An Interview with a fellow expat Bride-to-be!

Mary Bandonillo – An expat Bride-to-be (to follow up with Mary’s wedding, check out www.brideclubme.com, launching soon!)

1.       How long have you and your fiancé lived in Dubai?

A:  We’re currently in a long distance relationship. We used to have our holidays together in the Philippines and in the UK.  I’ve been living in Dubai for 6 years now. In order to reduce the strain of a long distance relationship, we see to it that we meet each other every 6 months.  We email each other every day and make sure that we keep each other updated on our lives. We have been doing this for 3 years now and it’s been tough. I never thought we would make it, but we have!

2.       How did you and your fiancé meet?

A:  My fiancé was on a holiday in Dubai when we met at a party.  We got on like a house on fire during his stay and he convinced me to try a long distance relationship. We exchanged numbers and e-mail addresses and spoke every day thereafter. Our favorite form of contact is MSN and phone calls; I look forward to hearing his voice every day.

3.       How did he/you propose?

A:  I’m afraid it’s not really the romantic fairy tale proposal I would have liked, but I am happy none the less. We just walked into a jewelry store one day for a browse, and my fiancé asked me to pick a ring that I would love to wear for the rest of my life. Of course I knew what he was trying to say and gladly obliged.

4.       When are you getting married?

A:  Our wedding date is set for November the 8th, 2012. A day before my birthday. I can’t wait!

5.       Why did you choose to marry in Dubai?

A:  Well, I live here and Dubai is special to us, since we did meet and fall in love here. We found a great church here that have been a huge help to us and matched all our requirements.

6.       What do you have left to do in your wedding planning diary?

A:  We need to confirm the reception venue and tally up our final guest list, and I am still searching for a creative but affordable photographer. Great pictures very important to us, as they are our forever memory of our special day.

7.       What are you looking forward to the most on your wedding day?

A:  The solemn church ceremony and saying our vows.

8.       What scares you the most about your wedding day?

A:  The fact that I’m getting married…ha-ha!

9.       What difficulties are you facing, trying to plan your wedding in Dubai?

A:  The fact that it’s too far for most of our family & friends from the UK and the Philippines to attend. This is the price we have to pay I guess, but it’s been the hardest thing to deal with during my wedding planning process.

10.       Lastly, are you looking forward to the launch of www.brideclubme.com?

A:  Of course I am. It’s really nice to know that there is a support group, who can help a bride-to-be, even though we may be far away from our family and friends. It helps us expats feel at home.