A tale of sweet, sweet love

Throw me a love story and I will surely melt under the sun. I love weddings because they abound with the most heartwarming and romantic tales of love.

Two weekends ago, my youngest sister Yvonne and I flew to Bacolod City to witness the exchange of marital vows of our dear friend Irene Caram to Ricardo Ernesto Gonzaga II or simply Erric. Irene, daughter of gracious Celina Caram and the late lawyer Miguel Caram Jr., is an extremely gifted dancer who runs her own Zambra Gitana Dance and Fitness Studio in the City of Smiles. Erric, son of Ricardo Gonzaga Jr. and the beauteous Sherbet Gella, is a sugar planter and founder of Trax Barn, a Bacolod-based web development and outsourcing company. They were in a relationship for four and a half years before tying the knot.

What initially attracted Erric to Irene was her beauty, grace and talent. What made him love her was her sweet kindheartedness. He also fell for her because they shared the same principles and family values. In fact, Erric truly admires Irene’s close-knit family.

Aside from his good looks, Irene fell for Erric because of his good manners. She is so taken with him because he is smart, respectful, peace loving, responsible and humble.

The couple with the groom’s mother Sherbet Gella, grandmother Amelia Gella, brother Michael Gonzaga and father Ricardo Gonzaga Jr.

Their blessed union was reason enough for the two families to rejoice. According to Michael Gonzaga, Erric’s best man and brother (who I must say is one terrific dancer), “Irene is my parents’ dream come true as they always wanted a daughter.” In the same vein, Erric was a welcome addition to Irene’s family that is dominated by women. Irene is the youngest in a lovable brood of three sisters Pinky, Mycel, Honeybee and only brother Walter. Irene’s mother couldn’t hide her joy in welcoming Erric into their family.

Elsie Gonzaga, Erric’s aunt (a graceful standout on the dance floor), shared how she admires her nephew for being so hardworking. “He has many talents,” she said, “ on top of the list are his entrepreneurial skills. He really prepared himself emotionally, spiritually and financially for this marriage. He is ready to provide for her and their future family.”

Elsie also said that Erric’s mom, who is talented in interior decorating, had a surprise for Irene. Her labor of love as a welcome gift to her daughter-in-law was she fully furnished and beautified Erric and Irene’s home as a wedding surprise.

The wedding carried a romantic Victorian theme. Irene’s lovely gown was especially made for her by her close friend Tet Ko. The rosy blush gowns of the entourage were beautifully designed by Irene’s sister Mycel “Peachy” Yusay.

Irene reminded me of a young Audrey Hepburn as she walked slowly down the aisle. Erric couldn’t contain his obvious excitement; there was a dreamy smile that never left his face as he waited to take her to the altar. As Irene approached him, he gently reached for her hand and kissed it. Tears of joy rolled down our cheeks as we witnessed this endearing scene.

The reception at the La Proa Ballroom of L’ Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City was one of the liveliest I ever attended. An exquisite collection of porcelain dolls owned by Irene’s mom adorned the entrance. The program lovingly prepared by family and friends was awesome, highlighted by the superb dance numbers of Irene’s nieces Mikee and Monique Yusay (pretty daughters of Miguel and Mycel Yusay). Their jaw-dropping fan, veil and sword dance with Irene’s student Adette Gequillana left us speechless. An elegant family waltz choreographed by Irene drew sighs.

The newlyweds with the bride’s family: Mikee Yusay, Myra Zafra, Celina Dadivas, Monique and Peachy Yusay, Mariton and Celina Caram, Ashton Zafra, Lorenzo Dadivas, Sean Zafra, Bryce Lanham, Pj Zafra, Andre and Tonton Dadivas, Miguel and Adrian Caram, Jomar Dadivas, Walter Caram and Mike Yusay.

Dancing that night lasted till 4 a.m. the following day. My sister Yvonne had a tough time prying me away from the dance floor. It took several futile attempts on her end to make me say good night to the graceful people of Bacolod dancing this joyful night away.

We flew home to Manila, our hearts bursting with happiness. We are thankful we witnessed the covenant between Erric and Irene and how, with the most unselfish hearts, they promised before man and God that they are willing to give up their lives for each other albeit with joyful sacrifices.

When two people unite in holy matrimony, there will be times when one must die to one’s own self in order to give in to the other. It isn’t easy. But when such things are given up for love, it becomes a joyful sacrifice that leads to a happy and harmonious married life.

Here’s praying for your long and lasting love for each other, Erric and Irene.

(Would love to hear from you at mailto:miladayjewels@yahoo.com)