THE BEGINNING OF ALWAYS

A few weeks ago, I made my way back to Manila to attend a very special event - my friend Irish's wedding. I met knew of Irish back in elementary school when we used to go to the same tutor but never really talked, and like what our friends tease her about: her medals in ice skating that was announced over our school's PA system. It was only then in second year high school that we became friends. We were seat mates, sitting on the very front of the class, haha! We'd use to doodle on our books, leave messages, ogle at Candy Cuties - the whole nine yards of typical high school girlhood! She was actually the reason I got into the good side of our other kabarkadas as we weren't in the same circle back in freshman year.

"Trumpets" became a legit group one random PE class and we've been together ever since. Her car and her home became our unofficial transpo and venue for get togethers. She was generous as she was sweet - I remember her giving all of us a rose for Valentine's. :) Through the years, we've seen her grow and mature from being "absentminded" to being this killer girl boss. Fortuitously, the "real world" and its harshness did not affect her warmth, it only accentuated it.

That's why we are so happy that Irish has met someone who possesses the same warmth. Mats is a genuinely nice person. His aura is so light that we were at ease with him right away - we even went as far as jokingly calling him "babe", hehe! He was sometimes our lifeline to Ish, reminding her of our scheduled dinners, driving her straightaway if she forgot, and he would even bring us home when he'd pick Irish up from gimiks - who does that?! Truly appreciate how he was always so supportive of our friendship (they even let us spend their first day as a married couple with them! ).

It was great seeing 2 equally awesome individuals embark on their happily ever after. It brings to mind one of my favorite One Tree Hill quotes attributed to Dante but may be non-Dante, so I'd just say it's from Lucas Scott, hehe!

"Remember tonight, for it is the beginning of always. A promise. Like a reward for persisting through life so long alone. A belief in each other and the possibility of love. A decision to ignore, simply rise above the pain of the past. A covenant, which at once binds two souls and yet severs prior ties. A celebration of the chance taken and the challenge that lies ahead. For two will always be stronger than one, like a team braced against the tempest civil world. And love will always be the guiding force in our lives. For tonight is mere formality. Only an announcement to the world of feelings long held. Promises made long ago. In the sacred spaces of our hearts."

The last line couldn't be more true about this wedding! Everyone agreed that it was just "formality" for the marriage, the partnership, and the love between the couple. They have gone through a lot, worked through a lot, achieved a lot, and will embark on a lot more. Asked if she felt any differently after, Ish laughed and said "parang lang kami nagpa-party!" (it's just like we threw a party). And party it was! There was just so much good vibes and so much love for the loving couple.

It was such a great day that I happily shared with my sisters - and yes, we were complete!!! But that's for the next post. For now, enjoy some of the wedding snaps below!

Beautiful, noh? Wedding was held at San Antonio de Padua Church, followed by reception at  Pintoresco. ;) I am honestly inspired to revive my Pinterest boards, hehe! Got any of your own? Any blog links to share? Let me know below!