Inside the mind of a woman

I am a great fan of weddings be it small, intimate, or loud and grand. Weddings signify love and romance and being a hopeless romantic, I am attracted to weddings as bees are to honey. My hubby asked me the other day, why there are so many weddings scheduled on the month of January. This week alone two of my friends had their weddings, and I am attending my brother’s wedding next week. I honestly do not have an answer although I feel its just because its so lovely to hold a wedding in January – the weather is just perfect!

I have witnessed many weddings, played MOH in one and bridesmaid in others. Each of them were different, unique, had a special touch that exudes the personalities of the couple getting hitched. I accompanied many bride to be’s to many bridal fairs to know the different churches, venues, florists, photographers, videographers, designers, jewelers, and coordinators. Of the many vendors and suppliers, I of course have come to pick out favorites.

And I will not talk about my favorites today, although I will talk about a recent wedding I attended at Fernwood Gardens in Quezon City. Let me just say that personally, I am not a fan of Fernwood Gardens. Oh my, I think I have to duck, I see stilettos flying at me. Calm down. I still think Fernwood is a great place to hold a wedding. Its every woman’s dream of a garden wedding without the fear of rain on their wedding day. This dream is not mine. Not if the garden is too far to justify "great venue". I am digressing.

Anyway, after several years, it is the first time I have been back to this place. I was still expecting to turn into a muddy parking lot that is totally cruel on kitten heels but instead I find paved walkways. The new (well new for me) St. Francis Chapel welcomes you at the entryway and that alone is an attraction in itself. Its facade looks like an entry to a grand hall rather than to a chapel but I guess that is what makes it perfect for what beauty is held inside.

Red carpet leads you to the alter while tiffany chairs are beautifully lined up alongside it. The altar is elevated and engulfed in a cornucopia of plants, flowers, vines and more green things while Jesus hangs by a line over it. A glass ceiling protects the chapel and several pieces of white cloth acts as a baldachino which is something I see often in wedding venues. Such a beautiful place gives out an impression that any event that takes place in it will be equally beautiful.

I beg to disagree. For my part, I appreciate church rites held in solemn and intimate places – like a church, a small simple chapel, or a four-walled room even. I just think the continuous flow of water from the two fountains that stand alongside the altar is too distracting for me to concentrate on the ceremony. In any case, the fresh and light atmosphere was perfect for the cool and funky couple who was at that time exchanging vows.

Oh and why do I not like Fernwood? Sorry, its simply too far for me. Cheers!