Miguel & Jaz Sotto: Taste, tradition & time-honored love

When photographer and filmmaker Miguel Lorenzo Sotto wed digital creator and host Jazmin Reyes, it was cinematic — from their Tinghun engagement ceremony in Li Jiang, China, to their church wedding in St. James the Great in Alabang and their reception at Lakehall in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The couple combined the intricacy of centuries-old Chinese traditions, the heart-felt emotion of a church wedding and “all that jazz” from a modern, fun-filled reception.

Miguel and Jaz met at an unplanned night out with friends at Finders Keepers. Through time, Miguel realized she was the “yin” to his “yang.”

When they both realized they were ready to be each other’s yin and yang for life, they planned a Chinese engagement ceremony or “ting hun” in picturesque Li Jiang. (The Tinghun ceremony is a traditional Chinese engagement ceremony.)

Jaz said she started realizing the strength and character bestowed on a person by his roots, in her case, her Chinese roots, as she grew older. Educated at the Immaculate Conception Academy grade school and high school, she knew her lineage informed her personality.

Miguel shared the same sentiment. “Honestly, as a pure Filipino, I am deeply honored to have been accepted into experiencing this beautiful tradition. I found it quite fascinating and beautiful. I now appreciate it very much,” he once said.

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Their church wedding, on the other hand, honored their Catholic faith and had the elements of a traditional Filipino wedding, with veil, candle and cord sponsors. But it also was unique: the veil sponsor was Miguel’s 86-year-old grandmother Sonia Mayor and the Gay-of-Honor was the dapper older brother of Jaz,  Jacques “Jax” Reyes.

Miguel’s vows were formal and to the point, just as he is. Jaz’s vows, which she composed herself, were the stuff of movie dialogues.

Ikaw na—  the one I trust in every wild idea, because you make me believe: “Kaya natin”

Ikaw na— the only person I can be with all day and still somehow miss.

Ikaw na — talaga.

And in our eight years, I learned that love, like our many shoots won’t go according to plan.

When life calls for a second take.

When the script gets messy,

or we forget our lines

I will always choose to stay in the scene with you

Miguel,

my co-director, best friend, my husband and biggest blessing

I gladly vow these three things:

Ako na —the girl who once walked alone now walks with you.

Ikaw na — and no one else.

Tayo na — from this day forward.

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Their reception  was held at Lakehall in Nena’s Sanctuary in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Cocktails were served on the lawn overlooking the lake and dinner, inside the banquet hall, which was draped in red. Centerpieces were fancy vegetable arrangements. My eyes were immediately drawn to the banana hearts with the couple’s insignia that were  part of the tablescape.

There was not a dry eye when Jaz’s dad Joey Reyes, who is battling an illness, said after their first dance that he promised Jaz during the Tinghun that he would stay fit for her wedding. “I made it!” he said gratefully.

Valerie Sotto, the groom’s mother and the woman behind Valerie’s Kitchen, baked the eight-layer moist carrot cake, to symbolize the eight years the couple have been together. The cake, lovingly baked by Valerie over four days, wasn’t just a wedding cake — it was a story of time, love and the hands that helped shape the groom. Her speech was just as meaningful, and it drove me to tears because my own unico hijo Chino had just gotten married three weeks before.

I can’t believe this day has arrived—

The day that I have to step back as the primary woman in Miguel’s life.

You see, when Miguel was a baby, he was literally  and figuratively glued to me — from morning till evening, always wanting to be close to me, never wanting to let go. I was the center of his universe then and those were the best times of my life.

Earlier today, as he was at the end of the aisle waiting for Jaz, I stared at his face and watched him wait for his bride. I shall forever remember how he stood there quietly, with eyes  focused on the door. I told myself how proud I am of him that he is now about to start his own branch of the tree. And he has indeed chosen well.

Thank you Jaz for choosing him back and loving Miguel and believing in him, supporting him. You two make a good team. Thank you to my new balaes Joey and Yolly, Jax and JP for treating Miguel like your own son.  He loves you back very much.

I’d like to end by sharing a saying that goes—-

“ A mother is a son’s first true love, and a son is a mother’s last true love”.

My role in your life may have changed, but my love for you remains constant.

After the heart-tugging speeches from both sides of the family — Miguel’s father Ping Sotto and sister Patricia, and Jaz’s father and brothers Jax and Dr. JP Reyes — the party began! And went on and on.

Time stopped. And then again, it didn’t — because a good time was had by all till the new day dawned.

Congratulations Miguel and Jaz! *