You've heard of my plan to attend 27 weddings and bring my hopeless romantic energies with me each time, just like in one of my favorite chick flicks of the same title. You may see my prior entries about my adventures so far here and there.
This December, I was hand-picked to co-host two weddings, namely the Ino-Gladys and Clark-Krisha nuptials. Looking back, I'm second-degree friends with the former couple. Ino is my best friend Ina's big brother and, for the longest time, my frustrated dive instructor. Gladys, on the other hand, started to become a good friend since we shared the same table during Ina's wedding. In spite of Ina's requests to channel a true Filipina (refined, silent, you name it) during the reception, I just can't turn off my madahldahl self. I recall Gladys, Joey and I agreed to get rid of the centerpiece. It gets in the way! Needless to say, when Ino and Gladys announced their engagement, I immediately expressed my willingness to attend the wedding.
To cut costs during this typically expensive holiday, I planned to recycle one of the earlier gowns or dresses for this wedding. But that all changed as soon as I spotted this long custard green dress in the tiangge inside our office compound. With the purple-green motif, I felt so justified to shell out a little to look fab for the event.
But you guys know me too well. Before I turn fab, there's always a hilarious or simply-wrong back story to share. I am fully aware that make-up preps call for robes or any buttoned top to prevent any make-up-related mishaps when we ladies change to the actual gown. That early morning, I can't find any so I slipped into my usual casual tee. As you would expect from a make-up artist, he asked me to use the complimentary robe (luckily, the bride brought her own robe!) instead. When the groom's mother arrived, she inquired how come I'm wearing the robe and my friends were quick to connect the dots that I'm in the mood for some role-playing. And so I did some poses as, uhm, the little bride.
Little bride este emcee duties
Feelingera!
Everybody likes my subdued look
Looking tall, thanks to my platforms from Payless
With my friends Joey and Ina*
With my co-host, Alvin
That's how we are in action!
Hosting the reception...in barefoot! Ouchie footsie!
***
All right, enough about me and my dress. I find this ceremony truly special simply because it felt like an union of two families, not two souls alone. Everybody truly had a great time, everyone had their turn to vocalize their support and commitment to grow old with the couple, everybody had their chance to perform Gang Nam Style as if this planet's days were truly numbered (yep, the secondary sponsors entered the venue dancing to that song). It was also touching to see the groom shed tears while his bride took her walk along the aisle and how he invited everyone to their 25th anniversary. Something that you can expect from a Pausanos kid.
The newlyweds!
Awww <3
The bride surprised the groom with moooore Gang Nam Style
Aside from how intimate and fun the night turned out to be, I specifically adore the fact that the newlyweds chose DC as their official footwear. Gladys wore green while Ino wore purple socks. If you've visited this humble virtual niche for the past months/year, you're probably aware how I often come up with excuses to avoid high heels. Except for occasions like this. But, hey, I daydream to wear something equally comfy for my big day, too. I just dunno what particular footwear yet, though.
The first of many romantic dances
Photos from Tita Connie Pausanos.
* - from Joey
My beautiful bouquet
