MEDIUM RARE

Ten months to prep a wedding, from the finest detail to the grandest gesture. Sixteen years to turn from sweethearts to an affianced couple, finally to Mr. and Mrs.
Sixteen years? Time enough to grow a family, but Darv Diaz and Bianca Angala wanted to be sure, very sure. Were their guests there at Christ the King parish church to make sure it was a wedding and not an anniversary? Through all those 16 years, there was only one “misunderstanding” – in 2009 – that could’ve split them up, but love won the day.
For Bianca, daughter of Vico and Sol Angala, 16 years means half of her life. This is why her dad tearfully but willingly gave her away at the foot of the altar: “The first time Darv came to call, I could see he adored her.”
Adore. When was the last time you heard that word, unless it was used to describe an adorable baby? It’s an old-fashioned word, as old-fashioned as waiting for 16 years – one generation plus one year – to decide to get married.
For Darv, son of Daniel and Anna Marie Diaz, they could not imagine a lovelier daughter-in-law for the 34-year-old bridegroom, who as far as friends of the families could see, is a perfect match for the radiant, vivacious bride. He’s charming, softspoken, gentle, with a shy smile. Waiting for the bride to arrive in a vintage white Jaguar (older than 16, I bet), Darv fidgeted where he stood at the church entrance, obviously excited but succeeding only in looking nervous. (It’s a fact of life, bridegrooms aren’t cut out to be as calm as their brides.)
The ceremony started at 3 on the dot, in a monochromatic wave of pearl gray graduating to deep sapphire as the bridal entourage moved in accord with their positions and duties. The officiating priest could not help remarking on those years of friendship, courtship, soulmate-ship.
As we were to learn later, the newlyweds share one other passion: traveling. Not always the easy way but climbing rocks and mountains, navigating waterfalls, driving on monster tires across desert sands, etc. To this old-fashioned mind, such adventurous spirit is a metaphor for their love affair – hard work, perseverance, determination, what a preparation!