Years ago, I told myself that I would make amends with people who I had severed ties with if I came out alive from my ordeal. Then years later, we find ourselves in the middle of a glorious day when they finally tie the knot. I haven’t seen them since 2014 and to see them as they take their vows could not have been the best timing.
It was Mama’s 60th birthday yesterday and we arrived in Marikina to celebrate the day with her. But for the Saturday after, I know she understood that we had to attend a wedding.
We sometimes dress up
I seldom wear dressy things. I am quite firm with that and I have long abandoned my attempt to sartorially look like I jumped out of the pages of a magazine. I would describe myself as the most laid-back person ever, clothes-wise. I have heard good reviews on the venue of the wedding and people would most probably dressed to the nines. I initially attempted too, but I have settled with something comfortable in the end.
The wedding venue
We arrived at the venue before 3:30 PM and even before entering the area, one could sense the excitement from all the guests by the gate. I saw familiar faces from my previous employment and a lot of them were part of the entourage.
The bride
What is it about the bride walking the aisle that makes me cry? Three years ago, I had attended two weddings (i.e. my high school friend and then my brother). In both instances, I remembering getting teary-eyed too. This time was no different. As soon as Dianne started walking down the staircase, tears were already welling up in my eyes. I know. I’m a bit sappy over weddings.
Even with some hiccups with the audio set-up, you can see that the bride and groom pushed through the ceremony. I think tears of joy are always part of weddings. I have been observing on how many people looked emotional during the ceremony. It was a happy moment.
Ready for the food
Obligatory concrete wall shot
The venue for the reception was, where else, at the same place. This is what I love most about garden weddings. The night was about to fall and the golden hour was nearly upon us, casting a soft glow over everyone. By the time the last ray of sun faded into the horizon, the yellow light from the ceiling and candles on the table prompted an extra-romantic mood.
My favourite part was dinner! I make it a point to bring something to eat in my small pouch during weddings. Ceremonies can get too unpredictable and you can’t pinpoint the time when eating time starts. The chocolate nuggets in my stomach were on their way to my small intestines, and that was the time dinner was announced.
Former colleagues having a drink too many
It was a fun night, with former colleagues of ours getting a little too crazy with the cheering (and jeering). It was not all crazy fun, though. Anecdotes about Randell and Dianne’s love story were told by almost everyone privy to their relationship.
With the bride and the groom
Lovely fountain
We ended the night on a good note. While it was difficult to corner the newlyweds for a photo, Mon and I finally managed in the end while Dianne just got out of the loo.
What can I say? We had a grand time at the wedding and I managed to prevent myself obstructing photos during the ceremony! I just leave the professional photographers do the job and not ruin their Same-Day Edit as one of the people with their phones out.
