A Knot to Have and to Forever Keep

I never had a vivid picture of what my dream wedding would be. All I know was that it would be a church wedding and that I will be in white - the details of which I let the future decide. Then that future came and told me that a grand wedding is not meant for me, but rather a simple one witnessed by people we know and dear to us. My hubby and I are very much proud of our wedding for it went well even though we only had barely three months to prepare. Although it was a simple one, the preparation was still physically, emotionally and financially ( to be honest!) exhausting. The  preparation was indeed a test of love, patience and understanding we have for each other. Since we were having the wedding on a tight budget, I would like to share to you how we managed to have a wedding worth to be remembered.

Invitation Cards - We made it ourselves! We both decided on the paper and the motif. I was in-charge of the wedding program and my hubby took charge of the design.

 Bouquet - Two dozens of red and white roses arranged by my hubby (ironically, I know little of flower         arrangements :"> )

Souvenirs - pre-designed souvenirs bought in Divisoria while the tags were designed and printed by my hubby (who else will? ;) )

Food and Reception -  Catered by Buma Seafood and Restaurant in Tiendesitas. The manager and his staffs were accommodating. The manager even gave us a discount! :D We had around 50 guests and they said the food was great.

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Wedding Gown- I did not go for a custom-made gown for there's not much time left. Good thing we got a ready-to-wear gown in Divisoria that suited my style and size at a good price! It is a white gown with a fitted bodice detailed with beads while the train is accented with mesh and some beads. I had my maid of honor fitted the gown for me. So if you are buying a ready-to-wear gown and yo do believe in superstitions, better bring with you someone who has a similar body frame with you. :)
   

Groom's Attire - My hubby opted for a cream-colored jusi barong with embroidery and paired it with black pants. He would always go for comfort over style when it comes to dressing up. He looked good in barong though. :x

Secondary sponsors - This part I owe to the sponsors themselves. I let the my bridesmaids decide for the design of their dresses as long as the color is aligned with the motiff. While for the groomsmen, I just provided them with the maroon undershirt. Big hugs to all of them for being so considerate. >:D<  >:D< >:D<

 Wedding Cake -A simple two-layered cake for my simple wedding. :) I also liked that the cake was gift-inspired because it was actualy a gift from one of our ninangs. ;)

Church - We did not go far for the choice of church. We got married at Sto. Rosario de Pasig-just a short distance from where I live. With additional fees, the parish took charge of the church decoration, carpet, lights and choir. It's a good idea for couples like us who can not afford hiring a wedding coordinator. :) I really loved the look of the church at that time. The real poinsettias (an indispensable Christmas decor) at the altar was a perfect match with our maroon motif. ;)

The wedding is the first ceremony that has to be undertaken together by two persons who are in love. It marks a new chapter in the couple's lives wherein love and patience is tested all the time. It is a day of union wherein God is your major sponsor and the Indispensable Being in your entourage. No matter how much or how less you prepare for it, be it extravagant or just simple, there will be no assurance of a "happily ever after" ending. Ah! Getting married...the best and worst is yet to come ! :)

Caleruega - A Breath of Fresh Air

               Who would have thought that there's  a beautiful haven a few miles from Tagaytay? My boss told us that Caleruega is a must-see place to visit. She was right about that! It was a three-hour drive from Manila using a private transportation. When we got there, we were so enthralled by the vast expanse of lush greenery. Caleruega is indeed a place for solitude and reflection. It truly depicts its motto " Closer to Nature; Closer to God. " .

Captivated by the wonderful view

                       

Having brunch as soon as we arrived

                                                     

                The compound has tents for rent for P250 (half-day) and P500 (whole day) -perfect place to rest after strolling the huge compound. In our case, we first had our brunch knowing that we are about to tour a vast greenery.

Man-made pond with koi fishes
(Photo by MMU)

                                                             

Iron-made bridges over the pond

                After the pond, we were led to a hanging bridge with wood planks. Though the bridge looks sturdy enough, it sent me a nerve-racking feeling as my friends tried to shook it. It was a good thing that the roadway was all covered with wood planks! Otherwise, clumsy as I am, I would have stepped on the spaces between the planks.

                                                            

                 Our next stop was the Cross which lies on top a hill. It was a long climb on a not-so-steep hill. We were exhausted but it was worth all the effort. The feeling of being closer to God and of being one with His creations is simply priceless!

                 

Way to the top

The Holy Cross is what awaits on the hill top

                                                     

Image of Christ in stained glasses

                                                         
               Our last stop was the famous Caleruega Chapel which is also known as the Transfiguration Chapel. It is also nested on top of the hill. The chapel is made of orange bricks designed to give an aura of oldness. The inside is neither grand nor magnificent; but rather simple and solemn. No wonder the chapel is already fully booked for weddings the whole year! The way up the chapel was also wonderful experience as exquisite flowers and other plants lined up along the way.

Transfiguration Chapel

Inside the Chapel (Photo by MMU)

                      The visit to Calereuga was truly a memorable one. Being close to nature brought out a positive feeling within me. I felt refreshed and revived. Sounds cliché, but we have to stop and smell the roses once in a while and appreciate the beauty that God has bestowed upon us.