Amanda Virrey
Wedding at Bilar Manmade Forest
Joan and Frederic had enjoyed nine years of romance, adventure, fun and travel together before they finally decided to make their relationship official.
Their wedding was “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” manifested in a fantasy setting deep in the heart of the Bilar Manmade Forest.
Together with the rest of Joan and Frederic’s guests, we had converged at the entrance of the 63 year-old rainforest. We started our procession at a narrow rugged path through the thick foliage of towering mahogany trees; where along the way, we were given a pouch of natural mosquito repellants.
The 45-minute walk that we had taken was fuelled by the nurturing accompaniment of nature’s immaculate sound resonating through cool breeze blowing into the crisp rustling of leaves with a blend of the birds’ perfect pitch.
There was no shortness of breath on our part, save for the image that welcomed us at the grand scene of the wedding scene. The meticulously planned scene culminated in an awe-inspiring ambience of fantasy coming alive; an idea that was conceived by the couple and designer Ed Aniel.
Whilst bridesmaids dressed in silky drapes and floral headdress, and the men in vaudevillesque attire, the wedding entourage (including my daughter) sauntered through a huge white-washed door, passing the lone violinist on the side and a fairy looping her sinewy legs around a hanging hoop.
Beyond the great white door was a profusion of fresh flowers, soft hanging twigs, white cloths, candles everywhere, and the renowned Loboc Youth Choir rendering their angelic voices to the couple’s favorite songs.
When we were situated on the benches around the altar, the bride arrived in all her radiance and beauty with her parents. She met her teary-eyed beloved, whose look shown that of love and captivation for the woman in front of him.
The couple exchanged their vows with utter devotion and unconditional love, instantly moving everyone there into tears.
At the end, there was a release of colorful butterflies, birds and rose petals to bless the couple with peace, love and prosperity.
And though it has been a year since this dream wedding took place, Joan and Frederic’s undying love and devotion for each other remains strong amid all glory and odds.
