'A silent supporter': Couple honours NUS drink stall owner in pre-wedding shoot

While most couples pose for pre-wedding photos against a backdrop of dreamy flower fields and romantic sunsets, 25-year-old Denise Tan and Calvin Lim, 27, went down a different road - a drink and snack stall tucked away in a corner of the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School.

Surrounded by shelves filled with old-school snacks and refrigerated fruit cups, the couple snapped their shots at the popular stall known as Cool Spot.

While it is not unusual for couples to take wedding photos at their alma mater, there was a special someone that Ms Tan and Mr Lim wanted to include: Burmese stall owner Aung Nyein Kyaw, 36, an enduring presence in the school affectionately known as "Bro".

The man with the amazing memory

Speaking to The New Paper, Ms Tan recalled fond memories of interactions with Bro, who formed a friendship with the pair when they were both first-year students.

After meeting her husband in the NUS Bizad Club, the canteen became a place they frequented for the affordable snacks as it was conveniently located near the lecture theatres.

Somehow, Mr Aung Nyein Kyaw remembered her go-to order, an ice-cold miloccino - a blend of milo and cappuccino - from the very first time she placed the order during orientation camp. "I'm always in awe at his amazing memory because he always seems to remember our orders."

His uncanny memory came through once again when Ms Tan returned to the stall after a six-month internship. It was also her last day in NUS as a student. "He gave me a free cup of miloccino and a cup of pears while I was rushing my last assignment," she said.

It was with these fond memories in mind that the couple returned to the stall in their suit and wedding gown, to celebrate the happy moment with the Cool Spot owner.

"We wanted to go back to NUS business school as that's where we met, and of course, we had to take photos with him at the stall since it's our happy place to take a break from mundane classes and assignments," Ms Tan explained.

Standing proudly behind them, Mr Aung Nyein Kyaw smiled for the camera as the couple celebrated their five-year journey from friendship to marriage.

"Bro just looked so proud of us, it was a super cute memory," Ms Tan said.

'I'm just happy to be serving them'

"Everyone calls me 'Bro' because I feel that makes us closer," Mr Aung Nyein Kyaw, who has worked at the stall for more than a decade, told TNP. "The students are like brothers and sisters to me."

Asked how he remembers everyone's order, he replied earnestly: "I respect and value everyone, so I always think about what is best for them to drink, and when."

"When they graduate, they often come to say thank you, and goodbye. It's sad, but I'm just happy to be serving them," said the stall owner, who has been in Singapore for 13 years.

'Like a pastor officiating the marriage'

When Ms Tan shared the happy moment on her Instagram page, comments flooded in, congratulating the couple and affirming Mr Aung Nyein Kyaw's bond with students over the years.

One user commented: "The way the owner was standing between you guys is so cute - like a pastor officiating the marriage."

Another testified to his endearing service to students, heartened by his attentiveness and sincerity to every customer.

"I love him! He's a pillar in NUS and remembers everyone's order. I showed up with glasses and a new hairstyle, but he still knew my order - kopi o kosong peng."

Stall owner continues to warm hearts

Now working as an account manager, Ms Tan looks back on her encounters with Mr Aung Nyein Kyaw with gratitude, as she relayed a heartfelt message to the stall owner: "From remembering our usual orders to always greeting us with a smile, your small gestures meant more than you know."

"You were like a silent supporter - always there in the background, making our days in school a little better," she added.

"Continue 'slayin' and keep brightening the lives of other students, just like you did ours!"