Antonio - de Luna Wedding

This weekend we had the privilege of attending two of our dearest friends' wedding. Their relationship has set a wonderful example of Christ-called purity prior to marriage. We were thrilled to be there with other members of the community as well as a mission team that is here now from Savannah, GA. Welcome to the wedding compilation of Ruben and Shiela! 

The invitation said the wedding started at 9am. We leave home at 9:10 to make sure we're fashionably early. 

Culture here is that sponsors called 'ninongs and ninangs' support the new couple and provide funds and encouragement for the start of their marriage. These are some of the 'ninangs'.  

 Beautiful set-up for the ceremony

 

The attendants occupying themselves before the wedding started ha. 

 

Weddings are Jelay's new favorite pasttime. 

 The bridesmaids and groomsmen 

 

 The groom and his parents as they walk the aisle to begin the ceremony. 

 Each set of ninong and ninang walk the aisle to be seated in front. 

 Ruben and Shiela were blessed to have many godly ninongs and ninangs. 

Shiela's little brother was proud to be the ring bearer! He went so fast I could barely get a shot of him!

 

The glowing bride and her beaming parents

 

Proud papa! 

 

The train of her gown was beautiful 

 

Look closely..the groom is singing to his bride. Cue the tears. 

 

Saying their vows

 

The cloth and rope around them are common wedding rituals in the Philippines

 

Ninongs and ninangs were asked to come to the front to hear and/or give simple speeches and pray over the couple. 

 

And now you may kiss your bride! 

 

Mr. and Mrs. Ruben de Luna

 

International flavor at the wedding! 

 

The girls 

 

The guys 

 

Greeting their guests to the reception. Look at those smiles! 

 

Beautiful reception meal of some famous Filipino dishes

 

I loved their cakes! 

 

Cutting the cake and making their toasts 

 

A common Filipino tradition at weddings is for the guests to pin money on the bride and groom during their first dance. They both had long chains of money down them by the end. Pretty great tradition ha!

 

We thank the Lord for this beautiful couple. Their friendship means more to us than we could ever express to them and we were honored to be a part of their special day.

We love you Ruben and Shiela. Congratulations!