A Celebration of Love: “I Do” in Paris

Kimberley Reyes

11 years ago

It’s been a while since I last published a post on this blog. I know, I know… I missed a lot of days of The Happiness Project. Sorry about that! I’ve decided to start from Day 1 again now that I have more time. But before that, I’d like to share a few scenes from our Church wedding last October 12, 2013.

As part of tradition of graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy, the underclassmen cross their sabers and ask the groom to do various ‘tasks’ before the couple can pass. For Daddy A, the first pair asked him to perform his snappiest S.O.P. when he was a cadet. The second pair asked Daddy A to do five push ups while I sit on his back. The third pair asked him to kiss me. And the fourth pair asked him to shout ‘I love my wife!” three times while carrying me. All these with my 10-kilo gown. Haha!

October 12, 2013 — As part of tradition of graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy, the underclassmen cross their sabers and ask the groom to do various ‘tasks’ before the couple can pass. For Daddy A, the first pair asked him to perform his snappiest S.O.P. when he was a cadet. The second pair asked Daddy A to do five push ups while I sit on his back. The third pair asked him to kiss me. And the fourth pair asked him to shout ‘I love my wife!” three times while carrying me. All these with my 10-kilo gown. Haha!

The day started a bit stressful. One, because Typhoon Santi decided to make landfall on the 12th, bringing heavy rainfall and causing floods all over. And two, because there were a number of nega stars who kept telling me that it’s already signal number 2 (which isn’t true pala!) and that none of our guests will make it. Daddy A and I just shrugged off the negative vibes and decided to head over to the venue where my bridal suite is. That’s when wonderful things started to happen.

Our wedding rings and the PNPA Mini Ring

The venue staff all greeted me happily when I arrived. All of them told me that the rain meant showers of blessings and informed me that there are no floods in our area–amazing because that is the area that usually gets flooded! Our coordinators arrived a few minutes later and greeted me with good vibes as well. One supplier after another came. Everyone with smiles on their faces and assuring me of a beautiful wedding… even the weather cooperated because the sun unexpectedly came out and filled the whole place with light and warmth.

“They wanted Paris. We wouldn’t be called Wizards if we can’t bring Paris to them!” (Wedding Wizards, wedding coordinators)

Daddy A was not with me when all these were happening. He drove to PNPA to pick up the saber escort, which was still not complete that time. But we are filled gratitude because the underclassmen really made the effort to complete the escort and were very snappy throughout the event. Walang hiya hiya talaga. Pag sinabing sayaw, sasayaw! :))

Daddy A with his groomsmen and our Saber Escort from PNPA Class 2013 {Photo from P/INSP Rafuson’s camera}

Our guests were so active as well, which made us super happy! There were some who complained because they want to eat already [People, please stop complaining. Think of all the money spent and stress felt for the event. I-regalo niyo na sa couple ang patience and understanding niyo! Tutal, hindi naman kayo pumunta para lang sa pagkain, diba? Sana hindi nga yun lang ang purpose niyo…], some guests left right after having dinner even before the program started [noted kayo, ehem], but we are still thankful because those who were left enjoyed the night with us.

The single ladies racing to find their shoes under my gown in the Cinderella Game

Single men taking a shot before inserting a thread through a needle’s eye in the Shot And Shoot game

It was sad, though, because Daddy A’s family didn’t make it to the ceremony and reception due to the storm. They did arrive, but it was already late. The awesome thing is that Juan Carlo, our very wonderful caterer, set a special butler-served dinner for Daddy A’s family even though it meant that they will have to delay pack up. We also made it a point to stay in our wedding clothes so they won’t feel that the event is over. Of course, it won’t be over until allguests arrive! 🙂

We have the best prenuptial agreement in the world–it’s called love.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was beautiful. I’d share more photos, but I think this video that Aika Guerrero of Imagine Nation Photography gifted us will be much better. I swear, swak ang song sa love story namin! <3

Arjay and Kim from Aika Guerrero on Vimeo.

Many people spend their lives searching for their soul mate. I am one of the lucky ones because I found you—my best friend, my first and last boyfriend and my better half all rolled into one. There are many things I could promise you today. I could say I want to be with you for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, until death do we part. But I won’t. Those vows are for couples who believe that their love is a romantic one. I do not stand here on our wedding day thinking of romance because love is not all about romance. We know this very well after six years of dreamy moments and crushing heartaches. Instead, I stand here certain of our love that is strong enough to last forever. A love that will carry us through when things become difficult, when we are too tired, when we haven’t had the time to talk because of work and the kids, when we get tired of routine, when romance is gone, when the difficult side of life takes over the better one. When all those things happen and more, our love will keep us together. Arjay, from this day forward, I promise to be worth it—worth the time, worth the effort, worth your love. Even though you have this way of pushing my buttons and annoying me like crazy, always know this: I love you and I will forever love you.

I will write more about the wedding and our suppliers in another post so stay tuned! <3