Aids and Steph: A Classy and Elegant Wedding
for College Sweethearts
What a way to start this blog—featuring the nuptials of Aids and Steph, two very special people who are close to my heart. You see, Steph used to work with Bespoke Manila and during our preparations for wedding projects, we had discussed countless times the topic of marriage, especially her tying the knot eventually. She was the type who wasn’t agog at the idea of her getting married (or, at least, of acting the part of the bride) any time soon. Thus, I was happy when Aids finally proposed to her, and even happier (and surprised, as well) that I was asked to be one of the principal sponsors for their wedding.
The modern and luxurious wedding stationery featured a minimalist design highlighted by a drawing of the reception venue. Printed on handmade cotton paper with torn edges, the invitation encapsulated the couple’s descriptive vision of their wedding—classy and elegant.
When Steph finished dressing, her female entourage huddled up for the “reveal.” These girls were equally lovely and sophisticated in their flowy gowns in various colors created by Gretchen Pichay. Needless to say, they were likewise excited to see Steph in her bridal ensemble for the first time. Then, they had their group photos taken.
Ready to step inside a secret garden? The sheer beauty of the wedding venue, designed by Royal Flower Shoppe, was captivating, to put it mildly. A vast garden of green grass and big trees was transformed into a fairy tale world. The sight was awe-inspiring as much as it was refreshing and homey. Bundles of small white flowers placed in wooden boxes were lined up leading to a backdrop where crystal chandeliers were hung at various heights. Gray chairs complemented the scenery.
Both gourmets, Steph and Aids personally chose the food served during their wedding. The guests were treated to a banquet of delectable dishes which they plated up at the burrata pugliese salad bar, the baked Hokkaido oyster bar (oysters with spinach, mornay sauce, and three kinds of grated cheese), and at the seafood fry bar that offered appetizing popcorn shrimps, blackened calamari, crispy soft-shelled crab, and sole fish). Added to the spread was Bizu’s famous 10-hour roasted US Angus beef belly with caramelized onions, horseradish cream, and wild mushroom gravy.
Witnessing the proceedings firsthand and poring over the numerous beautiful photos much later, I felt that the ceremony and dinner reception were everything that Aids and Steph could have imagined their wedding to be. Doubtless, the setting allowed them to breathe deeply and freely and be at the present physically and spiritually—for that special moment in their lives.
Congratulations to you both! Nongnang loves you.
Ceremony and Reception Venue:
Pintoresco
Photographer:
Toto Villaruel
Wedding Gown:
Veluz Puno-Reyes
Make-up:
Precious Medina-Antunez
Bouquets and Event Styling:
Royal Flower Shoppe
Entourage Gowns:
Gretchen Pichay
Food:
Bizu Catering
Tents:
Tent King
Lights and Sounds:
JS Mina