A decade after they began secretly dating, Marck and Lovely celebrated their union with an elegant garden wedding at the stunning San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Philippines.
Like many young couples, Marck and Lovely first connected over social media in 2012. After exchanging a few friendly messages, it was clear that their relationship was meant to be something more. There was just one problem: Lovely’s family had forbidden her from dating so she could focus on her goal of becoming a physician.
Marck and Lovely began to see each other in secret, but word eventually spread about their budding relationship. Marck took the roadblock in stride, paying a visit to Lovely’s parents to formally introduce himself. Luckily, the trip was a success and Marck won over his future in-laws. “That was the first time he left an indelible mark on my heart,” Lovely says.
In February of 2023, Marck popped the question during a romantic proposal on the couple’s rooftop.
Careful to keep his plans hidden from Lovely, Marck timed the proposal to the sunset and surprised his future bride with a violin player, creating an unforgettable start to the next chapter of their relationship.
The couple tied the knot on January 18, 2024, in an elegant affair at the San Agustin Church in the Philippines. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the country’s oldest stone church, San Agustin provided a picture-perfect backdrop for the couple’s ceremony and reception.
The day began with the bride and groom getting each other’s initials tattooed on their ring fingers and ended with joyous dancing at a beautiful garden reception. Illuminated by opulent chandeliers and a tunnel of lights, the reception served as the perfect closing to the couple’s idyllic day.
Learn more about the couple’s love story and their elegant wedding celebrations below.
- Couple: Marck Angelo B. Arcaperlas & Lovely A. Bolo
- Occupations: Marck – Entrepreneur, Lovely – Physician
- Wedding date: January 18, 2024
- Wedding location: San Agustin Church (Paoay Church) and Garden, Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Quick Facts:
- Gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen: Personalized Abaka bags, perfume, and shades for the bridesmaids. Corduroy short pants, cologne, and shades for the groomsmen.
- Gifts for one another: Gold bracelet for the groom and a Gold necklace with their initials (LM) as a pendant for the bride.
- Ceremony entrance song: “It’s You”
- First dance song: “Lover”
How did you meet?
Our love story started with a simple glance over a photo shared on Facebook. The significant picture held the power that moved him to pursue me. Friendly messages flooded my inbox, yet I ignored them. However, his persistence moved me to respond. The casual greetings progressed into expressions of care and eventually developed into love. We became more than friends in March 2012. That secret summer love, which I first thought would end on a rainy chapter, surprisingly lasted for the whole season.
Our love initially was “forbidden”. My parents and family would not allow me to enter into any relationship that could affect my studies and hinder our dream of me becoming the first doctor in the family. Our secret love story was filled with stolen moments and hidden dates in Baguio where I was studying and we could be free together.
I was an obedient daughter, but our bond was stronger than any rules. But as they say, “walang lihim na hindi nabubunyag,” (“there is no secret that is not revealed,”) we were caught eventually. I was about to give him up but without hesitation, he went to my house to meet my family and introduce himself to them without me. Through dedication and sincere effort, he overcame our first obstacle and won the approval of my skeptical parents. That was the first time he left an indelible mark on my heart.
Tell us about the proposal.
It was a surprise and well-planned proposal which happened on February 19, 2023. Marck loves surprises and always puts a lot of effort into our relationship which made me fall in love with him even more. He first did the traditional pamamanhikan: He and his family asked for my parent’s approval. Of course, he was confident that I would say yes so he kept it a secret from me. He planned the proposal with my family and friends for almost a month. It happened on our rooftop. The sunset, ambiance, décor, and scenery with a touch of violin playing made it so romantic, and of course, I said yes.
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?
It was challenging but very rewarding. It was exhausting, especially for Marck. I am a doctor by profession so I didn’t have enough time. Luckily I have the best groom and hired the best wedding team. All of our suppliers and coordinators invested their time and effort into making our dream wedding come true. Our wedding was the best wedding I have ever been to in my life and I am so proud and really thankful for my groom, the whole wedding team, the suppliers, and the host. It was truly remarkable!
Since we are a traditional Filipino couple and both are Catholic, we incorporated traditional Filipino attire at our wedding, such as Filipiniana dresses for women and Barong Tagalogs for men. My wedding dress at our ceremony was also a Filipiniana and was converted into a modern wedding dress at our reception.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
For me, everything was truly remarkable! But my favorite is when I was walking down the aisle. I was really touched that my groom was crying when he promised himself before that he would not cry during our wedding. Aside from that, I was also shocked when I saw a lot of our friends and loved ones coming from different parts of the Philippines and from abroad. I didn’t expect that there would be a lot of people who would come and attend our wedding ceremony. Here in the Philippines, most people are busy during weekdays and daytime so the guests only catch up at the wedding reception. We are very thankful to all of our guests and loved ones for taking part in our most special day as a couple. The people who attended made us feel loved and made it perfect!
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Just like our twelve-year relationship, wedding planning and preparation also has a lot of ups and downs. Communication and compromise are key components to navigating these challenges successfully.
Remember that building a strong foundation of understanding and teamwork now will not only benefit your wedding planning process but also set the stage for a strong and healthy relationship in the years to come. Keep focusing on your shared goals and dreams, and don’t hesitate to seek support from each other and loved ones along the way.
Don’t forget to enjoy and be happy on your wedding day! It is the best component in achieving your dream wedding!
Want more elegant garden wedding inspiration?
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Vendors:
- Photographer: Pop Manuel Photography
- Videographer: Red Paper Creatives
- Ceremony Venue: San Agustin Parish Church (Paoay Church)
- Reception Venue: San Agustin Parish Church Garden (Paoay Church Garden)
- Bride’s Dress/Bridesmaid Dresses: Wanda Couture by Wanda Imperio
- Groom’s Attire/Groomsmen Attire: Wanda Couture by Wanda Imperio
- Hairstylist and Makeup Artist: Angel Pascual Makeup Artistry
- Bouquets/Flowers & Decor: CHLOE’s Events, Arts and Crafts
- Event Stylist: CHLOE’s Events, Arts and Crafts
- Cake Baker: Leigh’s Cakeshop
- Catering: Olivia’s Kitchen
- Invitations & Stationery: Aster Mangabat
- Calligraphy, Painting, Tattoos: Rovel Palada Daquep
- Tattoos: Manong Vel Tattoo
- Band: Majica Band Ilocos
- Host: Ancher Cua
- Lights and Sounds: Music Match Lights and Sounds
- Bridal Car: Ilocos Bridal Car
- Wedding Coordinator: Rommel Corpuz Cagaoan and Team
- Hotel: Fort Ilocandia Resort
- Grazing Table: Curated Buffet – Ilocos
- Souvenirs: Nina Leather PH
- Photo booth and audio booth: Fotobooth Ilocos
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