A large crowd gathered at Dataran Bandaraya Johor Baru to watch the royal wedding of Johor princess Tunku Tun Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Sultan Ibrahim and Dennis Muhammad Abdullah "live" on two huge video screens.

Excited members of the public gathered as early as 6pm yesterday to wait for the istiadat bersanding (sitting-in-state ceremony) to start.

Among the crowd was retiree Habibah Yusof, 61, who travelled from Teluk Ramunia, Kota Tinggi, with her daughter and five grandchildren.

 "It was such a lovely ceremony and the drive was worthwhile," she said.

Teacher Steven Cho, 36, his wife Esther Chua, 30, and their son Isaac, three, said they were proud to be Johoreans and adored the royal family.

 "The royal couple looked like a match made in heaven, both of them looked beautiful," said Chua.

Writer S. Sunita, 43, said her daughter Nikita, seven, was excited to watch the wedding as she always dreamt of being a princess.

 "Although it is a school night, I decided to bring her," she said.

The newly-weds travelled to the palace in a vintage Mercedes-Benz limousine convertible which was escorted by policemen and personnel from the Johor Military Force.

They arrived at Istana Besar at about 8.35pm.

The reception, which was attended by about 1,200 guests, included members of the royalty and VIPs.

Among those present were the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

Earlier, the couple became husband and wife after the akad nikah (solemnisation of marriage) at the palace.

Dennis Muhammad, 28, looking smart and handsome in a traditional baju melayu teluk belanga, solemnly affirmed his marriage to Tunku Aminah before state mufti Datuk Muhammad Tahrir Sham­sudin.

Tunku Aminah, 31, is the second of six siblings and the only daughter of Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar and Permaisuri Raja Zarith Sofiah binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah.

The Royal Press Office, in a statement, said the groom was led to a special room on the first floor of the palace, where the istiadat menyarung cincin (ring ceremony) was performed.

The princess was elegant in her matching baju kurung teluk belanga, the attire reflecting the history of Johor.

The groom also gave her mas kahwin (dowry) of RM22.50.

In a show of respect, the couple then kissed the hands of their parents, as well as their aunts and uncles, in the main lobby of the palace.

The ceremony, which followed Johor's royal tradition, was witnessed by Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith, close family members and friends.

Also present were the groom's parents, Martin and Henriette Verbaas, his brother and sister as well as close family friends who had flown in from the Netherlands.

Earlier, the families of the bride and groom had also exchanged dowry comprising trays laden with gifts, which were carried into the hall by Johor Military Force personnel.

Copyright: The Star/Asia News Network