FAITHFULNESS INMARRIAGE

By: Mylene Campos

 It all started with a simple “hi” on Facebook Messenger. Mary had posted an invite on Facebook in September 2017, looking for volunteers to plant trees and to conduct First-aid training in a remote community in Bulacan, when Brenn reached out and introduced himself. As he expressed his intentions to help out with the project, he also shared that helping others would be his way of giving back to God for allowing him to recover from an illness that he suffered a few months earlier.

 “I felt that his intention was genuine. We started talking. We talked for a month (from morning until nighttime). It was basically 24/7!” She felt how kind he was, as she got to know him more each day. She fell in love in an instant. Mary, who was a Dubai-based flight attendant at the time, kept in constant communication with Brenn, who was living in New Zealand. A month later, they met in person during her layover in Christchurch City.

A GOD-CENTERED RELATIONSHIP | Mary loves that he’s always in a good and positive mood and that he has a strong faith in God. "He’s very responsible, hardworking and humble. He is the perfect man for me. He finds ways to help his friends, even strangers." You'll feel how nice Brenn is, as he goes out of his way to make her happy. "He would even bring me to a cafe at any time because he knows how much I love coffee, and he doesn’t even like coffee that much." Brenn, on the other hand, adores how loving, caring and smart she is. “She always cooks delicious and satisfying meals for me. Above all, she is God-fearing and a family-oriented wife.”

JOURNEY TO THE AISLE | Brenn and Mary weren’t in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship for that long when they decided to get married a month after they first met. They may have skipped the long dating scene. But they've managed to share a long distance relationship with technology as their ally. They enjoyed their Skype dates, which helped bring them closer together. Mary shared, “this is how I got to know him even more.”

THE PROPOSAL | Brenn knew that Mary was very interested to visit vineyards, and to taste different kinds of wines. Interestingly enough, New Zealand is known for having both. He found the perfect place and proposed during a wine tour in Waiheke Island. On a funny note, Mary shared how her fiance´ almost got drunk after all the wine-sampling they did.

THE CHOSEN ONES | A supplier’s ability to produce the wedding of your dreams is a top criterion.  While the couple considered the capabilities of their vendors, they also chose them for the ‘kindness of their spirits’. It was important for them to be surrounded with people who genuinely care about them and their happiness, especially on one of the most special days of their lives. “From the bottom of our hearts, we thank them. We genuinely believe that all of them will stay strong and will succeed even more in the wedding industry.”

The couple also extends their gratitude to Ms. Analiza Felix, a family friend who stood as a principal sponsor, who also made the bride’s lovely reception dress even on short notice. Mary added, “she also made it possible for us to share our story and our wedding to the readers of this fabulous magazine. Thank you, Tita Ana, for this extraordinary gift. We love you! Bride Magazine, more power!"

CALM AFTER THE STORM | Floods crippled most of Metro Manila, as a strong typhoon formed days before the nuptials. “I didn’t expect our guests to arrive on time because of the bad weather and their location. Honestly, I already felt a little anxious the night before the wedding so I couldn't sleep. I even received messages from some of our suppliers informing me about the extent of flooding in their areas. I just prayed so hard and told the Lord that I believe in his love for me. I asked for his grace to keep everyone safe and for everything to go smoothly. Soon enough, I was sound asleep in my hotel room (for at least two hours!).”

 As the chapel doors opened, the bride saw everyone. Their guests came despite the bad weather. Mary shared, “I was in awe and was extremely happy to see all of them smiling and looking so beautiful. My heart was full knowing that everyone was safe. For us, this was the most memorable part of our wedding. It was a time when I felt God’s great love for us." Despite being faced with so many hurdles, the presence of their loved ones made the couple feel very grateful. “One of the most important messages of God that day was to never lose faith."

A NEWLYWEDS WEDDING PLANNING ADVICE | Brenn and Mary may have been located abroad while preparing for the nuptials. But knowing what they wanted came in handy. “It will be easier to deal with the suppliers once you have a mental picture of what you want for your wedding. Make a list of your priorities.” Mary added, “find suppliers who you feel will genuinely care about you, your needs and your happiness because you're all going to be a part of this one big team.” It didn’t matter who their suppliers were. What’s important was to see their vendors' willingness to go through the challenges, while providing unrivaled service and support. In short, find people who show grace under pressure.

While their guests were their top priority, they also focused on the reception, as it played a vital role in their wedding. “Ensure that snacks or canapés are served on every table, while your guests await the start of the program. Also, make sure that your guests feel that they are part of the celebration. We even requested for a program that would encourage a lot of participation from our beloved guests. We had fun games and even had a flash mob dance!”