You know how us wedding suppliers always say how sweet, awesome and moving the weddings we do are?  Definitely not exaggerations but it takes events like the one we did last Sunday to remind us,  the couple and everybody else that there’s a long hard (yet sweet) road ahead.

Mr. and Mrs. Boy Dizon’s 40th Anniversary from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

Anniversaries are waaaay more awesome and inspiring.  The couples have been there and they have done that.  They have fulfilled their vows (on weddings they remain word) and have kept true to their promises.

The Dizon’s are a happy bunch.  Well mannered and a joy to work with.  Check out the faberge egg ring holder, if you follow the blog closely, this debuted in Stella and Randy’s wedding last year.  Come Aug 16, you’ll probably see it again because it’s Rodney’s turn.

The magic moment is at 2:41 - pure love!

Party time!

Meg’s Save The Date from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

Bambi gave me an All Access Photopass to shoot the event - was I ever grateful - Thanks Bambi!

We were there lodged at the very front and center.  Awesome!

The band gave a very impressive performance, fueled by the people packing Araneta Coliseum to the rafters.  Everybody was just singing and shouting along.

Talking with the photogs who documented the band’s stay in the Philippines, I learned they were all just in their mid-twenties and their favorite place in the entire country is Megamall.

Look who was at front row to watch …

A chosen few were present at the meet and greet afterwards.

More pictures here.  Thanks to Dino for the camera body and M + K for the lens. =)

And while on the subject of Lifehouse, here’s a surprise video especially prepared by the groom - Jed for his bride Les - Lifehouse’s You and Me.

Jed for Les from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

I’ve been feeling moody blue the past couple of weeks - our videos that is.  (I’m still my jovial, sarcastic self ;-)).

The weather perhaps?

Or maybe just an interesting experiment.  It’s great to be given creative control, when full trust is given by our couple.  I’ve been painting  our onsite videos with a bluish wash.  Cold?  Nah.  The emotions pierce through the clinical facade.  =)

We had a blast in Zamboanga, although the stay was short and the sightseeing brief, the company more than made up for it, Pat Dy’s team and MangoRed made sure it didn’t feel like work.  Our hosts, Art and Mariben, were the most gracious.  Everything was executed perfectly by wedding planner JP Montilla.

(photo nicked from MangoRed)

Mariben and Art from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

Nor my sister, aunt nor niece.  Maybe a very distant cousin-in-law.  =)

That’s just there to record straight.  But she does make the craziest, funkiest, coolest cakes this side of the world.

Check out  her creations at the Claycakes site.

Well not actually the mail but through wedding planner Ernest Pascual’s hands.  Thanks Mark and Elaine!  It was all our pleasure.

Elaine and Mark from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

(My friend John Rana of WeddingsatWork has always had a thing for this song.  Well it took me me all of eight months after his blogpost to cave in.)

We were about to leave for Sanctuario de San Jose when the rain came pouring in - an idea popped up.

“Jasmine, I have this ultra rare, never heard of version of Umbrella by Rihanna, let’s give it a go.”

With full trust, she acceded.   It was bonus when I learned later that whenever they would go somewhere, rain would follow.  How’s that for leit motif?

Jasmine and David from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

In the tradition of mixing business with pleasure, I’m spending a free Saturday in New York this year - October 4.  If you’re looking for a videographer for your wedding, please give me a heads up.

Here’s an apt image from last weekend’s wedding which pretty much sums up Paul and Paulynn’s big day.

To say it was emotional is an understatement.

A great amount of tears welled up because Paulynn’s dad was sorely missed. His passing, although already a couple of years back, was still greatly felt the entire day.

Nonetheless his father still walked her down the aisle.

One of the highlights of the dinner reception was a letter by Mr. Chang read by her mom, written ten days before he passed away. (reprinted with kind permission from Paulynn and her mom)

October 9, 2006 7:00 p.m.

My dearest Paulynn,

You have to be the most beautiful bride in this world. My beautiful daughter; Paul’s beautiful bride.

I had wanted to be here as you know. I AM HERE in soul and spirit. I watch you brimming with pride. So proud of you, Paulynn.

And I will be with you and Paul beyond this wedding day. For your family, your children. Grandpa will play with them. Grandpa will watch over all of you.

Dream your dreams; reach for your dreams; only then will you find them. Wish you the most beautiful wedding today.

No regrets Paulynn, no regrets. I have nothing to forgive you. I just love you. Get on with your life. The best is yet to be.

Yes, I could also have been more demonstrative of my love for you guys. But we were given a 2^nd chance. That’s plenty. Thanks for showing.

Now, let us celebrate life! The circle of life – it goes on. Taste every moment of it! Nature, people, family, friends. Celebrate!

God bless you. God loves each one of you. I join Him and Mama Mary in blessing you. I love you so dearly.

Dad

Watch the Onsite Video.

My excellent adventures as a dad.

My turn to bring the kids for booster shots.

But what’s a visit to the doctor without a lollipop?

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