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At around 1100h: I was beginning to get ready and waiting for the make up artist to arrive our place. By this time, Olwin
and Cedric were on the road, to deliver the liquor, beer, etc to Le Meridien. They also picked up the plum cakes and pastries
that we had ordered at Ceasars Confectionary… I had asked them to buy tablets for my mom who was having tummy problems
at that time. Probably she’s tensed, hehehe… so Cedric passed by our place to hand it over… Olwin stayed
in the car. I didn’t want him to see me before the wedding…
1200h – Finally, France and Roy from Mars & Venus Beauty Salon arrived. They were given the task to make me beautiful.
We started with the make-up, putting all the foundation, concealing what ever needs to be hidden – France did a very
good job, I say. Then the eye shadow, blush on and lipstick. I liked it because, it didn’t change my look much, but
felt that the make up made me radiant.
Now my hair had to be tied up. With the help of very strong spray net, mousse, tons of hair clips and blower, France managed
to put it up.
It took us more than 2 hours to complete the hair and make up. Of course, Roy was kind enough to take snaps all through out
the preparation.
At 1400h – My maid of honor Tina arrived, carrying her reasonably-priced and tailor-made golden gown we got from a shop
in Naif Road.
At 1445h – The photographer and videographer from Blax Digital Studio arrived to take some snaps and shots. By this
time, my mom had finished her make up and dad was getting ready with his barong tagalong, a traditional Filipino formal wear
for men. Mom wore a traditional Filipiniana dress with ‘baksa’, worn around her neck.
At 1520h – After saying a prayer, Mom, Dad and Tina went down, taking the rest of what needs to be taken to the church
and reception. The bridal car was parked on our garage slot. The Mercedes car was lent to us by Olwin’s colleague,
Nilesh, and dad decorated it with an artificial yellow and orange flower bouquet in front.
We had asked Jenny and Jess to convoy with us going to the church, so just in case something happens to the bridal car on
the way, there will be a back up car to take me to the church.
We drove for almost 40 minutes. It was a smooth ride with Kaka as our driver. The four of us in the bridal car (mom, dad,
tina and myself) waited patiently in the long journey. Finally, we arrived almost before 1630h. I saw Melvin (Olwin’s
brother) and Cedric (Olwin’s cousin and overall coordinator for the church wedding) met me. I asked if everything is
ok – they said YES. What a relief… In my mind, I was just praying. I stayed in the car and it was parked at the
end of the of the hall.
At 1430h – Melvin came to me and handed over my flower bouquet. The light and video was on so I know we will be starting.
I know the procession march has to be the officiating priest first, Fr. Cyprian Peter D’Souza, followed by Olwin and
his parents, then Melvin his best man. My parents followed and then Tina – then finally me.
There were few attendees when I walked down the aisle. The front was looking good. Thanks to the creativity and help of some
friends (Charles and Leo) who helped in decorating the church the night before. We’ve placed a white and golden cloth
to cover the pipes in the ceiling.
Half-way, I stopped and waited for dad take me in front and both will hand me over to Olwin. After this, the ceremony continued.
Olwin read the first reading and I did the 2nd reading. There was an offertory where all our families, including Tina participated.
Kevin recited the offertory prayer as the offerings were brought forward. Melvin recited the Prayer of the Faithful. Our
witnesses, Evelyn with Brian, stood beside us as we said our vows and exchange rings. One of the touching moments was when
I gave my speech to honor my mom and my dad.
The final part of the ceremony is the signing of the register.
Photo session followed after that.
After the photo session with everyone, we proceeded to Blax Studio for some shots. Originally, the plan was to go to Jumeirah
and click photos near the beach – but at 1830h, the sun had set and it was already dark. We finished around at 1930h
and proceeded at the hotel where we checked-in. We were given the Al Hambra Suite, where we stayed for some time, grabbed
a bite and met our MC (master of ceremony), Melvin where we had a run through of the program.
At the same time, guests were coming in to Falcon Ballroom. I was constantly in touched with Tina to know what was happening.
The wedding video taken by Hemant was being played to entertain guests… Welcome drinks were being served and our parents
were there to mingle with them.
2100h – Finally, our grand entrance was announced and all the confetti and sprays were out… the guests were lined
up to welcome us… I was shocked, especially with the spray foam… We then went in front and did the cake cutting.
The knife (or should I say, sword) was big and long, so as to complement the 5kg vanilla cake… We fed each other with
the cake. After that, we were escorted to the stage. Our very own, Cedric gave a 15-minute toast (that’s including
stories, jokes and tribute to us)… Olwin and myself gave a thank you speech… We were both overwhelmed and was
not able to thank everyone, but mentioned Mr. Nadarajah, the hotel’s General Manager and Ms. Evelyn (our ninang/god
mother)…
The wedding march was next – this is something new to me, to the Filipino community as a whole. I was really glad that
everyone participated in the march. There was a joyful music being played, then we march in pairs… After sometime,
we have to create an arch with our hands and everyone will have to pass through that. After everyone had passed through us,
then we have to go and walked through the arch… It was really fun!!!
Then, it’s time for our first dance. What Olwin didn’t know was, I had prepared a surprise and discussed the same
with our MC… I wrote an original song (melody and lyrics) and prepared a video. The video was shown (Charles was operating
the projector and laptop)… The title of the song – I Remember. With the beautiful arrangement by my musical whiz
friend Onard, I sang the song with full emotion and feelings. I guess everybody liked it and some even shed tears listening
to it. After that was our first dance, and everyone joined us in the sweet slow-motioned dance.
At the time, the bar (liquors, wine, whisky) was opened.
We took the time to visit each tables and had photos taken with them. Met everyone who came, accepted their wishes and gifts,
hugged and kissed…
After the full round, it was time for some action. DJ Freddie started raising the tempo and the feet started tapping on the
dance floor. As the tempo got faster, more feet were tapping on the dance floor. This was a time of real dancing, almost everyone
participated.
The dancing made everyone hungry and others more hungry. It’s time to dine and relax. Mr. David Pierce was kind enough
to lead us in prayer for the food. And everyone now off to the buffet area to get sumptuous food.
For the bouquet throwing, the single ladies were called to the dancefloor – there were only about 5 who came…
And it was Chin who caught the bouquet.
After some more dancing, eating and marching, the final event was what they called CHAIRING. We were asked to sit on separate
chairs and with around 10 guys each, raised us up and sort of paraded us around… they brought us forward to each other
and we were supposed to catch and kiss. They pulled back instead. Then after several attempts (and probably they’re
very tired carrying us!!!), we finally hugged each other and kissed.
The second session of dancing was what they call “the Indian Masala” – the songs played were mixture of
Indian, Hindi and Konkani songs… Oh my gosh, you should see the fun in the dance floor – Indian moves and grooves
were on the go!!!
After that, we just had a good time. It was almost midnight and we understood that guests were working the following day.
We had a couple of picture taking on stage, accepting wishes and gifts… some more eating, lots of laughing…
We wrapped up and left the ballroom at approximately 0030h… went to our very own honeymoon suite…
What happened after the reception – ahhhh – I will not tell… Just use your imagination! All I knew, when
I woke up late that morning, I am a married woman!
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