Malaysian man holds 'ghost wedding' with life-size cutout of late fiancée: 'We will meet again in the next life'

A Malaysian man held a "ghost wedding" with a life-size cutout of his fiancée, who died suddenly just days before their planned ceremony, leaving those around him heartbroken.

According to Singapore media outlet AsiaOne, John, a resident of Butterworth in Penang state, Malaysia, carried a life-size cutout of his fiancée Sakira So, dressed in a wedding gown, and held a wedding ceremony on June 28.

The couple had originally planned to marry in November. But after So died suddenly five days before the ceremony, John decided to invite family and friends again and hold a ghost wedding in her honor.

Ghost weddings are a tradition in Chinese culture performed when one of the intended spouses has died. Rooted in the belief that the couple can be spiritually united in the afterlife, the ritual is a form of mourning meant to help the bereaved cope with loss.

On June 26, John posted a new wedding invitation on social media, writing: "My beloved Sakira departed peacefully a few days ago. Although we are unable to hold the wedding as planned, we have decided to hold our own ceremony to fulfill our wishes and promises to each other." He added that "all those who cherish us and all who received our invitation are welcome to attend and celebrate the ceremony with us."

He also wrote that "our love will not end with this parting, and this fate will lead to an eternal blessing," adding that "she was beautiful and strong, and she deserves to be remembered and blessed by everyone."

The ceremony unfolded much like any ordinary wedding. The venue was adorned with elaborate decorations, and guests filled the seats to celebrate the groom. John walked down the aisle holding So's life-size cutout, dressed in a wedding gown, as guests applauded to wish the couple well.

Traditional rites and prayer ceremonies were held during the service. John knelt before his fiancée's coffin and wept as he paid his respects, before concluding the ceremony with a cake cutting and commemorative photographs.

After the wedding, John — who had lost So, an internet broadcaster — posted on social media on Saturday: "It may not have been a perfect ceremony, but for me it was the most solemn moment of promise." He wrote that "meeting Saki in this life was the greatest blessing I have ever received, and I know we will meet again in the next."