Looking Closer Into Our Wedding Details

11 June 2021 - Alex and I are married!

Beyond the bliss that we both feel as a newly-wed couple, we are also filled with so much gratitude because our big day turned out to be a wonderful success. Many times during our wedding day, I was constantly asked: "Do you feel nervous?" and my reply was always the same: "No. I'm excited!".

Bridal robe designed by: Griffins Malazarte of GMO Collections

Hair and Makeup by Girlie Loquete

Photo and Video by Paopao Sanchez and Team Panda Films

One of the most challenging poses to achieve!

Truth be told, the emotions I felt that day were happiness, serenity, and peace. Contrary to what brides usually feel on their wedding day, no worries filled my mind and the jitters were nowhere to be found. I thank God for this great blessing. For providing us with the calmness and equanimity and confidence that all things will fall into their rightful places and they did.

11 June 2021 is also a memorable date because it is the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. My uncle Sonny shared that it is a special occasion because it is as though Alex and I are united in the heart of Jesus itself. Coincidentally, my late grandmother was named after the Spanish word Corazon, which means heart.

Wedding Gown, Dresses, and Suits designed by: Griffins Malazarte of GMO Collections

Happy on the inside and outside!

At the Radisson Blu lobby

The weather was fantastic. It was cloudy and sometimes sunny. A few raindrops fell but it was symbolical - a sign that it was a blessed day. It was supposed to rain heavily but apart from a light shower, there were no signs of thunder and lightning and we were given a breezy, clear day to celebrate our matrimony.

Smiling hard despite the heat.

Just strolling with my bff.

Husbando and Waifu

Vintage car models

I personally love this photo.

With my dashing husband.

Alex and I were both ecstatic. Always laughing, sometimes teary-eyed, and just basking in the feeling of being united finally in the presence of the Lord and witnessed by our beloved family and friends.

The bride with her awesome parents Estela and Tito walking down the aisle.

The groom with his parents feeling excited!

On the way to meet his bride.

My future husband walking down the aisle to ask the final blessing from my parents.

Giggling at him.

Tight hugs from Papa to Alex.

Alex hugging his mother-in-law.

My mother-in-law embracing me and my dad-in-law smiling genuinely.

The beautiful altar of the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod.

Wearing of wedding rings and exchanging of 'I Do's

Simply happy to be married.

Officially married!

An intimate group of friends and family

Team Bride and Team Groom

The groom with his grandmother Vicky and beautiful mother Hazel

The groom's family - Papa James, Alex, and Mama Hazel

The bride's family - Papa Tito, Jedde, Mama Estela, and Angel

Jedde's college besties

After the wedding ceremony, we brought the celebration inside Vivace Events Center by Cebu Ocean Park.

Typically, a bride wears her white wedding gown because it symbolizes purity and innocence and is based on Western culture. White is a promise that there is nourishment enough for things to begin anew, that the emptiness or the void would be filled. She wears it from the wedding ceremony all the way to the reception and dinner.

For us, however, we wanted to create a unique experience and more importantly, to honor my husband's family. So Alex and I changed into new attires and wore our traditional Chinese wedding ensemble.

Celebrating the joy and happiness of our marriage through the color red. As a sign of respect and homage to my husband's family and heritage, a traditional Qun Kwa / QiPao (that was gifted to us by our ninong and ninang Ritchie and Haidee Mataragnon) was worn during the reception of our wedding day.

Red is a promise that a rising up or a borning is soon to come. The bright, scarlet red of this traditional Chinese wedding dress represents good luck, happiness, and prosperity.

Reception venue: Vivace Events Center by Cebu Ocean Park

Our dinner reception was short, sharp, and sweet. The guests enjoyed a delectable dinner from Vivace Events Center. Many thanks to the Chef, the team involved, and Ms. Charo and Sir Randolph.

We opted for a straightforward program focusing more on our special guests sharing their well-wishes and messages, as well as time to get together, catch up and chat with friends. Ishie Mesa, the Director of IM Creative Events ensured the program was smooth and lively.

The couple together with their Principal Sponsors Mme. Sarah W. Cortes and Honorable Mayor Jonas C. Cortes of Mandaue City

The couple together with their Principal Sponsors Mr. Charles Robert Te Gothong and his wife Mrs. Kimberely Therese B. Gothong - close friends and mentors of Jedde and Alex

The bride's cousins

A photo with the bride's relatives

Jimson, Juliet, Jaycee, Jedde, Alex, Don, Kenneth, Kristine, Raymond

Erwin, Rigel, Lui, Alex, Jedde, Kenneth, Kristine

The couple with Mr. Richard Delos Reyes of RAFI Kool Adventure Camp - a kuya and dear friend to the couple.

The couple together with the Principal Sponsors - Mrs. Carolyn Renejane, Mrs. Haidee Mataragnon, Mrs. Antonia Neri, The Couple, Hon. Barangay Captain Jesus C. Neri, Sr., Mr. Ritchie Mataragnon, and Mr. Bryan Renejane

The couple together with Mrs. Antonia Neri and Hon. Barangay Captain Jesus C. Neri, Sr.

A photo with the groom's relatives

During the whole experience, we were serenaded by a very skillful Filipino musician, Mr. Marc Mercado from VD String Edition. Alex and I couldn't help but sway and dance to his music. He made a lasting impact and elevated the whole dining experience altogether.

Our darling cousin, Althaea also serenaded us with her beautiful voice as she sang during our dinner reception. Not only did she look stunning, she also belted out strong vocals and hit high notes.

We wrapped up the celebration with an impressive wedding photo same-day-edit by the versatile Paopao Sanchez. Not only were the beautiful moments captured beautifully on camera, but we were also enthralled with a captivating SDE video by Team Panda Films. The day was etched into everyone's memory because the photo and video team did marvelous work!

Alex and I were all smiles after the whole celebration. We prayed to the Lord that He blesses everyone who attended our celebration both virtually and physically, as well as those who sent their well-wishes. We also prayed that hopefully, someday, we will get together again in good health and great spirits!

If there's one thing I could share with my readers, it is this:

"Life becomes more beautiful when it is shared with others."

Thank you for reading!

Love,

Mary Jedde

Footnotes:

Church: Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod - SM Seaside City Cebu Complex, South Road Properties, Cebu, Philippines

Main Celebrant: Rev. Msgr. Agustin V. Ancajas, P.C.

Livestream: Roden Jurado Ugang

Church Coordinator: Rennedy Cabaluna

Hotel for Wedding Preparation: Radisson Blu - Cebu

Bridal Car: Classic 1945 DeSoto

Bridal Details:

Hair Color: Elysian Salon - Cebu

Nails: TFM Salon

Bridal Red Shoes for Dinner: PabDer Donna 2 inches heels made of suede genuine leather, padded heel cap, and soft insole with flower buckle rhinestone decorations.

Perfume: Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede

Perfume: Carolina Herrera Good Girl

Bridal White Shoes: AEROSOLES Rachel Heeled Sandals

Jewelry: Hearts & Arrows Rose Gold Set