I’ve just returned from a wonderful bash held in The Bellevue Manila, Muntinlupa. It was the wedding of Sean Si and Apple CoΒ last Saturday where “I will’s” were exchanged as declarations instead of the usual “I do’s.”Β 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.Β
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.Β 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… π 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 itβbut weβre so glad they did. And like in a fairy tale, we hope they stay happily ever after. β₯
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
I just came home from an overseas wedding too! I went to Penang , Malaysia and had witness a wedding of the century. It was very fun to be there to see the people you care most make their promises in front of God. Touching~
If the wedding of your friend was dubbed as the “wedding of the century,” I’m really curious how that went and looked like. π
whenever there’s a chinese wedding, i always believe that it will be a good one and looking at the pictures, it somehow was.
I can’t compare non-Chinese to Chinese weddings because I have never attended a non-Chinese union. From what I watched in the movies and YouTube videos, Filipino weddings are also fun with all the family members and closest friends invited to celebrate happiness in the first day of the couple’s “forever.” π
That sounded like an incredible wedding! I usually don’t enjoy weddings, but I’d actually have been excited to be at this one! π
Ryan Sidhom
Husband, Youth Pastor, Blogger
http://ryansidhom.com
In a wedding ceremony, I like seeing how the guests and the entourage are dressed and made up. In a wedding reception, usually there’s the AVP of the couple or the messages sent across by their loved ones that make the event exciting and entertaining. π Most of all, food served at weddings is awesome which leaves no reason for me not to enjoy it.
I’ve attended an event that was held at the Bellevue Manila and I can say that the place is nice. The food served are mouth-watering most specially the roasted peking duck. I love Chinese Cuisine. Nothing can beat their delicious food (my opinion).
I’ve always known The Bellevue Manila as a convenient venue to visit for both business and leisure. Now a new impression sank into me: this hotel packed with plush furniture is an ideal setting for weddings and balls. π Yup, Chinese food is always my favorite!
You are so lucky to attend such beautiful wedding that serves good food. Wishing the newly weds the best of everything.
Yes, we get lucky sometimes. π For this celebratory banquet, the menu’s nutritional requirements and aesthetic consideration of color, texture, fragrance and balance of taste were all addressed. On their behalf, I say thanks!
Bellevue! My favorite hotel in the south! I bet the wedding was a blast!
It was our first time there – not that long a drive from Manila as I thought as we drove via SLEX. π The wedding was a blast!
weddings – one of the events that i love to attend. Congratulations and Best Wishes Mr. and Mrs. Si π
Thanks. It was an evening to remember and cherish; it was a beginning for Sean and Apple. π
Wow seems like it was a nice wedding! You’re so lucky with all these varity of food I envy you!
Yes, it was really nice. We’re excited to see what’s next after the wedding. π
this wedding looks amazing, lovely post – congrats π
Thanks! It thought it’s worth highlighting that their big day did not focus only on themselves but also on their parents. The spotlight was shared onto how great their parents are and there’s no surprise that the couple grew up to be good people as well.
OH wow, that food looks scrumptious!
congrats on your friend’s wedding!
These food are best when shared with people who are foodies alike.
What a lovely couple and i must say the food presentations are brilliant. I bet they are as tasty as they look. Congrats to the newly weds.
They are indeed lovely. As a meal for special celebrations, Chinese lauriats are a lot of fun. One never knows what’s coming next. π
Great article!
I haven’t came across this. It’s pretty cool.
Thanks, Lasya! Events like weddings are cool.
I guess it is just really in our blood to take photos everytime we find something interesting.. hahaha. #bloggerblood congrats to your friends and I’ve attended thrice to Victory service, and yeah, their way of ceremonies are lively.
Haha apir! π I’m beginning to be interested at switching churches tuloy to attend their services. π
It seems that you enjoyed the wedding rites. More and more people nowadays practiced nuptials like this together with their parents and families.
Their wedding rites were modest and expedient. I don’t know if they had a rehearsal but it was good that nobody made a mistakeβor at least, none that we noticed. π
Wedding is always one of my favourite event,so much fun,food,gossip etc. and when it’s a chinese wedding all those becomes double π
Haha other weddings don’t have much gossip meh? π I think they also do because these events are times when most people who haven’t seen for a long time meet again and talk about whatever to avoid the awkward silence.
Weddings may it be yours or just attending one, gives us that feeling of something unexplainable. Personally I feel emotional whenever I attend one
Of course, weddings are truly a special unity of tradition and religion. We have the honor of attending weddings of our friends so whether lavish or small and simple, they are always the most joyous of occasions.
Bellevue is really such an elegant place to stay in and for a wedding.
Yes, I consider it really elegant. π
Your personal and intimate relationship with your newly wed friend has made you emotional. I have experienced it too.
Yup, I think most of us who are close to friends who are stating marriage vows before an altar and in front of everyone who are dear to them will feel the same way.
I love the bride’s dress. Its very pretty.
Her wedding dress was no Grace Kelly or Princess Diana, but indeed it was very beautiful and fit the bride well. π
I really love the look on the Brides face as he looks on the one giving a speech, she really look so happy and at peace, thanks for sharing
I loved her expression, too. Happy and at peace are also how I’d describe it. π
Lauriat meal really lets me enjoy Chinese specialties but the most I look forward to is the dessert… buchi! π
Hehe for me: buchi, mango sago and almond or lychee. π Ohh yummy!
SI Pastor Dennis! I haven’t seen him since he moved to Greenhills. Forever Galleria church ako! hehehe Chinese lauriat foods are always heavenly hehehe
Oh wow you know him din pala. π That’s great to hear.
Those are yummy foods! Ah, Weddings – they are something so sacred and always a happy event to go to. π
There are so many items in a wedding’s checklist. Before the food menu had been finalized, I bet there’s a lot of preparations and decision-making done. In conclusion, the food passed the taste test. π
that looks a very luxurious wedding … love the venue Bellevue… i could only wish to have a bite of the food .. yumyum
I almost did not want to attend only because the venue is too far from my house and I’m sure it’ll be a long drive. On the other hand though, I would not want to miss out on the biggest day of my friends. I’m glad I made the right decision after all. π
I was looking into the post and seeing if you were able to get the bouquet and would be next in line for a wedding. =>
Haha you make me smile. π Nah, they didn’t have that tradition of throwing out the bouquet of flowers. But if they did, probably I won’t catch it either because I’m super not ready to take on more responsibilities soon.
Lovely grand wedding.. The food and deco looks awesome
Thanks! I’m looking forward to see their official photographs to be shared on Facebook. I know their love pours out to the beautiful pictures. π
they looked like an incredible couple… i hope they will have a long lasting marriage, through thick and thin… Yahweh bless.
They are. Thanks, Ralph. π
Like what I have said in my social media accounts, I have a love-hate relationship about marriage. I think it’s because it’s so lovely to look at young and in love couples but I always have this pessimistic thinking that somehow, someone’s gonna get hurt. I guess I have watch too much tv! Nice wedding though. I wish to see a chinese union soon. π
Yeah there’s a risk in everything and you can say that marrying someone is like risking a big part of your life to be with a lifelong partner. Sometimes, drama in movies or TV programs are just exaggerated. π
The bride is so pretty!!! π I’m sure the wedding was a blast!! the couple look so good together π
Thanks, Rhea. π
Hi Roch! Congrats to the new couple!
Also, would you like to guest post in my wedding blog. You can share the stories of your friends getting married, under the category REAL WEDDINGS.
Here is the link to my new blog: http://blissofheavendiyweddings.com/
Thanks for giving me an opportunity, Joy. Sure, I’ll write a guest post soon. π
There’s a personal touch to this wedding ceremony like no other. Maybe because they wanted that way, and make a difference. Lovely wedding comes with a lovely bride & groom plus the family and guests. In addition, the food is quite normal compared to other pricey wedding menus.
Every wedding ceremony must be touching for the bride and the groom, but it goes up the next level when even the guests are moved by the messages exchanged and the emotions that come together with their expressions.