Good things come to those who wait. Jayvee and Dawn made it a goal to save up for their dream wedding. However, circumstances kept them from seeing their plans push through. They persisted and waited for God’s perfect timing and He honored their hearts’ desire.
As Fate Would Have It
Jayvee Navarro and Dawn Repe are both from Negros Occidental but actually never met in the locality. He was 8 years her senior and they both went to different universities in Bacolod City. It wasn’t likely for them to meet.
But as fate would have it, their paths crossed when they both worked for the same company in Talisay City. Jayvee was one of the civil engineers while Dawn was the company nurse.
It was love at first sight, at least for Jayvee. He pursued Dawn, surprising her with anonymous gifts before everyone showed up for work. She got flowers, chocolates, even a pillow, so that Dawn could comfortably take naps in the office during lunch breaks.
Maybe still feeling how Dawn’s reactions, Jayvee remained the “secret admirer” for some time. He does leave notes with the gifts but Dawn still didn’t know who he was.
Eventually, Jayvee revealed himself and also “courted” Dawn’s friends. She recalls that he became their driver and “taga-libre” snacks and night outs in Bacolod restaurants.
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Falling in Love
It wasn’t hard falling in love. Jayvee is very sweet and thoughtful and Dawn recalls that “he has proven himself worthy.” Plus, they both share the same faith, which was really the cementing point that made the two of them click.
So they decided to get married and settle down.
Mr. and Mrs. Navarro
Jayvee and Dawn wanted to hold their dream wedding in 2014 but circumstances didn’t allow them. His father died. So instead, they officially became a married couple by virtue of a civil marriage.
While legally a couple, they still dreamed of one day holding a wedding ceremony where family and friends can share in the joy of their union.
Looking back, Dawn said that maybe it was God’s way of telling them to wait because their finances were not ready yet.
Praying and Working for the Dream Wedding
While still pining and praying for their dream wedding, Jayvee and Dawn got busy. He went to Singapore as an OFW where he stayed for 5 years. Meanwhile, she busied herself with business. Their budget went to buying a car so that she could conveniently meet with her real estate and insurance clients.
The following year, Jayvee and Dawn opened the first branch of Daily Bubble Laundry in Bacolod City. They eventually bought their own home and opened two more branches of Daily Bubble Laundry.
Furthermore, they ventured into another business — the JDN Laundry Business Consultancy. With an entrepreneurial mindset, they help those who want to start their own laundry business. Since they started in November 2018, the couple already has nine laundry shop set-ups under their belt. And the number is growing.
God’s Perfect Timing: The Dream Wedding
Finally, on October 20, 2019, Jayvee and Dawn’s dream wedding came. It was indeed God’s perfect timing. After waiting for five years, they were able to work hard, save up for their needs, and now hold a wedding celebration with their loved ones.
The big day was held at L’Fisher Hotel–both the rites and the reception. It was a Christian wedding officiated by Ptr. Joe Ascalon of Ikthus, Jayvee and Dawn’s home church. For everybody’s convenience, the reception was held at the La Proa 1 while the reception subsequently followed at La Proa.
The Custom-Made Wedding Gown
Being an artist herself, Dawn designed her own wedding gown, which was given to life by Jane Cisneros Apolinario.
“I wanted a gown that will really show my personality.”
Dawn Repe-Navarro, Bride, Wedding Dress Designer
At first, Dawn had a lot of ideas of how her wedding gown should be like. It was hard for her to choose just one design. She had many sketches and finally, it was her sister who helped her settle on the best design for her.
The gown highlighted Dawn’s physical assets– her collar bone, slender arms, and height. She said that the Ms. Apolinario helped her a lot with the details of the dress, including choosing the fabric and the lace as well as the beadwork.
The Bridesmaid Dresses
Meanwhile, the bride squad wore dresses made by SEW Amazing Bacolod. The motif was burnt orange, champagne, and sangria.
Initially, Dawn just wanted to go the bridesmaid dress rental route. She was willing to design the gowns for first use so that the suppliers can rent them out again.
However, no dress rental company was willing to do it for her because her ladies had a free hand on the design of their gowns. No two dresses were alike. They had the freedom to choose the cut that suited them best.
So in the end, Dawn just bought the fabric, ask her ladies to choose the designs for their bridesmaid dresses, and had them made.
Advice for Young Ladies
Dawn is happily married and settling with husband Jayvee in their home. Well, after several years, they are still very much in love and considering this as their honeymoon stage.
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She has this piece of advice to all young ladies, “Do not settle for anything less. Find a man who will pursue you and be a spiritual leader for you.”
Moreover, Dawn acknowledges that for young married couples like them — Prayer is one of the most powerful things you can do for your marriage.
“Soak your marriage with prayer. I can’t stress this enough, especially when times are tough.”
Dawn Repe-Navarro
She also encourages married couples to have fun often. Here are some of her suggestions:
- Go out on a date.
- Watch a movie.
- Get away for a night alone.
- Hug each other at least once a day.
- Hold hands. Always tell your spouse you love him/her.
- Always support each other.
Furthermore, she advices young couples to take chances. “Don’t be afraid to take risks like in business.”
She says that it will never be easy and they encountered a lot of challenges along the way. But because they supported each other and didn’t give up, they got to where they are now.
Everything in God’s perfect timing indeed.
Wedding Suppliers
- Coordination: Dharl Espera | Conceptu Bacolod Event Specialist
- Flowers & Event Styling: Amel Alcantara | Amelvin’s Touch Flowers + Designs
- Photography: Jr Seva | Shoot Always
- Videography: Leaden Rubica John Rigil Kent Javier | Cameo Works
- Hair and Make up: Gail Golez
- Cocktails: NOSH
- Wedding Venue: L’Fisher Hotel-Bacolod
- Music: The Prelude | Sapphire Dela Peña
- LED Wall: SKT Digital Productions
- Photobooth: Mike Singson
- Wedding Gown: Jane Cisneros Apolinario
- Entourage Gowns: SEW Amazing Bacolod
- Lights and Sounds: Bords Alimon
- Host: Stanley Jordan
- Perfume Giveaways: Daily Zen
- Giveaway Boxes: Andrea Mae Briones Valderrama | Andvitations
- Invitations: Printcity Invitations
Other stories about marriage:
Meanwhile, here are some stories about marriage that you might be interested in. Just click on the links below,
- The Couples’ Game that Made Us Question Our Marriage
- Stylist Alee Benson Finds True Love and Eternal Life
- Praying for a Spouse and Getting Exactly What You Asked For
- CBTL: Mondays Made Better With You
- 3 Special Ways to Make the Holidays Special for Your Marriage
- In Love and Staying Committed for Life
- Heal the INNER CHILD for a HAPPY MARRIAGE
- Honey, I Shrunk the Wedding Ring!
