KUALA LUMPUR: All that secrecy surrounding the identity of popular actor-host Fahrin Ahmad's future wife was revealed today when the two tied the knot at a simple yet beautiful solemnisation ceremony held at Sime Darby Convention Centre.
Elena Hani Eleas, 37, looked lovely and resplendant in her white chiffon lace modern contemporary baju kurung, and a veil of French netting adorned with crystals.
Fahrin, 36, who cut a dashing figure in his white baju Melayu and matching sampin, looked every bit in love, as he gazed adoringly at her.
"I think keeping her identity a secret is what led to this marriage," Fahrin said at a Press conference after the solemnisation ceremony.
"These days, I am skeptical about most people as they now have a platform to speak their minds.
"Even after holding a Press conference last Tuesday, there have been many comments and speculations on who my future wife is.
"There have been talks that she is a widow with a child," Fahrin said incredulously, before turning to Elena sitting beside him. "You weren't married before, right?" he jokingly asked her.
Giggling softly, she shook her head.
Fahrin smiled before continuing, "If I were to announce my marriage last year, I don't think it would have materialised today.
"Now I can see the hikmah behind my decision to keep her a secret. Thankfully I was around trustworthy people, and everything is possible because of that."
Born in Johor, Fahrin's bride is a law graduate from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and began her career as a litigator at lawfirm Cheang & Ariff in Kuala Lumpur, where she worked for five years.
After that, she decided to take on a different path. She joined the Emirates Airlines eight years ago and is now a Senior Flight Stewardess for the airlines. She resides in Dubai.
The two were only acquaintances when they studied at UiTM where Fahrin also was pursuing a bachelor's degree in law.
After graduating, they didn't meet until 17 years later. It took them only a few months after that meeting to decide on marriage.
"At my age, most of my friends are already married, so I was surprised to learn that Elena isn't," Fahrin explained.
Elena smiled shyly, her voice soft. "I received an email from a Fahrin Ahmad, asking for my number. The only Fahrin Ahmad I know is the actor in Malaysia."
He cut in with a grin. "At that point, I only wanted to ask how she was doing, nothing else. Thankfully, it led to something more."
Elena is not well-versed on the local entertainment scene.
"Elena knew me from before, not the me who is a celebrity. So she knew the real me minus the glitz and glamour.
"And around her, I feel that I can be myself," Fahrin said.
Elena revealed that since her career involved a lot of travelling, they were constantly on Skype.
"He would tell me about his life and his work, so I know a little bit about what's happening.
"I understand what his job entails. I'm ready to face a future with him.
Elena plans to resign from the airlines so that she can be there for Fahrin.
"We hope to start a family soon," Fahrin added.
After the marriage solemnisation, Fahrin slipped a diamond ring into her finger. However, hantaran (trays of gifts) were not displayed during the ceremony.
"He has already presented me with the gifts, but I requested that the gifts not be displayed to the public," Elena said modestly.
As she only has a few days of leave allocated for their wedding, they will only go on their honeymoon at another time.
"We plan to visit Venice, Nice, Cannes and Monte Carlo," she added.
The akad nikah ceremony was telecast live on YouTube for fans and those who were unable to witness the joyous occasion.