Dianne Medina and Rodjun Cruz will be tying the knot on December 21, 2019, at the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, a.k.a Manila Cathedral.
Why did they choose a wedding date close to Christmas time?
Dianne told PEP.ph in a phone interview that they are after the "festive" feel. She disclosed, "Kaya lang naman namin ginawang December kasi we really want it to be festive para malapit sa Pasko, 'tapos family and friends nandoon.
"Iyon, iyon na talaga ang gusto namin. We just want to share our blessings, our union with our family and friends, kaya siya December. Maraming nagsasabi, 'O, ba't December, e, ano iyan, marami nakabakasyon...'
"Ang importante kung sino talaga iyong gusto maka-witness nung wedding at saka kung sino talaga importante sa amin, nandoon."
So far, Dianne's biggest challenge is confirming the attendance of their guests. She said, "Parang ang hirap din iyon when it comes to RSVP. Iyon iyong medyo nahihirapan kami ngayon."
For her gown, the bride already had a fitting session with her designer Mak Tumang. She will be wearing two wedding dresses: a ball gown for the ceremony designed by Mak and a second dress for the reception designed by Dubai-based designer Faygar Reyes.
The longtime couple got engaged on October 10, 2017.
When asked about the advantage of having a long engagement, Dianne answered, "Siguro iyong benefit masasabi ko is at least we were able to save kasi kahit papaano, given the two-year time frame."
She added, "we were also able to save for the wedding na hindi kami pressured." The unexpected happened early this year for the Cruz brothers Rodjun, Omar and Rayver with the passing of their mom Beth.
Despite this unforeseen incident, Dianne said they decided to push through with the wedding. She shared, "Maraming nagsabi, 'Hala, sukob' ganyan-ganyan. Bawal. Bawal magsaya, bawal magkasal.
"Pero sa amin, kung buhay nanay niya, gusto niya kasal kami at gusto niya matuloy. Siyempre, sino ba naman ayaw matuloy? And I'm sure happy siya for us."
How is Rodjun now?
Dianne replied, "Rodjun is okay naman. Coping. Hanggang ngayon, siyempre, hindi pa naman totally nagsi-sink in sa kanya. Kasi ganoon iyon, e.
"Ako, my mom passed away 2011. Kapag mas tumatagal, doon nagsi-sink in sa iyo, 'Ah, talagang wala na pala sila.'"
The future bride's mom is former Bb. Pilipinas 1973 candidate Maria Josefa Medina. She added, "So, hayun, medyo malungkot kasi parehas kami walang nanay na makaka-witness sa wedding. Wala na rin siyang daddy, so Rodjun has to walk down the aisle alone."
His dad, Rodolfo L. Ilustre, passed away in 2009.
