On Saturday, we were planning to see Liz in the city, but we were concerned about the weather and the logistics of going into the city over the weekend. We have other friends who live in New York like Yvette, Joanie, Chang, Ernie, etc. But our time was really limited to make any plans. Instead, we took a small road trip to the Woodbury Outlets in New York.
The trip was well worth it. We spent a lot of time in the FCUK store. I have never owned anything from FCUK because I never wanted to spend the money on it, but I got a few cool things since everything at the store was 50% off. My favorite has to be the jacket with hood. With all the stuff I got this weekend, I could probably be considered “metro” again. The good news about losing weight is that clothes just fit better.
True Religion vs 7 For All Mankind
I’ve been shopping for those brands at the outlets because of their discounted prices. But I haven’t found any True Religion jeans that I liked. I guess I don’t like the big horseshoe threaded pattern on the butt cheek pockets. So I just gave up looking at that brand. Again, part of me was asking “why are these more than $100 for a pair?” I couldn’t help but think at this price, it should have a built in iPod connector or something.
I bought a pair of jeans at Armani Exchange. I haven’t shopped at one since I was single but this outlet store was just a cluster fcuk. Pun intended. I stood in line with 3 pairs of jeans to try on and left with 1. I couldn’t justify spending the money on jeans with built in wear and tear, including holes (as cool as they looked). They were a little pricey, but the one I bought looked great and felt great.
Lunch
For lunch, Bev had a chicken quesadilla and I had a steak taco salad at the food court. We’ve been feeding Ayden some table food, so he had some guacamole and little pieces of the tortilla and chicken. One thing is for sure, his poo is getting a lot stinkier!
Snack
Before we left, we had pretzel bits for a snack. We saw a kid having a total tantrum, screaming his head off. And I just couldn’t help but pray that Ayden doesn’t do that in public. Not sure what causes it, but it can sure causes a lot of unneeded attention. I’m really conscious about Ayden crying on the plane. I remember how annoying it can be for a kid to be crying almost the whole flight – especially during a red-eye. Luckily, Ayden is quite comfortable laying on us on the plane. It is only when he gets bored or hungry when he starts to cry. Usually a bit of milk does the trick.
Usually I hate shopping
But I know that Bev loves this interesting female activity. So whenever she asked to go to a store, I was totally cool about it. There was not a time this whole weekend that I remember getting impatient while Bev shopped (which I usually do here). Although the weekend was a whirlwind, I wanted her to enjoy herself since we couldn’t focus on her first Mother’s day because of the wedding.
I don’t know what is up with the trend of inconvenient weddings. The last one I didn’t want to go because it was our first anniversary, and I almost didn’t want to do this one because I wanted to do something extra special for Bev’s first Mother’s day. But it was my cousin’s wedding and I wanted to be part of it.
Wedding
This section is going to sound like I’m complaining but I’m only a little bugged that I couldn’t do something special for our first Mother’s day. Overall, it was good to see family and for them to meet Ayden. I didn’t even get a chance to call my Mom because I usually use my computer to call the Philippines. I’ll call her today though.
Traveling with a baby takes a lot of planning. It is really easy for folks who don’t have babies to not understand this. It is a good thing that I’ve been in several weddings and helped plan our own wedding. Unfortunately I had no clue where I needed to be and when. I think I was the only groomsman who came from out of town. On contrast, I think all my groomsmen came from out of town. Maybe it is just me being anal, but I created a document that had a schedule of where they had to be and when (photoshoot list) and all contact information for every other groomsmen. All of this paid off because it ran like clockwork. This wasn’t “luck” of thorough planning (Bev is a project manager) and the help with Kuya War and his wedding coordinating super-hero crew Manny and Ron who managed the event by the minute.
I felt I was constantly bugging my cousin for addresses and times, but nothing was clear. He shouldn’t have to worry about this stuff and me calling him. Even before we arrived, I asked if there was a hotel he recommended because we needed a crib, etc for Ayden. He is much more mobile now, but I found out that they were staying at a different hotel when we arrived. For the rehearsal dinner, no one could tell me the address or the name of the restaurant, I had to follow my cousin, so every time we got caught up at a stop light, they had to wait. I was getting nervous that we would be left behind.
Then later that night, I needed to find out details about where I had to be in the morning. I couldn’t just leave Bev and Ayden because for anyone who is not familiar with NJ, that road system is just freaking crazy and the rain wasn’t helping! Exits are labeled right before the exit and each exit has multiple road that it would lead to. If only we knew the hotel where they were staying, not only could we have spent more time hanging out, but I could have been there for the photos. Again, the limiting issue was having a car seat and a mobile baby with us. I guess to make it easier, they just said to meet at the Church.
Again, I hate to sound like a complainer, but it really is hard traveling with a baby.
Mother’s Day
Maybe I should have planned something a week before the trip, but I really didn’t think I was going to be constantly thinking about where I had to be and when. We had breakfast at the Hotel again, and the hostess mistook Ayden as a girl? He is getting that a lot now for some reason? Maybe he’s “pretty” but I dunno, I try not to be offended and see it in a positive light. After all, his hair is getting long.
Since we had extra time in the morning, I figured we could go to the Jersey Gardens outlet so that Bev can review some stores. After all, it was Mother’s Day, she can do anything she wants! Unfortunately, I ended up buying more stuff too ;-)
Ceremony
It was supposed to start at 2:30pm. We arrived at the beautiful church in Bayonne, NJ exactly at 2pm as planned, but the other groomsmen didn’t show up until 15 minutes later. I think around 3pm, the music started, but there was no Bride? My cousin’s brother made a comment that my Kuya was being “Punked” – I couldn’t help but make light of the situation too. But I had my little camera fixed on him recording his reaction (I put it away the rest of the time – although I had to get their vows).
I remember being in his shoes, when I was anticipating Bev walking down the aisle. I saw his eyes were a little watery, and that is what I watch for during the wedding. The happiest moment for any groom is usually during this time. It is amazing. Chona looked absolutely beautiful in her dress. She is very demure and “Maria-Clara” like if that makes any sense. I feel that her and my Kuya Dennis make the perfect couple.
I felt a little bad because this day is supposed to be perfect for them, but there were a little hiccups from a delay of her walking down the aisle (everyone made their jokes and laughed) – it kinda ruins the “beautiful” moment. But it does make light of the somewhat anxious situation (more so for the guests I guess). It was really awkward as everyone had their eyes at the door at what seems like a lifetime. Thoughts of a run away bride probably ran through people’s minds.
She finally showed up and lit up the church, but halfway down the aisle, someone stepped on her veil! It was probably and over excited Lola trying to get her best snaps.
The rest of the ceremony went like a charm. I got to hold Ayden a bit while Bev did the first reading. Again, this was a surprise for us, but it worked out. We couldn’t just let anyone hold Ayden because he’s at the point where he cries at “strangers” and he hasn’t been around his Lola Rose or Tita Owen long enough yet. Although I have to say that he really likes his Tito Rico!
Chona’s tears were timeless as she recited her vows. I could tell this was the happiest moment for her. I’m surprised my Kuya kept it together. When Bev cries, I cry too!
Reception
The reception was in Garfield, NJ. The cocktail food was super fancy and just awesome. Many pieces were just tasty and moist. If you have ever been on a cruise, think of the type of food you would eat at a 5 star buffet. I really enjoyed the mini “White Castle”-like burgers. I got so full from this part of the reception that I only at one bite of my steak! I would have been happy with all these delicious appetizers.
For some reason, my partner was switched, but I don’t think anyone noticed. They used the same DJ / cover singer that my Kuya Rico and Ate Owen used at their respective wedding receptions. They are really good and know how to get the crowd moving.
No one wanted to catch the bouquet or the garter?
What is up with that? It happened 3 times each! No one there was remotely excited to participate? At least entertain your hosts people. I don’t know, maybe it is the “cool” thing to do, or people just don’t want to get married these days? This was the first time I have ever seen this happen 3 times in a row. My cousin Kuya Rico (the best man) had to grab the flower and the garter and pass it off to someone. That was just odd and sad at the same time.
We had to leave early in the morning, so I had to call it a night at 11:45 or so. I brought some clothes to change out of my Tuxedo so that my Kuya Rico could return it. Overall, I loved the decorations, the venue, the food, and the entertainment. They spared no expense for this part of the celebration as there was an open bar too. They did an awesome job at hosting 150 or so guests. I know it is a lot of hard work to plan a wedding and I don’t want to make light of the situations I listed above. Weddings are not about me and I was there to support my Kuya and his Bride. I was just split as I wanted to focus on Bev’s first Mother’s day too. Thank goodness I knew what to expect, otherwise, I would have been a very lost groomsmen.