-ever-after. As the countdown to the big day rolls on, every message feels like a tiny celebration in itself—thanks to the whirlwind, virtual-first proposals that made the world smile.
