Before the clock struck 12 on the 16th of October, I was very blessed to have my closest friends and boyfriend surprise me with lots of love, gifts and pretty things, all captured down by my good friend cum photographer, Evan. I don't know how they did it, and how Matt managed to plan all this behind my back with the help of my best friend, Sarah.

All I know is that I'm really really blessed that I've got a handful of friends that are willing to sacrifice so much for me. And Matt.. where do I even begin? A boyfriend that would go to such great lengths to arrange all of this, and I can't imagine how tough it must've been to hide it all from me and run all these errands especially since we spend everyday together.

This group of friends, together with a handful more that are all overseas on exchange (missing you stace, jan and channy!) are the only ones I need, really. They make me so happy and my heart so full. They also constantly remind me that I'm still the same mong they knew a decade ago, and all these fame, money, beauty, new friends, new life can't hold a candle to how much they mean to me.

I would give up everything for these beautiful souls because they loved me when I had nothing and still love me the same even after all these years.

Please pardon the very minimal make up, greasy face and hair and my really un-glam expressions in all these shots. I obviously wasn't prepared since I thought I was only gonna be hanging out with my girlfriends while Matt was supposedly supposed to be at a really urgent project group meeting haha.

Matt wanted me to have beautiful memories to look back on, so he got Evan to come down to capture all of the candid moments when I first saw all that was prepared for me before my eyes. He wanted us all to be able to look back on this day and still remember how it all felt like.

I'm really blessed beyond words, to have such a thoughtful guy in my life that would put in his 110% to make me feel special on my birthday.

If you guys are wondering what that big card is all about, it is a customised birthday card that he had gotten it specially made for me. And if you watched the movie "Inside Out" you'd remember the many core memories that were in the show... This was the "Core Memory" he had for our love and I couldn't have asked for a more thoughtful and meaningful gift.

In there contains all of our most precious milestones and memories together as a couple. Our favourite past time together, beautiful memories of exchange in Paris and Santorini, the wines at Bordeaux, the fries in Brussels, and basically all of the memories that would drive us toward our goal of owning our dream house and starting a family together.

I'm beyond thankful and grateful. Of course, to each and everyone of you who joined my giveaways, and all the wishes you guys had for me on my birthday. It made me feel really special and I want to tell you guys too, that you are really special to me.

 I wouldn't trade this for the world.