How do I start telling our wedding day story? I guess I’ll begin with the planning and how everything led to our special day.

We got engaged in June 2023, but it wasn’t until November and December that we started booking suppliers, knowing prices would rise in the new year. Most of the wedding planning began in January. We chose April 7, 2024 as our wedding date because Asis’s nephew mentioned that the number 7 is lucky. Although we considered several locations, Antipolo was the most convenient. I was grateful that finding the venue was easy. Flor’s Garden was the first place we visited, and I instantly knew it was the one. Asis felt the same.

At first, we thought about having an intimate wedding or even a civil ceremony, but after comparing packages for a small gathering versus one for a hundred guests, the price difference was minimal. So, we decided to book a catering service for a larger number of guests. We had a budget, and while we went over it, I’m glad our expenses didn’t reach half a million. After all, we only get married once, so why not plan it the way we wanted? Money can always be earned again.

We had many discussions and moments of contemplation before finalizing our choices. We went for an all-in package that covered accommodation, catering, basic lighting and sound setup, a host, an on-the-day coordinator, hair and makeup, and photo and video (including a same-day edit). With these major suppliers included, we didn’t have to worry about sourcing them individually. Although we hadn’t done extensive research on these suppliers, we decided to trust them.

We upgraded some of the packages to better suit our needs. I spent countless sleepless nights browsing options, but I was lucky to book fantastic suppliers. Some even provided amazing freebies, like a mobile coffee bar with an Instax station, a live stamping giveaway with a letter mail station, a self-serve beer station, a trio band, and a roving photobooth.

When it came to the suit and gown, I checked out ready-to-wear options with the help of Asis, Madchen, and Patti. It was stressful, and none of the gowns felt right. I looked more like a sacrificial offering than a bride! But when I tried on a white suit from SM Department Store, I instantly knew it was the one. We also decided to skip many traditional wedding rituals, and Asis felt the same. We weren’t a conventional couple. There were no bridesmaids or groomsmen, no matching gowns or suits. Instead, we asked our guests to wear smart casual attire in dusty pastel shades.

While planning could be stressful at times, it was a mostly smooth experience. Though I felt calm about the process, my body disagreed. I had a psoriasis flare-up that even reached my face! I suppose it wanted its moment on my special day.

Fast forward to the wedding day, it was nerve-wracking but exciting. We started preparations early, knowing it would be a long day, but time flew by so fast. It’s true what they say: time passes quickly when you’re having fun, and we truly enjoyed every moment. The day was filled with happy tears and love. Although I can’t speak for the guests, many said the wedding was beautiful and heartfelt, just as we hoped—a genuine celebration with our loved ones. We wished everyone we cared about could join, but sometimes things don’t go as planned.

Of course, there were mishaps and unexpected moments that still frustrate me, but I understand that not everything goes perfectly. I’m incredibly grateful to the suppliers who made everything run smoothly. The same-day edit and the photos turned out exactly as we wanted—candid and natural! We had no specific expectations, just a hope for a seamless day, and they exceeded our hopes. It was all truly beautiful.

P.S. I am now married! I am officially Mrs. Carpio. ♡

P.P.S. Now preparing for trips to all the government offices to update my marital status and surname on my IDs.