11/06/2024
Very well said👇
OPINION: No to in Amlan! As a MICE planner now, who once specialized in weddings, I'd like to share my thoughts on the recent wedding incident in Amlan, Negros. The situation was indeed unfortunate, particularly because the walk down the aisle is a profoundly memorable moment for every couple, especially the bride. It's no wonder the bride's emotional Facebook post garnered such a strong reaction, with some criticizing the priest harshly. Naa pay na nunglo sa pare:(
This incident has touched many in the events industry, leading several planners and suppliers in Negros to rally behind the bride with a "Take2Wedding" initiative. However, calling it "Take2Wedding" seems to trivialize the sacrament of Matrimony, reducing it to a mere processional or a film shoot. While we empathize deeply with the couple's disappointment, it's crucial to take all sides and the circumstances that led to this situation.
The Church's Perspective
The has now spoken: "The wedding ceremony was officially scheduled at 8:00 A.M. that day. That schedule was set a month before. However, on the night before the wedding, one of the lady sponsors went to the bride and groom’s house and told them that the wedding was moved to 9:30 a.m. and that they should not be in a hurry. She relayed this information in an unofficial capacity. This is unfortunate since there was no instruction at all from anyone in the Parish Office that there are changes in the schedule since there was a scheduled Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. of that same morning."
We should appreciate that the priest conducted the Holy Eucharist and the Matrimony despite the couple arriving an hour late, with a bereaved family waiting outside for their 9:30 A.M. service. It's understandable that the priest might have felt the need to reprimand the couple; arriving an hour late is a significant delay, especially with another service pending. I'm interested to know gi unsa jud pagkasaba sa pare, mas maayo unta to gi apil sa viral video.
Considering the Full Picture
Some netizens called out the priest for not giving consideration. But what consideration are we talking about? The fact that the priest administered the Holy Matrimony despite the couple being an hour late is already more than generous, especially with a bereaved family waiting outside. Criticizing the priest for not allowing the bride a leisurely processional overlooks the inconvenience and distress caused to the bereaved family waiting to bury their loved one. If the funeral service had been delayed, it would have started at 11:00 A.M., forcing the mourners to walk the streets under the midday sun on their way to the cemetery. Consideration sa buhi? But walay consideration sa patay?
Accountability and Communication
If there is blame to be assigned, it may lie with the alleged female sponsor, who purportedly works at the church and communicated the supposed schedule change. This miscommunication was at the root of the unfortunate situation. The sponsor should issue a statement to clarify her actions and acknowledge the mistake.
Advice for Future Couples
Future brides and grooms, please double-check your schedules. When in doubt, ask! It always pays to be an hour early for your church ceremony. Remember, the most important part of the wedding is receiving the sacrament of matrimony. I recall a couple who had to shorten their processional march due to sudden weather changes. The couple were Adventist Christians- very simple, very composed, they were unbothered that their plans have to be changed because of the weather changes! They remained calm and focused on the sacrament rather than the aesthetics. Nahuman raman pud ila kasal! Happy ra pud sila! Now they have three kids and happily married! This perspective can help manage unexpected changes gracefully.
To the Concerned Wedding Coordinators of Negros
While your gesture of supporting the bride with a “ ” is noble, calling it a "Take2Wedding" reduces the wedding to a mere film shoot, disrespecting the sanctity of the Holy Matrimony in my opinion. The couple has already received the sacrament. Is it going to be a renewal of vows? If so, isn't it too soon? The bayanihan spirit among suppliers is inspiring, one supplier provided the couple with new wedding rings for the Take2 Wedding. but what will happen to the already blessed wedding rings? I prenda na lang to? Why not give it sa wala pa na kasal na mag mass wedding?
As a wedding planner myself, I believe we need to remember that the most important part of the wedding ceremony is the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Matrimony. Nahatag man to sa couple!The rest are just peripherals. Why not consider scheduling the “Take2Wedding” for next year? Kana murag pwedi ra jud sila mag renewal of vows every year!
As a final word
Weddings have become too commercialized. Let's return to what is important—receiving the sacrament. While the bride's distress is completely understandable and our sympathy is with the couple, we must also consider the broader context and the importance of maintaining respect for all involved parties and the sanctity of the ceremonies. Let's not succumb to mob mentality but instead approach this situation with empathy and understanding for all parties involved.
Photo not mine.
