My Sister's Wedding-- A Late Congratulations from Me

A month ago, my sister got married to her boyfriend of 4 years. The wedding was a beautiful one and I have seen how everything has transpired. Of course, I should know these things because I was always there when my sister and her fiance spent a hundred Saturdays going to different places in Metro Manila to find their wedding venue, dress, caterer, band, and whatnot. I have been both an accomplice and a rival since we only had one car at that time. Since most of my Saturdays were spent at Greenbelt, I did not have a car to go out of Paranaque from. That's why I ended up staying home the whole day.

Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie Lao

The preparation for the BIG day started around June 2010. That was the time when my sister formally told me that she was already engaged. But even so, she was scared to tell our dad that she was engaged. It was only in September that my sister's fiance got the nerve to talk to my dad. Considering they were already adults and that they have been together for 4 years, everyone just thought that it was the right and logical thing to do.

During the preparation, I specifically asked NOT to be the Maid of Honor. I was too busy with work and hearing the sort of stuff that were lined up for a Maid of Honor, I got cold feet and knew that I would not be able to work as much if I accepted the responsibility. Also, I always thought that the Maid of Honor should be someone whom the bride is closest to. Although it was only recently when my sister and I got close, I could not help but recall the weeks and months when we would not speak to each other. (Yes, I tend to shut someone out of my life if I am mad at her/him. Even if we live in the same house, I can last a year without talking to him/her.) That's why I asked not to be the Maid of Honor.

So alas! The big day came. Everyone arrived at Parque Espana while we were still having breakfast. The makeup artists arrived then the bridesmaids. It was a good thing that I got to take shots of the items before the photographers arrived. I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get to take pictures of my sister in her wedding gown-- I only got the behind the scenes shots.

My sister's custom made shoes

Cute di ba? Ronnie's shoes also has 'I DO' on the bottom 

Stuff for the wedding 

Well, these aren't the real wedding rings... 

The gown and the bouquet

My sister's make up artist Shin Chua did her magic on me. I was really amazed at how well I looked that day. But most importantly, I have never seen my sister so beautiful. In fact, it was the most beautiful that I ever saw her.

My awesome makeup by Shin Chua 

I stole this shot. :)  

Beautiful!

Too bad my brothers weren't there...

At the venue, I became the unofficial Maid of Honor-- escorting our relatives to their seats, making sure that no one would trip on the loose carpet, tending to guests who were already hungry, etc. I was wearing around 3-4 inches heels (I think) and I was able to run around in my gown.

As she was walking down the aisle with my dad, I could not help but shed a few tears. I even saw some relatives making a fuss that they saw me crying-- but who cares. I was ecstatic for my sister and I could not control myself.

My dad and sister 

Ronnie sung the bridal march -- Angels Brought Me Here

My sister's trail

When I was told that I had to give a speech to my sister, I was shocked. I knew that my dad had to give a speech so I prepared his speech already. But I never knew that I would speak in front of people as well. One by one, the bridesmaids and groomsmen went on stage and congratulated the couple. They talked of how this new union would be and how they hope it would last forever, while I sat dumbfounded, I could not think of what to say!

When my turn came, I joked that I would not go on stage because it was too difficult to climb down on my heels. With my heart on my throat, I mentioned my sister's name and looked back at her. When I saw her crying, that was it for me. Tears streamed down my face like never before. This was the first time that I cried good tears for my sister. The other times that I cried were all because I hated her and another because of a fight she had with my older brother.

Me and my emotions!

She came over to hug me and I still could not stop crying. I knew I had to say something so I just talked about how I wished we were complete during her wedding day. I told her how happy I am of the person she has become and that Ronnie has truly brought that out. I know my sister has come a long, long way and our new life in Manila has changed everything about us. The past 4 years have brought us together. And now she was marrying the love of her life; her rock and her inspiration. I imagined how it would be if Mom was still there-- if she was there. And I could not imagine anymore because deep down I knew that my sister has always acted as my Mom.

Ack!

I was a bottle of tears that day. I could not help myself. Sayang ang makeup! But yes, it was a beautiful celebration. I am truly happy that my sister found someone to take care of her. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Lao!

After all the drama....