Zina & Hugo Baraja's Wedding
Wow, that was one heck of a wedding! Lots of preparation, lots of spending, and a whole lot of emotions. It was one of the best weddings I’ve been to despite knowing just a handful of people. Shoot, I don’t know the groom that well but he sure is a catcher. Now that the wedding had passed, I feel a bit bland yet relieved at the same time. It was a memorable event.
The Preparation - October 14
I took the day off since we have the dress rehearsal in Pasadena and I knew the drive was going to be really bad especially on a Friday. Morning started off with me looking for Hiroshi’s face to give him a kiss knowing I won’t see him most of the day before double-dipping boot camp. Of course, the trainer decided to do Tabata for Fit Friday… At least it’s guaranteed I’d be burning off anything I eat. Hiroshi was already gone by the time I got back to the apartment so I took a shower and relaxed for a bit before heading out. First I went to the bank to withdraw some cash just in case, then Starbucks to buy a $15 gift card for my makeup artist (Star) after finding out she has another wedding to go to, and finally the nails salon. As I was getting my manicure and pedicure, a lady came up to me and asked if I needed to get my eyebrows done. Originally I was planning to go to another place but I might as well shoot two birds with one stone. The sight of my jungledized eyebrows I’ve been growing for three weeks must’ve been killing her, hahaha! Seriously, I felt so pampered having three girls work on me. Both arms and legs massage were nice. My eyebrows and lips… not so much. Honestly I can’t remember the last time I’ve gotten it waxed, threaded, and plucked. Not fun at all. The customer across from me also asked to get hers done as well. Yep, I generated some sales for them.
After being pampered, I headed to Ulta to get my lip liner and gloss. They weren’t hard to find since the store is so organized. Then off to get some gel padding for my shoes and pens for the guestbook. Once at home it was time to get ready for the long drive. As I expected, it took me nearly two hours to get to Pasadena. My navigation even had me take the side streets to avoid the freeway. Yet, I somehow managed to get there on time. Perhaps even a little earlier. It was no surprise most of the party showed up late to the dress rehearsal. We started practicing when most of us were there. Some of the groomsmen didn’t even make it. Walking down the aisle terrifies me and unfortunately I passed on my jitters to the other bridesmaids. Thankfully the aisle was short. Before we left the venue, I dropped off the wedding card box, heart guestbook, and instructions sign I’ve customized at the venue.
For dinner we walked to Buca Di Beppo… The second time I was offered massive carbs (company lunch the day before also served Bucca di Beppo) but my diet stayed solid. We parted ways and I got home around 11PM.
Zina’s Wedding - October 15
Being a morning person I had no issues waking up early in the morning. Well, hearing Hiroshi getting up around 5:50AM woke me up. I made sure I had everything packed and ready to go before my make up artist shows up at 7AM. She arrived on time and worked her magic with the speed of light. She did some things differently to which I liked it better than the trial. Not only did she do an amazing job again, but she broke record time with completing within an hour and a half. No doubt I will be contacting her again for any upcoming events.
Meanwhile, Hiroshi was in the garage working on his stormtrooper and went cycling by the time I was finished. We’ve already said our good byes beforehand so all I had to do was load everything to the car: my after party dress and shoes (both heels and flats), sewing kit, ibuprofen, sliced apples Hiroshi prepared, and a small bottle of Jameson for me nerves.
Compared to the almost 2-hour drive the night before, the morning drive only took half of that time. I was already there by 10AM, an hour early before the bridal shoot. Both bridesmaids and groomsmen were still getting ready so I mingled around. Rochelle was the earliest since her hair and makeup appointment was at 6AM followed by Karina at 10AM. Karina only had her makeup done so Rochelle was curling her hair. Angela was also doing her hair and making sure everyone was set. The makeup artist was doing the final touches on Zina’s hair. They loved how I looked and appreciated the sliced apples I brought.
After our beautification, we the bridesmaids helped the photographer Ashley (another high school friend) with taking pictures of the dress, shoes, veil, and ring at the lobby. For the following shoot we wore our robes and did some fun poses back in the room. Then came the moment of the first trial: putting on the bridesmaid dress. Mother Nature was not kind and decided to paid me a visit on the morning of the wedding. Hence I was a bit worried how I was a little bloated but lo and behold, I fit! We all fit in our dresses!
The time came to help Zina into her wedding dress, which was the third photo shoot. We got a bit teary eyed afterwards seeing her all grown up. It’s finally starting to hit us how she’s getting married.
The following shoot was the first look. It was a sweet moment for both Zina and Hugo so we let them be. Besides, one of the groomsmen (specifically and unfortunately my partner) was being an idiot. We started doing some bridal shoot but we sadly had to move because the area we were in wasn’t part of the hotel. Luckily we found another place to take pictures in. It was a tight squeeze between the pillars but it worked. Then off to the venue!
We were a little late but made it in one piece. We snuck through the back and made some final preparations. We saw Marine who we saw at the Bridal Shower and Jen who we haven’t seen in years. I believe the last time I saw her was at Karina’s wedding back in 2009. Geez… Looking around, it seems to be a small wedding with around 80 guests. Somehow I wasn’t as nervous as the dress rehearsal even though I don’t know most of them. Shortly after we grabbed our bouquets and headed to the back room.
Soon the music changed and the wedding planner met with us at the back entrance. It was time. Since Angela was going to walk Zina down the aisle, we planned the groomsmen to be waiting at the front while the bridesmaids walk down the aisle. Rochelle was the first one to go and she did great. Second was me and I had no idea where to look but just ignore the eyes on me. Once at the front, I was more relaxed. Then came Karina, the flower girl and ring bearer, and finally Zina and her sister… Her dress must’ve been made out of onions because we were all fighting back tears. On the stage, the pastor said some prayers, advices, and stories about the wedding. The AC must’ve been broken because he was sweating really bad. He wasn’t the only one struggling because my feet eventually started to hurt. I thought I broke it in when I wore it to work for a week but now that I think about it, I was mostly sitting down.
When the ceremony was over, the bride and groom went out and we followed in pairs. We stayed outside for a bit and took some random picture before heading back in. Inside they were still setting up the tables while the guests mingles around with their bottomless mimosas. We talked more with our high school friends before being called outside as the guests went to their seats. We came in pairs and headed off to the bridal party table. From there the groomsmen started passing around a bottle to take a swig. Hey since the ceremony was over we might as well get the real party starting. I drank a bit and man oh man that was a game changer. My feet no longer hurt and I could hear the music bumping. But I had to fill up my stomach first and after three weeks of diet, I was ready to make up for the loss! First thing they served was salad… Someone up there hates me. Then came the main dish and it was chicken breast… Almost identical to my diet. Ah well, if it’s in front of me then I’ll eat it.
After downing the food down, we headed to the photo booth props and played around the dance floor. Yep, we were sort of gone but not too crazy. Once the bride and groom walked to each guest table to greet them, they went back to the table to eat. Soon the groom and his mother did the mother and son dance. Shortly after we were all dancing and having a blast with the photobooth props. Tequila was one heck of a thing.
Eventually the microphone was given to the best man and maid of honor for speeches. Honestly, I was a tad bit gone but I know the maid of honor made a very touching speech. That concluded the wedding.
Originally I wasn’t planning on going, but as maid of honor I went to the after party. We changed into our after party dress back at the hotel and headed to the lounge. All of us bridesmaid wore black and joked we were mourning for the death of ZIna’s singlehood. We met up with our other high school friends and caught up with each other’s life. Some we congratulated for doing well, other’s not so great so we wished them well. As the night went on, one by one we took our leave. I was one of the people who left late and I came back around midnight.
It’s very nostalgic seeing my high school friends especially when one of them just got married. It makes me wonder if the “me” back then would ever picture myself where I am now. Life is really something.
The Preparation - October 14
I took the day off since we have the dress rehearsal in Pasadena and I knew the drive was going to be really bad especially on a Friday. Morning started off with me looking for Hiroshi’s face to give him a kiss knowing I won’t see him most of the day before double-dipping boot camp. Of course, the trainer decided to do Tabata for Fit Friday… At least it’s guaranteed I’d be burning off anything I eat. Hiroshi was already gone by the time I got back to the apartment so I took a shower and relaxed for a bit before heading out. First I went to the bank to withdraw some cash just in case, then Starbucks to buy a $15 gift card for my makeup artist (Star) after finding out she has another wedding to go to, and finally the nails salon. As I was getting my manicure and pedicure, a lady came up to me and asked if I needed to get my eyebrows done. Originally I was planning to go to another place but I might as well shoot two birds with one stone. The sight of my jungledized eyebrows I’ve been growing for three weeks must’ve been killing her, hahaha! Seriously, I felt so pampered having three girls work on me. Both arms and legs massage were nice. My eyebrows and lips… not so much. Honestly I can’t remember the last time I’ve gotten it waxed, threaded, and plucked. Not fun at all. The customer across from me also asked to get hers done as well. Yep, I generated some sales for them.
After being pampered, I headed to Ulta to get my lip liner and gloss. They weren’t hard to find since the store is so organized. Then off to get some gel padding for my shoes and pens for the guestbook. Once at home it was time to get ready for the long drive. As I expected, it took me nearly two hours to get to Pasadena. My navigation even had me take the side streets to avoid the freeway. Yet, I somehow managed to get there on time. Perhaps even a little earlier. It was no surprise most of the party showed up late to the dress rehearsal. We started practicing when most of us were there. Some of the groomsmen didn’t even make it. Walking down the aisle terrifies me and unfortunately I passed on my jitters to the other bridesmaids. Thankfully the aisle was short. Before we left the venue, I dropped off the wedding card box, heart guestbook, and instructions sign I’ve customized at the venue.
For dinner we walked to Buca Di Beppo… The second time I was offered massive carbs (company lunch the day before also served Bucca di Beppo) but my diet stayed solid. We parted ways and I got home around 11PM.
Zina’s Wedding - October 15
Being a morning person I had no issues waking up early in the morning. Well, hearing Hiroshi getting up around 5:50AM woke me up. I made sure I had everything packed and ready to go before my make up artist shows up at 7AM. She arrived on time and worked her magic with the speed of light. She did some things differently to which I liked it better than the trial. Not only did she do an amazing job again, but she broke record time with completing within an hour and a half. No doubt I will be contacting her again for any upcoming events.
Meanwhile, Hiroshi was in the garage working on his stormtrooper and went cycling by the time I was finished. We’ve already said our good byes beforehand so all I had to do was load everything to the car: my after party dress and shoes (both heels and flats), sewing kit, ibuprofen, sliced apples Hiroshi prepared, and a small bottle of Jameson for me nerves.
Compared to the almost 2-hour drive the night before, the morning drive only took half of that time. I was already there by 10AM, an hour early before the bridal shoot. Both bridesmaids and groomsmen were still getting ready so I mingled around. Rochelle was the earliest since her hair and makeup appointment was at 6AM followed by Karina at 10AM. Karina only had her makeup done so Rochelle was curling her hair. Angela was also doing her hair and making sure everyone was set. The makeup artist was doing the final touches on Zina’s hair. They loved how I looked and appreciated the sliced apples I brought.
After our beautification, we the bridesmaids helped the photographer Ashley (another high school friend) with taking pictures of the dress, shoes, veil, and ring at the lobby. For the following shoot we wore our robes and did some fun poses back in the room. Then came the moment of the first trial: putting on the bridesmaid dress. Mother Nature was not kind and decided to paid me a visit on the morning of the wedding. Hence I was a bit worried how I was a little bloated but lo and behold, I fit! We all fit in our dresses!
The time came to help Zina into her wedding dress, which was the third photo shoot. We got a bit teary eyed afterwards seeing her all grown up. It’s finally starting to hit us how she’s getting married.
The following shoot was the first look. It was a sweet moment for both Zina and Hugo so we let them be. Besides, one of the groomsmen (specifically and unfortunately my partner) was being an idiot. We started doing some bridal shoot but we sadly had to move because the area we were in wasn’t part of the hotel. Luckily we found another place to take pictures in. It was a tight squeeze between the pillars but it worked. Then off to the venue!
We were a little late but made it in one piece. We snuck through the back and made some final preparations. We saw Marine who we saw at the Bridal Shower and Jen who we haven’t seen in years. I believe the last time I saw her was at Karina’s wedding back in 2009. Geez… Looking around, it seems to be a small wedding with around 80 guests. Somehow I wasn’t as nervous as the dress rehearsal even though I don’t know most of them. Shortly after we grabbed our bouquets and headed to the back room.
Soon the music changed and the wedding planner met with us at the back entrance. It was time. Since Angela was going to walk Zina down the aisle, we planned the groomsmen to be waiting at the front while the bridesmaids walk down the aisle. Rochelle was the first one to go and she did great. Second was me and I had no idea where to look but just ignore the eyes on me. Once at the front, I was more relaxed. Then came Karina, the flower girl and ring bearer, and finally Zina and her sister… Her dress must’ve been made out of onions because we were all fighting back tears. On the stage, the pastor said some prayers, advices, and stories about the wedding. The AC must’ve been broken because he was sweating really bad. He wasn’t the only one struggling because my feet eventually started to hurt. I thought I broke it in when I wore it to work for a week but now that I think about it, I was mostly sitting down.
When the ceremony was over, the bride and groom went out and we followed in pairs. We stayed outside for a bit and took some random picture before heading back in. Inside they were still setting up the tables while the guests mingles around with their bottomless mimosas. We talked more with our high school friends before being called outside as the guests went to their seats. We came in pairs and headed off to the bridal party table. From there the groomsmen started passing around a bottle to take a swig. Hey since the ceremony was over we might as well get the real party starting. I drank a bit and man oh man that was a game changer. My feet no longer hurt and I could hear the music bumping. But I had to fill up my stomach first and after three weeks of diet, I was ready to make up for the loss! First thing they served was salad… Someone up there hates me. Then came the main dish and it was chicken breast… Almost identical to my diet. Ah well, if it’s in front of me then I’ll eat it.
After downing the food down, we headed to the photo booth props and played around the dance floor. Yep, we were sort of gone but not too crazy. Once the bride and groom walked to each guest table to greet them, they went back to the table to eat. Soon the groom and his mother did the mother and son dance. Shortly after we were all dancing and having a blast with the photobooth props. Tequila was one heck of a thing.
Eventually the microphone was given to the best man and maid of honor for speeches. Honestly, I was a tad bit gone but I know the maid of honor made a very touching speech. That concluded the wedding.
Originally I wasn’t planning on going, but as maid of honor I went to the after party. We changed into our after party dress back at the hotel and headed to the lounge. All of us bridesmaid wore black and joked we were mourning for the death of ZIna’s singlehood. We met up with our other high school friends and caught up with each other’s life. Some we congratulated for doing well, other’s not so great so we wished them well. As the night went on, one by one we took our leave. I was one of the people who left late and I came back around midnight.
It’s very nostalgic seeing my high school friends especially when one of them just got married. It makes me wonder if the “me” back then would ever picture myself where I am now. Life is really something.