AFTER six years of being in a relationship, Bacoleño Ramon Dominik Espedido, a fire officer of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Iloilo, recently tied the knot with Silaynon April Rose Mayo, executive assistant to the mayor of Silay City.
December 12, 2021 is a special day for the two government workers, as they officially exchanged vows and commenced the journey as husband and wife.
Dominik and April’s love story started way back when they were still working at the same government agency, at the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Western Visayas.
The then administrative assistant of the agency confessed that he was determined to become the lover of April, who was a project development officer that time, for he knew from the very moment he laid his eyes on her that she is his forever.
Officiated by Pastor Rudyard Mijares, the fire, water and earth-themed wedding was held at the Natures Village Resort in Talisay City. Making it more special, the memorable event was witnessed by some prominent personalities serving as godparents.
These included former assemblyman Jaime Golez and his son, Silay City Mayor Mark Andrew Arthur Golez, Silay City Vice Mayor Thomas Maynard Ledesma and Bacolod Congressman Greg Gasataya.
Dominik recalled that it was way back in 2013 when he asked God for a gift, a gift that will change the way he sees life. He asked for a girl that will show him how beautiful life is, and someone who will guide him in the right path, and will love him for who he is.
“God answered my prayer after two years after. Gapati gid ko nga madugayan gid kung special ang order mo,” he quipped.
In his vow, the groom told his lovely wife, “I promise to walk by your side forever and to love, help and protect you. As firefighters, we risk our lives to save strangers, just imagine what I would do to protect you.”
“I will encourage you in all that you do to continue growing as an individual as we work toward our mutual goals. I will make sure that despite my work schedules, duties and responsibilities as a public servant, I will surely take the time to talk to you, to listen to you, to care for you, and love you no matter how far apart we may be,” Dominik said.
He continued, “Through all the changes in our lives, I will be there for you always as strength in need, a comfort in sorrow, a counselor in difficulty, a companion in joy. Everything I am and everything I have is yours. Love brought us together, but our devotion and companionship will keep us together.”
In response, April told her mighty knight that she never experienced being in a serious relationship until God led her to a place where her prince charming was waiting.
“I may not be your first, but I knew six years ago that I would be your last. I will make you proud as your wife. In front of our God, our family and friends, I vow to put all my effort into strengthening our marriage and giving you the best version of April. No matter how far, no matter how difficult, we will make our dreams come true.”
Instead of a traditional white wedding gown, April courageously wore a red Filipiniana dress on their wedding day. Like red that also symbolizes fire, their love for each other is burning. It is as passionate as ever.
“Mr. Dominik Espedido, on good days or bad days, rain or shine I’d choose you. I’d choose you in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I’d find you and I’d choose you. My AA, my FO and my Mr. Espedido, I love you,” she also vowed in front of God, their family and friends.