The Food Lovers Eat, Drink, and Get Married: Mon + Tony

Has it really been two years already since Mon and Tony tied the knot?! Wow! Today is their second wedding anniversary, and I’m feeling quite nostalgic as I recall that day in September 2014 when I was lucky enough to be their wedding host or emcee.

Before the big day, I did not get a chance to meet these two, who happened to be based in Saudi Arabia and were only coming home for the wedding. The only thing I knew about them was that Mon was an engineer and Tony was a physician, and that if there is one important piece of information that I needed to know about them, it’s this: they love food! That’s the kind of couple they are. They love eating, trying out new restaurants, and bonding over food. That was made clear to me when I arrived at the reception area and saw chocolates and candies everywhere (okay, maybe not everywhere, but I saw a lot on the cake table and the guests tables).

The rain was crazy that day and the traffic was horrendous! When I got there, I was informed that Mon and Tony were supposed to have their ceremony outdoors. Everything — the seats, the altar, the decors — had already been set up. However, when the rain started to fall heavily, everything had to be moved inside at the last minute and the couple had no choice but to say their ‘I do’s’ in one of the hotel’s function rooms instead. When I heard this, I thought, “Uh oh, this couple is going to be in a sour mood.” They have planned this day for months, down to the very last detail. They have dreamed of this for the longest time. Now, all those plans and dreams have gone down the drain. I would totally understand if they showed up at the reception, looking as gloomy as the weather that took away those plans and dreams!

To my surprise, when I called their names for their grand entrance at the reception, they came in looking like they’ve just won the lottery! The groom was busting a move as he walked in with his new wife, who was grinning from ear to ear. I guess no rain could dampen their spirits! They just looked like two people who were content and happy to be married to each other. I love how positive they are! It is their cheerful nature that makes them so lovable.

Their wedding reception was held in the Champagne Room of The Manila Hotel, which is the oldest hotel in the Philippines (built in 1909!). What a great choice for a wedding venue! It’s so exquisite and chic, with its crystal trees and pretty floral chairs. It looked like a delightful little place for “ladies who lunch” or refined women who gather for afternoon tea. The venue matched the couple’s pink and gold motif excellently!

It was truly a great night for Mon and Tony, and it looks like it’s been a great two years for them too. With their strong and God-centered relationship, their kindness to each other and to other people (including me!), their cheerful disposition, and of course, their love for food, of course it would be a great marriage!