DENNIS sacdalan & marian reyes
A Wedding Getaway
As resident doctors who wanted to get away from the busy life we’ve always lived, Dennis and I thought it best to have our wedding as a mini vacation, at the same time, a relaxing treat to our family and friends.
We are two old souls and we knew that our celebration should be in a classic elegant setting. Tagaytay’s Antonio’s was the unanimous choice for our reception venue because of its intimate setting and classic landscaped interiors, apart from its delicious food line-up. The brick structure, art deco tiles, wooden panelled ceilings of San Antonio de Padua were the architectural elements that drew us to have our church ceremony there.
Out of the usual, we had no single theme for color motifs. We both agreed to wear complimenting colors instead. Dennis and his groomsmen were decked in midnight blue as well as the ninangs. Both our dads wore dark grey suits. Brothers in black suits with mix-matched shirts of printed yellow, forest green and blue. My mom was in muted gold and Dennis’ mom in pina (both designed by Richie). She put in delicate details like fine embellishments, embroidery and applique. Bridesmaids and secondary sponsors were by Rosenthal Tee. She chose a mauve color and large bows at the back.
Richie Ortega-torres did my dream gown, considered my being a little conservative, had it with sleeves for the church ceremony and a cape during the reception. The lace and embellishments were exquisite. My veil was traditional but with the floral embroidery scattered all around the back, it was a floral applique flowing down my lovely veil.
We planned our wedding to be a celebration of love not only between me and Dennis but together with our closest families and friends. So, instead of sitting in a couple’s table, we joined our entourage, with some friends and cousins, in a roundtable at the center of the main deck of Antonio’s. To preserve the intimate spirit with our guests, TV screens were propped onto the walls to make sure that the ones on the second floor and patio area are all viewed in to what’s happening. Antonio’s iconic mirrored walls blended seamlessly with all the screens and gave a perfect visual aid for the AVPS and same-day-edits.
Our full appreciation to the professionalism and patience of our photographers and videographers. They knew that Dennis and I were not into much posings, but they still managed to
have our shoots focused on our story and presented in beautifully executed photographs.
Dennis surprised me on the morning of our wedding day with a diamond and rose gold earrings that perfectly matched our wedding bands. I gave him an ipad Pro for his preparation for his specialty board exams in the next few months.
During the ceremony, the band played the mass songs we grew up listening to and a special song composed by our officiating priest, Fr. Jboy Gonzales, “Panunumpa”.
Every little detail contributed to the memories we will treasure forever.
The Wildflour’s strawberry shortcake for our wedding cake, the warm and cloudy afternoon, the raclette and ice cream stations, the cocktails prepared at the Cabana of Antonio’s where guests were treated to classical standard music, bottles of scotch on all key tables, the open bar and the dancing and singing up till the wee hours of the next morning – all these were spontaneously happening in our own Wedding Getaway and it was the way we wanted it to be. Truly one grand treat for everyone.