A wedding to remember

So how was your Valentine's Day celebration? Memorable? Exciting? Romantic? Expensive? Or, depressing? I certainly hope not. This year's Valentine's Day was celebrated to the max by local residents. Traffic was horrendous, as usual, and there was hardly any place to park! Most of the restaurants and nightspots were full as people took their loved ones and friends out to celebrate the day of hearts. Ah love! It certainly makes the world go ‘round.

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It was an early afternoon wedding for Ellisther Nina Orola Salabas and her groom Dexter John Baguios-Ligna when the two decided to say their “I dos” at the Alfredo Hall, Nature's Village Resort, Talisay City.

Guests started arriving at 3 p.m. and were greeted by the bride's uncle, former Rep. John Orola and the bride's mother Elizabeth Orola-Salabas, president of the Visayan Maritime Academy . Also on hand were the groom's parents Pastor Daniel Carreon-Ligna and wife Lourdes Baguios-Ligna of Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, as well as the bride's formidable grandma, Remedios Orola.

As the stirring sounds of the opening music filled the air, the sponsors made their grand entrance under glistening crossed swords of VMA cadets in their gala uniforms. What a sight to behold! Guests craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the blushing bride looking lovely in her delicate wedding gown, as she slowly walked down the aisle with her mother and brother. Suddenly, the groom burst out in a love song as the guests smiled in approval. (This was certainly a first for me – a groom singing while his bride walks towards him!). As soon as he ended his song, the groom walked down the aisle to meet his bride. It was a tender moment for both. They then proceeded to the altar where Pastor Jessie Valenzuela of the United Pentecostal Church waited to solemnize their wedding. As the wedding ceremony came to a close, the bride and groom delighted the guests with a duet of their love song.

Reception followed with everyone enjoying the sumptuous buffet specially prepared for the occasion. Family members entertained the crowd with musical numbers.

We could see how close-knit the entire family was as they celebrated the wedding of their darling Nina and Dexter. Congratulations and best wishes to you both!*