I am a 37-year-old single mom to a twelve-year-old boy who is now a lot taller than I am.  My previous wedding was annulled both by the Church and the state.  I am a hopeless romantic and I have always believed in fairy tales and happy endings.   Now, here I am, planning my second and hopefully, my real happy-ever-after.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that not only will God give us a beautiful wedding but that we will also be blessed with a wonderful and happy marriage. My son needs a sister and so we are hoping for a baby girl too! :) 

My fiance and I met  thru my best friend in college, Jennifer who came to visit me at St. Luke's Medical Center when I gave birth to my son. Ruel drove her to the hospital and naturally, he also stayed and chatted with us. I was a bit annoyed because I was hoping Jen and I could have our usual "talk", one that we couldn't have because she brought a stranger with her! Ruel was sweet then as he always is. He brought a gift for my baby that night, something I didn't expect from a complete stranger who just gave my best friend a ride to the hospital. Ruel and I started going out as friends almost four years after our first meeting and more than two years after my first marriage failed. He told me that I looked so pretty the first time he saw me at the hospital and that he thought then that my ex was really lucky for having me. Considering the circumstances of our first meeting...with me wearing no make up at all, no wonder he won my heart! :)

He had always talked of the future with me and my son in it so I somehow I have always known that he was planning a future with me. Our engagement just became official on the 30th of December 2011. I guess you could say it didn't go as he planned it and it didn't go as I have always dreamed it would be and it was all because of things that I had to do at the spur of the moment.  However, it still came unexpected and I love the ring he gave me.  

 I really never thought about what kind of ring I wanted .  I was just sure about one 

thing, I didn't want something I could only wear on special occasions.  Since I most of the

time commute via taxi or train, I didn't want something too big or gaudy.  The ring I have on

now is pretty, yet simple.  The stone is not big, but not too small either, and it's real brilliant.

But the best and most special thing about it is, it has an engraved message that reads "I will

always love you, Claire".  That brought tears to my eyes!

We have chosen an out of town wedding and what better place than the city where I fell in love  with Ruel--Tagaytay.  It's a two and a half hour drive from Manila, located on the hills so the climate is colder.  It's actually one of my favorite places because of the scenery. 

The ceremony will take place at Lourdes Church. Reception will follow at Villa Ibarra-Tagaytay.  It's a bed and breakfast place located at the ridge.  It has a spectacular view of my favorite lake, Taal Lake and my favorite

volcano  which is the Taal Volcano.

This is Taal Vocano. The lake that surrounds it is Taal Lake. The view is just breathtakingly

beautiful!

We're going to have an outdoor reception.  We're praying it won't rain. 

I'm still trying to decide whether I want crystals or real flowers or flowers with feathers on my hair.  What I know is I want a romantic look like these hairstyles I have found on this site:

I still don't know if I am going to wear a veil.  Since I'm a second-timer, I'm not very comfortable with wearing a veil but still I want to look like a real bride for my husband-to-be. Any ideas?

This is my son from my previous marriage. He and my fiance have a great relationship.

 He'll be 13 next year and will act as my groom's best man.  He will also  be playing

the violin in the reception.

Canon in D Major (J. Pachelbel)

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (J. S. Bach)

Trumpet Voluntary (Stanley)

This is a poem I wrote for my fiance some eight years ago.

What I Ask of You

by Marie Claire Miron

Love me with a passion

But be gentle with me.

Wear your heart right on your sleeve,

For all the world to see.

Look at me with loving eyes,

Mesmerize me with your smile.

Tell me that you wouldn't stay

Only for a while.

Be my friend not just my lover.

Listen when I speak.

Hold my hand and be my strength

In moments when I'm weak.

Do not bend or break my spirit,

Gently guide me when I'm wrong.

Don't always let me have my way.

I need you to be firm and strong.

Share your thoughts and fears with me

Of your life make me a part.

Share your joys and pains with me,

Let me see what's in your heart.

Be the one to wipe my tears,

Tenderly kiss my fears away.

Promise me that you'll love me,

Forever and a day.

I'm still thinking where I can incorporate it in my wedding.