Tag: Jonathan Hannula

When one of your best friends gets married and you miss the wedding, it is an unfortunate situation — especially when you know the occasion will be filled with fun, enthusiasm and, above all, love. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to the torrential downpours that blanketed Southwest Virginia that weekend. My buddy, Vall Dino, and his girlfriend of five years, Adreanna Meek, officially tied the knot Saturday, October 10, at beautiful Mount Zion Community Church in Marion. The ceremony, presided over by the Rev. David Bise, incorporated elements of Vall’s native Filipino culture and traditions into a celebration overflowing with love, laughter and positivity. I often describe Vall and Adreanna as a rare sort of couple who seem to exude nothing but light. Most of us are a mixture of light and darkness, but these two simply radiate happiness and positivity. They have already established a beautiful home in Marion, and their joy is about to grow even greater with the arrival of their daughter, Aliza Wren Dino, expected February 25. That precious little girl is going to have two of the most devoted parents imaginable. One of the things I most regret missing was the opportunity to experience the Filipino cultural traditions that Vall brought from his homeland. His uncle traveled all the way from the Philippines to join the celebration and prepare many of his specialty dishes for his nephew’s special day, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the festivities. The spirit of the occasion was captured in stunning photographs by Vall’s best friend, Jonathan Hannula, an Abingdon photographer who works alongside Vall at Utility in Atkins. Hannula described the event as one of the most joyous ceremonies he had ever attended. Among the most touching moments was watching Vall’s grandmother shed tears as her grandson stood at the altar in his traditional Filipino tuxedo — a white jacket embroidered with gold designs reflecting his heritage. As Vall flashed his trademark million-watt smile, he looked toward his equally beautiful bride, whose gorgeous white gown was complemented by a bouquet featuring an array of colorful flowers. It was a picture of happiness, tradition and the promise of a life together. One of the ceremony’s highlights was the Filipino money dance, a tradition in which guests pin or tape money onto the bride and groom as they dance. The custom symbolizes good fortune, financial abundance and the community’s support for the couple as they begin their married life. The dance was performed to Ben E. King’s timeless classic, “Stand by Me” — an especially fitting choice for a celebration built around devotion and the promise of standing together through life’s challenges. Music played a central role throughout the festivities. Karaoke, a beloved part of Filipino celebrations, was naturally well represented. Vall’s Aunt Geraldine from the Phillipines could be heard enthusiastically singing Starship’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” at the top of her lungs, while Vall and his sister delighted those gathered with a duet of Extreme’s “More Than Words.” A singer and ukulele player in his own right, Vall is among the most prominent local artists in Southwest Virginia. His paintings exemplify his otherworldly talent. While seen creating caricatures in Marion this past summer, he says his art will be put on hold as he concentrates his devotion to his new family. The father-daughter dance featured Etta James’s “At Last,” while the bride and groom shared their first dance to Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One,” while Adreanna’s walk down the aisle was accompanied by Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years.” The couple also danced to “My Home” and “Buwan,” a Filipino song performed by Juan Karlos whose title translates to “Moon.” Each selection contributed another layer of personal meaning to a day that beautifully blended cultures, generations and musical traditions. For Adreanna, the occasion was also a celebration of the compassionate spirit she brings to her everyday life. A devoted nurse, she once served as caretaker for my late friend, J.C. Cook, who, like me, had cerebral palsy. I know firsthand how much kindness and dedication can mean to a family navigating the challenges of disability. Adreanna possesses those qualities in abundance. Together, she and Vall represent the kind of loving, generous partnership that is becoming increasingly difficult to find. They are the sort of people who make others feel welcome, valued and happier simply by being present. When a love as genuine as Vall and Adreanna’s is brought together in marriage, one cannot help but celebrate an emotion that seems almost too pure for words. Their wedding was more than a ceremony; it was a reflection of the light they share with everyone fortunate enough to know them. I wish them the same happiness they so freely give to others, and I pray that their life together will be long, prosperous and filled with countless reasons to smile. May their daughter grow up surrounded by the same warmth, laughter and devotion that her parents have already brought into the world. It is an honor simply to know Vall and Adreanna. To call them my dear friends is an even greater blessing.