Konted's Make My Day 2: Fernbrook Gardens: It Is Beautiful

Fernbrook Gardens: It Is Beautiful

Clad in grey suit, Ryan, who is on leave from his work at the Philippine Mission to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, was openly declaring before hundreds of guests what was hitherto a well-kept matter: Four years ago, on this day, I met you....then I fell in love with you....and I told myself this must be destiny.... Bride Bridgit was all eyes and ears. This was all part of their beautiful wedding solemnized last Sunday at the Notre Dame de Vie Chapel at Portofino in New Alabang.

Notre Dame de Vie Chapel is nestled within the vast Fernbrook Gardens with tall trees and beautiful flowers visible at picked areas that make it alluring to visitors and passersby. Easily noticeable is the domed chapel which complements another arched roof covering the center garden. Water fountains, erected at strategic locations, provide tranquilizing effects to those near them. And the water that flows from it symbolizes wealth that may come one's way.

But Fernbrook Gardens' coup de grace is the narrow, man-made riverine that actually flows southward. There is a beautiful gondola docked at the south bank and looking at it from the terraces, creates a mystical and enchanting view that reminds one of Lorelei, that mythical and beautiful creature of the Rhine River who appears before sailors and lures them to shipwreck. It makes me sing: Sometimes I hear the Lorelei, Ever so near the Lorelei, at night she'll hum to me and whisper come to me, From her place among the shadows, Who can she be, the Lorelei?....Stop it, Jack, stop it.

There was fireworks display right after the wedding, adding sparks and glitters to what already was a starry, starry night. There was an entertainment program while dinner was served. Guests feasted on Pasta Puttanesca, Roasted Pig, Creme Fish Fillet, Barbecued Spareribs with Mashed Potato and Corn, Chicken Rolls, etc. Just when the young ones were enjoying the fun games, I walked back to the gardens and took another look at the riverine. I was alone. Any angle I looked at it, the view evoked that amorous feeling that resides inside me. Like the singing hills that live in my memory, I was humming again: Why is it me who hears her sigh, Oh, if that sigh became a face, a shape, a name, A lover, I would love her till I die, the Lorelei, Must you go away, Lorelei?....Just when I was imagining things, when I was traveling back in time, I heard a voice from the distant past: Go home, Jack, go home.

*with apologies to balladeer Jack Jones

- Konted

Main entrance to Fernbrook Gardens.

The outer garden

A pergola amdst beautiful green plants and colorful flowers

The dome shaped structures within Fernbrook Gardens as viewed from the main road. The main road is Daang Reyna which branches out from Daang Hari in New Alabang.

The driveway leading to the main garden and the chapel right beside it.

The roundabout right in front of Fernbrook Gardens complex

There are ample free parking slots.

Horse-drawn carriage elegantly designed and reminiscent of the days of the British Empire.

The beautiful flowers throughout the gardens will blow you away.

The refreshing sight of a water fountain within the roundabout

Tranquility fountain

Man made waterfalls

Uniformed trumpeters herald the entry of guests.

A red carpet is rolled out for sponsors and guests

A circular-shaped roof covers the main garden and lobby.

Close up shot of the steel arches of the dome-shaped structure.

The red carpet ends at the main water fountain at the center of the lobby.

The artistically designed fountain at the lobby. It speaks of wealth, elegance and grandeur that once characterized the Victorian Era..

The garden that surrounds the lobby.

The chapel is just a few meters away from the gardens.

The columnar walkway leading to Notre Dame de Vie Chapel

Magnificence describes the walkway that links the main garden to the chapel. This certainly will overwhelm you.

There are benches at vantage points of the terraces.

The man-made riverine as viewed from the terraces.

The view that takes your breath away, literally and figuratively speaking.

Wedding is about to begin. Members of the wedding entourage take their assigned positions.

Groom Ryan with parents Ronald and Rosemarie. It is Ryan's biggest moment.

The main altar of Notre Dame de Vie Chapel.

Parents of the bride. Photo taken against the light.

Partly covered with artificial smog, bride Bridgit makes grand entrance.

Face still covered with fine silk veil, Bridgit starts to walk down the aisle. It is perhaps the grandest walk of her life.

Bridesmaid Dra. Princess Gener. You are beautiful. Bride's father is at right.

"If ever two were one, then we...If ever man was loved by wife, then thee...if ever wife was happy in a man, compare with me, ye women, if you can." - Anne Bradstreet

Ryan and Bridgit face the main altar and listen to the officiating priest. With cape resting on the cushions of the two-seater, the bride's gown steals the thunder during the one-hour long ceremonies.

Ryan prepares for his next move. He is cool and calculating, as always.

Sponsors and guests listen to every word professed by bride and groom.

The wedding rites flowing smoothly.

Both groom and bride express the purity and sincerity of their love for each other.

The exchanging of the rings. The rings symbolize eternity as they are a manifestation of eternal love. "I am giving you this ring with ALL THAT I AM AND ALL THAT I HAVE..." It is a total, permanent commitment.

The veil and cord signify the ties that bind forever.

Ryan and Bridgit acknowledge the warm cheers from well-wishers. The wedding ceremonies end as their new life together begins.

Wedding reception at the Victorian 2 function room which is only a few steps away from the chapel.

Fine table setting with lit candle, flowers and a bottle of Champagne

Victorian 2 function room with a seating capacity of 350 guests

Newly wed Ryan and Bridgit welcome guests at Victorian 2. They are "Belle Femme"and "Belle Homme", no question about that.

Notable guests, from right, Atty. Ildefonso Jimenez and Dra. Peewee Lucindo Jimenez, Atty. Viben Pinga, bridesmaid Dra. Princess Gener and Mrs. Pinga.

Ryan's mother Rosemarie with Tita Ivy

Ryan's father Ronald and Engr. Boy Perez

Abok and Monette

Pochi, Diana and Argie. They have agreed to visit Ryan and Bridgit in Switzerland.

Tita Ivy and Tita Gene

Food stations are set at opposite sides of the reception hall.

The native Lechon. It is the centerpiece of the celebration.

Pasta Puttanesca

Creme Dorie Fish Fillet

Chicken rolls

Barbecued Spare Ribs with mashed potatoes and corn

Finger food

Canapes

All about to start

The Perezes

Andre, Allen, Kristina Rose and Kirsten Ashley

Part of the Perez clan

Major Johnny DLM and family

The program begins.

Short invocation before anything else

Video presentation of Ryan and Bridgit's happy moments

Another shot of the newly wed

Bride dances with her father: "You're lovely, with your smile so warm, And your cheeks so soft, There is nothing for me but to love you, And the way you look tonight...."