Wedding Highlights - Ceremony

The entourage was told to be in church around 1:30 pm. On the invites, we announced that the ceremony was going to be around 2:30 pm but it is actually at 3:00 pm (to avoid the dreaded Filipino time mentality. I guess it worked because people were actually early. I missed all the happenings in church while I was waiting in the limo, but I heard that there was a lot of picture taking and socializing.

D'nei, the church coordinator, gave my limo diver the signal for me to get out of the limo and enter the church. As soon as I entered, I noticed the music was wrong (they played Bridal March instead of the Bridal March intro/Canon D Fanfare I wanted. Anyway, I was awetruck at the church, the guests, all the cameras flashing, and the entourage. My bridesmaids were so beautiful! Awww. I was happy to see that my choice of flower colors worked well with their gowns, and that it matched the church's flower colors (what a coincidence!) The priest opened his prayers, Uncle Boy gave a powerful first reading, Julie Wind sang a wonderful Loving and Forgiving responsorial psalm, Tita Fe gave a good second reading, and then we sat and waited for the wedding ceremony to begin after Fr. Ritchie's gospel and engaging homily.

Fr. Ritchie gave us the signal to stand up and begin the unity candle ceremony. Again, I was blown away when Angel stared playing her violin, and Julie Wind singing in tagalog (btw, she's Caucasian, but she could sing Sa 'Yo Lamang so well). That was one of my favorite moments. The veil and cord sponsors did their thing, and then Fr. Ritchie continued with the mass.

Melodie, my cousin, was supposed to read the Prayers of the Faithful, but she didn't know what to do since she wasn't at rehearsals. Good thing Fr. Ritchie saved the day by reading it instead. I was cracking up at Melodie who was just standing in awe and didn't know what to do. Anyway, the preparation of gifts was up next, and my sisters Charlene and Natalie brought the gifts to the priest. This is the best moment because Angel played violin in the background, while Raf sang I Will Be Here, together with the grand piano. I almost got teary-eyed, and I was deeply touched by the song. After the wedding, I heard that some people cried during the ceremony. Anyway, it was a magical moment.

Al and I exchanged vows (it's obvious Al was nervous and the priest cracked a joke about it). With the peace exchanged, I was actually shocked to see my mom and dad shake hands (to those who don't know, they are mortal enemies). The communion was also nice because Julie sang Panis Angelicus which was also touching. Then came the recessional. Pia (maid of honor) forgot to give me back my bouquet, but I was happy because the music in the background was Ode to Joy (believe it or not, this piece got me and Al together). After hiding in the vestibule for a couple of minutes, we came out to start taking pictures.