San Pedro | Double Tree Hotel | 18 Roses | Debut | Marie-Leah
October 28, 2008 | Filed Under weddings | 2 Comments
i was not around during her 18th, but as i browsed the photos, i could not suppress a smile and a growing amazement at how younger people manage to sustain a seemingly endless source of energy and fun…
at her debut..she had three dress changes, learned several dance steps, and she looked like she had a grand time.
how wonderful the feeling must be; being 18 and all.
cheers to marie-leah. all the best as you embrace and conquer the world . happy 18th!
Slideshow: Arnel + Odette
October 28, 2008 | Filed Under slideshows | 3 Comments
view the slideshow by clicking the photo after which check out their gallery. Read more
Preview: Marie-Leah | 18 Roses | Debut
October 25, 2008 | Filed Under weddings | Leave a Comment
Whittier Wedding | Penn Park | Crystal Marquis Ballroom: Arnel + Odette
October 25, 2008 | Filed Under weddings | 4 Comments
arnel and odette were gradeschool classmates who have not seen each other for the longest time ..the internet and a little help from the family helped bring them together in marriage. long distance relationship and the whole process of getting arnel relocated was not without difficulties . everything was set except for the groom to be who waited for his visa to get approved the last minute….it was all about uncertainty until 2 weeks before the wedding.
claudette was one of the most relaxed brides ive seen..or perhaps she was good at hiding tension behind her beautiful smile.
i cant forget what she said: ” i remember my first catholic communion with arnel”
how does one feel remembering how one’s first catholic communion was celebrated together with the person she’ll hold hands with at the altar?
they were prolly aged 7 or 8’s then.
it must have felt surreal.
arnel on the other hand was cool and composed. i think its because one of his greatest worries was overcome. he made it to the wedding! 
how does one feel knowing that distance was not a hindrance; but a force to be reckoned with to add strength and value to a relationship?
it is during these times when i can’t help but be amazed at the power of the internet.. ..how it has bridged distance and reduced the difficulty of overcoming the absence of a ‘physical presence’ .
and im still amazed at how the internet helped them connect with loved ones in the philippines during the reception; there was real time/ live streaming of the wedding activities to arnel’s brother who couldn’t make it to the wedding.
family and friends were as supportive giving them encouragement, sharing their experiences with the hope of preparing them for the new life ahead.
arnel’s dad said:
“marriage is a commitment..it involves sacrifice..and the responsibility of keeping the love alive..”
what should one think ….of marriage? commitment? the sacrifices involved…and the challenge of keeping the love alive?
daunting?
i dont think it involves an easy path as with all marriages. but they have overcome so much, their love and small victories would strengthen the bond that they chose to forge.
ps. it was also arnel’s mom’s birthday…it was sweet to celebrate it at their wedding.
slideshow and full gallery to follow.
Slideshow: Nicole + Rebecca
October 22, 2008 | Filed Under slideshows | Leave a Comment
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Preview: Arnel + Odette
October 21, 2008 | Filed Under weddings | 1 Comment
The Parker Palm Springs Wedding: Nicole + Rebecca
October 14, 2008 | Filed Under weddings | Leave a Comment
it was a saturday and los angeles was soaking wet with rain. i mentally uttered a prayer for the couples who would be getting married in LA …though umbrellas would be good wedding photo props.
so off we go to palm springs where we expected an unusually windy day…
windy is better than rainy, i decided.
i have never been to palm springs (where marilyn monroe was supposedly discovered)
unfortunately we didnt get the chance to sample and explore what it is famous for: shopping, spa resorts,outdoor fun and adventure.
nicole and rebecca got married at the Le Parker Méridien Palm Springs
rich in history, it used to be a private weekend retreat for the wealthy and the famous..it still reflects old hollywood with a modern twist. its architecture and design is mid century modern.. reminiscent of the 1940’s-1970’s era.
it was the perfect setting for nicole and rebecca…they were fun, spontaneous , admirably unconventional and rad!
(if i may borrow their favorite term)
a big toast to shorty and big daddy, who traveled a 100 plus miles away from LA’s once in a blue moon nasty weather to get hitched at the unusually windy palm springs! =)
to end, i quote one member of the family , in no exact terms he said:
“nicole and rebecca, while it has taken some of us several marriages and relationships to finally ’settle down’, you are lucky to have found each other. always remember that no marriage is perfect as no one is perfect.”
- carla
wedding slideshow and gallery to follow
Preview: Nicole + Rebecca
October 10, 2008 | Filed Under weddings | Leave a Comment
