A Union ‘til we’re Gray
I haven’t had the time to reflect and fully take on one of the most significant milestones in my life – my union with Chris – until now, because subsequent events turned out to be equally pressing and simultaneous. But looking back, I will never forget how much I truly enjoyed the wedding day. It’s a core memory and a memorable event with family and close friends that we will cherish until we’re old and gray.
Even though I was very anxious about uncertain conditions (extremely windy and rainy weather in Virac for several days before the wedding and the possibility of the Best Man and one of Chris’ groomsmen not making it on time) and pressured with remaining tasks, my ever-reliable friends were understanding enough to let me vent out and express my frustrations and exhaustion that in one occasion, I asked Kay, Penny, and Mab to “bring the sunshine with them” when they arrive the day before the wedding. And somehow, they did! On January 5, the heavy downpour stopped, and the sun showed itself for most time of the day.
Kay, my bridesmaid, prepared a modest bridal shower for me at home after they’d had breakfast. Afterward, we went to a Greek coffee shop at Imelda Boulevard to continue with the games and the usual activities. I remember feeling cheerful in the presence of my friends. Their energy, warmth, and excitement for my wedding day were somehow restorative and comforting. And even though this was the first time that I got to see Ate Cath, Chris’ older sister, in person, I find the bridal shower enjoyable, overall. I liked how Penny became an extra jolly second facilitator who helped Kay with the follow-up questions and overshared several anecdotes with the rest of the group. Afterward, I rejoined with Chris after their own bachelor’s party at a nearby restaurant so we can attend a mass and have a confession together.
On the wedding day, I woke up at three o’clock in the morning to draft a thank you message for my family and other guests. This was a great opportunity to thank my parents’ upbringing and the lessons which they imparted to me through the years, leading me to become the woman I am today. I finished writing at five-thirty in the morning. I attempted to go back to sleep but the adrenaline of being a few hours away from getting married kept me awake.
In the morning, it was cloudy and rainy. Fortunately, because of fervent prayer, God allowed us to enjoy the wedding ceremony until the reception proper, without a single drop of rain.
I remember walking down the aisle smiling from ear to ear. When I saw my friends getting teary-eyed while I walk towards the altar, I fought back my own tears because I remembered that it was my objective to make my wedding day as festive and vivacious as much as possible. Even the choice of song for our same-day edit (SDE) video - Sara Bareilles’ I Choose You – featured an upbeat rhythm.
During the wedding day, I vividly remembered the following details: how awed the make-up artists were by my naturally curly hair; how smitten they were of Chris’ nephew – Baby Ben; how Mab and Ate Juris were giggly over Mab getting drenched with rainwater at the back of the venue; how articulate papa was when he went onstage for a speech; how cute my nephews and nieces were; how delectable our wedding cake was; how pleased the guests were because of the intimate atmosphere of the occasion; how generous our guests and families were for contributing to our start-up funds; how pleasantly surprised I was that we had an interesting videoke and drinking session with my friends and family members.
Overall, I was extremely satisfied with how the wedding day turned out despite some glitches. It’s a memorable occasion I will cherish and celebrate with Chris for life.
