I get it now why planning a wedding is quite hectic! You will never know unless you experience it firsthand! LOL! During the early planning stage, my husband and I really discussed the reasons why we are choosing those wedding details such as the date, the location, our ceremonial attire, etc. So, for those of you who are just about to plan, may I share with you my personal experience? It may be of great help to find your whys. So here are the whys of our wedding!
Why the Date?
Joel proposed in May 2022 and the date of the wedding is already in talks. We wanted it as early as possible but we can’t do it within the year because my mom just passed away December 2021. Filipino culture discourages a wedding before the first year death anniversary of a family member. At first, we wanted January 2023 but we thought, still too soon because it is actually the peak season of weddings here in Baguio City, so we chose our 8th year anniversary date which makes it more special. It was on March 21, 2023. It is a weekday and we are grateful for the guests who were able to come! We honestly wanted it to be a weekday to avoid weekend traffic in Baguio especially during summer time!
Why the Church?
I got married at the church where my grandfathers sculptured the grotto. 
Great grandfather who sculptured the grotto in 1939: Meliton Caja
Grandfather who maintained the sculpture until 1995: Teodoro “Ted” Caja
The grotto is also known as “The Quezon Grotto”. The shrine also marks the area where President Manuel Quezon and his family had their residence in Baguio.
Also, I would like to thank Fr. Vic Munar and the catechists for all your smooth guidance before and during our wedding. The meaningful and intentional sermon was one of my favorite parts of the ceremony!
Why the Reception?
When planning your wedding, think about the proximity of the wedding preps, church and reception. We chose the Venus Parkview Hotel, not only because it is the most reasonable for us but also because it’s just about a 3-5 minute walk from church to hotel. The guests parked already at the hotel and just walked to the church, and vice versa. Joel and I even walked from the church to the hotel with our postnup photo session.
Why the Gown?
I initially wanted a serpentine/boho gown but I wasn’t able to achieve it because there were no dresses that would fit me at the rental shop with that design. I am running out of time. It was January when I looked for a gown. It was a last-minute decision because I initially wanted to just order online. I chose this most simple ball gown in which the atelier suggested. It is minimalist, regal and elegant. A decent gown to wear for my wedding, that’s all I need!
Why the Suit?
This suit holds a special significance as it was a gift from our godparents, who were not only our past managers but also worked alongside us at the tailoring shop where I used to be employed. It is a full-canvas navy double-breasted suit and was crafted by incomparable Filipino artisans; the Master Tailor Nap Arienza, his grandson, James Ryan and the team of the bespoke tailoring house.
Final advice on answering your Whys for your wedding
Well, aside from answering why you want to get married, you have a lot of decision-making for your wedding and marriage! Hehe!
While your wedding can really turn out to be a family affair or reunion, remember that it is the celebration of your love and commitment. Put in mind that it is YOUR wedding, not THEIRS. Even though there were some hiccups that we’ve encountered during the planning and on the wedding, I am still glad about how it all turned out for the very most of it. An advice that I learned for those who got married; if you found out a mistake or any mishap during the wedding, just let it go and enjoy every moment! I did that, but after the wedding, I did all the ranting with my close friends and family just ONCE then I’m ALL GOOD after that! 🙂