#chadandgladys

The reason we went to the Philippines was for Chad and Gladys' wedding. We had never met her and were so glad to get the chance to know her a little. She's super sweet and perfect for Chad! The wedding could not have been any more perfect! The ceremony was in a Catholic church and was pretty similar to a Catholic wedding at home. It was beautiful and very fancy (I was told to wear a gown). The guys all wore Barongs (a traditional shirt made out of pineapple leaves) with Camisa Chinas (basically an undershirt) underneath. Kevin was pretty excited about the dress code and said he wished he could wear something similar at home. 

Nobody was allowed to leave the church until they had taken pictures of the bridal party, family, and friends. It was super organized and quick which impressed me. We headed back to the hotel for "cocktail hour" (there were not actually any cocktails, just juice and tea which is apparently common because they don't want people to get drunk before dinner) while the bridal party took pictures. The hotel overlooked the lake and volcano and the reception was on the view deck with the most amazing views. The weather was perfect (maybe a tiny bit cool) and everything was so beautiful! 

Gladys' father is a retired army general and he has a lot of important friends. The guests consisted of the former secretary of defence (complete with bodyguards) as well as other generals, ambassadors, and a million doctors and lawyers. The invitation listed all the names of the sponsors and bridal party and Kevin's looked out of place since he didn't have prefix of doctor, lawyer, or a military title (they literally referred to everyone by their titles the entire time, I had never heard anyone referred to as lawyer so and so before). Prior to dinner the sponsors were all introduced and some gave speeches and the best man/matron of honor and parents gave their speeches. They also had their version of the garter toss which was amazing! First they called all the single guys and gals up by name (no getting out of this one). The guys had to take a shot of whiskey and then thread a needle. The last one to do so was put in the center of the single ladies who were blindfolded. Clothes pins were pinned all over him and the blindfolded ladies had to try to find them. It was hilarious to say the least! The last one to find the clip got the garter. However, first the guy had to imitate Chad's dancing to get to Gladys. Chad took the garter off and then the guy had to put it on the gal (who happened to be Gladys' youngest sister). It was so much more fun than a regular garter toss!

Former Secretary of Defense giving words of wisdom

We then had to play the newlywed game where the DJ asked questions and each table had to hold up a sign that said Chad or Gladys. Once again, something I had never seen before, but fun. I love games and traditions and wanted to get married again so I could do them! Then the waiters performed a choreographed dance for Chad and Gladys before serving the family and sponsors. It was amazing! After that we got to eat and they finally brought out alcohol.

Chad and his new sisters!

The rest of the reception was a whirlpool of drinking, dancing, and getting to know Chad and Gladys' families better. It was such a beautiful wedding and we had so much fun at our first Filipino wedding!