KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 — Love was in the air high above Kuala Lumpur this morning as Muar MP Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman and singer-actress Bella Astillah officially became husband and wife in a romantic solemnisation ceremony at Merdeka 118.

The couple, affectionately known to fans as BASS — a combination of the initials of their names, Bella Astillah and Syed Saddiq — got engaged on March 28.

They tied the knot in front of family, friends and political heavyweights, becoming the first to hold a wedding ceremony at the iconic skyscraper.

At exactly 10.40am, their marriage was declared sah (valid) after Syed Saddiq presented Bella with a mas kahwin (marriage dowry) of RM500, marking a new chapter in a romance that has captured the attention of Malaysians.

The celebrations began early, with guests dressed in white gathering at Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, located within Merdeka 118, from as early as 8am.

The wedding, inspired by Arabian elements and featuring an elegant white theme, was expected to welcome approximately 255 guests.

Among the notable faces in attendance were former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin, former prime ministers Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, and former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

The celebrity guest list included Bella’s close friends, Malaysian actress and former model Toh Puan Syamim Freida and Indonesian actress Tya Arifin, alongside actor Azad Jasmin and comedian and television presenter Nabil Ahmad.

The ceremony unfolded on the building’s 118th floor, with thousands of Malaysians tuning in to watch the much-anticipated union ‘live’ across platforms operated by pay-TV broadcaster Astro.

Syed Saddiq made his entrance alongside his parents at approximately 10.12am, before the ceremonial exchange of hantaran (wedding gifts), with seven trays presented by the groom’s side and nine by the bride’s.

Syed Saddiq’s gifts to his bride included RM100,000 in Employees Provident Fund (EPF) savings through the i-Simpan facility, an umrah package and a scholarship for Bella to pursue a master’s degree in communication at Taylor’s University.

He also presented her with a home gym, massage chair and road bicycle, as well as insurance protection for Bella and her two children, Mohamad Ayden Adrean and Ara Adreanna, according to Astro Gempak.

Among the more sentimental gifts was a specially crafted gold piece depicting Mount Kinabalu, where Syed Saddiq proposed to Bella in March.

Bella, meanwhile, reciprocated with a customised gold ring, a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes, a Quran and perfume, according to Astro Awani.

She also presented him with a specially commissioned Iron Man-themed gold piece and an entry to a triathlon, reflecting his passion for endurance sports.

All eyes then turned to Bella as she made her entrance at around 10.28am, accompanied by her mother Siti Zarina Astillah, to the song Sampai Jadi Debu.

Both bride and groom wore outfits designed by Zaimi Zulkafli, with their wedding looks adding to the romantic elegance of the occasion.

The solemnisation was officiated by former Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Seri Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri, with Bella’s father, Awang Astillah Abdullah, acting as her wali (marriage guardian).

Following the declaration of their marriage, Syed Saddiq recited the taklik, a declaration outlining conditions attached to the marriage under Islamic law, before the newlyweds exchanged rings and posed for photographs with family members and guests.

Speaking after the solemnisation, an overjoyed Syed Saddiq thanked those who had supported the couple throughout their relationship.

“Thank you for always praying for our journey,” he said.

“There were times when we faced obstacles and challenges, but I believe that through all your prayers, we have finally been brought together, from work partners to life partners.

“Alhamdulillah,” he added.

Bella, whose full name is Dayang Ara Nabellah Awang Astillah, was equally thankful that the ceremony had gone smoothly, expressing her appreciation to everyone who had supported the couple.

“We are truly grateful and appreciate all the support.”

“Alhamdulillah,” she said.

But beyond the star-studded guest list and romantic setting, some of the day’s most heartwarming moments came from the couple’s families, particularly Bella’s children, Ayden and Ara.

In a video shared by Astro Gempak ahead of the ceremony, Ayden expressed his excitement at welcoming a new member into the family and having someone he could call “Daddy”.

Ara was equally delighted at the prospect of having a new father figure in her life.

Syed Saddiq’s elder brother, Syed Abdullah Syed Abdul Rahman, better known as social media personality Space Dollah and a vocal supporter of the couple’s romance, also shared his excitement about becoming an uncle to Bella’s children.

“I want to make sure Ara and Ayden become legends,” he said.

And while the couple are now officially husband and wife, the wedding celebrations are far from over.

Their journey to the altar is being documented in the eight-episode reality special Walimatul Urus Bella Astillah & Syed Saddiq, which follows their wedding festivities and new life together.

The newlyweds will celebrate their union with a wedding reception at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Kuala Lumpur on October 18.

They have also announced two public wedding receptions, dubbed Kenduri Rakyat, in Muar, Johor, on October 25 and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on October 31, inviting members of the public to join in the celebrations.

Recommended reading:

• Road to BASS: Syed Saddiq and Bella Astillah’s love story, from their first selfie to a mountaintop proposal (VIDEO)
• Stars, socialites and political heavyweights: Who's who at Syed Saddiq and Bella Astillah's wedding?
• Syed Saddiq’s sweet wedding-day embrace with Bella Astillah’s daughter Ara warms hearts online (VIDEO)