In June of 2007, two my close friends tied the knot in that same month. Being the ambitious and aspiring wedding planner that I was, I volunteered to help them with the wedding preparations. I was also, again for the nth time, one of the Bride's maids and the emcee of the program. (The photo above was the only visible proof I have of that very wonderful wedding event.)
The photo was taken at the church during the pictorials after the wedding ceremony proper. It was June 7, 2007 when it all happened. The wedding was so meaningful since it was the culmination of a great love story. I was there to witness and to participate in the event.
At the reception, more of our friends came to celebrate their union. The one lesson I'd never forget in this wedding is that - make an RSVP. In this wedding, there were more people who came at the reception than expected. Naturally, excess payment has to be made in order to cover up the additional people. As the wedding planner, I knew right away that couple is in deep financial trouble at that point. If RSVP's were given, people would have responded to the invites and only those who are invited would have been accommodated in the reception. But then knowing the Filipino culture, it is always better to be hospitable than to send them away. It would be a great insult.
It turned out all is well that ends well. God has provided them with an unexpected surprise. Wonderful Wedding indeed!
Two weeks later, on June 25, 2007, my other close friend tied the knot in that same church. They only had an ordinary wedding, so there was no entourage. They were a lucky couple because at that time, they were the only couple marrying that day so it looked like a special wedding still.
At their reception, no one was there to host the program or whatsoever. So being the wedding planner on the spot, I hosted the event without script, without practice and preparation. The very thing I learned about this wedding - Ask in advance about their wedding reception details and assert myself to do some tasks to arrange the wedding even when they did not initiate to ask me so.
The weddings of that year have tested me to be flexible and impromptu at all times. I have learned a lot in those experiences and I have always treasured these lessons in my head and in my heart. So the next time I face another wedding challenge, I'm up for it!
Bring it on!
=)
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For wedding tips and advice, email me at leahjacobe@gmail.com
-Leah Judith R. Jacobe-
The Wedding Planner
Davao City, Philippines
leahjacobe@gmail.com
