When Bryan asked me to be his Best man, I was surprised but I didn't think twice about saying yes. I've known him since college and I am very close with the couple before they became a couple and up to now so I actually felt honored and was really looking forward to the event. I even bought my own barong (I usually just borrow my friend's barong whenever I attend any weddings). So so when the big day came, I drove to the hotel very early to perform my "Best man duties" (reads pretend to dress the groom for the photos). Afterwards we went to the church for the ceremony where I found out my real role in the entourage - Bible Bearer. :-) So the mass went smoothly but when I was already leaving the car park a speeding delivery van from a curb side swipe me as I was leaving the car park. So we all know how long it takes to log a traffic report in our very efficient government system.
Needless to say I missed the reception - and the historic first dance - and the notorious kisses of the "couple" who caught the bouquet and garter. I wasn't even able to deliver my impromptu Best man's speech that I was already trying to articulate during the mass (as always I don't do my assignment till the eleventh hour). Luckily our tech-savy Newly-weds let me share to them my Best man speech and gave me a go to share it to the blogosphere. To the couple, sorry for missing the reception, to Jules (MOH), thanks for giving a speech in my place. This may not be as good as Jules' toast to forever speech during the reception, but here's what you were supposed to hear from me:
Bryan and Karen. The Batangeno and the Sosyal (man from Batangas Province and the Rich/Classy girl). The Green Archer and the Cardinal. Edu Manzano and Sarah Geronimo. Odd pair right? When they started dating nobody in the team had any clue that something was happening. Nobody saw it coming, not even me, and I was seated across Bryan where I can see everything he's doing. We only found out one day when they went home early and together.
I've known Bryan since college and I've always knew he was the serious type. He's not the kind of guy who ogles at every girl he sees. I've never even heard him compliment any girl. The traditional Filipino - a man of few words and maginoo (gentleman). A very private person. I think a testament on how well he was raised by his parents.
And then Karen. Well, we all know Karen. Joke. Karen on the other hand is very friendly and a people-person. We didn't see any flowers or any indication that there was something going on. No extra-attention or sweetness when we're going out for lunches or during office hours. SO we were all surprised when they came out and let the whole team in on their secret. So we were wondering where's the "sweet" in the Sweet and Silent SQL Administrator.
But as the days go by especially when we were already in Singapore I learned something new about love and relationship from them and gained a little insight about how Bryan captured Karen's heart. I'm not sure if its one "busy" day at work or one boring day at home, I asked Karen why he chose Bry over everyone else and why she loves Bry, she said it’s because he's honest and consistent, and more importantly he takes care of her. I've always believed that Love needs the grand gesture, those overly romantic overtures of shoot the moon put out the sun kinds of stuff. But seeing Bryan and Karen and seeing how much they loved each other and how their relationship works, it made me realized a new aspect of love. Bryan may not be the kind of guy who will shower you with flowers on Valentine’s Day, promise you the moon or drowned you in sweet words, but Karen can be sure that when Bryan tells her "I love You" that he means it with all his heart and for every day of his life. Sometimes the most beautiful star in the sky is not the one that shines the brightest, but the one that shines on you night after night after night.
To Bryan and Karen, may their love shines night after night for the rest of their lives.
