The Reception

I am a sucker for flowers and absolutely loves shabby-chic style. :)

That's why when Bear and I first set foot in Sonya's Garden way back in 2005, I immediately fell in love with the place. It's super cozy, shabby chic, refreshing, and very well maintained. Not to mention their food was great (and they have friendly dogs too)!

 December 2006 Holiday at Sonya's

We have been coming back to Sonya's at least twice a year since then, and I have witnessed how their business have expanded over time. To be honest, I liked it better before when it was less commercial, but who can blame them? A place as nice as this cannot be kept a secret forever, right? ;)

Here are the things that we have considered when selecting Sonya's as our reception venue:

1. Food

• While Sonya's is known for their Salad / Spaghetti set menu, they also have the Filipino menu available for weddings.
• Filipino menu is composed of 5 viands - soup, chicken, pork, beef, and fish, with unlimited rice; bottomless fresh dalandan juice; banana rolls, sweetened sweet potato, slice of chocolate cake, and tarragon tea for dessert.
• Since the food is quite limited, we are still planning to add lechon and 2 more viands, subject to corkage fee.

2. Venue charge

• Sonya's only charges P10,000 for the venue, but we still have to pay extra for the sound system.
• For a minimum of 100 guests, we will be given a free overnight accommodation at the Bed and Breakfast.

3. Styling

• Since Sonya's is already naturally beautiful, we don't need to spend too much on flowers and decors.
• It's also a perfect choice for our Spring (and Teddy Bear)-themed wedding.

Sonya's Garden website: http://www.sonyasgarden.com/index.html

The Church

We have always wanted to get married in Tagaytay.

This is where we first kissed, where we first celebrated his birthday together, our first holiday vacation, where we frequently dated, and where we got engaged! :)

Sonya's Garden is our first choice for the reception, so we scouted for churches just within the vicinity.

• San Antonio de Padua Church - big church, beautiful altar, lots of parking space, quite far from Sonya's

• Chapel on the Hill - nearest to Sonya's, name speaks for itself, very open structure, rattan chairs, limited capacity, no parking space

• Caleruega - very beautiful church with big garden, with parking space, limited capacity, will need to pass by a rocky road

And the winner is...

Caleruega! Isn't it breath-taking? :) Will be praying for the road to get fixed before our wedding. :)

The Proposal

"Bear's proposal was short and sweet" :)

July 10, 2009-- our 4th year Anniversary.

I was scheduled to take a leave that day, so I worked until 4am. I haven't told Bear that I stayed in the office that late because I don't want him to get mad (but he later on found out about it). I remember waking up feeling so tired, but I have to get up since Bear is on his way already, and I still have to get a pedicure and I haven't made a card for him yet (yikes!).

At Firelake Grill, Cliffhouse

Bear arrived on time as usual. I came out still in my pajamas and my hair was still dripping wet. I recall him looking at me disappointingly. If I had known that he had big plans on that day, I should have taken more beauty rest. :P

We arrived at Firelake Grill a little after lunch time. Bear ordered his favorite steak and I ordered tomato soup and fish. Yum!

By the time our meal was over, I gave Bear my card. I know that he has also prepared a card for me so I asked him for it. He was hesitant to give me the card and he said that he will just give it to me later. After a few kulits and pilit, he finally handed it over to me.

When I opened the card, I was very surprised to see a ring! I looked at him and he was just smiling. I read what was written on the card, and looked at him again.. and he was still just smiling. I was waiting for him to say something! And then the waiter came to give us the change.

Bear quickly hid the ring on his pocket. Later on he said he's shy and he doesn't want the waiter to know that he just proposed (why?) :) Anyway, after asking the waiter to take our picture, we left the restaurant and continued our conversation in the car. I asked him if he's sure with what he's doing. Bear then started to give his speech. Honestly, I don't remember exactly what he said, but it's something like how he have become a better person because of me and that he wants to spend his life taking care of me and become a good provider for our family. I was really touched with what he said, so we began to cry (tears of joy). :)

Of course, I said yes, but I don't want to get married soon. So we have set the date - October 8, 2011 - our birthday month!