The Wedding Party

AFTER a sacred ceremony such as the union of two hearts in love, a celebration follows.

Andre and Katy wanted a fun gathering and their wishes were fulfilled!!!
Apres photo shoots in the Balay Ni Tana Dicang for some posterity pics and some hilarious car malfunctions, the bride and groom finally arrived in Plantazionne, Ayala.

The venue was specifically chosen by the bride and groom because they wanted someplace exclusive. May is the month for weddings and hotels have one or two ongoing simultaneously. That takes away the privacy of the occasion.

Violin, keyboard and soothing vocals provided the entertainment for the afternoon tea as the guests started trickling in. When bride and groom entered, ceremonies reserved usually after dinner were immediately carried out.

The cutting of the cake and the toast by the Best Men and Bridesmaid and more toasts from father of the bride and mother of the groom transpired.
Dinner was promptly served just before seven.

The rituals of the garter and the throwing of the bouquet followed and Andre and Katy did the norm of table hopping for photos.

The couple had a surprise coming for their guests. Traditionally, the couple’s first dance would be a waltz and, of late, the fox trot but Andre insisted on the tango. I found that mighty ambitious for someone who is not exactly ballroom material.

So, the Argentine tango it was and, upon his insistence, it had to be the song from the movie Scent of a Woman. That was quite out of the ordinary which caused catcalls and thunderous applause as they managed every step and kick and with the finale that ended with a dip and a kiss!

Whoa! If Al Pacino was around, he would be pleased!

Then the dancing started. There was line dancing which brought everyone from flowergirl to lola and lolo in the dancefloor. That’s the good thing with line dancing. There is no need for partners and no has to be a wall flower. You only need one person to show the moves and everyone follows.

A strong drizzle did not dampen the energy of the party. Dancing continued with music provided by the Checkmates. Katy’s Dad Raymond has been with the band for years and of late decided to do jazz songs. The evening was likewise a reunion for the group which I believe is the longest staying “combo” in Negros.

When the rain stopped, a snake dance headed by Aljay dela Paz headed for the fountain area, circling and circling between singing and laughing. Before you know it, the stage got crowded with everyone now wanting to be part of the band. The Patikeros provided more music and no one wanted to stop dancing until a non-negotiable curfew of 11 o’clock for the band to stop was enforced.

That was more than four hours of dancing, singing, bonding, loving and connecting.

Some already had their feet resting on chairs (I was one of them!) while others had the wisdom to bring a change of wardrobe.

More than a year of preparation and finally the blessed occasion has come!

Thank you, Lord, for giving Andre and Katy your blessing! My prayer is that You continue to bless them more as they journey together as man and wife.