Exactly 7 years ago, when I fell asleep at 2AM while chatting with my sister. It was the night before my wedding. I got back from the shop at 10PM the night before after asking my head sewer to attach the sleeves to my wedding gown, ayaw lumiit ng braso ko eh! One of the freebies of having sewers at hand, hehehehhe, you can make changes with your gown just like that. Talking about deadlines…

I wore a piña silk gown when I got married, no embroidery, very short train, minimal beadwork. That was my only wish for my wedding, that I wear Piña. Way beyond our budget, but i told Rene kahit walang embroidery, kahit sobrang simple lang. Kung hindi, magtanan na lang kami. I just wanted a simple, fuss-free gown, but in Piña.

I was 105 lbs then and it’s just amazing how people think they are always fat and chubby. Even if it’s just skin and bones there. How I wish I can turn back time, I swear, I’ll be contented with 105!

Woke up at 6am with a strange feeling of excitement. Overwhelming but satisfying. Somehow, it felt like I was letting go. I prepared for this day the best way I know, and if anything is out of place, I couldn’t care less. I’m gonna have fun today. Grand gimik ko ito.. and with all the people I love. And my pina gown and I are the center of attention, hay ang saya! hihihihihihih ooops, and my groom of course.

My kuya drove me to Westin, met my bridesmaid at the lobby who picked up my make up artist. At 11am, my photographer arrived, I reminded him of what Rene requested, we dont want a director, just take pictures as the event happens. Then came my mom and dad, then my bridesmaids who are all my closest friends, then my sister, non-stop talking, non-stop laughing.

It was 3PM, Rene called me up on the cell and told me he’s there at the church. Okay, it’s time to leave westin for my 4pm wedding.

I was relaxed and excited at the same time. But something’s not right, I had to call my maid of honor and we went to the ladies room. I removed my petticoat and my leg garter. Now i’m ready to walk down the aisle.



Time flew quickly. It was a very solemn wedding, my dad cried, I was moved, and reality struck me, everything’s gonna change after this – I’ll be leaving home for good. No more mom to cook my food, no more dad to watch tv with, no more mommy sermon to listen to whenever I came home late. Naku, I love them so much that during the ceremony, I even looked back, and took a glimpse of them. I miss them na agad. I was overwhelmed with love, for my groom, for my family and my closest friends who were all there. I’m going to be a new person after this, I will no longer be Veluz Puno, but Reyes. I need God’s help! Now is the time to ask for it, hahahahhahha, cramming ito! “Oh please, God, bless my marriage, I had a wonderful life before this, make this even better”.

Those were my thoughts then. I think even my husband doesn’t know about this.

When we kissed, it was so reassuring, I knew then, everything’s gonna be fine. I stared at my mom and she smiled at me. I almost cried again, pero nahiya na ako eh.

Westin reception was great! We had a party, no formal program, all spur of the moment. We danced. We smoked. We drank. We made chika with everyone. No one, except my parent’s oldie friends, left after the formal dinner. Our siblings and closest friends stayed behind, even went to our room later to chat. We had to shoo them away. It was almost midnight and they still wanted us to go to Adriatico and drink with them. (Ano na ba nasa Adriatico ngayon?) I was tipsy and we felt that the day was all fun, it was time for us to be alone and romantic.



Our room was crammed with gifts, there was barely enough space to lounge around. At around 2 am, we were both so hungry, we ordered take outs from Tapa King, tig-2 kami!

We woke up the next day with an indescribable feeling – contentment, relief, gratitude.
It was very peaceful. Everything was just fine…. Ay! I want a haircut.

Seven years ago, and I still remember how it felt. It was so beautiful.

Last night, I saw my 2 older kids sleeping soundly. And while putting my 13 month-old baby to sleep, I stared at him yawn and smelled his sweet breath. Yes, I miss being a bride, but it just feels soooooo great to be a mom.

God is sooooo good. He answered my prayers.