“I pray that with His grace, we will be together ‘til we’re old and grey, in our rocking chairs, with me sipping my tea and you with your hot chocolate, while our 20 grandkids and 10 dogs play in the garden.”

These may be a part of the flirty conversations they had in 2011, but this time around, it was real. It was a promise made in front of the most special people in Paolo and Gela’s lives. More importantly, it was a promise made in front of the eyes of God.

Gone are the days that couples aspire for their wedding to be straight out from a storybook. Paolo and Gela moved away from the norms and made their own fairytale. The wedding that they had was full of references with TV series and romantic comedy shows such as The OC and FRIENDS. What kind of TV series buffs would they be if they wouldn’t incorporate it to their wedding? Thus, a unique wedding that’s sprinkled with the personal favorites of the couple was made. That’s how Paolo and Gela made their wedding perfect.

It wasn’t my first time shooting in Tagaytay. At the same time, it wasn’t my first time shooting Paolo and Gela. Our relationship have gone a long way back when I shot some of their family events and their proposal. My team and I knew what we were about to face in terms of the weather and lighting. Silang, Cavite will always be a perfect place for a wedding. Add the fact that they picked a picturesque place at Farm Hills Garden; I must say that it’s a photographer’s dream for a wedding. There’s really not much to be altered in this place. Every angle and corner of the venue are suitable for the wedding photos that I was about to shoot.

After six years of courtship and dating, Paolo proposed when the couple was on a Ferris wheel ride. The whole idea may be taken from “The OC”, but the feelings were theirs.

The wedding was stylish, simple, and truly feels like the inspiration was drawn from the movies. This was exactly how Paolo and Gela envisioned their wedding to be. It was nearly perfect, but it was God’s grace that made every detail spotless.

Gela graced the wedding aisle in her Vee Tan ’90s inspired one-shoulder silk dress while Paolo wore a three-piece brown Felipe & Sons suit for the wedding ceremony. The whole wedding was a delightful palette of dark blue, brown, white, gray, and copper — neutral tones for a simple yet special wedding.

Of course, what would their celebration be without the movie and series references they have added to it? Here are some of the unique things they did:

1. The playlist that was playing all through the reception was romcom inspired.

2. The guests were also asked to take photos of the wedding, an idea that came from the FRIENDS TV show.

3. The event’s same-day-edit video was a romcom trailer made by Hello & Co. Cinema.

4. Paolo, being the graphic designer that he is, designed their wedding’s movie poster.

With the beautiful images taken that day, it can be guaranteed that they won’t ever forget this special day in their life. My team and I are waiting for the time that this couple is on their rocking chairs, surrounded by their grandkids and children. That is something that I cannot wait to shoot in the future with Paolo and Gela.

Photography – Ram Marcelo
Videography – Hello & Co. Cinema
Coordinator – Love Mika
Venue – Farm Hills Gardens
Caterer & Stylist – Passion Cooks
Acyrlic Signs – Everything Acrylic
Copper Stands & Neon Sign – Paco Pili
Invitations – Print Cafe
Band – Infinite Soul Acoustic
Bride’s Attires – Vee Tan
Groom’s Attires – Felipe & Sons, Estilo de Leo
Extra Cocktails – Auntie Anne’s, The Homeground PH
Hair & Makeup (Bride) and Grooming (Groom) – Julie Profugo
Hair & Makeup (Bridesmaids) – Brylle Ramirez
Photbooth – Wattyshots & James Lao
Mobile Bar – Masters Mobile Bar
Flowers – Amelia Blossoms
Rings – RM Castillo Jewelry