By Jaime Joshua Frias II
with Lynde Salgados
Theirs was like a dreamy first encounter culminating in an epic love story, if not full of movie-worthy romance.
Although young couple Nikko Mc Wane Galvez and Paula Bernadette Ragandang have mutual friends to thank for their first introduction, who set them up after deciding that they were the perfect match, they’re seemingly pre-destined to find each other and become real partners for life.
Call it a coincidence, but a month before their big day, a nostalgic Paula went digging through old photographs from a family album for their pre-wedding videos and was surprised by what she discovered.
Scanning from one page to another, she saw a pose of her dad and her late mom taken at Universal Studios in Singapore with (of all the people) Nikko and his family in the background.
In retrospect, one could surmise that the photo tells a story of predestined love, as Paula and Nikko eventually tied the knot on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Chapel in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
But before anything else, a determined Nikko must have to muster enough courage and bravery to win the heart, not only of his dream girl but also of the overprotective father who nurtured his Disney princess like no other.
With his sharp eyes and startling tattoos on both arms to go along with his favorite buttoned polo shirt in open chest, Paula's dad appeared to be intimidating.
Not only that.
The heavy-looking Paul Bernie, or simply Bernie to his friends, is known for his reputation as the overseas chairman for Europe and the godfather of The Fraternal Order of Eagles club in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.
However, the brave Romeo that he is, the courageous Nikko confronted Paula's supposedly strict parent with all his might to ask for blessings and was quite relieved upon knowing there was also a soft part in his heart.
For sure, Paula and Nikko are not one of those couples who dated for ten years before marriage.
Smitten from the very first time they met, Nikko was fast on the gun as he quickly got Paula's number and constantly checked on her among their circle of friends.
The time flies so fast for the couples.
A year later, Nikko has secretly asked Bernie to have his daughter's hands in marriage.
There's no stopping them as discussions leading to more detailed plans were made right away after giving Bernie's full consent.
Part of the preparations was arranging a vacation for the three of them including Paula’s best friend Nikki and close family friend Dr. Heidi in the United States where Nikko would covertly make a proposal to Paula in the majestic world-famous Grand Canyon.
On their way to the Grand Canyon, Paula had already sensed something strange in his dad's action which is far from his normal mood.
Daddy Bern, even with his full knowledge of it, was having a goosebump.
He became restless, his feet tapping the floor uncontrollably.
He must have something to say, but his lips were sealed. And Paula was clueless until Nikko went close to her, bent his legs, and proposed to her.
With all the luck, Nikko got Paula's big yes over the Grand Canyon of lovely feelings.
They exchanged vows in a grand matrimony considered by many as the wedding of the year.
Both couples come from well-off families, anyway.
There were no fancy bells ringing at the church, but all enjoyed its scenic view of nature, calming trees, and the cool breeze.
The decorations and the music were equally superb.
The reception was no ordinary tent at the Dahilayan Gardens. Relatives, distinguished guests, and family friends experienced a taste of heaven upon their arrival at the entrance door.
All were gallantly prepared with the ceilings in white and gold and colorful carpets unfolded like those in 5-star hotels.
Foods and drinks were overflowing.
The families of the bride and the groom were all emotionally happy, though a stream of tears was falling from Bernie's eyes only he could well explain.
Maybe, he'd never thought of losing another one under his constant lookout since the passing of his lovely wife Lourdes Velasco Ragandang in 2018.
But one thing is for sure, he is proud and happy to have Nikko as the newest member of the family.
“There goes daddy’s little girl. Look, Lourdes, you should have been here. Our daughter is getting married,” a teary-eyed Bernie whispered to himself while watching Paula walking through the aisle.
Bernie’s eldest sister Lorigene Lopez remembered the travails between him and his late wife, especially on how they struggled to have a child. And, they could only look up to the heavens and pray.
Their faith and devotion to the Sto. Niño in Villanueva town, Misamis Oriental became an answered prayer with the birth of their lovely princess Paula now in the loving arms of Nikko.
