Pastor JR and Beth

‘Mint Tea’ Be

 

This Canadian prospective pastor was one day enrolling at BBSI.

This bubbly girl was a Student Body Organization officer.

It was not surprising that he was referred to the girl to be accommodated. So they became friends and even started texting but—they didn’t know each other’s name actually until after some time.

The boy found her attractive.

The girl? Nothing special. Haba ng hair… (Long hair…)

Nevertheless the texting and friendship continued until they progressed to praying for each other.

The girl was about to agree to be in a relationship with the boy but something stopped her. It became a struggle of ‘love me, please!’ and ‘no!’which went on for a considerable time. The boy was so persistent in pursuing the girl but it was just useless.

One day, the boy became sick. It was terrible to be sick while at the same time emotionally weighed down. It was so bad that he was about to give up.

He said that one last prayer, “Lord, if it’s really her, please do something now—or never.”

Meanwhile, at the girl’s place, a mentor was pleading with her to do something as the boy was sick. The girl was stubborn. The mentor cooked some soup, made a note and wrote the girl’s name.

At the boy’s room, a bowl of soup came with a note, “JR, Get well soon! –Beth”

They were really ‘mint tea be’!

Mint chocolate and tea inside the pouches as tokens to guests because Pastor Jr & Beth were ‘mint tea be’

The church setup lovingly done by Beth’s auntie

Adding softness to rather symmetrical features of the church

What gallantry! The Bestman prays for the Groom and the whole event before everyone else arrives.

THE MOMENT.

Pastor JR and Beth submit their union to God’s guidance and blessing through the Dedicatory Prayer.

 

The two candles representing Pastor JR and Beth were lighted from the biggest one representing God then together they lighted one other candle just beneath the biggest one representing their union which is under God’s authority and blessing. What a picture of unity, harmony, and submission to God!

The reception stage perfectly sets the motif of this wedding.

“Love is an open doOooOor!,” led by the Canadian boy to the delight of the Bukidnon grandstand girl.

A husband-wife partnership has its own personality they say. And we say they are sweet and fun!

Guests extend their hand of blessing and prayer to Pastor JR and Beth highlighting the closing of the celebration.

“They got married and we had fun!”

 

–(-@

Paul and Ellaine

ARTISTICALLY ENGINEERED

What happens when an architect and an engineer partner?

Artistic excellence.

But we wonder how they met in the first place.

Clue: Batangas barako coffee.

Nope, they weren’t having coffee then. They were in Batangas for a youth camp joining as counselors for an annual camp. As they were having a meeting about counselor partners, Paul consequently claimed,

“Akin si Ellaine!” (Ellaine is mine!)

Everybody grinned and that was the start of their friendship that led to love relationship.

So, on Paul and Ellaine’s wedding, Batangas’ famous barako coffee was an accent, a token, and giveaway. Their meticulousness was reflected as they did DIYs with it along with other items including the huge backdrop in the reception. Talk about a wedding theme!

Everything about Paul and Ellaine’s wedding had the couple’s intricate detailing starting off with their invitation!

Coffee beans from Batangas with the label meticulously DIYed by Paul and Ellaine

From the very start of their planning, the detailing that went into the preparations, it’s undeniably a wedding well planned. Although a quick downpour of rain delayed everyone’s pace, the ceremony still displayed the couple’s preparedness for the event, for marriage, for their life together. It was a misty, love-filled, God-centered ceremony inside the lush UP Diliman where they also became a couple. It was beautiful!

Couldn’t be happier!

The couple also held a thanksgiving dinner for their church friends the next day with the same backdrop and photobooth accessories used during reception designed by Paul himself. They couldn’t miss sharing the most special event of their lives with one of the most important groups pf people they will have to eventually and constantly share life with as husband and wife.

Reception II aka thanksgiving dinner at their church

The photobooth backdrop at reception screams personal style!

Paul and Ellaine displayed personal, artistic, excellent expressions of their craft in their wedding. That’s like saying we are going to handle our marriage with the same effort, commitment, and excellence. With God’s grace, we see it right on.

Way to start, Paul and Ellaine!

–(-@

Photo credit to owners

Lester and Ivie

ANG KASALAN (The Wedding Affair)

It was quite a surprise to see a party of people crowding at Ivie’s family’s house one particular evening for Lester’s pamamanhikan. Everyone was excited to have the two young lovers get set for their wedding day and know who were chosen as principal sponsors. Lester and Ivie officially told their ninangs (female principal sponsors) and ninongs (male principal sponsors) present in the meeting by mano (kissing hands) to the delight of the privileged soon-to-be VIPs!

This first traditional event set the whole affair on its traditional style, as we saw it at least.

Lester & Ivie on a prenup photo.

The wedding day started the day before, actually, with relatives and friends doing everything for both families. Traditionally, everyone shares a hand mainly in food preparations in what is called tulungan. When the groom’s party was done preparing at their place, they brought their share to the bride’s place where the reception was to be held. This was the lipat.

With fun and lots of noise, the groom’s party brings all their share in the wedding.

Obviously, pork would be served at reception.

Normally, men are in charge of all meats.

Meat preparations start the night before the wedding day so they have to be innovative in keeping the meat fresh and clean.

The ladies take care of the veggies, spices, and other light stuff.

Dulot of fruits, fresh meat cut, and sweets are being prepared for the principal sponsors which are later to be brought to their homes.

The cozy garden of a relative as a venue for the ceremony set the day relaxed for neighbors in the block. They got to witness a wedding ceremony which almost never happens in their area with the dressed and made up ladies and kids along with men who were earlier seen in house clothes but were now on handsome suits.

Simply lovely!

Traditional yet modern, this wedding had a share of the usual stuff.

Ivie walks non-traditionally by herself to be met by her parents on the other end.

Just beautiful!

And you thought they were dancing, right? Nope. That’s their reception entrance style!

With everyone fully satisfied with food and sweets, this community event went onto one of the most watched-out-for parts of a traditionally Tagalog wedding, the sabangan. The principal sponsors, relatives, and close friends gave their financial gifts announced by the facilitator to the delight of the audience.

Lester & Ivie received a huge amount which total was also announced by the facilitator.

And that’s still part of the tradition.

Ninang Mercy gives her cash gift with words of wisdom for Lester and Ivie’s new life together while two bridesmaids assist in handling the bills.

After all the leftovers, equipment, and utensils were kept, Lester had to take his his bride home on dapit with all those stuff and buzz and bangs!

The couple leading the entourage home.

Everybody helps out!

The wedding with a bang–lots of bang bangs!

Hooray, hooray! The newly weds are coming!

It’s more fun with this wedding style!

Papa, Mama, I got my bride!

Reaching the groom’s house, the bride was offered and ate kalamay (sticky rice cake) at doorstep for the new family member to ‘stick’ to the host family, or that Ivie would be at home. Upon entering, they were showered with coins and rice for prosperity.

Ivie takes a bite of kalamay while Lester looks on as it’s Ivie’s part only being the new family member.

One last thing before this kasalan was done: Ivie had to find her bag of clothes to change.

Only she couldn’t find them.

It was supposedly brought with the other stuff someone surely having it. She went around inside the house but couldn’t find it. Some older folks were already teasing her she might not really need it after all. After a while, she got the bag from a spot in the house.

Ivie tries to catch the best coaching she can get from onlookers to find her bag so she could finally change into a more relaxing outfit.

So, the idea was… getting teased about not needing the clothes?

Nope. So that the new family member would see the whole house. But it’s the teasing that stuck with us!

The whole kasalan (wedding affair) was quite an event for Lester & Ivie’s community and for us, it was a very rare opportunity to see traditional wedding practices done in modern times.

So, what’s with this young couple now?

‘Getting Married Is Not a Joke’

Photo courtesy: RC Studio, Ivie Casapao Boongaling, Netski Boongaling Ventura

Bong and Nica

THE RIDE OF THEIR LIVES

 

Joy ride. What makes it fun is who you’re with. For Bong & Nica, it’s each other.

After many joy rides as lovers, they finally started the ride of their lives in marriage. Colleagues in a local IT company, they were teased together until they became a couple.

These two seem to perfectly know how to go around by doing things together. They started preparing for family life even before their wedding. They were always together at events and actually are leading together a weekly support group meeting with friends.

Nica on the motorbike driven by her brother. She gets off at the aisle entrance to meet Bong at the altar.

The cool afternoon sun apparently went with their way of ending the wedding ceremony as audience comfortably watched them exchange vows.

What other way to leave for the tween pictorial?

Fulfilling her wish on her wedding day, Nica came on the motorbike for her bridal walk. Proceeding to their tween pictorial, she and Bong, did exit style on this same bridal motorbike.

As Bong and Nica go on their ride of life together,  they will definitely reach their dream destination as long as they stay on track with their spiritual foundation. These same values were actually what made them stick together.  

Bong and Nica got the most accurate GPS for all the turns and stops. If they miss a turn, there’s always a way to go on as long as Bong is driving right. As Nica told Bong in her vow, “…mas kampante ako na may takot ka sa Dios kaysa sa akin…” (I’m more contented that you fear God more than you do with me), it’s definitely a joy ride.

–(-@

Photo credit:

Infinite Pixel

Jun Rosetes

Geleen Faye Lopez Gallego

Floiz and Meoss

DREAM WEDDING COME TRUE

“Kaya lang ako nag-MOCC para may cross sword sa kasal ko!” (I only took the MOCC so that I’ll have a cross sword entrance when I get married), declared Meoss as we were detailing the military-uniformed aisle unit for her bridal march.

And Meoss’ dream came true.

Originally, Meoss wanted the military unit lined up a lane of the road as she’d be walking from their house to the church nearby where the Ceremony was to take place and at the three road turns she’d have three special elders in the church wait for her and walk her on.

This part of the dream did not come true.

The bride’s mom’s dream came true, however. She wanted to see her daughter come out of the house proceeding to the church—and she did. They were all made up and dressed at the hotel in the town and to make things officially from the bride’s house, Meoss was covered with the veil by her mother at their home. With the widowed mother and an older sister, Meoss went out of their house to be wed to her groom.

The wedding coordinator’s dream came true. She wanted the Floiz to be early in the church—and he was! He was ready, relaxed, and very handsome.

Photo Courtesy: Precious Moments Photography

At the barrio church where both Meoss and Floiz got their spiritual foundation, Meoss walked down the aisle with her dream entrance style while Floiz eagerly looked on her beautiful bride.

It was a lovely Saturday morning at a small village where the Couple promised their dreams for the future of having each other.

Kalamay Exchange and Coin Shower Ceremony ushered Floiz & Meoss into the reception hall. Kalamay or sticky rice cake symbolizes strong attachment of the couple to each other and to each other’s family. Coin shower, on the other hand, symbolizes prosperity for the couple’s married life.  Although Meoss’ family do not actually believe that these ceremonies have any effect on their married life, they welcomed the idea as a way to go with the traditional musings of a country wedding.

The usual Money Dance sometime after the reception meal was a blast. We often have small envelopes so guests could keep the amount of their cash gift to themselves and the Couple. Many had it but others were creative and flashy with their gifts!

Paying tribute to parents is one part of the program worth highlighting. Meoss’ father is already gone and so she had an uncle she’s really attached to dance her to recognize his presence in Meoss’ life.

Likewise, the parents were very endearing to the new couple. Meoss’ mom composed a poem to express her heart to her daughter’s in-laws and tearfully delivered it. Floiz’ parents were just very happy to finally have Meoss be home at their side.

Floiz & Meoss continue to realize dreams we may not know about but will definitely see them eventually.

—(-@

Ruben & Grace

PREPARED FOR EACH OTHER & FOR LIFE

Prepared.

That’s one descriptive word for Grace and Ruben’s wedding. Both of ideal age—very ideal—with established careers, and had anxious family and friends, they were really prepared for the event.

Well said.

No comment. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Ruben and Grace particularly had the Exchange of Vows end the Ceremony which made it more special sealing everything they said to each other with the Ring Ceremony.

The climax of the ceremony–the wedding vows sealed with the rings.

To be sure that their guests were occupied while they were having their pre-reception photoshoot, the Couple had customized cards where friends could write thoughtful words for Ruben and Grace as they start their life together.

Prepared for colleagues who didn’t want to be embarrassed, Grace simply had the single ladies given chocolates by the single men replacing the usual Bouquet & Garter Toss at the reception. Recognizing the marriage experts, the newly weds made all married couples dance ending the sweet moment with a special award for the longest wed sweethearts.

Sure winner!

By the way, Grace entered the reception hall by herself because she had to find Ruben among the guests. Ruben came in first. The guests waved their napkins to her to give her a clue—very helpful—which table Ruben was hiding under. Ruben was supposed to give her an iPad if she’d find him in less than a minute. Of course, she did! But where was the iPad?

Prepared with not the usual reception entrance style, Grace had that idea.

The high audience participation and heartfelt speeches made the last part of the program more touching. Ruben’s brother came home after 20 years of staying abroad just to be with him and their family on that particular day. His speech made it clear how happy he was to see Ruben finally get wed.

‘Kuya’ makes sure he gets to see everything.

Grace’s father, on the other hand, was his usual fatherly and preachy figure but you’d know that his speech was not just one his impromptu talks at gatherings. It was particularly prepared for the very first bride among his three beautiful daughters.

The two younger sisters stand close to ‘Ate’ with the rest of the ladies in their simple yet elegant dresses.

Ruben & Grace’s wedding was one of the easiest to handle during the preparation. Grace was very hands-on and so although Ruben flew in few weeks before the wedding both of them were practically and spiritually prepared for their grandest day.

Congratulations, Ruben & Grace!

–(-@

Photo credit: Ms Leah Ruth Narca

Clay & Les

SEEDS OF LOVE

Clay, a man of global vision and network, and Les, a woman of adventure—the world is their workplace.

The two met in an NGO, both with desire for community transformation. Having the same vision, they were lead to unite in love and for life.

Clay & Les run Seeds For Life which promotes chia seeds as an excellent food supplement. They are also doing a feeding program which has been going on in several areas in Luzon.

It was no surprise when family and close friends from Manila were notified about the wedding in Baguio. It’s where Clay & Les want to continue their life together having been working together in Baguio as their head office for some time. Hence, everyone was excited for THE day!

Baguio! Here we come!

The naturally colorful garden of Cantinetta was a perfect venue for the wedding ceremony since the Couple chose rainbow for their motif.

The Ceremony area needed no decoration since the garden itself is already colorful.

Second Wind Band checks sounds and tunes before the guests arrive.

The perfect give away from a Baguio wedding—fresh vegetables! What more? They have rainbow colors: red pepper, orange carrot, yellow potato (the closest they could get!), green chayote and beans, blue/violet cabbage. Those little baskets topped off the idea!

Back in the hotel, Les’ family is enjoying the brief moment together as a family while Les is still with them.

This family known for kindness in their community practically runs an outreach program right in their yard blessing the people in their neighborhood.

The four younger ladies have basically blossomed into fine teenagers through the mentoring and care of the family particularly Les herself.

Ooops! Les had to make sure she’s up for the long day!

The morning weather was ideal—weather forecast advised no rain that day—and it even became cooler as guests arrived. Just when the Ceremony was starting, the sky began to darken and raindrops got heavier just as Les was marching!

Love conquers all—not even rain could stop it! So, the Ceremony went on after few modifications. Thanks to Cantinetta’s covers which allowed both entourage and guests dry through the hour of the ceremony.

And what a radiant color everything had just after the rain—in time for photos!

Les was thankful for the rain for it reminded her of the many hardships she and her parents had had to go through so all of their children could finish college–all of them in college at the same time!. They are now all successful in respective careers and their parents occasionally travel through their thoughtfulness. After the rain, it was glorious indeed!

Just brightly lovely!!

Everyone in and beaming for Mr & Mrs Phillips!

Simply awesome!

The reception had to be indoor which gathered the small bunch of guests closer for the early dinner. It was casual, light, but very intimate.

A ministerial and business partner, Pastor William gave a Declaration of Faith to the new couple. It was all family and friends wished for Clay & Les to be as husband and wife.

The Father of the Bride had nothing but contentment and peace knowing that his daughter is happy.

Everybody definitely enjoyed getting a basket of fresh Baguio veggies!

The one-stem-then-bride’s-bouquet never fails to make the ladies go crazy!

At the end of the day, THE day, Clay & Les were both very grateful. Les was deeply thankful to God for everyone, literally everyone in the audience as she individually thanked them (they had 50 guests only so no hurry!), her parents topping all of course. Clay, on the other hand, was indebted for the family he has found among them.

Could it get any sweeter?

With the prospect of shared passion for benevolence and for each other, Clay & Les’ life partnership will definitely sow and grow seeds of kindness in places in the world and of love for each other.

–(-@

Photo credit:

Glycel Merced-Rojales

Stephen Rojales

Rev.  Nelson De Jesus

Aron and Sharon

OUR REARRANGEMENT–HIS GLORY

When God is at the center, whatever changes come around, it makes God’s glory shine even more brilliantly.

Aron & Sharon had this very purpose when they staged their wedding at The Lakeshore. Sharon particularly had everything meticulously set for which she admitted her ‘OCness’ but which greatly rewarded her with a beautiful wedding the guests was delighted with—that was inspite of the many changes that had to be worked out during the programs.

The day started with a fair weather which somehow became unpredictable later in the morning. As the preparations in the bridal suite went along, it became apparent that some things had to be rearranged. At any cost, the Bride certainly had to come out THE most beautiful.

And she truly was.

The Most Beautiful

The Bridal March is always one of the most anticipated segments in wedding ceremonies and recently its style had been sought to be uniquely staged by most brides. With an open ceremony venue and the handsome Groomsmen, Sharon walked in most significantly in her lifetime.

The Groomsmen do a valiant job for the Bride’s entrance. The Bride walks behind them escorted by her younger brother.

After her brother lead her in for few steps, Sharon starts her most momentous walk.

“In a while, in a word, every moment now returns…”

Sharon, fully covered in white veil, with Aron, is proud to have stayed pure until the day they come to fully consume their love.

Aron is simply overwhelmed!

Early on in the Ceremony Program, the work of God in Aron and Sharon’s lives became very evident. They were blessed by parents who lovingly and successfully nurtured them and in return, that special day, the Couple honored them before God Himself and the guests.

Aron declares how he was lovingly and sacrificially raised to his beaming proud parents themselves and the heart-warmed guests.

Aron and Sharon were perfectly a picture of two people who had planned their wedding well, waited for the day (days actually!), and desired to put God in the center of their lifetime event as seen in the altar décor, their most relaxed bearing while the Ceremony went on, and their full trust and commitment to God for a godly marriage.

The Third Party in the marriage represented by the only altar decor, the cross.

Finally, that day was THE day!

Sparklers, rice, rose petals, trinkets, and jubilant family and friends cheered them on as they went out as Mr & Mrs Aron and Sharon Aytona!

Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Aron and Sharon Aytona!

Pictorials captured the overjoyed guests who excitedly posed with the Couple for the memorable photos and the playful ones who joined the sky lantern flying. It was windy but they still managed to fly the lanterns up to the merriment of the participants and the satisfaction of the Couple because they extremely wanted to have this beautiful sight during this special evening.

The Couple with their dearest friends in a photo for lifelong memory and the generations after them.

Friends brace together to fly a lantern celebrating with Aron and Sharon!

The reception program went a little random yet was orderly highlighted with segments which were deeply significant to the Couple. It concluded with their parents’ speeches which were all praises to Aron and Sharon for having each other and their wishes for the Couple for a beatific marriage.

The Couple comfortably enjoy everything going on in their wedding reception .

The Best Man grabs the time to fully express his heart’s content for Aron’s blissful future with Sharon.

This Filipiniana-inspired wedding stages the tradition of Money Dance with the Couple swaying and kissing and seeing the provided huge container getting full!

Friends, young and old, gather on the dance floor with the Couple themselves for a Mob Dance!

After the program ended, their closest friends gathered around Aron and Sharon to save the most memorable night on pictures.

Couldn’t be any happier!

When asked about their wedding, Aron and Sharon would repeat what their guests themselves had observed:

“It was beautiful and filled by God’s presence.”

–(-@

Photo credit:

Ruth Rachel Arrieta Villanueva

Joie Joy

Trisha Sebastian

The Storytellers

Vanessa Nikki Garcia-Resuta

Juric Cancio

Jared and Esil

THE MINISTER & THE MINISTER’S WIFE, And A 12-12-12

No, it’s not the Officiating Minister. The Groom was a minister himself marrying a former missionary to Cambodia.  In a certain context, it meant that this event had to be wisely budgeted yet exquisite. There were even some suppliers who had not been fully paid yet before the very day.

Yet it came out to be a beautiful wedding!

.Two prominent Officiating Ministers

.Philharmonic Orchestra violinists

.Philippine Heralds Choral Group

.Five-person coordination team with assistants

.Bride and Groom’s PAs

.Five hair and make-up artists

.Professional photo and video team

.Former Club Balai Isabel event stylist

.Most-prominent-in-town caterer

.Two different Bride and Groom’s cars

.Over 300 guests!

And—honeymoon in Macau and HongKong!

Esil, in a gown made in Cambodia, walks down the aisle to 12-men live rendition of “A Love Forevermore” by Mac Lynch rearranged by Jared himself for that moment.

The 1930 auditorium of BBSI transformed into a gorgeous white ceremony chapel.

As if saying, ‘I’ve waited so long!’

Finally, Mr & Mrs Jared & Esil Mongcal!

Jared and Esil pause for extended photo shoot after Reception.

Honeymoon in Macau!

Lovers in Disneyland Hong Kong!

For Jared, a Bible school professor, and Esil, a former volunteer missionary to Cambodia, it was definitely God’s awesome event!

–(-@

Photo credit:

Karen Pamilar

Reyno Jison Abasolo

Mizi Edillon

Jared Mongcal

Do What You Mean

The groom cuts the bridal march himself–can you believe that!

Pastor Vincent, the Groom, and Cristia, the Bride, wanted their wedding ceremony to depict how Jesus Christ will come again to get His Bride, the composition of all His followers. The fact that He is to come at any moment and that while waiting, the Bride should be beautifying and purifying herself for the coming Groom should be the point of the Bridal March. To achieve this, Pastor Vincent had to somehow ‘cut’ the bridal march.

So, this is how they did it:

1. The Groom takes his place at the altar at the start of the processional entrance. After all the members of the entourage have marched, the Bride starts to slowly walk on the aisle on her most beautiful moment.

2. Just few pews ahead of the Bride before the aisle ends, the Groom approaches the bride.

3. He takes her and together they walk towards the Minister for the wedding ceremony to start.

Did you see what they meant?

Any Couple could come up with their own unique idea about their wedding. As Marks & Gifts Events believes, most parts of the wedding programs are traditional and therefore, they can be tweaked. In this wedding, the inspiration comes from the biblical truth of Jesus and The Church being the Groom and the Bride respectively. One day, the Groom will come to take His Bride away to be with Him forever.

–(-@

Photo credit: Studio 23 Photography