Day 2: You saw me wear white

2/30: Outfit. You only get to wear that long white dress once.

“You saw me wear white by pale candlelight, I said forever to what lies ahead.” 
~I Am, Nichole Nordeman

My wedding gown was custom-made by my friend Ivy‘s Lola, who, for the record, was also the one who made the dresses I wore to my JS Prom, Graduation Ball, and Debut. There were just too many bridal gowns and couturiers out there, too many choices off-the-rack too. And trust me when I say that I looked far and wide for the perfect dress (and dress maker). At the end of the day, I just knew that Lola Doming was the only one I can entrust my wedding gown to, and I was right. Empire cut, halter-strap, laces and beads, and a flowy, A-line chiffon skirt — the dress was everything I imagined it to be.

It’s amazing how God takes care of even the smallest of details in His grand scheme of things, you know? (:

Photo on the left was taken by my dear friend, Sheila Catilo; and the one on the right was taken by my brother, Nate Sanchez.

Day 1: This is me, 30 years from now

1/30: Self-portrait. Although we had quite a number of photographers and videographers on our wedding day, I also had my own little coverage going on in the palm of my hands. I held a point-and-shoot camera (a Samsung WP10 I borrowed from my bridesmaid and friend Olivia) and carried it with me the whole day, from the hotel where I had my bridal preps up to the wedding ceremony. I think there’s something really special about seeing a wedding through the lens of the bride, blurred and all, yes? (:

This is one of my favorite shots:

Photo taken on board the elevator of Vivere Suites, on the way to the wedding.

That’s me with my mother, who looked more like my older sister. She’s my role model–the embodiment of everything I want to be as a mother and a wife. I can never enumerate everything that she taught me, but I’ll always admire her for her unwavering faith, and her contagious devotion to God and His Word. I’ve always thought I have big shoes to fill if I want to be like her, but I’m glad to have gotten her genes. Hopefully by means of genetics, I may potentially be as loving, and graceful, and beautiful as she is. (:

30 days: I’ve always wanted to do this

..and it’s about time I did. (:

September 2011

True story. About a year ago (September 13, 2010 to be exact), I was in Hong Kong International Airport with David. He was flying back to New York but had to be on a 12-hour layover in HK; and me, well, I got myself round trip tickets just to spend those last 12 hours with him. And what an expensive 12 hours it was! Time can be costly, but when you’re in a long-distance relationship, you wouldn’t mind spending if it means more time. I remember how hard it was to say good bye. And I remember how my solo trip back to Manila seemed like the longest 4 hours of my life.

Oh how much has changed since then! He’s here with me now, we live under the same roof, and we never have to say good bye again (except maybe in the mornings when I leave for work, but okay, that doesn’t count). I often have to pinch myself, or exert extra effort to keep from smiling in the most random of moments. God has been awesome, and everyday we bask in His goodness and this new-found joy.

And our wedding.. our wedding was beautiful.

Today I’m going for round two of this 30-day blog challenge. I did this in August 2009 (remember those awesome things?) and I thought perhaps, it’s about time I start a new round. I’ll be posting mostly photos this time though, coz quite frankly, I’m not sure how to squeeze in writing in my growing list of responsibilities as a professional, a disciple, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and this just in, a wife.

I’m modifying White Peach Photography’s Photo Challenge for this purpose, and to make it sweeter, I’ll be sharing photos from our wedding.

So without further ado.. the photo list is below the fold. My 30-day challenge starts now. (:

Continue reading “30 days: I’ve always wanted to do this” →

I blog this in behalf of Love

And I mean that two ways. (1) In behalf of my friend, whose name is Love; and (2) In behalf of this thing you won’t dare try to define because every definition would seem to fall short; this thing that brings two people together to take the leap and journey their lives as one.

With Lovelle <3

Meet Lovelle, or “Love” as friends call her. We knew each other from UP Diliman but her family migrated to Sydney shortly after graduation. When I went there in 2008, Lovelle was among the few friends I got in touch with. I honestly can’t recall the specific details anymore, but I do remember that our quick lunch date then was a meaningful exchange of stories and prayers between two crazy, lovestruck dreamers. These photos are from that beautiful afternoon in Paramatta, we only had a few, oh how I wish I took more!

It has been a while since I last heard from her, and since she last updated her blog. And so I was pleasantly surprised to read this short and sweet blog comment she left in one of my posts, which lead to an exchange of happy emails between two giggly, still-lovestruck but now-2-years-older-and-wiser dreamers.

Here’s an excerpt from her email, her response to my demand for details:

Last Sunday night after church, we were having our goodbye hug but this time, he didn’t let go straight away, instead he whispered, “Will you marry me?” So I had to step back and get him to repeat the question. Haha.

It’s so funny coz all day, even at church, he was agitated and always sulking but he won’t tell me the reason why. At that point, everything dawned on me that he was really scared/tensed/about-to-die coz he didn’t know if I’m gonna say yes to his proposal.

When he asked the question again, I said YES. :)

He didn’t even get a ring coz he’s not too sure of my size so we went engagement ring shopping just today and I got to pick the style and the cut I want. :D

I’ve heard all sorts of engagement proposals, ones which had all the grandeur and fireworks, and they’re great, no doubt about it. But there’s something about simple proposals such as this one that tugs into the deepest portions of my heart. I love the quiet, the simplicity, and how they happen at the most unexpected of times. I can just imagine Lovelle’s joy.

It inspires me to hear stories like these. Of lovers taking the path to marital bliss. Of couples being blessed with babies after years of praying for them. Of high school classmates passing the boards and now having an “Atty.” attached to their names. Of friends leaving their comfort zones, and successfully establishing their careers abroad.

Like I told Lovelle, stories such as hers are living testimonies and constant reminders that God stays true to His promises, and that He is who He said He is — Faithful, Perfecter of our faith, Author of love, Maker of all things beautiful.

Happy is an understatement, Lovelle. My heart soars for you, and the love of your life, and the exciting journey you’re taking together. ♥