10 Of The Best Out-Of-Town Pandemic Weddings We Loved
The pandemic and the typhoons didn't stop these couples from achieving the most beautiful and heartwarming intimate wedding they could possibly have during these challenging times
We rounded up ten of the most beautiful, heartwarming out-of-town weddings held last year that caught our attention.
These couples embody the old adage "If there is a will, there is a way" with the stories behind their special days. As they braved the year's biggest storms and learned all about husband and wife teamwork, remembered the true meaning of a wedding and found the most perfect venues in the nick of time, these newlyweds ended 2020 on a high note.
Love triumphs over tragedy any day, and it's the perfect message to close the year with and keep in mind as we begin anew this 2021.
See the stories, photos, and inspiration behind our picks of ten of the best "pandemic weddings" held outside Metro Manila in the galleries below:
Art and Ish in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Bataan
Weddings are always a family affair. For Art and Ish, they were delighted to take the tradition to heart even more with the help of Ish's older sister, Ycoy Sitchon who heads wedding and event styling company La Belle Fête, to make their nuptials as beautiful as can be.
Together, Art and Ish exchanged "I dos" in a architecturally stunning setting, one that wasn't only a visual treat, but a tangible representation of who they are individuals and now, a married couple.
Their wedding is an ode to staying true to who you are—authenticity always gives rise to effortless charm.
What we love about this wedding: There are many things to love about this wedding, but the best thing has to be their venue, where the Hispanic heritage houses are breathtakingly beautiful. The raw feel of the church in the property was softened by an elegant arrangement of flowers in subdued hues, mixed with leaves that lent a rustic charm. Of course, we can't forget about the bride's Mak Tumang gown—its intricacy was extraordinarily exquisite.
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Art and Ish
Art and Ish
What was your wedding's theme?
"It is such a blessing to have one of the well-renowned event/wedding planners in the country as your sister. My eldest sister, Ate Ycoy (CEO of La Belle Fête) and her amazing team, helped us plan and conceptualize our dream wedding. As part of their KYC (Know Your Client) process, the team carefully studied and dissected our personalities to ensure that the wedding motif or theme would completely encapsulate who we are as a couple. With our tranquil personality, it was fitting to have subdued colors as our palette. We went for neutral, nude, and soft pastels that are all present cohesively, from the venue décor, flowers to our guests' dresses."
What was your wedding's theme?
"...We envisioned a calm, warm, serene, yet classy wedding in a vintage historical setting, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. The bricks, cobblestones, old houses, and raw interiors complement the vibe's setup and the aesthetics we were eyeing for. We also steered clear of over-the-top designs to highlight the place's beauty and reflect our meek personalities. But while we opted for calm decorations, Blooms Event Styling made sure to keep the elegance by using all fresh flowers in decorating the church and the reception. We also focused on intentional details and made the program a laidback one with heartwarming speeches and scrumptious food (a six-course sit-down dinner). It was modest, unpretentious, not flashy—precisely what we wanted for our intimate wedding in our own province with just 30 guests."
How long did you prepare for this wedding?
"We started to plan early March for our big wedding. But COVID-19 happened, and hence due to uncertainties, we had to put everything on pause. We started planning for our intimate wedding in August. That time, Bataan was already placed under MGCQ."
What adjustments did you have to do?
"Under normal circumstances, our wedding would have been attended by at least a hundred guests. My brother, who is studying and residing in Sweden, would have been in the photos. But the pandemic changed all our plans, forcing us to scale down our guest list and go for a pared down festivity with masks, Antigen testing, and social distancing."
What were the challenges you encountered along the way?
"Hours before the wedding, the skies were blanketed with dark clouds. I was trembling with fear then. The venue asked my sister (Ycoy) to transfer to an indoor venue because, according to the locals, the clouds in the mountain were a sure signal that it would definitely rain. But with her faith and experience, she never yielded. She said that the rain would just pass for an hour. With fervent prayers, the skies became bright and we enjoyed the breeze of a calm, clear night. God is truly amazing."
What were the highlights of your big day?
"The reception program still features traditions with cake cutting, toasting, dances and speeches from the matron of honor, best men, and my father. It was straightforward yet meaningful. Due to a limited number of guests comprising of our families and a few friends, we could feel the connection with them all throughout."
What were the highlights of your big day?
"It started with our dramatic entrance as we emerged from the lake while riding a boat and capped off with a beautiful same-day edit video that summarized the highlights of the day. Our families enjoyed the six-course dinner with wine while listening to our favorite songs played by the band. One of the highlights was when my dad and I had our father-daughter dance. Giving away her youngest daughter, it was a bittersweet moment for us as tears welled up and flowed. It was an evening I will never forget."
What tips can you share to brides-to-be when it comes to wedding planning?
"Marriage is an important decision you have to make. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to enter this covenant, more so amid a global crisis and pandemic. But what is vital is to acknowledge that you are not alone in this. Once you enter this chapter in your life, it is comforting to know that you have a companion to share the joy and even pains with."
Why did you decide to push through with a pandemic wedding?
"Art and I decided to push through amid the tribulations because we believe that life and marriage are not always a bed of roses. Challenges will always be there, and it is a blessing, not a hindrance, to have the test of patience and resilience now that the world is in chaos. It is a decision that we both know we will never regret for the rest of our lives—to live 'for better or worse' bravely together as early as now. My tip is to expect the worst at this time so you can prepare ahead of time. When you are prepared, you do not let your guard down, especially that the virus is still around. "On the contrary, pray and hope for the best. Wedding planning at this point may be extra challenging, but it is always the mindset that will make everything easier and more enjoyable. Lastly, find your inner core. Your wedding is 'your' wedding and not anyone else's. So it is best to reflect who you are into it as you see the real meaning of celebrations, most especially at this time."
Suppliers list
Ceremony and reception venues: Sanctuario de San Jose - Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar | Photographer and videographer: NicePrint Photography and Exige Weddings | Bridal gown: Mak Tumang | Bridal shoes: Jefferson Si | Hair and makeup artist: Gery Penaso (bride and family) / Denize Manuel (guests) | Jewelry designer: JsDiamond Jewelry | Entourage gowns: Joe San Antonio and Mak Tumang | Florist and event stylist: Blooms Event Styling | Cake maker: Chef Castillo Fuentes | Giveaways: Arts of Jumpiter and Withered Blooms
Charles and Sari in Tagaytay Highlands
Brides might call it a tragedy if their springtime wedding in Bracciano, Italy had to be postponed—indefinitely.
But for Mr. and Mrs. Tiu, all it took to ease their frustration was a reframing of the experience; their Europe-bound nuptials might not have pushed through as planned, but their shift to a more modest ceremony was a further reminder for the essence of a marriage.
Forgoing a venue, no matter how breathtaking, still leaves you with each other and the love you bring to the altar, the things that truly count in a union like this.
What we love about this wedding: As Sari is a fashion designer, she knows a good material when she sees one. Although it would've been more special if she created her own wedding gown, she just didn't have enough time for it because of the pandemic. Thankfully, she got to visit Rome at the end of February, before travel restrictions became strict; there, she went to the atelier of Antonella Rossi and immediately knew they were going to be perfect for designing her wedding gown. She couldn't go back for her fitting, however. Sari shares, "They worked seamlessly with me by sending photos of the model wearing the gown, and thankfully, making gowns is what I do for a living so I knew what to tell them, and I knew where to make the adjustments. As soon as they were done, they shipped the wedding gown to Manila, and the gown fit me like a glove." We thought it looked perfect on her too!
Charles and Sari
Charles and Sari
What were your original plans for your wedding?
Sari says, "We had actually planned for two weddings. Our original plan was to get married in Bracciano May of last year. Everything was set but the pandemic happened. At that time, in late February, Italy had the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the world, so we decided to move our wedding on the same date, to the Philippines. At that time, we did not know the gravity of the situation yet, so we planned for a wedding here."
Why did you decide to push through with a pandemic wedding?
"In March, the lockdown happened, so we had to postpone the wedding again. In June, my husband (then fiancé), decided to carry on with our wedding plans since the government had eased up on quarantine restrictions. We literally had a month to plan and prepare everything. I am quite happy that he is such a helpful and hands-on partner (during wedding planning and everyday). We had a mix of the two themes we planned for in May, but in a more minimal way."
What were the challenges you encountered along the way?
"COVID-19, time, not having all of your close friends and relatives present, and quarantine restrictions, specifically for my entourage gowns. Our workshop is located in Mandaluyong (the city in Metro Manila with the second highest infection rate), so our workshop was closed until mid-June."
What were the challenges you encountered along the way?
"There was no way we would be able to make gowns, so most of our guests just used what they had and some just got online. I just gave a color and it worked out well. At the end of the day, these things do not matter so much. We just wanted to get married and have our families and loved ones safe."
What was the best part in preparing for your wedding?
"My husband says the whole process of planning for the wedding and meeting with the suppliers to know how they can turn our vision into reality. For me, I particularly enjoy the creative process of making mood boards for the theme, styling, and all the little details. Making the content of the 'wedding kit essentials' box was fun, too."
What was the best part in preparing for your wedding?
"I also enjoyed recording the song I sang, as I was walking down the aisle. It was so meaningful because the song was mainly about offering our marriage to God. To me, nothing is more important than making Him the front, center, and back of our marriage."
What tips can you share with brides-to-be when it comes to planning a wedding?
"Organize, organize! Make a checklist of all your paper requirements before anything and follow through on that list."
What tips can you share to brides-to-be when it comes to wedding planning?
"Create your mood board and put everything you want inside, so your stylist can envision your theme better and easily turn it into reality."
What tips can you share to brides-to-be when it comes to wedding planning?
"Choose a theme, make it true to who you both are. On the day itself, some things may not go the way you want, but let it go, have fun and enjoy the moment."
Suppliers list
Ceremony and reception venued: Madre De Dios, Midlands | Hair and makeup artist: MK Qua and Aries Manal | Photographer: Pat Dy | Videographer: Jason Magbanua | Bridal designer: Antonella Rossi | Bridal shoe designer: Isabel Marant | Groom's suit maker: Dalcuore and Ambrossi Napoli from Signet | Caterer, event styling, and florist: Tagaytay Highlands | Cake maker: Sweet Solutions | Giveaways: Wedding essentials kit, Sari Lazaro atelier masks, couple's own lab tested organic disinfectant, and blue fans
Francis and Patricia in Sonya's Garden in Alfonso, Cavite
How much of love is determined by fortune pre-written in the stars, and how much of it is created by conscious, deliberate decisions people make?
It's half and half perhaps, at least according to the Parado-Puno nuptials.
As Francis Parado and and Patricia Puno's story goes, they originally set out to become husband and wife on August 8—an auspicious "8/8" date Patricia chose for its cosmic luck, and also the date they consistently celebrated their anniversary five years prior. In actuality, anniversary fell on another day in August. But as it would be, destiny had other plans for them. After months and months of planning, they only found themselves back at the drawing board and with a cancellation or two in their midst, who knew when they would finally get to say "I do?"
There was always a plan, however. August 22 went on to be their wedding date—the couple's real anniversary date, that is.
What we love about this wedding: We thought the Filipiniana elements came together exquisitely with the spectacular garden setting. The quotes written on the wooden boards, which accentuated the outdoor aisle, were lovely and inspiring touches as well. Lastly, the bride's gown stood out with its minimalism, as she was surrounded by lush greens and blooms.
Francis and Patricia
Francis and Patricia
What was your wedding's theme?
"We had no particular wedding theme since we honestly did not prepare for this wedding too much. We just booked the bare minimum suppliers and the venue, and that was it. We have my mother-in-law to thank for pushing us to choose Sonya's Garden and for setting up a rustic Filipiniana reception (she even brought some of the décor herself!) and, my mom for insisting on having the ceremony inside Sonya's proposal garden. We were initially supposed to have it outside, on the pavement, but we ended up getting married amid beautiful plants and flowers," Patricia describes.
How long did you prepare for this wedding?
"Roughly one month. Since we decided to push through with an intimate wedding around the last week of June initially for an August 8 wedding which ended up being an August 22 wedding because of the two-week MECQ from August 4 to 18."
What were your original plans for your wedding?
"We initially planned to get married in Baguio on May 10, 2020. We'd already booked the venue, coordinator, photographer, videographer, hair and makeup, and done food tasting, had entourage dresses made. I was just waiting for the final fitting of my gown. We were set to have our first pre-marriage seminar session at church on March 14, 2020 but the whole world got shaken by COVID-19 and the government announced that they will be imposing ECQ on March 16. But well, it wasn't so disheartening then since we were still two months away and we did have a lot more preparing left to do," Patricia narrates.
What were your original plans for your wedding?
"The two months of ECQ passed and it was evident that COVID would not be gone anytime soon. We sent out notices of postponement on April 14 with hopes of pushing through with the wedding in September or October 2020."
Why did you decide to push through with a pandemic wedding?
"Being an LDR couple (I live in Cainta and Francis lives in Bulacan), weeks and months of waiting eventually got grueling. We just wanted to be together already. Besides, no one knows until when the pandemic is going to last. It can still be a year or two and we just couldn't wait any longer. So around last week of June, we decided to push through with an intimate wedding albeit still hoping to have our bigger Baguio wedding when the situation permits it. We decided to get married on August 8, 2020 which is our 6th anniversary."
What were the challenges you encountered while planning the wedding?
"But it doesn't stop there! Four days before our set date, government declared NCR and nearby provinces [back] to MECQ. This time my heart sank because we were so close and everything was all set. We decided to wait and get married as soon as MECQ was lifted."
What's the story behind your wedding date?
"Since 2015, we have been celebrating our anniversary on August 8. But what others do not know is that it was a predetermined date I chose because it sounds nice and auspicious! Our real anniversary, when we officially became boyfriend and girlfriend, is actually August 22 - which is when our wedding eventually pushed through."
What were the unique or special design elements in your wedding?
"Perhaps the most unique I can think of is our garden ceremony inside a legit garden full of plants and flowers. It was really beautiful and magical and required little styling. Also, the venue ended up conducive to social distancing because the chairs were placed with substantial spaces in between. A special design element also would be the tree stumps with our names that were prepared and brought by my mother-in-law herself. She was really very hands-on and I'm so thankful for her."
What were the highlights of your big day?
"[I'm] not sure if this is a cliche answer but truly the highlight of my wedding day was getting married to the love of my life. From the moment I woke up, had breakfast, during preps and prenup shoots, even more when I was getting tired from taking photos and videos, I was just looking forward to getting married to Francis," Patricia says. As for Francis? He says it was "seeing my bride."
Suppliers list
Ceremony and reception venue: Sonya's Garden | Photographer and videographer: NicePrint Photo | Bridal gown: Dandy Temporosa | Bridal robe: Geoffrey Zordilla | Bridal shoes: Doreen Odvina | Jewelry: Michelle Jewelry | Hair and makeup: Hair and makeup artist: Roniel De Luna | Groom’s outfit: Rabaca Gowns and Barongs | Florist: Gudz Hernandez | Host: DJ Sdemi Encienzo
Dennis and Kylee in Baguio Country Club
The more personal, the better.
It's a golden rule to remember for all couples planning their special days when it comes to deciding on elements of a wedding; venue, theme, giveaways, and all the other details in-between that come with their own little stories.
For Dennis Gan and Kylee Lagman—despite giving up plans of wedding in Turkey—they found themselves eyeing Baguio, where the bride's family is all based, and finally, at Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Parish, a rustic church whose construction her father led.
As for her wedding décor inspired by many of their favorite memories, much of it told the tale of when Dennis and Kylee first started talking about settling down and gearing up for forever.
What we love about this wedding: The bride's Elizabeth Hallie gown was stunning in its simplicity (check out its intricate patterns and the sexy back design. Her unconventional bridal bouquet also perfectly embodied their wedding's overall rustic theme.
Dennis and Kylee
Dennis and Kylee
What’s your wedding’s theme?
"Everything was simple and very rustic, which I think was also very in-theme with Baguio and a semi-outdoor veranda reception. I’m not girly so I didn’t choose to have a lot of flowers, unless dried, and I wanted our colors to be very muted. We had no program at the reception, just good times! As a couple, we really aren’t mushy, so Dennis and I didn’t even have a first dance or other wedding traditions. What we loved though were the continuous and heartfelt messages that our friends and family gave and kept giving throughout the night, majority from those who couldn’t make it physically," Kylee tells us.
What were your original plans for your wedding?
"We were on a trip in Turkey when we started having serious conversations about this wild idea of forever. After the trip, having fallen in love with everything from the food to hotel prices, we thought what better way to keep a wedding intimate than holding it in Turkey, in a coastal city called Ephesus, where Mama Mary lived."
Why did you decide to push through with a pandemic wedding?
"Dennis and I are Catholics and we loved that the country, despite its main religion being Islam, also had such a strong Catholic history. When the pandemic hit the Philippines in March, I was not at all worried that our October wedding would get affected. We all know how that turned out. So, on 10/10/2020 after much (much!) debate and discussion with everyone, most especially with myself, Dennis and I decided to get married in Baguio, where my family is still based. For sentimental reasons, our wedding still had hints of Turkey— from giveaways like the Evil Eye, Turkish Delight in our guests’ hotel rooms, floral prints in the invite and lanterns along the church aisle."
What were the unique or special design elements in your wedding?
"Dennis and I got married in a small church—Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Parish, the Church of St. Louis University (SLU). It was special to us because my dad was the one who constructed it and my family, including Dennis, are very close to the priests."
What were the unique or special design elements in your wedding?
"Half-laughing with happy tears in my eyes, I half-danced towards Dennis with the Medasin Remix of 'Scared to Be Lonely,' the lyrics replaced with more romantic-sounding strings. Even as the doors opened in front of me, I still couldn’t believe we were getting married."
What were the highlights of your big day?
"We had 50 guests, all tested at my 'Despedida de Swab' and before entering the church. We required all our suppliers to get tested as well. We created a safety bubble, wanting to make sure the wedding was safe, especially because my grandparents were attending. The bubble created an atmosphere of relaxation and gave us a relieving sense of normalcy at the ceremony and reception."
What were the highlights of your big day?
"This was all thanks to our ninang’s family, the Ledesmas, who are our very close friends. With God’s grace, everyone tested negative for COVID-19 and remained so even two weeks after the wedding."
What were the highlights of your big day?
"We wanted our guests to be treated really well, from the whole experience to little things like the gifts in the welcome bags, goodies in the room to giveaways at the reception. They made the trip to Baguio for us, so we really wanted them to have a good time; until now, we’ve been so grateful to our family and friends."
What were the highlights of your big day?
"In the end, we were very happy to get married where I grew up, with an intimate wedding and a big surprise in the form of the macho groom crying at the altar. That was icing on the cake! I cried for what seemed like every hour, of course. I guess we don’t express feelings as much in front of other people but marriage is marriage—it does things to you."
Suppliers list
Wedding coordinator: Chai and Co. (Chai Ramos)| Photographer: Franalca and Andreo Bongco | Videographer: Franalca | Invitations/Printers: My friend Gela Gundran | Designer bridal gown: Elizabeth Hallie Design | Hair and makeup artist: Archie Vergara | Entourage designer: Designer entourage: Asia Coronel | Cake maker: Different Basque cheesecakes from Michelle Barrera, strawberry basil cheesecakes from @kayekeyks by KK, and a multi-layer New York Cheesecake from Baguio Country Club | Gift registry: Rustans, Crate & Barrel, and Knots and Pans
Mark and Ysa in Masungi Georeserve in Tanay, Rizal
A worldwide health crisis in the background and an unyielding thunderstorm on your wedding day? It's a combination that's enough to turn most blushing brides into nervous wrecks, but not Ysa, who now happily calls herself Mrs. Magalong.
It was faith, really, that got her through the terrifying uncertainties presented to her in the weeks, and even in the hours, before she walked down the aisle. It's the same kind of faith that binds two people together for life and gets them through storm after storm, only for the sun to shine brighter and brighter each time gray gives way to blue.
And for Ysa Obcena and Mark Magalong, they'll gladly tell you that the sun has never shone brighter these days.
What we love about this wedding: Getting married on top of a mountain is a dream for many, and this couple made that dream happen on their big day. The exact spot where they said "I do" was truly picturesque. The tone and mood of their photos also perfectly complemented their rustic theme and summed up all the unforgettable, romantic moments that happened on that special day.
Mark and Ysa
Mark and Ysa
What was your wedding's theme?
Ysa Obcena envisioned her big day to feature a garden wedding with rustic vibes.
How long did you prepare for this wedding?
It took Ysa and her now-husband, Mark, three weeks to rearrange their vision and come up with new wedding plans!
How long did you prepare for this wedding?
She says, "We started July 17 and were supposed to have a civil wedding on July 31. We were ready, however, due to government guidelines, we had to reschedule several times - August 8, 23, and finally, God aligned everything for September 29."
What were your original plans for your wedding??
"Our church wedding was supposed to be last October 3, 2020. We were discussing as early as June if we were going to push through with the original date, however, since the situation got worse, we decided to postpone the bigger celebration to next year and proceed with an intimate civil wedding with our closest loved ones last year."
Why did you decide to push through with a pandemic wedding?
"We thought it was a great opportunity for us to also experience the opposite of the wedding we initially dreamed of - in a church and grand. It was indeed our dream intimate wedding - on top of the mountains with a 360-degree view of the city, mountains, and lake."
What were the unique or special design elements in your wedding?
"The scenery, our wedding’s spontaneity and simplicity. We didn't have a program. It was just really a day of love, celebration and gratefulness. And I guess that’s the beauty of intimate weddings. We got to bond and converse with our guests, and it was a beautiful experience that everyone enjoyed."
What were the highlights of your big day?
"Government guidelines in Rizal and venue restrictions (on supplier headcount, for instance), were a big challenge which caused several postponements of our civil wedding. Despite that, we patiently waited and didn’t consider changing venues. And when it was finally happening, our final wish was good weather during the ceremony."
What were the highlights of your big day?
"It started raining at noon. At 2:30p.m., it was then raining, very hard, with thunder and lightning. I was then having a pre-wedding shoot, and Mico, our photographer kept consoling me and telling me to not worry because regardless, what’s important is that we’re finally pushing through. At 3p.m., they were already asking me if we should opt for plan B, but I requested to wait until 3:30pm."
What were the highlights of your big day?
"Thankfully, we waited because God magically cleared the skies. He gave us the perfect weather to marry on the date He set for us. In the midst of the pandemic, He made us experience this celebration of love which was way beyond what we envisioned."
Suppliers list
Ceremony venue: Masungi Georeserve | Reception venue: Silayan Dining at Masungi Georeserve | Wedding coordinator: La Belle Fete | Photographer: Mayad Studios | Event stylist and caterer: K by Cunanan | Bridal gown: Jojo Macapinlac | Bridal robe: Tunica PH | Jewelry: J’s Diamond, Denovo Diamonds, and Lorenzo | Hair and makeup artist: Kristel’s Makeup | Invitations/Printers: Papillon Ph | Florist: Ginger Events Styling | Entertainment: The Manila String Machine | Giveaways: Rustan’s gift boxes | Cake maker: Audrey’s Pastry Boutique
Erick and Sheena in The Farm at San Benito, Batangas
There's beauty in geometry; almost all geometric shapes are composed of equally symmetrical parts that when placed side by side, complete a pretty whole with all its perfectly drawn curves, corners, and points.
It comes to no surprise that Erick de Leon and Sheena Pedrieta's Batangas wedding featured exactly that—a geometric, geodesic-inspired occasion—to represent the union that took place that day.
On the ground was a modern, almost magical sphere at the center of the room to symbolize a cycle completed in this chapter of this couple's relationship, while up above was a canopy of lights that borrowed starlit charm to encourage this couple to think of what now lays ahead—infinity and beyond, together.
What we love about this wedding: The thoughtful attention to detail resulted in a unique venue styling that came from the concept of fusing geometric elements with lights and marrying them with the natural aesthetic of The Farm. It was a dreamy and magical setup that gave the couple lots of beautiful photos to look back on.
Erick and Sheena
Erick and Sheena
What was your wedding's theme?
"For our wedding, La Belle Fete conceptualized a dreamy, romantic wedding with the most delicate use of geometric and geodesic elements - a modern sphere," Sheena explains. She used a quote from author Byronie Wise to guide her, too, and it goes, "In this space, we do love. In all the shapes and forms that we come in, we do love.”
How long did you prepare for this wedding?
"Three weeks! On top of the pandemic, Erick also could not return from Singapore where he is based due to travel restrictions. As a result, we did not see each other for seven months. When Erick was finally able to fly back and get out of quarantine in early October, we really buckled down and got to work. Within a span of four days, we did ocular inspections in Batangas and Tagaytay, secured the necessary documents and made the payment to our church. Beyond that, we really were blessed to have such wonderful collaborators to work with. Our coordinator, La Belle Fete, took charge of helping us get the wedding done in such a short amount of time. They supported us 24/7 and were always on top of the communications with our other suppliers."
What were your original plans for your wedding?
"We originally planned our wedding to be in Baguio in June 27, 2020. We imagined a wedding away from the city, in a relaxed atmosphere to make it feel like a vacation for everyone. In December 2019 those plans fell through, and we pivoted to have our June 27 wedding at the Grand Hyatt in BGC instead. As June 27 came and went, we played around with the idea of a civil wedding first and a church wedding later on, but this idea did not really sit well with us. We just knew that if and when we got married, we wanted to be in the presence of God and surrounded by our closest family and friends."
Why did you decide to push through with a pandemic wedding?
"What pushed us to decide to have the wedding as soon as possible was really the support from our family and friends who would always tell us over our lockdown video calls and texts that they hoped we could still have our wedding this year. It really was a blessing to have such support and gave us the courage to resume our plans. Another aspect we considered was the changing levels of the community quarantine, and since the current landscape could not guarantee a timeline of when things will really be okay, we finally decided to push through but we knew we wanted to have it as safe as we can."
Why did you decide to push through with a pandemic wedding?
"When our coordinator, La Belle Fete, mentioned in one of our Zoom meetings that The Farm at San Benito was a possible venue, everything just kind of fell into place. Through the lockdown months, The Farm at San Benito had established itself as a safe haven and we found with them a venue where it was possible to invite a few guests and ensure a safe environment for everyone. Our church, St. Therese of the Child Jesus, was suggested by one of Sheena’s matrons of honor who is a native of Lipa. Both were welcoming and accommodating to us right from the start, that we really did not look anywhere else, which was good, because at this point we had no Plan Bs!" Erick says.
How did you make sure your event was safe for everyone?
"We were also fortunate enough that most of the suppliers for our supposed June wedding made themselves available on our new date. All of them were also amenable to get rapid tested three days prior and swab tested on the day. It was the same with our guests, who made our wedding the first social event they braved through after all the lockdowns and quarantines. All of them were also agreeable to the new safety protocols of getting swab tested for the virus, which we put in place for everyone’s safety. We were very fortunate that on the day, everybody tested negative, and were also well two weeks after."
What were the unique or special design elements in your wedding?
"The unique design of our wedding was on spheres and lights. La Belle Fete helped us conceptualize a wedding where we could use shapes, angles, and structures that would mesh with the natural facets of the surroundings. Hand in hand with our event stylist, Teddy Manuel, they conceptualized the modern sphere and with meticulously crafted round structures, juxtaposed with pastels, really allowed for a unique take on The Farm. They were able to create a look and ambiance that still invited the splendor of The Farm as a holistic sanctuary, without it looking too organic."
What were the unique or special design elements in your wedding?
"In our ocular meeting with Teddy, we requested that lights be the primary ceiling treatment at the amphitheater to simply help brighten the area and what he came up with was just magical. The play of lights perfectly enveloped the abstract and dynamic textures and structures. Draped with hanging pixie lights, the tablescape also came out very dreamy and whimsical. Sheena has always had a love and admiration for stars and Teddy executed more than our vision with his wonderful creation. Teddy’s depiction of the lights were meant to translate as, 'Nothing offers a glimmer of hope than the stars,' which was apt in terms of our wedding and what is happening now due to the pandemic," Erick tells us.
What were the highlights of your big day?
"For us, the whole day was a highlight! From planning in Baguio to BGC to Batangas, we really are just thankful we had a wedding take place in 2020. As the pandemic unfolded, the thought of a conventional wedding, more so this year, was really the farthest from our minds. But if we were to pick, the highlight would be the morning of our wedding. Leading up to the day, typhoon Quinta roared over Batangas. It was an additional concern if everything would push through, as there were reports of unpassable roads and worry if it would rain on the day itself. When the morning of October 28 arrived, the weather was beautiful and it allowed us to have stunning pictures taken at The Farm. Having the sunny weather that morning was something we really prayed for, just to give us an opportunity to immortalize our day within the beautiful, natural environment we were in. And though it rained after the ceremony and during the reception, we were happy and content because we already had our chance of taking such wonderful pictures of us and our families around The Farm. It was different from the wedding we originally planned but it was the one we hoped for. It was a wedding away from the city, in a relaxed and safe environment and afforded a vacation for our guests, in a year where it was a rare luxury. After all the wedding plan changes, pandemic, travel restrictions, the wedding we were blessed with was what we prayed and hoped for."
Suppliers list
Ceremony venue: St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Lipa, Batangas | Reception venue and caterer: The Farm at San Benito | Wedding coordinator: La Belle Fete | Photographer: Foreveryday Photography | Videographer: The Spark Series | Bridal gown: Oliver Tolentino | Bridal robe: La Tercera | Bridal shoes: Jimmy Choo / Keds x Kate Spade | Hair and makeup artist: Anthea Bueno and Jay Aquino for the bride, Thea Dionisio for entourage | Groom’s outfit: Oliver Tolentino | Entourage Gowns: Merlene Marcelo | Jewelry: Tiffany & Co. | Invitations/Printers: Papillon by La Belle Fete | Florist and styling: Teddy Manuel | Host: Chico Garcia | Wedding hashtag: #SheeMarriedTheJuan
Kate and Anna in The Pulo Events Place at Silang, Cavite
When years and years have passed from today, what will we think of think of 2020? It will be a year of loss, heartache, and headache for many, but for Kate Cabalo and Anna Paras, 2020 would be nothing but 365 days of celebrating and loving, of winning and conquering—love does conquer all when you need it to the most.
This LGBTQIA+ ceremony was a beacon of light this year, showing everyone in attendance what it meant to be authentic and brave; true love gives you strength, after all, and it unites, not divides.
With their union, Kate and Anna gave us a dose of hope for better days to come, ones full of happiness, smiles and yes, rainbows, too.
What we love about this wedding: Their modern rustic, Tuscany-inspired theme immediately caught our attention, more so with its soft-on-the-eyes color scheme of blue, white, silver, and gold. The presence of their fur babies during the event was also a very cute and personal touch.
Kate and Anna
Kate and Anna
What was your wedding's theme?
Kate and Anna decided on a Tuscany-inspired ceremony. They took the Italian region's most beautiful aspects, melding them with their own personality.
What was your wedding's theme?
"[It was] modern rustic elegance. We were inspired by the elegant ambiance of Tuscany in Italy while adding modern touches that reflect our personality. We played around with blue, white, silver and gold for the flowers and décor," they describe.
How long did you prepare for this wedding?
One year was what it took to organize and coordinate this wedding.
How long did you prepare for this wedding?
"It took us a year to prepare for this wedding but since we had to move our original date from May to December, we added another six months in the planning process which was an adequate time as there were new requirements that had to be followed because of the pandemic."
What were your original plans for your wedding?
"We originally planned to have 150 guests but we had to reduce it to half because of the new requirements," say Kate and Anna.
Why did you decide to push through with a pandemic wedding?
"We pushed through with the union because we believe that love conquers all amidst the current situation. We believe that having an intimate wedding to celebrate our love, and equality will shine a bright rainbow and bring a sense of positivity to the current situation," they continue.
What were the unique or special design elements in your wedding?
"The gazebo filled with flowers and wysteria accentuated with a chandelier that was executed by ilfiore and the mirrored carpet was the special design element in the ceremony venue. The draped ceiling that was glowed by lights and fairy lights and the staircase draped in flowers were the special design elements in the reception."
What were the unique or special design elements in your wedding?
"Unfortunately, we had to use the reception area as our emergency venue for the ceremony as the rain was pouring hard that day. Our arrae, cord and the bride´s minaudiere were also one of a kind; they done in semi-precious stones and plated with 24 karat gold designed by the groom’s mother, international designer, Ms Ann Ong."
What were the highlights of your big day?
Kate says, “It was hard for me to walk down the high stairs with my 3” heels since we had to change the ceremony venue. I blacked out for a moment in the middle of the stairway," but in the end, the moments that ensued were even more beautiful. Among Anna and Kate's favorite memories from the day include the groom walking down the aisle with fur baby Athena, seeing their family and friends celebrating with them, and having the rest of their fur babies (Koosh, Adam, Hiccup, Brady, and Keisha) as part of the day "because they mean the world" to these newlyweds.
Suppliers list
Ceremony and reception venue : The Pulo Events Place at Silang, Cavite | Wedding coordinator: Empire Weddings by Agnes Odulio Photographer: ProudRad | Videographer: Notion in Motion | Caterer: K by Cunanan | Bridal gown, bridal robe, groom's outfit, and entourage gowns: Studio J by John Paras| Bridal shoes: Neil Lane Bridal Collection - Nine West | Jewelry: Ria Olonan of Joyeria trained in L'ECOLE Van Cleef & Arpels in Paris | Hair and makeup artist: Ghil Sayo and Angel Somar | Invitations/Printers: Disjointed Studio | Florist: Il Fiore Flower Boutique | Host: KA Antonio | Entertainment: Leanne and Naara | Event styling: Bong Garcia | Giveaways: Alcohol and Fan Wedding Guide | Officiator: Rev. Ceejay Agbayani, MDiv. | Wedding hashtag: #KatengpinasaraP
Eric and Reena in Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, Batangas
Indeed, distance makes the heart grow fonder.
And in the case of Eric Uy and Reena Tee, once a long distance couple, it also helped them embrace the beauty of a scaled down wedding. With so many postponements getting in the way of the day designed to finally bring them together for life, both in love and in distance, this couple came to a conclusion: Why keep waiting for the perfect time to hold a bigger, grander ceremony, when they can have one sooner, despite it being a celebration of just them with a selected few in attendance?
The bright idea was the best they'd have this year as husband and wife-to-be; in just three weeks, Eric and Reena pulled off a French countryside-inspired ceremony that wasn't "small" in any respect, but rather, overflowing and exuding the biggest kind of love there ever can be—one built to last a lifetime.
What we love about this wedding: During a time when a destination wedding seemed impossible, this couple pulled off a fairy tale-like event. We are in love with the French countryside feel of their wedding, its The Secret Garden aesthetic for the ceremony (the rustic walkway is lovely!), and the reception spot with a romantic tablescape under a canopy of fairy lights.
Eric and Reena
Eric and Reena
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What was your wedding's theme?
Reena says, "We didn’t exactly have a theme for this intimate wedding, but we wanted to have the feel of our original French countryside garden Wedding."
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How long did you prepare for this wedding?
"From the moment I landed back in Manila, we had exactly three weeks. I was lucky to have a very detail-oriented wedding planner Jenny Lim (my former colleague) and very helpful events team headed by Frances Duque at Pico Sands Hotel who helped me plan this intimate event."
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What were your original plans for your wedding?
"We originally planned to have our wedding in the South of France last September. But because of the current pandemic, we have postponed our plans to next year or when travel is safe again as most of our guests will be flying in from different countries. Eric and I were in a long-distance relationship. I was based in Hong Kong, while Eric is in Manila," Reena shares.
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Why did you decide to push through with a pandemic wedding?
"We used to fly every month back and forth to see each other. While we thought that 2020 would be the year that we could finally close that gap, it unfortunately became the year that we were separated for nine months as we could not travel to see each other. After all the postponements and disappointments we had last year, we started to ask ourselves, ‘What are we waiting for? Let’s just do it, even if it is just the two [of us].' Shortly after, I decided to pack up in Hong Kong, flew back to Manila, and had three weeks to plan this intimate wedding."
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Why did you decide to push through with a pandemic wedding?
"Being separated for that long made us realize the true meaning of marriage and having a wedding. It’s really not about how big it is (which we never really wanted in the first place), how big your entourage is or where it should be, but it’s really about ‘us' uniting together with the promise of love and marriage to each other."
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What were the challenges you encountered while planning the wedding?
"When planning this wedding, we initially started with a small guest list – just our immediate family as we didn’t want to be disappointed again just in case restrictions come back again. We didn’t have an entourage anymore, just us, our families and our godparents. It was only later on closer to the day that we decided to add more, but we made sure that it was still under 30 guests. We also made certain that everyone was tested before the event including suppliers so we could all enjoy the day."
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What were the unique or special design elements in your wedding?
"We’ve always wanted a European courtyard wedding under a canopy of fairy lights. On top of that I’ve always envisioned my wedding to be the beautiful garden setting on one of my favorite [pieces of] classic English literature, 'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett."
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What were the unique or special design elements in your wedding?
"Pico de Loro has this beautiful wide open garden area by the beach which was a perfect backdrop for this type of set up. We loved how Gideon turned the area into a gorgeous secret garden with white and pink fauna growing from the main tree as our center point and the rustic autumnal walkway. The reception was equally stunning with an elegant tablescape donning soft feminine flowers and a mesmerizing ceiling of string lights. It was perfect and everything we wanted."
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What were the highlights of your big day?
"When we arrived in Pico a day before the wedding, it was raining intermittently throughout the day. We were hoping that it would stop the next day, but it did not. Just 15 minutes before the ceremony, there was a downpour and then it stopped. Right when Eric was about to walk at the ceremony, it started to drizzle again, but then it stopped when I was about to march down the aisle. We all had a whirlwind of nervousness about the weather during the ceremony, but there was not a single drop afterward. We all prayed very hard! On top of that, after the ceremony, we were blessed with the most stunning sunset. What was the highlight? That it finally happened, no more postponements! In the end, it turned out to be a beautiful day celebrated with our close families and friend. We couldn’t ask for more!"
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Suppliers list
Ceremony and reception venue: Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club | Wedding coordinator: Jenny Lim | Photographer: Randolf Evan | Videographer: Jason Magbanua | Caterer: Pico Sands Hotel | Bridal gown: Ines di Santo from Trinity Bridal Hong Kong | Bridal robe: Hannah Kong | Bridal shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Jewelry designer: Bee’s Diamond Hong Kong | Hair and makeup artist: Mark Qua and Aries Manal | Groom’s outfit: Bespoke Tuxedo from Rashmi Custom Tailor Hong Kong | Groom's shoes: Sapatero Manila | Invitations/Printers: Ink Scribbler | Florist and event styling: Gideon Hermosa | Host: JC Alelis | Entertainment: Da Capo | Cake maker: The Delightful Miss Joyce | Wedding hashtag: #EricGetsRitz | Officiator: Msgr. Bong Esteban Lo
JM and Dianne in Antonio's The Cabana, Tagaytay
It was, quite literally, a COVID happily ever after.
JM Joaquino and Dianne Reyes are both doctors. They completed med school and soon after began their careers, and in 2020, found themselves at the front lines of what would be the century's worst global health crisis, both contracting the deadly disease while in service.
But there was no way that they were going to take a step back and allow a force—not even one as terrible and as powerful as a pandemic—that wasn't their love for each other tell them "No." They were engaged in July last year, and they were to be wed in the same year. 2020 to them would not be a year of sickness and exhaustion, but one of triumph, romance, and love always enduring.
It was almost a now or never year for Mr. and Mrs. Joaquino and with rings on their fingers, smiles on their faces, and a gentle warmth in their hearts, it was clear that choosing "now" was the best decision they'd ever made for themselves.
What we love about this wedding: Antonio's Tagaytay has become a venue of choice for countless weddings, but it still manages to have a different look every time, depending on the couple's personality. For this wedding, we love the simple approach to the styling that achieved a classy outdoor garden feel with the hanging lights and greens. The bride's gown was RTW, but it fit her perfectly.
JM and Dianne
JM and Dianne
What was your wedding's theme?
"We chose a simple but classy theme of just white and greens with a semi-outdoor ambiance, added hanging lights for a whimsical feel," Dianne says.
How long did you prepare for this wedding?
"We got engaged July 2020. It only took us four months to prepare and finalize everything."
Why did you decide to push through with a pandemic wedding?
"As doctors (the bride, an anesthesiologist; the groom, a surgeon) at the frontline, we did experience the worst of COVID-19," explains Dianne.
Why did you decide to push through with a pandemic wedding?
"Having been infected by the disease while we were in service, we thought, we may have no clue of what's going to happen next, but we shouldn't let COVID dictate our year and our life. We waited long enough for our wedding day as we spent most of our years studying as doctors. We do not want to waste another year apart just because of COVID. I knew right after our training as doctors, 2020 was going to be our time, our year, and no virus could stop us!"
Why did you decide to push through with a pandemic wedding?
"I personally wanted an intimate wedding. As we see couples beating the worst of 2020 and seeing them succeed, it gave us the motivation and inspiration to push through with a pandemic wedding. Looking back, it was the wedding I've always dreamed of - with only our closest family and friends."
What were the unique or special design elements in your wedding?
"I think our wedding was unique as it was basic, simple, and classy. We focused on what was essential, nothing extravagant."
What were the unique or special design elements in your wedding?
"But to be specific, I think The Cabana's transformation into a classy semi-outdoor feel gave our wedding the best ambiance we could ever imagine. The hanging lights gave it a whimsical feel while the Cabana designed with classy greens gave it a 'Godfather' wedding vibe."
What were the highlights of your big day?
"Antonio's restaurant, the food and ambiance - our only non-negotiable wedding supplier. We have been dreaming of having our reception here ever since our first few dates as a couple. Our vows. Our family. Our entrance - surrounded by the people we love the most, holding sparklers to light up our way. Our first dance (We practiced almost every night following choreography we found on YouTube). Heartfelt speeches from our best man and matron of honor."
Suppliers list
Ceremony venue: Chapel on the Hill, Batangas | Reception venue: Antonio's Restaurant - The Cabana | Wedding coordinator: Kiss the Girl | Photographer and videographer: NicePrint Photo
Suppliers list
Wedding dress: White Label RTW | Bridal shoes: Staccato | Hair and makeup: Mhoy Vistan | Groom’s outfit: Exclusively His Tailoring | Entourage Gowns: Zoo Label | Florist and styling: Il-Fiore | Cake maker: Cake Studio | Giveaways: Shawl for ladies, Abel blankets and pillow case for principal sponsors, personalized shot glasses for men | Wedding hashtag: #MarytheMarquis
Mark and Camille in Ica Sebastian's Cafe Voila in Tagaytay
Mark Peckson and Camille Andrada became husband and wife this year—and a mom and dad, too!
Cheers to this couple who not only announced the lovely news on their big day, but took the chance to reveal that they were expecting a baby boy to their nearest and dearest present in the intimate occasion.
Drawing on their creativity to interlace charm and efficiency to create what would be one of their their lives' most memorable afternoons, Mark and Camille managed to make 2020 a year worth remembering for all time.
What we love about this wedding: We can't get enough of how simply beautiful this wedding was with its muted color palette. The bride looked extra radiant, too, in her strapless Mich Araullo wedding gown.
Mark and Camille
Mark and Camille
What was your wedding’s theme?
"To be honest, our theme became more of an eclectic one as we put together a look and feel of what was available during the lockdowns. In the end what was important for us was to have a simple intimate wedding with immediate family and a few close friends."
How long did you plan for your wedding?
"It took us just three months to put everything together. My mother, Marilen Peckson, and my sister, Kristen Fiedler, are both interior designers by trade and they helped us create a beautiful intimate wedding in only a few weeks," Mark explains.
What were your original plans for your wedding?
"There were no original plans. 2020 was just really full of surprises and we made the most of every blessing that came our way," Mark shares. "We needed to work smarter not harder so to speak."
What were the unique or special design elements in your wedding?
"We had our close friend, Mich Araullo, design Camille’s dress and chose Ica Sebastian’s Cafe Voila as the venue for our intimate reception because its colorful eclectic interiors didn’t need much extra décor for it to look beautiful."
What were the highlights of your big day?
"We decided to have our gender reveal of our baby at the reception. It was a beautiful way to find out we were having a baby boy."
Suppliers list
Ceremony venue: Sacred Heart Parish, Alabang | Reception venue: Cafe Voila, Tagaytay | Wedding coordinator: Glennis Zagala of GCZ Events Management | Photographer: ProudRad and Laurence Perfecto | Videographer: Paradox Films | Bridal gown: Mich Araullo | Groom’s outfit: Bergamo | Jewelry: appy Marnique of Radiant Jewelry and Lucce | Hair and makeup: Nikki Betos and Gelo Cibrian | Invitations/Printers: Online invitations from Paperlesspost.com | Florist: Ica Sebastian of Cafe Voila | Host: Mark Araullo | Giveaways: Cookies by Nina Reyes | Cake maker: Marian Dimacali of Mary Grace Cafe
Keep scrolling for more photos of this Tagaytay wedding.
Lead photos by NicePrint Photo (Art and Ish), Randolf Evan (Eric and Reena), Mayad Studios (Mark and Ysa), and Pat Dy (Charles and Sari)
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