the wedding enthusiast: Big and small weddings (and attending during the ceremony only)

Last December, I attended the wedding of my hubby's churchmate, Dindin. Actually, the last I heard was they she and her boyfriend (now husband), Nickson(?) had broken up so I was surprised to find out that they were getting married. Most of the people close to Dindin and Nickson were able to witness the couple’s challenges prior to the date at the altar. But as they say in the vernacular, “pagkahaba-haba man ng prusisyon, sa simbahan din ang uwi” (or something like that). Some people may think of challenges prior to a marriage as something short of a premonition of things to expect in the future. On the other hand, if two people can overcome whatever problems are thrown at them before the marriage, everything else that happens after the wedding may just be a walk in the park.

It was an intimate affair wherein both the ceremony and reception was held at a quaint events venue in the heart of Marikina. Sadly, some of the guests were not able to make it due to the inevitable Christmas rush. Hubby and I, after finishing the ceremony weren't able to stay for the reception as well because of work. That said, it was heartwarming to see all of Dindin's friends and relatives wiping tears of joy during the ceremony.

A month after Dindin’s wedding, hubby and I attended the wedding of young actress Maybeline dela Cruz and her now husband, Mike who currently holds public office in Dagupan where the newlyweds are now based.

Now, we all know what usually happens when we mix showbiz weddings with politics…chaos! Kidding aside, half expecting a battalion of bodyguards and wedding coordinators running amuck, I was so glad to see that I was the only one walking around Manila Cathedral taking as many photos as I could to preserve memories of what must've been one of the most elegantly, solemnly executed weddings in the last decade or so. No paparazzis, no overly glaring lights, no screaming and whining children from the entourage, all cameras were set near the altar and during the exchange of vows, you could've heard a pin drop. Definitely NOT your typical showbiz nor political wedding at all! I guess it helped that Manila Cathedral, a favorite venue for grand weddings, has strict guidelines when it comes to the ceremony requirements. First time photographers and videographers have to go through a seminar before the wedding to ensure that they follow the Cathedral’s rules and regulations.

Kudos goes to the couple, especially Maybeline who personally chose the wedding details and supervised everything from start to finish. It was even raining that day, and her reception was held by the poolside of the Coconut Palace with over 500 guests all over the country. But bless Maybeline, her positive outlook and personality wasn't affected by anything.

Sadly, again, because of work, hubby and I couldn’t make it to the reception. I would’ve wanted to see the all-white floral set-ups, Maybeline serenading her husband, followed by a dazzling fireworks display. Sigh.

Here are some of the photos I took before hubby and I made a french exit: