Caleruega Church in Nasugbu Batangas
When Henry and I visited this church in August 2012, we joke about getting married in this place and book immediately when it was said that booking should be made a year or two years in advance??!!! The place is lovely, a chapel above the hill and closer to nature……Unfortunately, when we inquired in January, December 8, 2013 is the only date available. Hmmmmm….. we do not want to give up our chosen date.
St. Francis of Assissi Chapel in Fernbrook Gardens
Fernbrook and Fernwood Gardens has been my all time dream wedding venue. Yet, this venue is way out of our budget. So I just inquired about the chapel only for the ceremony and will just look for other reception venue nearby. However, since Zoren Legaspi and Carmina Villaroel got married at Fernbrook Gardens, they no longer allow a rental of chapel only, thus the whole package: Chapel + Reception Venue must both be availed. (Well, we just couldn’t afford the whole package at Fernbrook… huhu!)
St. James the Great Parish in Ayala Alabang
Henry was fascinated by the elegant interiors of this church. Despite its cost, he would love to have our wedding ceremony be held in this church, aside that the location is just near our hometown in San Pedro, Laguna. It took us weeks to decide if we are going to book at this church or not, when at the same time looking for the reception package from 3 hotels in Alabang. Unluckily, when we were finally decided, the available time given to us is only at 6:00 pm. Too fast for the others to book at our preferred time!
It was only December of 2012 when Henry and I agreed to pick the date of our marriage: December 18, 2013. The date is for so many reasons. First, 18th is our number… second, we will have an ample time to prepare for the wedding after a year, he doesn’t want to move it on Year 2014. December 18, 2013 falls on Wednesday which is said to be the luckiest day of the week and lastly, in numerology: 1+2+1+8+2+0+1+3 is equal 18, our number!
San Antonio de Padua Parish Church in Pooc Silang, Cavite
Honestly, we do not know this church at all. When we were searching for a location online, a photo of the altar, its interiors and ceiling captivate us, until we found out that this church is San Antonio de Padua Parish in Silang Cavite, such a good place for our second option, a Tagaytay reception.
This church is truly meant for us, the date and time we prefer is available and they allow one wedding only on Wednesdays! Immediately upon inquiry, we reserve the date with the help of our parents. They went to Pooc Silang personally as they do not allow pencil booking and payments via bank transfers. A little effort will do to have this enchanting church for our wedding ceremony! Aside that the place is solely for us on our Big Day!
When I personally visited, I find it more beautiful than I ever thought it would be. The church surrounds a well-manicured landscape, the façade offers a rustic ambiance, yet the interior has its own unique elegance specially the dome with a blue hue and a painting of the Risen Christ. Certain as it is, this is the perfect solemn place to witness our vows.