By Arateng Flores
Married in days of December’s cheer, love’s star shines brighter from year to year. 21st of December 2013 marked the celebration of Amaret and Ruby’s twenty-five years of marriage, love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. The sun brightly shone and a breath of cool sea breeze was felt at St. Peter’s Church in Old Jaffa in Tel Aviv. The church located on top of a hill near the shore was beautifully decorated in red and white bows with fresh roses for each pew, laced with a shiny red organza. Its aisle floors carpeted in red. Families, friends and guests dressed in red and white started to fill in early. Mr.Rani Montemayor’s apt performance of ‘Thousand Years’ signaled the start of the wedding entourage. All eyes on her, the beautiful teary-eyed silver bride walked down the aisle whilst Miss Michelle Trinanñis delivers ‘Two Words’. The bride’s mother and brother met her halfway the aisle and escorted her to where her silver groom obviously nervous awaits. All of us were fascinated when Amaret, the Thai silver groom greeted Nanay Jovita with a ‘Mano po’ – a Filipino tradition of respecting one’s elders. Amaret took Nanay’s right hand and pressed it unto his forehead before taking her bride to the altar.
Reverend Father Carlos Santos officiated the wedding and delivered a very meaningful homily. Father Carlos touched up on the process of polishing silver similar to how the couple polished their marriage that have lasted until its silver anniversary and gave His blessings to the silver bride and groom that they may be able to polish, nourish and keep the fire of their marriage to last gold, diamond and a lifetime. The homily was also fun when Father Carlos asked the silver groom and silver bride’s four children to stand up – most young teens and adults stood up which made everyone laughed. It seems like Amaret and Ruby have been a parent somehow to these people who stood up as their children. Amaret, always generous and loving to her silver bride-wife bought her a new princess cut diamond engagement ring and their gold wedding rings are both adorned with diamonds too. Joy, the silver bride’s second born child is her assistive maid of honor while Methanee, the silver groom’s brother stood as his best man. The candle, rosary cord and veil sponsors were mostly blood and closely related to the silver bride and silver groom. The principal sponsors who will surely provide support, guidance and wisdom were evidently the people close to them whom they respect and admire. It was a sincere, serene, intimate church wedding ceremony. Everyone cheered as the silver weds marched out the church showering them rice and rose petals for good luck, another possible fertility and abundance.
Exodia Hall in Bney Efraim Street was prepared elegantly. From the hall’s entrance was a breathtaking view of sparkling silver, white and red. Pillars of velvet red roses stood regal indicating the walkway to the dancefloor and stage. Silver weds Amaret and Ruby stood by the vestibule greeting and receiving their guests. After having their pictures taken with the silver weds, usherettes Juliet, Ellaine, Luz, Katie, Esmu, Vilma, Emily, Lojie and Rosemarie entertained and guided the guests to their seats. The program started as Miss Benef Espana presented the wedding entourage and the silver weds. An opening prayer was said and few wishes including some tips and warning from Auntie Virginia was heard. Guests took delight on the sumptuous buffet. Jasmine, the silver weds’ youngest born child performed two song numbers together with her friends. Filipino traditions were seen at the party as the silver weds cut and took a bite of the cake, released a pair of doves, raised a toast with well-wishers, the maid of honor and the best man. And of course, the silver weds’ first dance which transformed into a ‘sabit-sabit’ dance, a Filipino wedding tradition wherein the couple dance sweetly and people pin money on their clothes. It was an expression of financial support from relatives, friends and well-wishers of both parties. Thai guests appreciated the Thai wedding traditions which were successfully incorporated as Amaret and Ruby were surprised by the Thai wedding blessing dance gracefully presented by Lhen and Florence. It was followed by the ‘Rod Nam Sang’ , water pouring ceremony wherein respected relatives and guests gave their blessings, well wishes and words of wisdom to the silver weds. Guests both young and not-so-young enjoyed the drink and dance after the wedding program, evidenced by videos and photos and beautiful comments.
Amaret and Ruby aren’t a perfect couple, but they clearly and genuinely share a great amount of love. Both are determined and willing to tolerate each other even in the existence of opinions and behaviors one does not necessarily agree with. Their love includes a firm belief that they can always rely and trust on the strength of one another. They have lasted and celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They will surely last up to gold, platinum, diamond anniversaries and will be able to fulfill their vow to one another of a love for a lifetime.
A church wedding of mixed religions; Amaret being a Budhist and Ruby a Catholic. An amazingly fun wedding reception program of both Thai and Filipino traditions. A very well attended wedding by families, old and new friends and guests from Thai distinguished business community and prominent personalities from the Filipino community. Undoubtedly the wedding of the decade!