Jessica Mae and Joshua Rae culminated their love in a modern and elegant garden wedding in Fort Ilocandia in the Philippines.
The couple’s sweet story began when they were schoolmates studying architecture.
Jessica shares, “I needed to borrow a book from Joshua, and in return, I gave him my number. I gave a random number not intending to create a connection, but Joshua confronted me when he couldn’t reach me.”
This time around, Jessica decided to give him the right number and they’ve been inseparable ever since! A little over 8 years later, they decided to get married over a simple conversation about their love, commitment, and excitement for their future together.
Looking back on their engagement story, Jessica smiles: “I wouldn’t have it any other way— ‘Forget the fancy proposal. Let’s just get married.’ It’s less regarding the proposal and more about the commitment and making sure to spend this life together.”
They wed on August 26th, 2023, at Fort Ilocandia Resort And Hotel, Laoag, in the northern province of the Philippines.
Florist and decor designer, Ava’s Cakes and Events, reveals, “August is rainy season here in the northern part of the Philippines. A raging typhoon was imminent but a window was granted to Jessica and Joshua.”
Flourishing in their sunny good fortune, Jessica embraced her natural beauty without makeup and basked in her almost floor-length tresses to honor her religion which does not allow her to wear makeup or cut her hair.
See all the beautiful details from their wedding in Fort Ilocandia below!
- Couple: Jessica Mae Paulino and Joshua Rae Alegar
- Occupations: Architects
- Wedding date: August 26, 2023
- Wedding location: Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Quick Facts:
- What gifts did you give to your bridesmaids and groomsmen: Personalized and curated beauty essentials for bridesmaids and personalized leather key wallet and sunglasses for the groomsmen.
- Gifts for one another: D&G Light blue perfume for the bride, Seiko Prospex Panda watch for the groom
- Ceremony entrance song: TAN TANANAN by Davey Langit
- First dance song: OPM Love Song Medley sang by Samiweng Singers
How did you meet?
We were schoolmates in architecture. I needed to borrow a book from Joshua, and in return, I gave him my number. I gave a random number not intending to create a connection, but Joshua confronted me when he couldn’t reach me. The rest was history.
Tell us about the proposal.
He kept asking me to tie the knot with him after we graduated from college. To be honest, I wasn’t ready. I had some personal goals I wanted to achieve before getting married.
We’d been together for just over 8 years, and we were starting to seriously address getting married a few months before over lunch on February 24th, his birthday. We had a series of exchanges about our love and devotion to one other, and we’re thrilled to take the next step. We both suddenly agreed to get married.
Although we still laugh about our engagement story, I’m somewhat envious of other people’s carefully planned marriage proposals. But in our case, I wouldn’t have it any other way— ‘Forget the fancy proposal. Let’s just get married.’ It’s less regarding the proposal and more about the commitment and making sure to spend this life together.
Then he immediately informed his mom that I had finally said yes!… So, after a couple of weeks, they arranged a date for the “pamamanhikan”—as difficult to say as it is to go through, it is 100% worth it.
The pamamanhikan is a Filipino norm. It is often followed by a marriage proposal. Although you consider yourself a modern bride, I would recommend this to any engaged woman.
Describe your wedding style and attire.
Our wedding style was modern and classic. I wore a customized classic serpentina-style bridal gown. Josh wore a white sleek fitted suit.
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?
It’s exhausting to have an endless to-do list, send emails to vendors, and handle queries and views. We make certain that we have an equal input in planning and decision-making. Hiring outstanding planners, coordinators, and suppliers can help ease some of the load. The suppliers recommended were all exceptional. Everything was perfect: the setting, the ambiance, the cuisine, the live music. It was a pleasure to work with such a professional and welcoming crew!
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
My religion didn’t allow me to have my hair cut and be in makeup. So I basked in my almost floor-length hair and was a bare-faced bride to meet Joshua at the altar.
The ceremony…
The reception…
The details…
What is your best memory from your wedding?
On our wedding day, there were many unforgettable moments, but one of my favorites was putting on my wedding gown. There is nothing more precious than putting on your wedding gown on your wedding day. A lot happened at our wedding, and taking a moment to appreciate all of our loved ones who traveled all the way to celebrate our wedding was fantastic. Kudos also to our “dream team” for their assistance. We have not been able to stop talking about our wedding. We had so much fun and felt so much love.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Every moment should be celebrated, whilst you should be willing to compromise. ENJOY THE BUTTERFLIES!
Looking for more inspiration like this garden-inspired wedding in Fort Ilocandia?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Wedding Coordinator for Church Ceremony: Belladita Events
- Floral and Event Designer: Kit and Ace Mandac of Ava’s Cakes and Events
- Hair and Makeup Artist: Mara Manuel Makeup Artistry
- Hair and MUA for Entourage: Rommel Corpuz Cagaoan
- Host: Ancher Cua / Applause N’ Cheers by Ancher Cua, Event Host
- Event Styling & Cake: Ava’s Cakes and Events
- Catering: Bistro Candon Resto & Catering by Chef Peter Nic Rodriguez
- Photo: Pop Manuel Studios
- Video: Red Paper Creatives
- Light & Sound: Avalanche Mixx Lights and Sounds
- Laoag City Trusses & Led wall: Gaoiran AudioMix
- Couture: Leonora Couture by Allen Ceniza Repana | Alexis Montano | Ramelb Estabillo Juan
- Entertainment: Samiweng Singers
- Photobooth: Purple.pixel fotobooth
- Invitation and GIF: The Fairy Dust Maker
- Souvenir: Nina Leather Ph
- Preparation Area: Fort Ilocandia Resort And Hotel, Laoag, Ilocos Norte
- Bridal Gown: Alexis Pasion Montano
- Hair and Makeup Artist: Mara Salvador Manuel
- Venues: Fort Ilocandia Resort And Hotel, Laoag, Ilocos Norte | Plaza Del Norte Hotel and Convention Center, Laoag City
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