“Close the gate!” Masterdon and Francis, my two assistants, barely moved when a white Fortuner approached from behind me.
“I rented this place for the whole day. No one is supposed to invade this space,” I mumbled to myself. The Fortuner parked across the street. I glanced briefly, then turned to my assistants. “Close the gate! I’ll shoot it from a closed position. From there, open it slowly and I’ll follow through.”
While shooting, somebody from the Fortuner finally approached me. It turned out, he’s the owner of the place. He came with his niece to ask if we could shoot her wedding.
The inquiry became mostly acquaintance in nature. There was little need to introduce the details of our products and services. If my package price falls within their budget, it’s a done deal on the spot, or so one of them said. I mentioned our slant is a photostory but Jan declined to open up about their love story. She was content about the bragbook, which is basically bound pictures, without paragraphs.
I was supposed to shoot another client there at that time so I did not bother entertaining a lengthy talk on the details of this prospective wedding coverage. My time was already contracted to another couple, who arrived late for the shoot.
We parted ways with the informal agreement that we’ll discuss the wedding coverage options the next day. The Travieza factor made me feel I should at least sit down and find ways if I can reconfigure a package that is close to their asking price. Likewise, the couple turned out to be former students of a good friend. We’re practically tied up to some restrictions already but this one might qualify for an exception.
Two failed appointments more, we finally met again in our satellite office in Lexber, San Jose City. We have prepared the proposal to Jan, alongside the showcase of our work samples and gadgets. Still, the interest was on the price, not on the package contents.
Somewhere in the conversation, EJ, the groom, suddenly turned to Francis. “Ikaw, malakas ka bang uminom? Malakas ka bang kumain? Magsama kayo ng malakas uminom at kumain!”
It should also be noted that EJ, the astig, carefree guy, could transform into a genuinely affectionate, adoring father whenever he holds Jaiden.
We tried our best to steer the transactions as formal as our previous deals with our clients but as days passed, the client was treating us in a very casual atmosphere. In the end, we were booked informally.
From experience, we realized the best time to shoot the gown is on the eve of the wedding when there is less traffic and tension in the vicinity of the hotel.
EJ and Jan arrived around 9pm with the gown and other accessories in tow. It was as though they have just came from a pre-wedding party.
Their prenuptial photo session was done by their friend photographer. As of the eve of the wedding, we don’t have any picture yet of the couple. It was already getting late and so we asked only for five test shots for the couple. It was a surprise that EJ was broadly smiling in as many chances. I was not sure though if that was his coping mechanism from the sagging effect of alcohol. Jan was a natural model. She posed fluidly.
The gown though turned out to be a very difficult shot. In the first place, the mannequin was too big for the gown. To avoid ripping the dress, we left the back zipper open. To prevent the gown from falling, we tucked it with multiple pins. I certainly felt like it took us centuries to set up the shoot.
For this project, we assembled the biggest team so far. I handled stills and occasional video from my slr. The same thing with Ruel. The stylists were Pin and Cynthia. Daisy was assigned to the instant file downloads and slideshow. Masterdon and Francis were lightsmen. Kuya Mon took the 3 CCD video. Don was our driver for the second vehicle.
We started shooting at around 10am on the wedding day. The church ceremony was set at 2pm one kilometer away from the hotel. I was told the make-up artist was late. We’re already contemplating of handling the minor touch up of Jan just for the sake of shooting her.
In what seemed like a magical moment, I found an amazing shot of the ring. I asked Masterdon, my assistant, to tilt the upper leaf of a palm to allow the right amount of ambient light. There was a confluence of light, color and geometry to my favor. Whenever I get a masterpiece capture, a calming energy envelops me. Until I get a satisfying picture like that, I don’t get the full affirmation that I deserved my post as a photographer. The anointing does not only come from the client. It should manifest in my camera display.
A little while later, the flower girls and other members of the entourage emerged one by one, all made up and dressed up. We managed a few shots.
Our photo session with EJ and the groomsmen was a breeze. Cynthia was very effective in her role not only as a stylist but most importantly, as a sedative.
For one of the groomsmen, EJ requested extra lights to compensate for his complexion. Everyone laughed. Other than a few minor signs of juvenile banter, everything was orderly.
To elicit a playful response from Baby Jaiden, we set up balloons and bubbles with nursery music. Perfect.
The make up of Jan was outstanding. It blended well with her natural beauty. Even you’re blind, chances are you can get awesome pictures of her.
Both parents did not bother with classic ceremonial shots with the couple. Maybe, time was running out. I offered to shoot EJ’s mother but she declined. She’s not satisfied with her hair and make up.
I didn’t see the bridesmaids linger at the hotel. We just met them at the church. Somewhere in the reception, we were able to catch them for a group picture with the bride.
At St. Joseph Cathedral, the entourage and guests are generally upper class. English speaking kids, some of them with SLRs, roamed confidently.
“What’s your name?” Pin asked one child.
“I’m four.”
“Your name is four?”
“Uhm...., yeah.”
The church affair was noteworthy for several highlights. The processional was classy and graceful.
EJ and his family were generally cheerful but were moved emotionally when Jan finally emerged in the aisle. Jan’s parents were overflowing with fond affection for Baby Jaiden. The shower of petals at the front of the church was festive. The bridal car, a Mercedes Benz, was pasted with a Just Married plate. A bunch of tin cans was towed behind.
EJ and Jan were married in a civil ceremony last year. Hence, this second wedding was also a religious compliance. The routine was still done, down to the kiss and group pictorial.
Agrinet, the reception venue, was filled with white and blue balloons on the floor, to the eternal delight of Energizer kids. The food was a heavenly largesse. There was a photobooth, lights and sounds set up and a mini-bar.
The program went about some of the classics. Couple’s dance with their parents. Tossing of the bouquet. Garter ritual. Cake and wine. Speeches.
Aside from the usual love each other admonition, what surprised me was the humility of the parents. “You have seen our mistakes. May you not repeat them.” Or words to that effect.
The spice of the program was competently provided by Elvis, who sang a number of old time favorites in his iconic Presley side burns, long-sleeve top and bell bottom.
A slideshow of the stills earlier in the day was also shown, accompanied by Colbie Caillat’s I Do.
After meals, the fun of the event erupted in boisterous laughters, free flowing alcohol, horseplay poses for the camera.
I would fondly remember this event for the couple’s parents who played along as though newlyweds themselves. The crowd would scream for hugs and kisses and they would oblige. Or scream back. Jan sat on EJ’s lap for a picture, their parents followed suit, to the earthshaking roar and laughters of the crowd. Amazing. Bridesmaids, in their gowns, would jump to the men for a piggyback ride. The kids chase and whip each other with the balloons. The young men in a round table may be sitting still most of the time but they have their own cocktail of mischief. They would sweep the balloons underneath the table. Somebody whistles with an upward shuttle of a finger through the mouth, then explosion immediately follows a la kwitis. The balloons get butchered one by one under the table. Everyone was having fun in such unrestrained fashion. If you're not looking, you wouldn't know there are adults in the festive playground.
I walked to the parking lot while browsing through my mental weddings database. How do I label EJ and Jan’s affair into the archives?
Rock and roll wedding of the year!
...
EJ and Jan Constantino-Eugenio
Church: St. Joseph Cathedral, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Reception: Agrinet Garden, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
12Feb2012
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