Right from the start, I have kept my visual about the ceremony quite clear - me walking along a quaint chapel, with our family and closest friends looking on. I am glad that my fiancée shared the same vision or it would be a big problem. We started thinking about possible chapels here in Laoag and really, there are only a handful. Most of them are big parishes and that is the last thing I want.

A few weeks ago, we went to the Carmelite Monastery which was our first choice because it is within the town proper and it is a really beautiful chapel. But to our dismay, they do not host weddings. We tried to look into the Sacred Heart Chapel at Panganiban St., which was not as picturesque but just the right size for my projected guests. The only problem is that, apparently, there is not much parking space available inside and outside the vicinity of the chapel.

We had no choice but to wait for our Officiating Priest, Fr. Danny Laeda (my fiance’s dear friend and mentor), to come home from the States for his suggestions. He arrived a few days ago, and we went to him this morning to let him know that his dear Momoy is finally settling down. He instantly suggested some few chapels, but strongly suggested one of his parish’s territorial chapels in San Nicolas, which is located in San Lorenzo. After some catching up, and some other consulations regarding the ceremony, we went to take a look at this chapel.

Right from the moment that I saw the clean white walls, the colored stained glasses and the tidy facade, I knew this was it. It was beautiful! It was quaint, it was solemn and it was picturesque. I felt my heart flutter at the sight of it. It was not the usual chapel structure of heavily-set concrete ballisters and mouldings. It was minimalistic and modern with a few bushes growing around it.

And since it’s under Fr. Danny’s parish, booking is not a problem anymore. The search is over. There, I will walk and marry the man I love.