Marriage, a blessing that lasts a lifetime. 

I remembered being excited about the realization of my dream wedding. And on June 18, 2016, a wonderfully hot California Saturday, my dreams have come true.

This post could actually have a million other different titles but at the moment, nothing rings truer but the fact Nicholas and I will be sharing a lifetime filled with kisses, hugs and all the feels in between. He actually inspired that title (as he should) when I remembered him saying this to me last week when I said I was missing him a great deal. "I'll be waiting for you at home with feels and hugs." He's quite the affectionate and sometimes cheesy guy and I am forever grateful to God that he is who he is - no trouble showing and expressing his admiration and love.

of happy stress that is the wedding planning

I have found the one whom my soul loves.

Song of Solomon 3:4                                            

If this was at the start of the year, this post's title would sing an entirely different tune. It won't definitely not be happy stress, just plain old stressful stress. If that even makes sense. It's only a little over a month away, mind you, so I think I'd be forgiven if I turn into bridezilla, but really, I am starting to see my vision materialize before my very eyes that it doesn't matter that much that there's a GAZILLION things to do. 

Centerpieces, flowers, backdrops, groomsmen vests, my maids of honor's dresses - you name it, and it's probably still on the list! Heck, even my dress is on that list! When I told my friends stuff that still need to get done, they're the ones who started panicking and said, "Oh my God, I can't breathe for you!" But I just shrugged. Things have a way of turning out okay anyway. Or I should say, God has a way of turning everything out okay.

of that friday smile

Look back, and smile on perils past.

Walter Scott                                                    

Nicholas has a new toy to add to his ever-growing collection of studio lighting equipment. He is such a strobist (aka one who likes to use strobes to light his subjects). And because he is still an amateur and don't know a lot of subjects, there I am again, happily posing in the cold.

Well, I was until an hour into it and we still couldn't get the shot that he wanted. I'm a terrible model, but maybe only to him cause I can whine and complain, the basic dynamics of our relationship. I'm kidding. I vow to support Nick in whatever he sets his mind to so I will stand in the cold, despite my complaining, so he could practice his skills. This shot makes it all worth it, though! I really want him to find his style and I think he's slowly starting to see a vision of it.

of my blessed thirty years

I'm happy to report that my inner child is still ageless.

   James Broughton                                

This is it. I have reached the Big 3-0! What a blessing! I'd have to be honest though that this wasn't my mindset a week ago. I was dreading it, just cause. When you think about entering a whole different decade, you kind of feel you're being stripped off something and you're expected to act all mature, or at least feel differently. At least that's how I expected adulthood to be. You're more mature and you like things differently. While the latter somehow becomes true, the former is still a question, most times.

of halloween festivities

Growing up in the Philippines where Halloween was overlooked because of the Christmas season starting as early as September (at least in my time, I believe it's gaining popularity now), it came as a surprise how big it is here in North America. I mean I think I only dressed up once as a kid for my mom's company's Halloween party for kids and once as an adult for my company's. And here, as early as September, Halloween candies are being sold, costume stores and rentals open up, people start planning their costumes meticulously, and invites to parties are being sent out. I wasn't really a fan of dressing up but being with a man who looks forward to it and whose principle is to not half-ass his costumes, I kind of got into it. And I've started to understand the fun of it all.

How Do They Say It? Oh Yes, Ours Is My Favorite Love Story

I grew up loving Cinderella, romantic comedy movies or any love story with a fairy tale resemblance happily ever after ending. Hearing stories of how couples I know met and eventually ended up together warms my heart, and gives me hope that one day, I'll have mine to share.

While Nick and I's love story wasn't born out of long courtship that spanned from childhood, or that he saw me across the room and was besotted with my smile - it is ours to share and smile upon. And that makes it the most beautiful love story I have ever heard.

Of Familial Blessings

 

Once in a while, God gives you something so great that you never thought to ask for before - and you're left to wonder how He knew to give you a blessing as amazing as that which you've just received. You can only smile and utter many thanks, that He saw you deserving of such a wonderful gift. 

That's how it was for me when I got to be part of Nick's wonderful family. When I prayed for Nick, I didn't think to include 'great family background' as part of my 'requirements' for my man. And I was very specific when I created that list. I did write though that I wanted him to be family-oriented. I love my family so much and enjoy spending time with them, so I hoped my man would also get along with them. And yes, he did, so well it's amazing. God works wonders, I tell you! Just keep on praying, hold on to your faith, and trust in His works and perfect timing.