Graveyard wedding

Filipina Vicky Martin, 45, and Australian John Schaw, 56, held their wedding in a cemetery in Solsona, Ilocos Norte on Saturday not to symbolize their vows to each other that only death will make them part. The reason for the venue also was not because of the burial of someone in the family coincided with the wedding date.

According to a report, it was held by the tomb of Martin’s father, whom she loved dearly and wanted to be present in spirit during the most important day of her life.

The groom proposed the venue and the bride agreed. The event apparently even had the blessing of the pastor, Elmer Bunnao, who administered the ceremony and the approval of the couple’s families and friends as the wedding entourage and guests witnessed the offbeat exchange of vows themselves as shown by a photo posted on social media that is now turning viral.

The atmosphere was not eerie, Martin’s sibling Hermilin Martin claimed.

The necro-nuptial is not patented so other couples can copy it. Interested ones can even hold it on 1 or 2 November to save on expenses as candles and flowers can be used for both occasions.

More so, if the couple is of Chinese descent, the reception can even be at the same venue with the tomb serving as makeshift banquet table and the food also doubling as offering for the spirits of the departed.

A word of caution though: no greeting of Mabuhay ang bagong kasal!