Novel & Cerita Matrimonial Rites

“We are gathered here today to witness the formal joining in the legal state of matrimony of Arden Gromeo and Iyana Lopez, under the authority given and provided by...” Tila lumipad ang utak ko dahil hindi ko magawang intindihin manlang ang sinasabi ng judge. Ang tanging nasa isip ko ay kung papaano ko ipapaliwanag sa kapatid ko ang nangyayari. “... Both of you should understand that marriage is not to be entered upon thoughtlessly or irresponsibly, but with a due and serious understanding and appreciation of the ends for which it is contracted.”

At sabay namin hinarap ang pari. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, in the presence of family and friends, to join Alexander Ridge Devereux and Georgina Edelweiss Castejo in holy matrimony. We are not here to mark the start of a relationship, but to celebrate a bond that has already grown deep, strong, and full of love. Marriage is a promise made between two hearts, a commitment to walk side-by-side, to share joy and burdens, and to build a future together. Let this ceremony be the foundation of a lifetime of happiness.” Tumingin ang pari sa akin sunod kay Georgina saka muling nagsali. “Alexander and Georgina, you have come here today of your own free will. Do you promise to love,

He marginalized himself, standing in the shadows. Nang mahanap na ang sapatos ng bride, natapos na ang lahat ng rituals. Toast ng tea para sa parents, tawanan, at iyakan. Sumabog ang mga paputok. Nagkalat ang mga peanuts, popcorn, at red dates sa sahig—mga simbolo ng masaganang buhay. Habang masayang sumasakay ang mga bagong kasal sa kotse, si Elena ay nanatiling nakatayo sa gilid, pinapanood ang kaligayahang alam niyang hindi na mapapasakanya.

utos ni Raim. Huminga nang malalim si Samantha. “Marriage, producing an heir to secure the Elizalde family legacy, and—” Bigla siyang pinutol ng lalaki. “Specifically, ano ang ibig sabihin ng ‘producing an heir’?” “Magkaroon ng anak sa loob ng dalawang taon ng kasal,” aniya. Raim nodded curtly. “And what about personal expectations?” “Discretion, loyalty, at walang ibang karelasyon.”

Parang dati lang ay para lang kaming aso at pusa kung mag away hanggang sa nabuo ang hindi inaasahang pagmamahalan. “We are gathered here today in the sight of God and these witnesses to join together Red and Atanasha in holy matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God since the first man and the first woman walked on the earth. Therefore; it is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently and soberly. Into this holy estate, these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore, if anyone can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.” sambit ni pastor.

Napansin naman niya ang pagtitig ko sa kanya at ngumiti siya nang simple bago ibalik ang tingin kay Mayor. “Marriage is one of the greatest things that can happen to a person’s life and their relationships towards other people. Through love and patience, dedication, effective communication, perseverance, you make the reasons for getting married come out by itself. And because of that, I congratulate you, Elton and Rhea,” dagdag ni Mayor. “And the life being married isn’t as simple as this ceremony – you actually have a lot to face – learning to forgive each other, embracing each other’s differences, learning new lessons through your quarrels and happiness. This ceremony seeks to witness and

No fancy or beautiful words… just real promises they have their whole lifetime to fulfill. Ilang sandali pa, natapos din ang seremonya. “And now, by the authority given to me by the law of the country, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss,” anang judge. Isang ngiti ang iginawad ni Matteo kay Kate nang sila’y magharap. The dawn is breaking and the first light of the sun that day was about to burst forth from afar, shining across her face. Kate looked ethereal— like his very own angel bringing an assurance of many happy tomorrows to come.

“Narinig kong may espesyal na seremonya sa mga kasal sa Southeast Aciatic kung saan kailangang apakan ng bride ang paa ng groom!” “Tama ka, Trinity!” Nakangising sumagot si Carter. “Mas mataas ang katayuan ng mga babae sa Southeast Aciatic kaya ayon sa tradisyon, ang seremonyang ito ay babala para sa groom na hindi niya dapat saktan ang asawa niya dahil palaging mas mataas ang asawa niya kaysa sa kanya!” “Oh, palaging mas mataas sa kanya?” Tumawa si Nicholas. “Kung ganun, di dapat paa ang aapakan niya. Dapat sa ulo!”

Ngiting-ngiti ito sa kanya habang umiiyak. Nanginginig ang kamay na kinuha niya ang kamay ni Carmina sa ama nito. Walang reaksiyon na tinapunan niya ng tingin si Carmina at inakay ito papunta sa harap ng altar. "We gathered together to witness the matrimony of marriage between Ryder and Carmina. Before we start, I want to ask if someone is against in this marriage. Maari na po kayong sumigaw kung kayo ay tutol," simulang sabi ni Father.

Ganoon rin si lola Maxima at sabay-sabay silang naupo habang kami naman ni Sage ay humarap na sa pari. Napatingin ako kay Sage at nakatingin na pala sa akin. Ngumiti ako sa kanya at muling ibinalik ang tingin kay father. "We are gathered together here in the presence of these witnesses to join this man and woman in matrimony, which is an honorable estate, and is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly but reverently and discreetly. If anyone can show just cause why this man and woman may not lawfully be joined together, let them speak now or hereafter remain silent"