Stevie & Gail's Wedding

 

Seeing your friends marry is a different kind of feeling. I just can't explain it. It's like sending your kids to college type of feeling -  bittersweet. One minute, you’re just casually hanging out, and the next, boom—they’re exchanging vows and committing to a lifetime of shared WiFi and grocery lists.

Then reality smacks you in the face.

Wait. We’re at that marrying age now?

This is normal?!?

If I ever get pregnant, I swear I’d still feel like it’s a teenage pregnancy. Like, are we really adults? I don’t think so.

On Thursday, my friends and I checked into an Airbnb where I planned to finish my shift before heading to the hotel early Friday morning. Classic me—trying to mix work with wedding duties. (10/10 would not recommend.)

Came Friday morning. We met Stevie at the hotel lobby and just seeing him made me tear up! Like hoyyy ikakasal ka na talaga! I just can hardly believe it!! I’ve known Stevie for over a decade since he’s Bill’s friend from college, and we used to see each other at fiestas in Tondo. When he introduced Gail to our group, she fit in so naturally that I somehow ended up as her bridesmaid. Life be like that sometimes.

So I went on my way and joined the rest of the bridesmaids. got my make up and hair done. We even practiced a cute little dance—Push 2 Start by Tyla (which, for the record, involved some kendeng to the left, kendeng to the right action LOL)

Gail also gifted us these matching nighties, which made us feel all cute and coordinated. Bridesmaids’ perks, am I right?

with Isay and Ren!

Then came the photoshoot, which meant forced laughter and fake candid moments.

I forgot how painfully awkward it is to act like you’re having the time of your life in front of a camera. Meanwhile, the other girls were natural-born influencers, so at least their energy saved me from looking like a robot.. 

I don’t know why, but seeing Gail in her wedding gown for the first time hit so hard
 Like, "sis, we were just eating sushi last month, and now you’re about to make a lifelong commitment?!" Time moves too fast.

She also gave us adorable tote bags filled with wipes, tissues, sanitizer, and a mini fan—because she knew we were gonna cry and sweat through this entire event. Very practical, and very much appreciated.

After some more photo op, we headed to the church. I thought we would miss the entourage coz we were running a bit late. 

I'm glad we didn't!

The coordinator lined everyone up and out of nowhere, a church staff grabbed me and told me I had to walk down the aisle alone. HUH??? Excuse me maem, I literally have a groomsman standing beside me in line?!

 

I didn't know what happened exactly. Turns out, there was some miscommunication, and at the very last second, another staff member stopped my groomsman from walking alone and re-paired us. I felt a little embarrassed for myself, but oh well, maybe I WILL REALLY WALK THIS LIFE ALONE. and that's foreshadowing lolol

Then, the moment of truth—Gail walking down the aisle.

If I thought I was emotional before, this was next-level. The tears? Uncontrollable. I was a mess.

The Holy Matrimony began, and we all witnessed the big moment—the I do’s leading up to THE KISS (which, let’s be real, is what we were all waiting for). Ughhh, I was so kinikilig!

For a brief moment, I had that "I wanna be married too" thought.

…And then my rational brain was like, or, hear me out, I could just rent a wedding dress, do a photoshoot, and return everything. But of course, people would judge the hell out of me for that, so never mind. 😭

After the mass, it was time for another endless round of photoshoots. At this point, my feet were SCREAMING from wearing heels. So when the coordinator finally released us from photoshoot duty, it was the best moment of my life.

At the reception, my nerves kicked in when I saw the amount of people—because we had to perform our entrance dance. But surprisingly, we pulled through!

Then came the parent speeches. And let me tell you—I CRIED. It was so heartwarming, but also? It hit me that if I ever get married… I wouldn’t have any parents to give a speech for me.

That thought alone had me sobbing. But I reminded myself—this is not a sad day! This was about celebrating a lifetime union between two of my closest friends.

Then came Gail & Stevie’s first dance to Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.”

SO. ROMANTIC. See? Even Lyka couldn't hold her kilig!

Luckily, the reception games were not focused on single people getting paired up, because I hate those. I may talk like a slut sometimes, but deep inside, I’m a shy girl, okay?? 😌

Like, I can kiss girls, but please don’t make me touch men in a game LOL.

The food? 10/10.

The mobile bar? Utang ng Pilipinas/10.

You bet I maximized the hell out of that open bar.

I kept coming back for different cocktails until I just straight-up asked them to serve drinks directly to our table LOL.

Bless you, mobile bar staff.

It was getting late and most of the guests had left already, but then Janina started dancing at the stage and every one of us joined!! It was exhausting. It was chaotic.

Seeing your friends get married is an experience like no other. It’s emotional, nostalgic, and makes you question your entire existence.

But at the end of the day, it’s about celebrating love—and I’m so grateful I got to witness this moment for two people I truly care about.

To Gail & Stevie—cheers to forever. ❤️

ps. I took these home lol

And to my other friends… y'all better start proposing. 

xoxo
Grasya