“It was with delight that we realized the date we picked to be married in Catholic wedding rites reads, ‘one-two-zero-one-two-zero-one-two’ — an apt description of what years in each other’s company have been. One-two-zero, one-two-zero, one-two — as rhythmic as breathing in and out, as sweet as a walk in the park, as delightful as dancing to a wonderful rhythm.”
Those were the words Yong Nieva and Ivy Almario wrote in their wedding invitation. The wedding was held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Montecito Estates, Canlubang, Laguna on Dec. 1.
This was an extraordinary wedding and, therefore, it was one blessed occasion I prayed I would be well enough so as not to miss it. For the nth time, my prayer was answered.
On Dec. 1, my husband and I were right on time at the early evening wedding scene, just as the magnificent golden sun began to set. We both felt the overflowing joy all around us as we sat on gleaming wooden benches in this elegant church. There was an electrifying current of excitement shared by family and friends. The strains of a sweet melody played. Suddenly, there was Ivy, dazzling in all her vibrant bridal splendor.
I watched Yong’s face light up at the very sight of Ivy walking beneath the lush green arches towards him. Mesmerized, he couldn’t help but kiss his gorgeous bride ardently on the lips as if he wanted to make doubly sure he wasn’t just dreaming the best dream of his life. Convinced that this glorious moment was absolutely real, he gently took her hand in his. Their radiant smiles conveyed all the emotions racing through their hearts as they settled down on nuptial seats facing the altar with reverence and great anticipation.
The officiating priest, Fr. Rolo Alcasid, delivered a lively homily. His candid revelation of their colorful lives prior to this marriage elicited giggles from friends. On a joyous note, however, he did not stop reminding us witnesses of the significance of this event, for three very special reasons. “First of all, this is an affirmation of the will of God for Yong and Ivy. We are celebrating today because we are sure that this is what God wants for both of you. Secondly, this is a proclamation of God’s love. You are God’s gifts to each other. You were destined for one another. Thirdly, you are celebrating in the presence of our Blessed Mother right here in her newly built church, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Continue to pray to her throughout your married lives.”
A rare yet very welcome moment that touched us during the wedding was a “Centering Prayer” upon the wish of Yong and Ivy. All together in stillness, we felt such loving peace when we prayed:
Father, how still today.
How quietly all things fall into place.
Today, this instant, we understand the lesson.
In You, there is no need that we do anything.
In You, is our every choice already made.
In You, has every conflict been resolved.
In You, is everything we found already given us.
Our hearts are quiet.
Our minds are at peace.
Your love is heaven.
And now, Your love is mine.
Refreshed in spirit after the prayerful ceremony, we all headed off to the next part of the celebration. The reception was just a very short and pleasant walk into the nearby Pasatiempo Clubhouse.
Guests were kindly requested to come in dressed-up fun, which set the tone for a truly enjoyable evening. There was nothing stiff about this wedding. The gracious couple kept us feeling comfortable and at ease. And oh my, we were so entertained! Over refreshments and enticing hors d’oeuvres, wine toasting ensued for so many joyful reasons.
Gigi Montinola was the very first to toast and roast them with fondest memories of Yong in the States.
Yong’s eldest brother, Rene Nieva, fondly recalled how this wedding came about. Yong, whose family hails from Marinduque, secretly dreamt of marrying Ivy in his picturesque hometown in a little chapel he planned to build. He began his secret project but fate stepped in. One day, Ivy got hold of his camera and found his photos. In her sweet gentle way she asked, “Honey, what is this?” When Yong saw what she was looking at, he sheepishly said, “Hay naku, sige na, that is supposed to be my surprise for you!” Ivy, whom Rene fondly described as the “rock star of interior design” (because of her incredible talent that is loved and much sought after by many to design their homes, hotels, resorts and restaurants here and abroad), declared passionately to Yong, “Honey, I will design it. I will get involved!” A few days later, they were on the sight. Ivy sat there for two hours straight, in full concentration, sketching away with all her heart and soul. Done with the final sketch, she personally handed it to Yong’s foreman. From six pillars, it became 12. No longer was it a little chapel, it became a parish church.
Ivy’s distinguished godmother Nena Syquia-Bautista shared in the next toast, “One night, in December 1998, Ivy, in deep conversation with Gina Tambunting-Roxas, a friend whose home she designed, asked, ‘When in the world will I ever find someone who will not break my heart?’ Gina readily had an answer in the form of a telephone number, which she gave to Ivy. Ivy called and a handsome gentleman entrepreneur named Yong Nieva graciously answered. In January 1999, they had their first date. They spoke for three hours. On Oct. 5 of the same year, they lovingly committed to one another in a ceremony in Napa Valley, California.”
But God did not stop His plan right there and then. He had much more in store for this very lovable couple. As Fr. Rolo said, this is how much God loves them. He had their destiny all mapped out.
Ivy’s godmother Nena concluded, “Tonight is a culmination of a story of love, joy, sorrows and hard work. Tonight is a fulfillment of the desires of their hearts. Finally, you have come together in the way God wants you to be united. Full of faith, hope and love. Be thankful, be happy. The best is yet to come!”
And what a wedding it was! Eddie Katindig on his saxophone serenaded the guests with his jazz tunes that transported us back to wonderful memories of a fun-filled era. Yong serenaded us with Broadway songs together with the talented UP Concert Chorus. A spectacular dinner orchestrated by Enzo and Sandie Squillantini, the couple behind the successful Romulo Café, was served by such cariñoso waiters. Yong sang The Way You Look Tonight as we all swooned. I had to restrain myself at the dessert room filled with all the sweets of my dreams by amiable pastry chef Philip Baltazar of Astoria.
Back to the program, Tereret Tambunting-Liboro gracefully performed her flamenco. In an ultra memorable finale, Yong took Ivy in his arms to delight the raving crowd with a breathtaking Argentine tango dance number. Much rejoicing ensued as loving friends surrounded the Nievas to dance with joy on this unforgettable night.
A full moon illuminated the winding roads on our way home as I held the beautiful prayer in my hand. How grateful we were for this day the Lord had made truly beautiful for Ivy and Yong.
(Would love to hear from you at miladayjewels@yahoo.com.)