34 couples say 'I do' in Dubai mass wedding

  DUBAI - Thirty-four couples tied the knot in Dubai on Saturday (December 1) in a mass wedding organised by volunteers in the emirate. Couples had begun arriving at St. Mary's Church at 7am, many accompanied by their grooms men, bridesmaids, flower girls, ring bearers, family and friends. "This is the biggest yet so far, so we are looking forward to give them their dream wedding," John Doringo, chairman of this year's event, told expatmedia.net Doringo said it was a "privilege and joy" to be able to share the occasion with the community in Dubai. Couples were already filing into the mini hall near the church before the 10am service to have their photos taken and make-up done by volunteer stylists and photographers. The adjacent basketball court turned into a registration area for couples to check-in for attendance and to pick up their bouquets from Dubai-based flower shop Petals by Carmille. The oldest couple in the group, 59-year-old Trevor Lobo and 63-year-old Wang Meilan, said they were excited to tie the knot after three years of dating. Their advice to couples? "Be honest with each other, and be kind. Respect each other," Meilan told expatmedia.net. "If you respect your husband; if you respect your wife, then never ever you'll have a problem," she added. Junner and Sharon Sagarol, who arrived in a black bridal car with their son, said it was a "blessing" to be married anew in Dubai. The couple were wed in 2008 and decided to get married again in Dubai where they work. "We are really so blessed. The wedding arrangement was done by our brothers and sisters from Couples for Christ and we are very thankful," Junner told expatmedia.net. Eugene and Rowena Gales, who met in 2003, said they have been married for 12 years in a court wedding. The couple said they are excited to be able to wed in a church in Dubai this time. “It’s been difficult managing our time because of my work, but we have tried to manage with the help of the community in Dubai,” Rowena said. Rowena said she was drawn to Eugene because of his kindness. “I love her,” Eugene said. Rogel Tuazon and Melody Silva, who received a complimentary bouquet from Petals by Carmille, said they met five years ago and felt that the time was right to tie the knot. Rogel said he popped the question in Ras Al Khaimah while they were in a gathering. “We respect each other and we are comfortable with each other,” Silva said. ICA/Expat Media

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