Wedding Bells Blog
bride again
Dream Day
My name is Judith Manzano and I would be the perfect “Bride Again” candidate. My fiancé and I have been together for eight years and was recently engaged in Las Vegas on July 22. We have yet to set the details but we have begun contacting venues and can hopefully find one that will host 250-300 guests, fall of 2010.
I am 28-years-old and I have been married once before, almost 10 years ago. I was your typical high achiever—graduated with top honours as the student body vice president, had the same job for three years and the future was bright. Along came life and shortly after graduating I was pregnant and married. He was my high school sweetheart and we wanted to marry so we did. It was a small ceremony in my parents’ living room, wearing a gown that my aunt threw together which nicely accented my very pregnant belly. A year later, life slapped me upside the head and I found myself a single mother of a toddler. Like my knight in shining armour I met my fiancé who loved my daughter like his own and has never once left our side since.
So many things were taken from me that first time—the joy of planning, the joy of trying on dresses and finding THE dress, the bliss of knowing that I will be marrying the love of my life. This time, I have it all and it’ll be perfect. The perfect proposal, the perfect ring, the joy of shopping with my mom and closest girlfriends to find THE dress, the joy of having both my inspirations waiting for me at the end of the aisle; my light (my daughter) and my sanctuary (my fiancé).
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Tags: blogger search, bride again, real bride, second marriage
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Shirley: Thank you so much for your support!
WOW!! I was stuck at a conference for part of the morning and it’s so sweet that you all keep me updated. The overwhelming messages of support that I’ve been getting all day through text messages, blackberry messages, emails and Facebook have overwhelmed with me shock – that everyone’s cheering me on like a marathon runner..ha ha.
Please continue to vote because it still counts right to the last minute. The finish line is in sight…
Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahit sa pag suporta nyo sa akin.
Isang.Mahal(OneLove)
xoxo Judith xoxo
Good Luck Judith…You’ve gone this far…let’s push it a little further!! Hope my vote helps! Let’s just cross our fingers!! You have such a touching story…I KNOW, either way…you’re going to make a beautiful bride and a wonderful wife…wishing you all the best!
Congratulations to the both of you!!!:)
Judith, you are, as always, a class act. I’m proud to call you my friend and I hope our support has been enough to help you. Regardless of the outcome, though, we tried our best and I know you’re going to have the best wedding with or without this contest.
To the rest of the bloggers… good luck everyone!
i agree with S, can’t imagine how stressful it would be to have something drawn out so long i hope they don’t do it to whoever makes the top 7 thats way too intense! best of luck to you and everyone in this contest you ALL deserve prizes after all this drama lol
Suzanne: Thank you so much for voting for me.. and you have the cutest baby girl! Can’t wait to meet her!!
S,
Thank you for taking the time for being sympathetic to all of us, it’s really appreciated. Having said that, I have to believe that in the end, it’s just our nerves getting the best of us and that everyone is being as fair as possible. What we don’t get to see is exactly how much and how often we girls are campaigning every day. I can speak for myself that I would spend many hours sending out reminder emails, text messages and FB messages on top of trying to figure out new groups to start my campaigning. But I would not change anything about the competition. While it was really stressful, I have been grounded and humbled by this experience; just to see how many people care about me enough to vote for me. To devote a portion of their day for a MONTH to support me, how can you not feel blessed after that?
I would hope that everyone; contest women and supporters alike, would sincerely just wish the best for each other. Regardless of the outcomes, like I’ve said in a previous comment, in the end, you will still be marrying your best friends, the man who you’ve decided to devote your whole life to… you’ll still be having the wedding YOU have always dreamed of.. and you’ll still have an amazing wedding full of memories – with or without this contest.
My hope for us all is to complete this final few hours with grace and just “HAKUNA MATATA”… HAHAHA.. no worries!! You’ve done your best and it’s come down to the final mile.
I wish all the lucky 13 ladies a wonderful experience in planning your wedding as well as a long, loving and prosperous marriage.
Thank you weddingbells for an amazing experience that I would not have been able to have without you.
On October 23, 2010, I will be marrying my knight-and-shining armour, my sanctuary, my rock and the greatest love of my life – Mark Vicente. YAY!!
Isang.Mahal(OneLove),
xoxo Judith xoxo
I think the Wedding Bells staff should take a note of what you said about the contest making you stressed and anxious; I have a friend in this competition who is having a VERY tough time as well with the rapid percentage changes, the negative comments, and the worry about what’s going to happen – I think a month was totally too long to draw out the tension and really brought out some negative things, when in the end all that really is going to count is how many people click a mouse for a certain girl. I feel sorrry for everyone in this contest and I sincerly hope the staff don’t do this to you all in the following round. I agree with a lot of the comments about it being unfair and its not fair for some of you who I know work 2 jobs, don’t have any time on their hands to see their fiance let alone spend a bunch of time voting, when others can sit around making as many accounts as they want and voting for themselves. I’m not accusing anyone of this but a lot of peoples suspicions have been raised in general and its totally a possibility and i definitely see how it can make you stressed out. I’m sorry you had to go through this and I wish you all the best once this is all over and you can focus on planning your wedding!!
I can’t think of anyone that deserves this more than you! I’ll keep voting and keep my fingers crossed for you!
Almost there ladies and gents!!
I have to admit that I’m anxious for this to be over. My loving fiance has so graciously pointed out to me that prior to this contest – I was a bright beam of light because I was more than thrilled to be planning my wedding. The worrying over how this will turn out has run my nerves ragged and turned me into a person that I am REALLY not – depressed and stressed. So, with only a few days left, I wish all you ladies the best of luck (all 13) and whoever wins, I look forward to following your blogs. I happily return to my wedding planning and will leave it to the votes… Having said that, please continue to vote daily regardless of what the numbers say and I hope you will support me right to the end.. regardless of the outcome; I will still be shopping for my dress w/ my daughter, mother and friends by my side, I will still have my parents & my daughter walk me down the aisle and I will still be marrying the greatest love of my life.
Today was a turning point for me and I wish you all the happiness and peace that my epiphany (courtesy of my fiance) brought me.
Let’s take it home my supporters – win or lose, I will never forget the way you’ve supported me. To those I’ve never met yet felt touched by my story enough to vote, thank you so very much for helping out a stranger.
YAY!! It’s almost over!! ha ha.. thank you weddingbells for the crazy ride!! weeeeeeee…
Always,
Judith
Go Judith… I would write more but my keyboard is broken.;)
Lani: Thank you so much for the wishes and the support – Congratulations on your engagement as well.. yay!!
Romeo: That’s very flattering of you but we’re all beautiful in our own way.. silly.
Catherine: You both are so amazing! Isn’t it great that we get to watch other walk down that aisle?? You’ll be stunning.
Mylene: Thank you so much.. I have my eyes crossed as well.. LOL!
I am truly blessed to have everyone’s support as I’ve said many times over, but I will continue to give my thanks. There’s only a few more days and everyone’s vote counts so please continue voting. I will continue reminding everyone to vote until the last day.
Your words of encouragement keep a smile on my face and warms my heart..GO TEAM WINNIPEG!! ha ha..
Only 374 days and 30 minutes until I get to marry my knight-in-shining armour.. the song in my heart.. the cheese in my poutine.. the peanut butter in my PB&J.. the soy to my sushi.. MMm.. getting hungry.. LOL!!
Isang.Mahal(OneLove),
Judith soon-to-be Vicente
I’m crossing my fingers and toes for you my dear!!!
xoxo
Hi Judith,
This is Catherine soon to be Lecuyer wishing you much success and winning this contest!
Fom two of your supporters.
Hope you win this!!!
Judith!!
Congrats again!! Wishing you and Mark all the best! and I hope you WIN :)
Belated HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!
Hope everyone had a splendid Thanksgiving as I did. So much to be thankful for – I included all my supporters in my list of things to be thankful for :).
The race is neck-and-neck and as we get closer to the finish line I encourage you all to please continue to vote daily – I promise you my daily reminders will cease soon enough :). I know many of you have voiced your concerns w/ the voting, just know that while you may not see the counter change, your vote DOES count so please do not give up. Let’s GIV’R.. he he.
Thank you to you all!
Love,
Judith
Hi Judith – word press is wonderful!! I made the switch from Live Journal to Word Press and it’s a really great site, easy to use and looks good too :) Good luck with it!
Good afternoon everyone,
So I’ve been reading up on peoples comments here and on the other blogs and it seems evident to me that as we get closer to the end of this race, everyone’s nerves are all frayed (I know mine is). I just want to extend my sincerest of “Good lucks” to all the women in this competition. We each deserve this in our own way – we each want to scream to the world that we’re getting married.. so best of luck to you all and I apologize in advance if my nerves get the best of me.
My personal blog is updated regularly so please have a peek when you get a chance (I’ve changed blogging sites and might have to again – maybe I’ll check word press?). Just click on my name and it’ll take you there.
Thank you to all who have supported me through out this competition and who cheer me on daily. You are the reason I am able to remain grounded and humbled. It is impossible for me to find the exact words to express my gratitude to everyone so I say thank you. You’ve truly blessed me with so much happiness.
May you find the same amount of happiness that has overflowed me.
Isang.Mahal,
xoxo Judith xoxo
Hi Judith, thank you for your kind words, everyone is voting, keeping fingers crossed for you……..Wishing you much success and happiness……………….
Hi Judith, thank you so much for the comments!! It was SO fun to work with them, I’m excited for you – I spent until after midnight at the studio and it was just so much fun :) Best of luck and I see you started a blog too! I have one as well, I’ve been keeping one for about 5 years now & it’s hilarious going back to see what my 19 year old self thought was interesting enough to write about!! Good luck with everything :)
Amy: Yes, Karma’s wonderful isn’t it?? I’ll be checking out that wedding site tonight.. hopefully.. LOL! I just started the “Sookie Stackhouse” novels and it’s getting difficult to do anything else but read :p.. (off topic I know..hehe)
Catherine: Thanks so much! I tried hard to keep your birthday destination a secret from you but I just about spilled it.. he he. Again, in the little time I’ve known you you’ve been nothing but sweet – I often tell Mark he’s an idiot if he loses you.. LOL!! Keep voting daily and hopefully, you and I can share El Dorado Casitas stories :).
Thanks to everyone, yet again, for all your support in voting daily – you’ve truly made me happy and I appreciate you all very much.
Lots of love,
Judith
Hi Judith.
Thanks for the both, and YES hopefully everyone is being honest, and if not, I believe in Karma! haha.
I am so glad you liked the website, its so fun to put together, thats why I posted it, so people can use it:)
I am sorry you are no longer in the lead ( it is very stressful) … you have my votes and I wish you all best. :)
Hello Judith, I just finished voting for you. I sincerely,and truely wish you win this contest, you and your fiance are “REAL”. I just got home from the Grand Prize Honeymoon Destination. Omg, Judith it was so beautiful, Mark and I met so many honeymooners, and couples renewing vows or celebrating their wedding anniversary. Weddingbells has pick a truely romantic place of paradise.
It was so romantic I said “Mark lets get married now, here….
I really hope you and your fiance win this…..You both deserve it…Your story has touch my heart, and many others…….You both are “REAL”
Good Luck, we’ll keep voting as so many others will for you….
Catherine—->still mentally in paradise at El Dorado Royale on the Myian Riveria with 96 degrees, physically in Winnipeg going brrrrrrrr………..Good Luck once again.. Keeping fingers crossed.
Thank you to everyone for voting on a daily basis..I can’t express enough how grateful I am..I truly have a great set of friends and family!
I also have to throw in that I’m very proud of my 9 year old daughter and my 13 year old nephew who joined their breast cancer survivor grandma walk the 5k “Run for the Cure” yesterday. Congratulations to everyone who helped raised an amazing amount of money for a great cause. I was unable to run/walk this year but I was more than thrilled to volunteer my time and efforts during the event; who knew walking around wearing a sandwich board with a picture of a bra and holding a bucket for change/donations would be fun. I looked ridiculous! Good thing it was for a great cause!
Please continue to vote as I’m truly blessed and humbled by all your support.
Isang.Mahal,
Judith
Emily,
Thank you so much! Aren’t they wonderful men?? Yes, my fiance has helped me get through so much of my issues, insecurities and truly was my sanctuary, my rock. It’s unfortunate that we’d have to experience so much to get to where we are, but I would’t change any of it as I’m sure wouldn’t either. I don’t know about you but I’m super giddy about everything and very emotional! I find myself crying due to happiness almost everyday; seeing our venue, booking the church, finding my florist – ugh I’m such a sap!! LOL!!
Emily, I wish you years of happiness and bliss and regardless of how stressful planning a wedding is starting to become; enjoy every last bit of the planning and the wedding day.. savour it.. love it!
Thank you for your kind words and all your support.
Best of luck,
Judith
I’m so happy for you that you get to enjoy the whole process this time around!! I wasn’t in your situation, but many years ago I was engaged and in the process of “planning” a wedding – a wedding that was going to be extremely difficult, and planning that was filled with tears for various horrible reasons. It was a lucky escape and ever since what was probably the most difficult part of my life, I’ve used it as a chance for growth; and everything I went through brought me to the wonderful place I am right now; I totally understand how you refer to your fiance as your sanctuary; mine has helped me get past some of the horrible things I went through and stood by me through everything – I feel absolute joy and gratitude to have this wedding to be planning; and I’m so glad you get to experience it the right way too this time around :)
Oh my dearest Rosie: I have watched you grow up into a beautiful, smart young lady and I know, without a doubt, that he is just around the corner. Your “knight in shining armour” will find you when you need him the most, and when he finds you, I can’t wait to meet him. Thank you so much for your love and support – I love you!!
To everyone: Thank you so much for your continued support and taking the time daily to vote for me. I am truly blessed to have have your support. We’re half way there and hope you continue your voting – I can guarantee it’ll be a great read!!
Hugs and kisses and a gazillion thank yous!
xoxo Judith xoxo
Ate Judith,
You have my vote! I am truly happy for you. Right from when I was just a toddler I’ve always looked up to you..and you were always there at the family functions ready to pull me to dance on the dance floor. Haha. Anyway, congrats again to you and mark. I hope one day I find my “knignt in shining armour” and be as happy as you are with Mark. You’re story gives me hope that there is someone out there for me. lol (Let’s hope that day comes soon.. it gets lonely! lol) Take care ate. Love you!
Rosie.
Leng: Thank you so much for your greetings and your continued support!
To everyone: We’re going into the second week of voting and I am very very grateful for each and everyone who’s supporting me. Thank you for your love, Mark and I appreciate you all very much.
Maraming Maraming salamat po sa pag supporta n’yo po sa akin.
Isang.Mahal,
Judith
congratulations on your engagement! i am so incredibly happy for you. i wish nothing but the best for you and your family. to find a pure love is truly inspiring considering the journey it took you to get there.
Catherine,
Thank you for your kind words and all your support! Yes we’ve only known each other for a few months but I’ve really gotten to know you and you’re a great person. I remind your Mark every day that he’s one lucky man and he knows it, and he’s not afraid to say it. I will have my dream day regardless if I win or not because I’ve already won; I get to keep my fiance for ever, winning this would mean I get to share it with the world =).
I’m honored that I can witness your wedding and I know you’ll make one stunning bride… I’ll probably need a box of kleenex :).
Again, thank you for your support and have a wonderful time on your trip.. trust me.. it’ll leave you speachless!! He’s keeping it a secret from you for a reason.. but it’s a good secret ;). Oh and advanced happy birthday!!
Many thanks,
Judith
Juith, I sincerely hope you win your Dream Day.
After reading your story, I voted for you, and will continue each day. Your story is “Real”, and touches the soul of many brides or brides to be. I remind my fiance Mark (my Knight in Shining Armour, my Soulmate) each day to vote for you, as well I send out a reminder daily to my friends to vote for you. They all say you Judith, are real. I may have only known you a short time, and must say you deserve your day for what you have been through. Your fiance Mark is a lucky man. You were destine to be soulmates. I truely, truely hope you win. Keep smiling, you both deserve this Dream Day…….Catherine
Natalia,
I think I’ve been blessed with way more life experiences than most go through in their life time; all good things and bad have attributed to who I am today – especially the bad. I think going through and experiencing the worst makes you that much more appreciative of the blessings that come along thereafter.
Age these days means very little – just imagine how much more you’ll appreciate your future husband and future children. They will be lucky to have you.. and it will come.
Thank you for your very sincere and touching words Natalia – yes I have found myself and for the first time in my life (really and truly) I am happy and above all, I finally love myself and all my faults; all my wrinkles, my rolls, my funny looking piggie toe.. he he.
I hope you find what I call “my happy spot”… have fun looking for it.. there’s so much in life we miss out by being negative..
Cheers and many, many thanks!
IsangMahal,
xoxo Judith xoxo
Wow, I cried. I’m 30, not married, no kids. 2 common law marriages, no planning, no worries, and no joys either.
You are a strong woman and you deserve the best! I wish I was as lucky as you are. I wanted to have children when I was young, so we grow up together and have fun together. Well, I have what I have. No career, no husband, no children. For now. I’m still looking for myself. I hope you have found Yourself!
Enjoy your journey! Peace and love!
Aww Kelly you’re sweet! Thank you so much!
It’s true what they say, “Nothing worth keeping is ever easy.” It may’ve not felt that way when everything was happening, but you just have to keep fighting right??
Everyone has a story and I love telling mine because it reads like a soap opera.. then turns into a fairy tale (corny isn’t it??). he he.
Please keep on voting because it truly, TRULY is appreciated. I promise I will keep you entertained either through my comments or through my wedding site (too bad the site didn’t have more room to keep writing :p).
Enjoy!
IsangMahal(OneLove),
Judith
Hi Judith,
I’ve been voting everyday since you mentioned to vote. And I never read your blog until now. I just voted. But anyways, life does have it’s way of making it for the best. You deserve to win. If I can vote every hour I would. How does she keep getting votes?
But anyways, you will have my vote till the end.
Best wishes! and keep writing. I love reading.
Take care, Kelly
Sorry it’s been a while since I commented.
Thanks so much Judes!! Really appreciate it!!
So I have great news.. please see my wedding site here http://www.weddingbells.ca/wedsite/428313/ for more details :)..
yay!!
Voted!! and will vote everyday!
You deserve this :)
Tahreem: Thank you beautiful lady..you’re a great friend!
Ate Alma: Thank you so much for all your support and love. Dry your eyes because we all know that we’ll be bawling our eyes out when I get married.
Cindy: Wow! I read your comment in bed on my blackberry and thought, “I need to get out of bed & onto the computer”. I can not express to you my sincerest thanks for your kind and thoughtful words. Congratulations on your engagement, if our lives have been similar these past 10 years, then I know just how happy and appreciative you must feel. I wish you all the best in the future. I’m sure your son must be as thrilled, if not more, that you’re getting married. I know for my daughter, it couldn’t happen fast enough. Thank you so much for your support, I am truly grateful.
Thank you to everyone who has voted thus far.. many thank yous.
Until tomorrow night, good night and sweetest of dreams. If everyone can come back and vote daily, the least I can do is write a thank you post daily :).
IsangMahal
xoxo,
Judith
Ahhh this made me cry. Can’t wait to witness your dream day. You deserve to be happy Judith. Hope you’ll win!
Tolentino family loves you! mwah!
Hi Judith,
Reading your words, I felt like I was reading my own story. Just like you, I was a young pregnant bride almost ten years ago who ended up being a single mom trying to make sense of life. But also like you, I ended up finding the love of my life, the greatest man I have ever met (who also loves my son like his own!) and we plan on tying the knot next year. I may not know you, but what I do feel is that you have overcome alot and I feel that in some weird way, we are a reflection of each other as to where we’ve being and how far we’ve come. We came out of those circumstances victorious. Those past lifestyles do not define us today: if anything, they shaped us to receive a greater love. You definitely have my vote! Congratulations to you and Mark!:)
Awww Judith, great story!!! You definitely deserve this after reading your story (and even knowing you in person!) you have my vote every day!
Kristin,
Thanks love! You made one beautiful bride regardless and when you renew your vows, I will be standing there teary eyed.
Thank you to everyone in advance for your support, just to know so many people love and support us is amazing. Mark and I are truly grateful for your support as this wedding is every bit about him as it is for me.
Thank you, thank you.. from the bottom of my heart.
IsangMahal (OneLove) xoxo
– Judith
Judith you are an amazing person. You are so beautiful and you will make a beautiful bride. I somewhat know how you feel as I was pregnant well planning my wedding and squeezed into my dress only 2 months after giving birth. I also missed out on some of the experiences that go along w/ the wedding….and some day I hope we can renew our vows so I can experience some of those things that I missed out on. But this is your time now to make up for the last time, and you deserve it more than anyone. I wish you all the best….Hope you win!!!