Happy 17th Wedding Anniversary Veluz and Rene!

Funny how things turn out. This sketch was supposed to be posted way before the WaW Videofest BIO: Veluz last May. But things got so busy and it was sent last night with no prodding. Coincidentally it’s their anniversary today. I think she thought about this because it’s their anniversary and I thought how apt it would be to be sketching and reminiscing and fantasizing about a wedding when you’re feeling giddy. See? Everything falls into proper places at the right time. Happy 17th wedding anniversary,  Rene and Veluz!

So here I am so proud and excited to let you read Veluz’s own words on What She Will Wear If She is Getting Married Today…

Benz, Madge, Mimi, Ernest and I were chatting one afternoon when Benz asked me what I will wear if I am to get married today. I got excited and asked her back, “Waitttttt!! So, am I 26 again? With a 25 1/2” waistline? Weighing 105 lbs?!?” I started daydreaming–visions of me in that dress, with that veil, and those shoes. Portraits! Thousands of pictures in that dress with that flawless make-up and well done hair! Ahhh to be a bride again! Imagine what I can do now and with the people I am friends with. I can imagine how fun it would be and how beautiful I’d look!! Haha!!

Madge had to burst the bubble and said, “Article lang Veluz, baka naman di ka na makakain nyan!” To which I retorted, “Syempre hindi na ko kakain. Bride nga eh! Hrrrmp!”

Mimi had to make it worse and said, “Veluz, NOW, 43 yrs old, 4 kids.” And Ernest added, “Overweight, puson and all.”

Hay naku, the friends I keep!

So I decided I will make two sketches–for the 26-year-old me and the awesome, fabulous, mom-of-four me.

Made me smile when I finished sketching this one because this is still the same dress I wore when I got married 17 years ago. Of course, with a few tweaks here because I am better now at handling piña. And I realized that my arms at 26 weren’t really that bad. So, gone are the cap sleeves. Gown will still be in piña, no embroidery, no beading. Low dipped neckline, low back, fitted to elongate my torso and that full skirt with a little bit of train. Soft yet crisp. No frills. Because it’s me.

My hair will be short, channelling Emma Watson, simple studs on my lobes, statement ring on my right pointy finger and nothing where the wedding ring will be placed. That finger meant only for that ring.

Goodness, I am so enjoying this! Ahahaha!! Oh, Time Lord, please bring me back!

And that veil. I had a plain veil when I got married 17 years ago, but this time around, and with everything I know, I will have an embellished veil. Non-floral embroidery on the edge, with a little bit of gold threads and hint of silver and white beading. Crispness of Piña against the sheerness of tulle, for me, is just perfection.

Closed toe heels in nude and that small bouquet with dainty cascading leaves. And I’m ready.

Oh! My groom will wear a perfectly fitted barong with long-sleeved undershirt, and pants. Black socks, leather-soled shoes. That’s it. So Rene.

Now, if I am to get married now, with four kids, I need to share with you where I want it done. I want it in our provincial house where we intend to grow old. Near the beach so I can feel the soft breeze and hear the waves, with a large garden with grass and bricks where I will walk, big trees, and a quaint pool (yes, I need to have that house, it is a crucial part of the dream :)). The wedding will be attended by my immediate family, my team, and just our closest friends; 80 will be a big number already for the guest list.

I will wear a simple white knee length dress with some details on one quarter sleeves and a short veil. My groom in linen suit, my sons in white crisp shirts and linen pants, and my pretty daughters in linen dresses styled to their character. Us, saying our vows, good food, dirty ice cream and taho as requested by my kids, candles and trees, comfortable seating, just good times, only with the people I love.

Now that’s my kind of wedding.

-Veluz