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| It is happening. |
We agree on things easily, but it doesn't mean we are so alike.
She likes her eggs scrambled, I like mine
sunny-side up.
The solution? We cook two eggs differently.
How I pulled off this proposal though is not as easy as cooking eggs.
Last 19th of July, together with our friend (and future maid of honor) Aiza and her sister Jilliane, the unexpected happened: a proposal that no one saw coming, even by my now fiancée Tina.
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| The entire production team. (Not counting the people in the background.) |
First, we were already planning our wedding back in Manila, Philippines this December 2015. Our families gave us their blessings almost a year ago, then we proceeded to planning. Church, venue, favours, invitations, entourage, bridal car, videographer, photographer, menu, the works. It does sound a lot, but we really tried to keep it as simple and budget-friendly for both of us.
When a supplier was asking us what was our wish for theme or motif, we were stuck. We tried to look for the closest to the one we prefer, which is simple and laid-back: rustic. We both love the feel of something homely, unsophisticated, rural or something that reminds of countryside.
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| 'Where's the taxi?' |
Now that sets me to think of a place as close to somewhere simple where the skies meet the field and the sea. After a recent visit there, I wanted it to be in White Cliffs of Dover. I did not want to propose in a crowded place like in restaurants or parks, or something as crazy like in viral videos of flash mobs and elaborate cinematics. I wanted it relaxed yet very special.
'Why?' was one of her many questions after saying 'Yes' to my 4-worded question on a bended knee. For me, it was not just the ring, it was more of the promise and declaration. Even though we were more than half-way through of our wedding plans, I did not want to take things for granted. I wanted her to know that this is not just an event for 'brides-to-be' and her friends. I wanted her to know how special it is for me, and how excited I feel about our future plans of being together.
The Plan:
I told her we needed to do a shoot for photos and videos for purposes of wedding invitations and e-cards for friends and families. The first problem was 'Who's the photographer?' My answer was not 100% confident but I said: Me, you, our friends, timer and tripods.
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| 'So who's the photographer?' |
She didn't seem to be impressed but agreed to it anyway. The set-up is working. All she thought was we were going there on a sunny Sunday with friends for a photoshoot and just to be silly in front of the camera. We brought some fancy clothes, and got some flowers for 'props.' And that was it as we headed for the trains.
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| 'Where's the camera?' |
But the logistics for a photoshoot there is just insane. The winds were relentless and were at top speed. Being atop hundreds of metres from the sea level on the cliffs plus the strong wind currents from the English Channel, it was not a perfect scenario for a portrait photoshoot. We still tried and carried on. Despite our clothes getting battered and our hair were all treated to a gigantic hair-blower 24/7.
On my head, even if I don't get enough decent shots, I'll make sure this faux-photoshoot setup for the big moment must be all worth it.
At the end of the shoot by afternoon, we were packing up. I held on for a second and said I needed more material for videos as we only got mainly photos. I asked our friend Aiza and her sister Jilliane to just keep shooting no matter what. I did not know what to say. I did not plan this clearly to the letter but I'm going for it.
I asked her to stand by the edge behind the sea view, and 'pretend we're in a music video!' was my intro. I came up to her and gave her a kiss on her forehead and gave her the 'flower props.' I just started monologuing random lines and words, describing the obvious such as 'look at the sun, the sea, the fields' as my heart pounded hard and fast. I held her hand, looked her in her eyes. I knelt on my left knee. She was still smiling trying to look camera-friendly.
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| 'Pretend we're in a music video!' I told her. |
I began with 'I knew you never thought I'd ask you this. But here I am...' and asked her hand to marry myself. Her mouth was wide-open with shock and amusement and told me 'Yes of course!'
I never told her how I got the ring and other details. I said it's all part of the package and surprise: mystery. Probably in the future.
The 'engagement session' has indeed become one, literally. It was a memory that we will be very happy for a long, long time.
In the end, it's not about the wedding details, the quality of clothes, the beauty and glamour of photos or the number of views and likes in social media. It's not about the 'perfect time' or to please anybody else. It's not the glamour, it's about the realness and simplicity of being a wedded couple. For us, it was all about us together taking the next big leap under God's blessing. Whether for good times, or whenever the crazy wind blows non-stop.
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| We agreed to carry our loads together. |
She likes her eggs scrambled, I like mine sunny-side up.
The solution? We cook two eggs differently.
The question is, who's going to cook them? :)
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| The lucky bride-to-be :) |
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