Two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one.
~ Friedrich Halm

Everybody has a different striking love story to tell, mine, yours, or whoever. But there are cases in which we can be the same. This is another flattering love story that is worth sharing. Now upon reading, you can assess whether you can relate or not.

I am their number one love-life supporter and I cannot wait how can I help them on their wedding day.

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The true lovers

My cousin Donna is 32 years old and works as Nurse II at the Department of Education. I always pressured her before to be married because of her age. She is stable, can support a family, and need to have a child as early as possible but women as we are, we only have to wait when will that be. Only God knows when will be the perfect time for this.

Neri is 34 years old and works as a public senior high school Teacher 2.He is known for being humble, hardworking, and intelligent. He used his intelligence to earn more living and in fact, he is also an awardee licensed real estate broker. I idolized him for being a responsible man.

They have the same likes, they are travelers and loved adventures even more since they become official lovers.

Time flies fast and they have entered another chapter in their love life.

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The Engagement

It is in engagement that there is an official announcement of marrying the loved one intentionally.

On January 1, 2023, as they were busy for the preparation in welcoming the New Year, Neri had a secret plan already. Amid the celebration, in front of her mother, he gave her a bouquet. Afterward, he emotionally took the jewelry box inside his pocket and showed it to Donna.

Mixed emotion was felt by Donna to the point that she slapped him with the bouquet due to her excitement maybe (😆). The thrill continued, he kneeled, faithfully looked into her eyes, and religiously took her hands as he said "Will you marry me?"

Extreme happiness was felt by my cousin, it seemed that she was on cloud 9 at that time. Without any doubts or hesitations, she joyfully answered "YES, I will marry you"!

Receiving the engagement ring is such a fulfilling feeling for women. Their 10-month relationship had led to marriage. They are both able to raise their own family.

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The Marriage Proposal

Filipinos as we are cannot be denied that being respectful is still practiced. Their eagerness to build their own family was decided finally, and thus, there was a marriage proposal.

The culture that we had, the so-called Pamamanhikan (proposal for marriage vow) was done last weekend. Since my cousin already agreed to the proposed marriage vow of the groom-to-be, he brought his entire family to ask the bride’s family for approval.

It is part of our tradition that families and relatives will witness the agreed plan, thus we were invited to be part of this very important plan.

Neri's family was complete, and the support was overflowing. Our family and the groom's family had agreed on when will be the wedding, where will be the venue, how many are invited, and who will be the wedding coordinator. We were having fun as we did the planning. The conversation took 3 hours and 25 minutes before it was finalized.

Since we are rich in different traditions that no one can twist, they brought lechon (roasted whole pork) to be shared by the families. There were many dishes served. After the agreed plan, we have our early dinner.

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The learning

True love doesn't measure. No effort is sufficient, and when it comes to sacrifice it has no limits. It is like a deep well here in our province that never runs dry. It is felt constantly within the heart and the tenderness, faithfulness, and kindness will continue to overflow until the end of time.

Cheers to all lovers out there and keep the love burning!

I have a great weekend and was very delighted that at last, they will have their church wedding on July 29, 2023.

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All photos are mine unless stated otherwise.