The Day She Said "I Do"

About four years ago, I was sitting in a whole-day CCF-sponsored Singles' Conference on Love, Courtship and Marriage. One of the speakers (and one of my favorites in that event, too), Pastor Clem Guillermo, remarked: "A woman's got two greatest dreams: to be married to the man of her dreams, and to be the mother of his children."

That quotable quote pretty much summarizes what happened earlier this afternoon. Today is the day she said "I do". At long last.

Our high school buddies, and inarguably the love team of all time for our batch, Rolyn and Dhabong, just got married today in a beautiful and solemn mid-afternoon ceremony at the historic San Agustin Church, capping a beautiful fifteen-year friendship, seven-year rollercoaster of a courtship and a six-year smooth-sailing romance as a couple. It's just totally awesome and I can't believe that only two weeks ago, we threw Len a bridal shower at the Astoria Plaza Hotel. Now, she is officially Mrs. Rolyn D. Sac-Fernandez. They even had a website constructed to say so!

Here are some pics and highlights of the affair:

1. Our own stylists. Is it the economy or the sheer lack of time? Hehe (methinks it's both). We did our own hair and make-up. I personally know nothing about fixing my long tresses, so as usual I just let it dry. Kudos to Sheila and Katie who know a thing or two about eye shadow.

2. The long drive to San Agustin Church. We almost didn't make it to the ceremony. By the time we got to the church, Rolyn was about to walk down the aisle! This is what you get when you don't have a map of the church. Hay! It's a good thing we brought a driver along with us. Can you imagine if it's me in my dress driving all the way to that congested Manila area? Whew! Oh, and did I mention the circuitous ride from the church to the Coconut Palace? Arrgghh!!!!!!

3. Photos, photos, and more photos. What do you expect? We see one another once in a blue moon. Say cheese! Thanks to Katie's husband, Nelson, and Aye's to-be, Raymond, for gamely clicking throughout the night.

4. Great food. Forget the diet once in a while. Josiah's catering did a great job. I loved their Mongolian bar. And yes, I didn't pass up the opportunity to try their special chicken dish. It was superb!

5. Katie's song surprise number. Hey, I didn't know about that! (Doink! Kaya nga surprise, eh!)

6. The Jaguar. Len and Dhabong got the much-talked about 1947 Jaguar as their bridal car. Check out the photo :-P (Can I test drive that one, pretty please???)

7. Tito Robert's (father of the bride) speech. It was truly touching. After all, we don't hear the men say stuff like that often enough.

8. Great AVP and photos from Wally Gonzales. What can I say? Nobody beats a pro.

9. And yes, before I forget, I loved being in the company of Kate, Nelson, Sheila, Raymond and Aye. Too bad, Ria missed the affair again. (Hmp!)

[Click on an image to view it in larger format.]

Sealed with a kiss: The couple at the lobby of The Coconut Palace for the reception

Can I drive the car? :-)

Husband and wife: Mr. and Mrs. Henri Fernandez moments after the ceremony

Vroom, vroom: The 1947 Jaguar bridal car

The simple but elegant ribbons for the chairs

The cake

The elegant centerpiece table decor/flower arrangement

Hey, we did our own hair and make-up :-P

Buddies since our pre-adolescent days: The bride and the groom with some high school buddies

Kulet pose

We knew all along that it'll all end with the two of them walking down the aisle. It was only a matter of time before things fell into place :-)
To the newlyweds, we pray that you'll grow old together and stay faithful to each other. God bless you and your future family.

And to the next ones in line (paging ahem, Ayesha and Raymond!).....just give us a ring anytime you need help organizing for your big day, alright? :-P

*****

Our friend Katie has a great blog entry for the wedding of the year. You can check out her write-up and her and her hubby's photos here.