Some love stories make headlines. Others remind us why we believe in love in the first place.
With over 3,000 guests, celebrity performances and a very smitten groom, Bella Astillah and YB Syed Saddiq’s wedding reception had everything we would expect from a celebration that a lot of people are calling “Malaysia’s Wedding of the Century”.
The Parenthood team was delighted to join the festivities at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur on 18 October 2026. And while there was plenty of star power, the words exchanged between a husband, his wife and her children gave the evening its heart.
Performances by Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Jaclyn Victor and other artistes added to the celebrations, with VIPs, celebrities, family and friends gathering to celebrate the newlyweds.
But beneath all the glitz and grandeur, two heartfelt speeches reminded everyone that the most beautiful part of this love story was not the wedding itself. It was the family being built.
“I’m the Luckiest Man on Earth!”
For someone accustomed to debates and speeches on major platforms, the Muar MP admitted that he was very nervous that night because for the first time, he was speaking as Bella’s husband and as “Daddy” to nine-year-old Ayden and six-year-old Ara.
Describing himself as the luckiest man on earth once their marriage was declared “sah”, he also addressed those who had questioned their compatibility. His response was to recognise everything Bella had already achieved.
He praised Bella’s hard work from a young age and the sacrifices she had made for her family while raising two children.
“If we want to talk about incompatibility, I am the one who does not deserve Bella,” he said.
“She is the ultimate green forest and the ultimate mother. I am privileged to call her my wonderful wife.”
His commitments extended to Ayden and Ara.
Calling Ayden smart, talented and bright, he promised to guide him and be the greatest dad he could be, “with your permission”. It was a small phrase with a lot of heart, acknowledging Ayden’s feelings as they began this chapter together.
To Ara, he promised that for her, Daddy would be there alongside Mummy, all the way.
Ayden’s Heartfelt Speech
One of the evening’s most touching moments came when Bella’s nine-year-old son, Ayden, took the microphone to share a heartfelt message to his new daddy.
“Daddy, before you came into our lives, there were times when I saw mummy cry. I was still small and sometimes, I didn’t understand everything that was happening. I just knew that mummy was sad.”
He shared how YB Syed Saddiq’s presence had brought more smiles and laughter into his mother’s life.
“You have never made us feel like we were only mummy’s children. You made us feel like we were also your family. Thank you for choosing mummy. Thank you for loving her.”
Ayden also thanked his mother for her sacrifices and prayed for God to bless their marriage and keep their family close.
He ended with a simple message: “Mummy and Daddy, I love you very much.”
It was a beautiful reminder that when two people choose each other, they are also choosing to build a family where every heart feels loved and safe.
View this post on Instagram
A Special Celebration for Parenthood
For our team, celebrating Bella felt especially meaningful. As the recipient of Most Iconic Woman Personality of the Year at the Parents’ Choice Awards 2026, she has inspired many with her strength and determination.
The couple got engaged on 28 March and married on 10 October at Menara Merdeka Maybank in Kuala Lumpur. Public “Kenduri Rakyat” receptions will follow in Muar on 25 October and Kota Kinabalu on 31 October.
And perhaps Ayden said it best. Sometimes, the greatest gift a new person can bring into a child’s life is not simply becoming another parent, but helping them see their mother happy again.
Here’s to Bella, YB Syed Saddiq, Ayden and Ara, and to a new chapter filled with love, laughter and a family that continues to choose one another, every single day.
View this post on Instagram
