Both Anton and Steph come from large, rambunctious, loud, and loving families. With over 45 first cousins each, they both grew up with built-in barkadas and best friends and an army of relatives who are there for every major event of their lives. They are also the eldest in their respective families who are expected to get married first and whose consciousness of living revolves around the idea that they are part of a huge collective of siblings, parents, uncles, aunts and cousins. This is really a clan, which naturally should be taken into account when planning a wedding. In their five years of dating, the couple have also made new friends who now feel like family. Thus, another concern was the inclusion in the guest list of special people and making certain that they were in for a good time.
Weddings
Anton & Stephanie
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel and Montecito Clubhouse
How does one break down years of consaguineous or socially cordial relationships into a manageable head count? The process was really tough, especially since the venue had a cap on the number of guests. Nonetheless, the couple simply had no choice but to ensure that people who mattered were accommodated.They wanted to throw a big party which truly reflected who they really are. In retrospect, the event was devoid of drama and trivia precisely because the couple know each other intimately, and their guests know them equally well— no pretenses, no performing, and no fantasies. “It was all about sharing ‘us’ with everyone we loved,” said Steph. Hence, their decisions were informed by this simple intention.
When the wedding day came, arm in arm with her dad, Steph marched down the aisle and caught a glimpse of her family, relatives, friends, and other well-wishers. Then, there was Anton. All she did that entire time was to smile and be happy.
She could recall the small details in a somewhat gauzy way like she was looking through a soft-focus lens. She remembered telling herself that she needed to be “present and in the moment,” but at the end, everything flew by in a blur of dancing, crying, laughing, love, and sangria.
All in all, the newlyweds enjoyed their nuptials because Steph entrusted all the planning and execution to Ernest and his team who impeccably took care of the nitty-gritty. Obviously, the latter understood what details meant the most and how important their guests were to the couple.
The couple looked back at the experience not necessarily in terms of motif or flower choice, but for the ability of event’s team to have brought together those nearest and dearest to them for a great night of celebrating. The wedding rites and reception symbolized the union of two families and two love narratives into one perfect prologue with which the newlyweds could start their life together.
Invitations:
GA Printing
Videography:
Red Sheep
Photography:
Jaja Samaniego
Make-up:
Mickey See
Flowers for the Bouquets:
Jacq’s Florals
Flowers for the Church + Reception:
Gina Galang of Royal Flower Shoppe
Designer for the Bridal Gown:
Pronovias
Designer for the Entourage:
Rajo Laurel
Food for the Reception:
Kai Catering
Cake:
Delightful Ms. Joyce
Tents:
Tentworld