I dream of having a destination wedding in a garden or beach setting.
People who were close to me really knows what are the prayers of my heart. During high school days, I always verbalized to my bestfriend(Chie Reyno) how I wanted to have a beach/garden wedding. Both of us even dream to become a wedding planner.
It was a desire of my heart that the Lord has its own ways to fulfilled it. When Steve asked for marriage, the next question is where are we going to tie the knot? Steve knew that I wanted a beach/garden wedding and because he also loves the wonderful creation of this beaches, it was finalized to have a beach wedding.
The next puzzle is where? We thought of all the places we went for the youth camps and retreats. Steve and the rest of the team went to Subic, Zambales and Batangas. I was not around because I am working away from home. All I can do is to suggest and browse through the web possible wedding venues. They were two things we want to consider for the venue: the amount of venue fee and the comfort of travelling for ourselves as well as for our guests.
It was January 2013 but almost half of the venue were fully booked for 2013 calendar of events.
Steve and the team went ot Batangas and they had fun searching the treasure island! The problem with this beautiful beaches were too expensive. Weddings nowadays is like business. Steve and I wanted to change that culture. We wanted to make a difference. I am so blessed that one of our Ninong go for extra mile to guide us and reminded us that this is just a one day event and you need to prepare after the wedding - marriage life.
I told Steve to visit Club Balai Isabel. I saw this wedding venue on a bridal magazine and asked him to check it out. On a beautiful Sunday morning, together with Ate Penny and Mariko a.k.a Switaii, they visited the place. For the whole day I did not heard anything from them. I am praying that day hoping something good will turn out because searching for a venue is very tiring and they have their own careers to look after. After the church service, I called Steve because i was so impatient waiting for his call. Then he break the good and bad news! The good news: beautiful place and the budget set for the venue is within the range! Switaii also verbalised that time, "Ate, as I stepped on to the designated area for wedding ceremony, I knew that this is the place God wants you to declare your vows." I am so happy to hear that but the other side of the coin. Two couples ahead of us inquired for the place and the same date also. During that time, Steve wanted to pay the reservation fee but he kept them on hold to pay courtesy for the two couples who inquired first. Then I told Steve no need to argue with them, "If God wants that place for us, He will do great things for us. If it is not for us then God has something greater instore for us."
I know how does the two couples felt, it was also their dream to have a beach wedding. I do not want to be the cause of unfulfilled dreams. I just prayed that night not just for me but for the other couples. I prayed that God will place us in His will with a humble heart.
The next day, the corporate officer of the Club Balai Isabel called Steve. She told him that the two couples cancelled the reservation. I am so blessed for the answered prayer.
Club Balai Isabel:
- Good for indoor and outdoor weddings.
- Can cater to 500 guests depends on what venue you will choose.
- Hotels/Villas for accomodation (they have promotions that will enjoy your stay not just the money)
- You can choose their own catering service or outside caterer services with fees.
- The staff were nice and accomodating.
- Not just that! I have a wonderful coordinator who knows how to deal with people! Thanks Ate Penny!!!
‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ (Jeremiah 33:3 NIV)
By the way, I visited the place last August. I am so overwhelmed with God's unconditional love that reminded me how great God is in my life. It was more than my expectations. As walked through the path leading to the Pantalan where I can see the silent waves of the lake and the magnificient beauty of Taal Volcano. How sweet it is to be kissed by the soothing breeze of the wind that keeps on telling me how God's grace brought me this far. I will be forever grateful and thankful.
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