I’ve just returned from a wonderful bash held in The Bellevue Manila, Muntinlupa. It was the wedding of Sean Si and Apple Co last Saturday where “I will’s” were exchanged as declarations instead of the usual “I do’s.” Their marriage vows, Christian testimonies and love story touched me and made me almost cry big-time!
Sean and I belong to one college barkada, and Apple became our friend when she was introduced to us in December 2010 (see group photo below). My relationship with them grew as I joined SEO Hacker in the following year. They both are very down to earth, professional at work, and so I respect them deeply. We get together with friends to update about latest happenings in life especially career-wise. Of course, we were thrilled upon learning that they have decided to keep a covenant and follow Christ’s blueprint in marriage.
In several instances, I have attended similar ceremonies and have also participated as part of the entourage in my aunts’ and uncles’ weddings. But maybe because of the self-detachment that I do to release underlying emotions each time, I was never wired to get emotional at weddings. This time, it was different.
Thanks to G and her driver, we arrived at The Bellevue Manila in Muntinlupa early and saw Apple walking down the stairs. We said hi and were happy to see the bride wave at us back. Soon, our other friends found us and we headed to the wedding ceremony proper. In the function room, the backdrop was dashing. The flowers in the aisle provided a cool, romantic and modern vibe.
The couple looked absolutely radiant and incredibly happy. The groom shone in white suit and the bride was breathtaking as ever in her gown. The bridal bouquet consisted of orange and yellow flowers in bloom. Members of the beautiful set were all so elegantly dressed in apple green and orange.
A few minutes later, the ceremony began. I thought it was going to be boring like usual weddings whereby guests have to wait a while before the pastor finally announces the couple as man and wife. It turned out to be livelier and more moving than I expected.
Pastor Dennis Sy, Senior Pastor of Victory Greenhills, was present to give an inspirational preaching about marriage. And when it was the groom’s and the bride’s turns to share their messages with parents and their stories on how they became Christians, I saw many people in tears. Theirs were the greatest words I’ve heard at a wedding. Needless to say, their union was an emotional moment for everyone there.
The reception was held about one and a half hours after. I was seated with friends near the stage where the band played and where significant people in the couple’s lives also went up to tell stories and read their messages. All were true to heart and we were touched once again. The wedding couple also performed with no holds barred. They sang the Tangled theme song “I See the Light,” and the sense of energy in the entire room was almost tangible.
Come dinnertime, Chinese lauriat food were served to our table. I didn’t bring my DSLR that day because I believe the professional photographers’ “pro shots” were enough to cover the details of the wedding including food. I also didn’t intend to review the dishes but can’t accept not taking photos of them at least for my own documentation.
It was funny that my friends turned the lazy Susan in their own accord to face the food to me. I guess they really know me well. Tralalala… 😛 The menu was superb! We had: Assorted Cold Cuts, Roasted Peking Duck, Braised Shark’s Fin Soup with Shredded Meat, Hot Prawn Salad, Cha Misua, Braised Sea Cucumber with Chinese Mushroom and Abalone, Fried Rice with Salted Fish, Steamed Lapu-lapu with Soya Sauce, Two Variety Chicken Kung Po and Stuffed, Masachi Roll and Chilled Mango Sago.
I felt honored to have witnessed the Si-Co Wedding. Running separate lives and in different backgrounds, Sean and Apple met each other by serendipity. It took them signs to discover it—but we’re so glad they did. And like in a fairy tale, we hope they stay happily ever after. ♥
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