Save the Date (and the Church)!

The biggest challenge of having a December wedding is getting ahead of everybody else especially the super eager brides who take the 16-month preparation seriously. Because there were a number of reasons why we can’t have the wedding on our third anniversary in September, we chose 12.11.10 as our wedding date instead. Knowing how in demand these “special” dates are (just like the 08.08.08 about 2 years ago), we decided to get ahead in booking our church as early as October last year.

*             *             *

TJ :: Finally deciding on our church was really a no-brainer for Kay and I. The Our Lady of Consolation Parish Church inside Mira Nila Homes in Tandang Sora, Quezon City, was perfect for us in every way we had hoped our church would be.

We initially considered the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice (more commonly known as the UP Chapel) since that was where we used to hear mass. But after giving it much thought, we decided against it. Being left without our original option, Kay and I decided to look for churches in Quezon City. Kay stumbled upon a list of churches within QC online and we immediately scheduled our church tripping the Sunday that week, January 18, 2009. First on our list was the OLCP. Which was also our last. It was during one of the readings when I whispered to Kay that I fell in love with the place, which was her sentiment too. Everything about the church veered us towards our decision. The architecture was quite modern. The ambience was light and homey. The acoustics and sound system were absolutely marvelous. The aisle was not short nor was it that long, just right for Kay’s walk of fame. And the choir loft provided us with an option for the photographers to take one of Kay’s fave wedding shots. An overhead shot of her walking down the aisle, her train delicately trailing her. So from then on, we frequented the OLCP for regular Sunday masses and it was on October 25, 2009 when we officially locked our wedding date with them.

KAY :: As TJ mentioned, the UP Chapel was our first choice – it was unique, simple, serene. But somehow we realized that a lot of things that we wanted in the wedding couldn’t be possible in this kind of round architecture. Being a choir member, it was also very important for me that the church had the best sound system as I wanted our wedding to be filled with beautiful music. That’s when I was reminded of this church where we sang years ago for our high school adviser’s wedding. I quickly e-mailed Mrs. C and got details of Our Lady of Consolation in Tandang Sora, and the following Sunday, TJ and I made sure we paid a visit.

True enough, it was love at first sight. A lot about the church has changed. The altar is now painted with a deep purple accented by sprinkles of gold. The newly painted chandeliers added a rustic charm to the once plain church.  The choir loft was still at the far back, and the sound system was pretty good!  The chirping of the birds during the morning mass affirmed the serenity of the place. Right then, I knew we  were getting married there.

*             *             *

In choosing your church, we recommend that you first list down all possible churches in your desired area. Don’t be deceived by famous (and expensive) churches!!! More than the grandiosity, it’s important that you choose a church where you can have a solemn and meaningful ceremony. San Agustin Church, for one, is not the ideal church. Sad to say, but we’ve attended several weddings there and the outcome has not been pleasing – they rush the ceremony to the point that the bride hastens her march and the priest skips his Homily! You wouldn’t want that happening to you. Visit churches during Sunday mass so you get a feel of the whole place (ambience, sound system, size, ventilation, etc.). Think about your church as much as you would for your reception venue. Besides, it’s the most important part of your big day.