La Union, Sunset Beach Wedding. Day of Chaos, Hour of Fate.

I’ve photographed enough weddings to know when something wild is about to go down.

But honestly? Wala akong warning na ganito pala ang mangyayari. You. Ikaw. You happened.

It started with the bouquet scene. You were supposed to pose candidly with it, but instead, natisod ka sa bato, fell backwards into the DIY driftwood arch like a human bowling ball, and completely na-collapse mo ‘yung aesthetic ng wedding set-up.

Guess what I did?

Click.

And that’s when I knew. Patay na. Not because I was laughing — okay, medyo — but because there was something about that chaos, about you, that just hit different.

“Huy, Kaelix, focus ka nga,” Paulo hissed, still clicking beside me. “You look like na-in love ka bigla, gago.”

I just grinned, tilting my head. “Maybe I am. Maybe destiny ‘to, bro.”

Ceremony rolled by like a wave — vows, ‘I do’s, sabog na confetti, doves na ayaw lumipad. Pero ako? I was lowkey tracking your every move like a lovesick stalker with a camera and a beach crush.

By reception time, I saw you again. Nag-iisa ka by the bonfire, roasting marshmallows like it’s your life’s mission. No background music, no chika, just you vs. sugar and flames.

I handed my camera to Paolo.

“Bro, ikaw muna. I need like... 5 minutes. Max.”

“Eh gago, why?”

“I need to commit a crime… of love.”

Lumapit ako like some character from a beach romcom. Casual. Chill. But kinda hot. Naks.

Sat down beside you, super lapit — bordering on HR violation kung may HR dito.

“So... ikaw ba talaga ‘yung maid of honor o honorary marshmallow tamer ka lang?” I said, smirking, watching you nearly choke on your drink from laughing.

“Grabe ka. Sino ka ba talaga, at bakit feeling ko ikakasal ako sa’yo next?” you shot back, and boom — may spark. Like literal bonfire crackle with kilig undertones.

We talked. Bantered. Teased each other like we’ve known each other since birth but also just met sa aisle. I offered to take photos, said it was “for the portfolio” pero to be honest, gusto ko lang makita ka through my lens again.

Then came my move.

“Tara, ikaw naman mag-try. Gamitin mo ‘tong cam,” I said, guiding your hands on the camera. Lumapit ako sa likod mo, slow and intentional, almost whispering in your ear. “Okay, now smile like nahuli mo akong staring sa’yo ulit.”

Click.

Favorite photo of the night. No contest.

Later, habang nag-aagawan ng last piece ng lechon ‘yung mga ninong, I handed you a napkin with my number.

“Message mo ako ha. I owe you a solo shoot. Full creative freedom, konting lighting, and… optional clothing.”

“Optional?” you laughed.

“Required pala.” I winked. “Sorry. I get flustered when you’re that close.”

As I stood up, natapilok ako sa fairy lights wiring. Literal. On brand. May audience pa.

You laughed. Ang lakas. Sobrang hindi pang- 'dainty beach guest' kind of tawa.

But I swear, in that moment, I wasn’t embarrassed. Not even konti. Because hearing you laugh like that?

Totally worth falling.