After years in a long distance relationship, this couple was finally ready to get married, only to have a volcano eruption scare and the Covid-19 pandemic derail their wedding plans! Their persistence paid off at last – in an intimate gathering of just 42 people, they exchanged vows and were pronounced husband and wife. And despite their ever-changing plans, they still managed to have the wedding of their dreams. Many thanks to ProudRad for capturing this impeccably beautiful wedding, planned by Sweetdays by Chloe Pablico!
Aloiza: “While this might sound cliché, every moment of our wedding day was memorable, for it was everything we hoped for and more.
“Our love story, which started back in high school, was tested by time and thousands of miles between us. After college, Alden Pio followed his family to Italy. I, on the other hand, pursued medical school here in the Philippines. We spent 12 years apart, and despite the distance and our busy schedules, we made sure to see each other once a year. When our wedding finally happened, 19 years in the making, we cherished every instant.
“The most significant moment for me was when I finally walked down the aisle, wearing my beautiful gown by Julianne Syjuco and surrounded by tall Alocasia plants, white flowers, and lots of green candle ornaments. It felt like I was walking through a whimsical forest to marry the love of my life.
“We had three major wedding plan changes due to the Taal Volcano eruption scare and the Covid-19 pandemic. But even though we had barely two months to prepare for this venue, I was happy with how everything turned out. I had always dreamt of a whimsical wedding, and our wedding stylist, Sir Julius Aquino, understood my vision and executed it perfectly. To highlight the whimsical theme, I chose emerald green, gold and white to be the main colours, with little pops of mauve and maroon throughout.
“For our wedding favours, we gave away personalised scented alcohols, sanitisers and mint canisters in sets. We also gave our primary sponsors chocolates and red wine. It has been a trying season preparing and waiting for God’s perfect timing for our wedding. When it finally happened, it was more meaningful and simply magical.”
Tips from the bride: “The best advice I can give is to trust God’s plan. Do not be consumed by pressure, anxiety and worry. When the time is right, the Lord will make your much awaited wedding happen, and the only thing you need to do is be grateful and enjoy the entire day.”
ALOIZA & ALDEN {Philippines}
Photography by ProudRad / Videography by Forevermine Wedding Films / Wedding Planning by Sweetdays ByChloe / Venue Vitalis Villas, Santiago, Ilocos Sur / Number of Guests 42 / Wedding Gown by Atelier Julianne Syjuco / Bridal Robe by Zaya Hof / Hair and Makeup by CJ Jimenez / Wedding Jewellery by Christopher Munar / Groom’s Attire by Suit it Up Manila / Bridesmaids’ Dresses by Olivia Grace / Flowers and Décor by Julius Aquino Event Styling / Wedding Cake by Laura Glorina Maria Abaya / Wedding Favours by Dreality Souvenirs, The Table Spread Co. / Entertainment Seasons Music Ensemble / Sound and Lights by All Access Audio And Lights Specialist / Animation by Animateph / Fireworks by Dragon Fireworks / Wedding Host Angelica Hadloc
{Read more about this in the magazine}