Prince Mateen of Brunei and bride blessed in royal wedding

The ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Sultan of Brunei’s official residence, Istana Nurul Iman.

Anisha Rosnah Isa-Kalebic during the Berbedak Mandi, or powdering ceremony, on Jan. 10, 2023. Photo from Muash Rosman’s Instagram

As detailed by The National, this ceremony is a centuries-old tradition in Brunei and Malaysia. During the event, close family members bless the future couple by applying a powder paste to their hands, and sometimes to their entire bodies, symbolizing fertility and wealth.

Photographer Muash Rosman, who captured the Bruneian royal nuptials, shared on Instagram: “HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen and YM Dayang Anisha Rosnah binti Adam were bathed in blessings by their nearest and dearest.”

“Parents, siblings, and elders graced this important occasion, surrounding the couple in an aura of glamour and tradition.”

The bride showcased two different outfits throughout the ceremony: a red ensemble with an elaborate headpiece, and a sophisticated long-sleeved white bridal dress with a coordinating veil.

As detailed by People Magazine, the couple’s wedding will continue with the exchange of vows on Thursday at the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and a royal banquet on Sunday, attended by guests from around the world.

Prince Mateen, 32, is a helicopter pilot and a major in the Royal Brunei Air Force. He represented his country in polo at the 2017 and 2019 SEA Games.

He was listed among Asia’s top 50 most eligible bachelors by Hong Kong’s Tatler Magazine in 2016.

Isa-Kalebic, a University of Bath graduate, is an entrepreneur. She currently runs Silk Collective, a fashion brand, and Authentirary, a tourism company offering cultural experiences.

Coming from a noble family, her grandfather, Pehin Dato Isa, is the Sultan of Brunei’s special advisor and held significant roles in Brunei’s government in the 1960s and 1970s.

Her brother Danial Deen Isa-Kalebic is reportedly a close friend of Prince Mateen, and her sister-in-law Janetira Attaskulchai Deen is part of Thailand’s Attaskulchai family, known for their yogurt empire Betagen.