RODIL-JAMBORA
Ryan Benedict Rodil, 32, a software developer, met Pauleen Kim Jambora, 29, an executive assistant, innocently enough online in 2015. Neither wanted to be in a relationship, but found that they had “some kind of comfortable fondness with each other, although we had very different personalities and interests,” she said.
The only son of Romualdo and Perla Rodil wed the only daughter of Police Brig. Gen. John and Janice Jambora on Feb. 19 at St. Benedict Parish Chuch in Ayala Westgrove Heights, Silang, Cavite, four months after their original wedding date. The bride wore Rosa Clara.
“Initially we planned to have a civil wedding first and a bigger celebration later, but Pau’s mom raised concerns of us staying together without being wed in church,” said Rodil. “It made us rethink our plans and we felt that it would indeed be more meaningful and special to just have the church wedding.”
They decided on February “to buy a little time hoping the situation improves.”
Their guest list was trimmed down to 80, which met the maximum 30-percent capacity of the church and reception venue, Angelfields Nature Sanctuary, a fitting setting for their chosen rustic boho theme.
The groom’s sister in the United States and the bride’s brother in New Zealand couldn’t make it, however.
The couple had to deal with many changing variables. “Should we be more conservative with our expenses given the economic situation? Is it OK to remove masks temporarily for pictorials? It was harder to invite principal sponsors, given some were in the high-risk group for COVID-19,” they said.
In the end, they wanted a “somewhat normal wedding,” and had the celebration livestreamed for family and friends who couldn’t be present.
“For those putting themselves at risk in order to attend, their presence just means more,” said Rodil. “There’s also something special about being married during a pandemic and pushing through despite the challenges. We just really wanted to be together already…A part of us also wanted to support the events industry in these difficult times, to find a safe and optimal way to move forward.” They added, “Everyone’s situation is different… Try to calculate the risk-benefit ratios in all variables then decide what’s most important to you. One advice we got from our host was, ‘Forget the what ifs, focus on what’s important, on why you decided to get married at this time. If you always think of what should be, you won’t be able to enjoy the wedding.’”