Featuring Dexter Lim and Karen Anunciacion
Our unforgettable journey began on November 25, 2022, at Lake Kawaguchi in Mt. Fuji, Japan. Disembarking from the bus around 4:30 p.m., I found myself in the company of my then-fiancé, Dex, and his entire family. While en route to the lake, a fruit vendor caught my attention, and I couldn’t resist exploring the array of free samples. Dex, slightly agitated, returned for me, urging me to hasten as it was already past 5 p.m. Eager to capture the moment, Dex hurriedly checked his camera settings but found them amiss. Opting for spontaneity, he suggested using my phone with the self-timer.
Without a grand speech (in classic Dex fashion), he knelt down and proposed, and to my amusement, I burst into laughter, initially thinking it was all a jest! However, it was genuine, and I joyfully said yes, realizing later that Dex’s frustration stemmed from missing the sunset. Sunsets held a special place in our hearts, shaping our Sundays from the early days of our relationship with mountain, beach, and scenic dates during this magical time of day. Dex, always attentive to the minutest details, wanted our engagement to be as perfect and memorable as our wedding day.
Fast forward to October 26, 2023, our wedding day. A gentle drizzle accompanied my journey to the church, but as I stepped out of the car, the rain ceased. After the ceremony, our beloved seven-year-old golden retriever, Scout, awaited us outside. Including Scout in our wedding was crucial, given his role as a gift from Dex and a constant presence throughout Dex’s frequent travels abroad. Opening the church doors, we were greeted by Scout wagging his tail against the backdrop of a stunning sunset. While bringing Scout to the church posed logistical challenges, we ensured his presence at the reception, where he was immortalized on our wedding cake.
As Scout departed the church (with a chauffeur), we exchanged vows, getting emotional, and proceeded to our reception venue. Dex and I knew our day was blessed, with Scout and the sunset welcoming us to the world as husband and wife.
Church: St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori | Caterer: The Peninsula Manila | Coordinator: Day One Project | Cake: Ms. Penk Ching | Invites: Achibang Graphic Prints | Photographer: The Backyard Studios | Videographer: Our Story Films | Gown designer: Parrish Espiritu Carlos | Suit designer: JE & Co. | HMUA: Angie Cruz and Ogie Rayel | Band: Frigora and String Minstrels.
