it's a bright, bright sunshiny daaayy!!!

I woke up from a barely two-hour sleep, then looked at the hotel window. Gosh. It's cloudy outside! My first dilemma for the day was, "Lord, I'm getting married today! Please do not let it rain!"

And yes, I'm getting married today. The things we have planned for a few months ago will finally come true today. And most of all, the dream Lloyd and I have been waiting for since we committed to love each other will finally happen. "Today is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad." (Psalms 118:24)

As I was being made up by my stylist Anchie (she was also my former supervisor, btw), anxieties kept coming in. I'm still not yet done with the table assignments. Last minute changes. Where are all the stuffs for reception again? And the rain! Oh the rain! It's raining on my wedding day! Mars, my maid-of-honor, assured me that the rain is a sign of blessing, that we'll be blessed in our marriage life, and that the rain will end at 1:30 PM (yes may deadline sya!). So to cast out my jitters I just sang with all my heart (while I was being made up and photographers busy taking photos of me), "I can see clearly now the rain is gone...lalalalala.... It's gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny daaaay!!!!"

A few minutes before 2pm, Lloyd called me to tell me they will check-out and will head to the church. at 2pm, the photographers and I went to the hotel lobby for some more pictorials. And it is still raining! Since I was young, I remember how the rain makes me sad. How some of my gigs and events do not push through because of the rain. And right now, I'm having a hard time smiling and posing in front of the camera. Parang may malaking word na STRESS na nakasulat sa mukha ko. But I remember a former roommate sending me message on Facebook: enjoy your wedding day.. ang sarap-sarap niyan!  wag na pa-OC, Relax lang, bride! Basta ikakasal na kayo, kahit ano pa mangyari keri naaaa!! So yeah, let it be! Game face on!

On the way to the church riding the bridal car (with my Kuya TJ as my driver hehe), I finally had the time to relax, breathe, and enjoy chitchatting with Mars. Sandaling nalimutan ang tension. But when we finally arrived at the church and saw the cars parked and the people waiting for me, OH-EM-GEE! That's when the emotions started to burst. Gaaahd! Inside the church are people waiting for me, for us, to be united in front of our Lord. Whew. 

As soon as the church doors opened for me, it was as if I was floating, just allowing myself to go with the flow, to listen to the people around me "smile Maybel! Walk slowly! o yung bouquet mo!" Then I saw Lloyd waiting for me. Ang pooogiiii!!! 

Lord, thank You for this loooovely day!

I would not go into detail of everything that had happened that day. But despite the rain, I'm thankful that the church is almost half-filled. I'm grateful that a lot of people came to celebrate with us. We would often be asked, "ilan ba guests nyo?" When I would say, "260. :)", people would often remark, "ang dami naman!" Lloyd was right, it would be fun if we would have a lot of people close to our hearts celebrate love with us. 

I am also thankful for everyone who extended their help to make the day memorable as it is. 

• To our families, who supported us spiritually, emotionally, and of course, financially, we will always be grateful to you. Syempre, special mention si Mama for all the DIY jobs (will post everything in a separate entry.) Your creativity made the day even more colorful. :)
• To the church workers of San Vicente Ferrer Parish who has truly done their job in preparing us to be a Christian couple, saludo po kami ni Lloyd sa inyo. We have really enjoyed each seminar session we have attended, and have surely learned from all the couple speakers. 
• To everyone who has been part of our entourage, salamat sa pagpapaunlak sa aming hiling. And thank you for being "game" with your outfits and of course during the grand entrance! epic!
• To our best man +ray and maid-of-honor +marianne for all the help and support, most especially for the amazing photobooth. Winner! 

Photobooth by MayolCreations. Winner! \m/

• To our cool and talented photographers/videographers of BA Studio, you guys are really awesome! We have enjoyed the photoshoots, and you delivered well! Awesome! (official pics soon!)
• To the management of Villa Leonila Resort for the wonderful venue. Our guests have truly enjoyed the place and the food. Astig yung complete wedding package that we didn't have to worry of the cake, sound system and all. And Mama commends the excellent and efficient service, too. Sulit!

I guess everyone enjoyed taking their pictures beside this pool at the venue.
Kami pa ni Lloyd nawalan ng picture dito hehehe. 

• To our SFC/YFC friends for helping us with the program: Jee, Marie, Jomz, Mich, Jake, Jenn, Tasha, Rekz, and to everyone I may have forgotten. Super thank you for making the program as smooth and as fun as it is. Chachacha! 
• To Kuya Mendy and the "Hazard boys" (tama ba?) for the nice music during the reception. Astig! Just the way we wanted it. Galing!
• To my dear friends Sai and Frans for introducing me to their mom, Tita Turs, who made my gown, Lloyd's dashing suit, the cute flower girls' dresses, and Nanay's elegant dress. 
• To Sup Anchie of Sophiestikada salon, I super duper loved my hair and make-up on my day! galing! 

all dolled up and gorgeous! 

As I still remember everything that happened on that lovely day of July 13th, I could just smile and laugh and smile again at everything. Seeing everyone's smiles enjoying the day, and with people and the place dressed up in yellow, kahit umuulan, it is indeed "a briiigghhhtt, briiighhhtt, sunshinyyyy daaaayyy!!!"

wacky ba kamo?! ETOOOO! :D