DESTINED FOR ETERNITY
EMMAN AND DARLENE
HOW DID THEY MEET?
Their love story began in 2013 in an events company.
Emman was a recent BS Computer Science graduate and an aspiring artist who did some auditions for Starstruck, PBB, and Bubble Gang. Darlene was a Business Management student. They both joined an events company in Quezon City because Emman wanted to have exposure to the media industry and Darlene wanted to further enhance her skills in events and marketing. They both enjoyed doing events that fueled the start of their romantic relationship.
Bride: My most unforgettable moment of meeting him was when I was already able to talk to him after our church’s worship services. He asked me to be more active during the workshops as we have lots of things to learn. He even showed me the “Figure of 8” in front of me, a type of ramp modeling walk that made me laugh and made our first meeting unforgettable. We also talked about his need for a big pair of wings from the likes of Mulawin for his photoshoot. I felt so happy with him during that time and the rest is history.
Groom: I picked her up from the events office because we were going to a meeting. She wore a white spaghetti top and red skinny jeans. I can’t forget how beautiful she is and how her collar bones were protruding. I remember asking her to hug me inside a tricycle on a separate occasion because we had a small quarrel. “Sige nga, yakapin mo ako”, I said. I was maybe in a state of denial a lot of times but maybe I was already falling for her.
HOW DID THEY FIND LOVE IN EACH OTHER?
Bride: Emman is my first and my last boyfriend. I truly admire him for being a business-minded and responsible man. He is very intelligent and in everything he does, he does it wholeheartedly. He is also very supportive and caring and having him in my life is absolutely amazing.
Groom: Darlene is a very family-oriented and god-fearing person. She was mixing her family-first mentality despite her being a student and her side gig doing events, marketing, and modeling. I know she will take care of me and our family because that’s her trait in her immediate family. Instead of delaying building our own family by prioritizing being financially stable, I want to build everything with her together. During the last decade, I failed multiple times with my business start-ups. She never left me during my struggles so she deserves everything in the world.
THE PROPOSAL
Groom: I proposed to Darlene on January 1, 2021, and we got engaged the very first second of the new year. While she was celebrating with her family, I pulled her out and went to the condo during the last 30 minutes of 2020 because I was brewing something. I proposed to her and asked the magical question right before when the clock was about to hit midnight. She said “YES” with her teary eyes, and she can’t believe that after 8 years, it’s already happening to us tying the knot soon. The fireworks of the vicinity during the new year were our background as if they were celebrating with us.
WEDDING PLANNING
They both have experience in the events and marketing industry so finding the right suppliers was not a tedious task anymore. They prepared for their wedding for almost 9 months. They waited for the pandemic restrictions to ease down to start their wedding process. Darlene handled all the wedding preparations and she was the one who looked for and shortlisted the suppliers. Emman focused more on learning and improving their craft in their freelancing business.
They both love going to the beach so they chose to have a romantic and classic theme for their wedding. They set their prenup shoot at the beach with romantic elements. Every little detail was in place with the help of their stylist and their photo and video captured every moment perfectly. They were very impressed with the prenup setup. It was also their unforgettable experience having their photo and video session of a romantic sunset dinner set up in the middle of the sea.
Emman: I admire her for being hands-on with our wedding preparations while also working alongside me with our freelancing clients. I’m so grateful to have her in my life.
THE ENTOURAGE
Their closest friends and family members were part of their entourage. They were all the ones who have been part of the 9-year journey of their relationship. Having them on their side during their most special day makes it more memorable as they were witnessing the celebration of their love with these very special people.
THE WEDDING DAY
Groom: I specifically said to my wife before the wedding that I won’t be crying during the ceremony, and I would just enlarge my eyes as a sign of “This is it!”. That never happened. While I was waiting for her to walk down the aisle, a sudden rush of emotions surged upon me and made me teary-eyed. I won’t also forget how Bro. Rommell Topacio, our Wedding Minister, preached the words of God to guide us for our wedding ceremony. His prayers over us were such a blessing that it’s like our souls were already being linked in heaven during the ceremony.
Bride: It felt so unreal seeing him waiting for me in the aisle. I was joyfully crying inside my heart and smiling wholeheartedly at that very magical moment of my life. During the wedding preparation and reception, it’s so ecstatic and energizing seeing our family, friends, and relatives cheering and showing their wide smiles for us.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Bride: We all want the perfect wedding. Whether the wedding is intimate or extravagant, you should always plan carefully and plan ahead to make your dream wedding a reality.
We prepared for our wedding for almost a year from the concepts, venues, and up to the smallest details. I know that the process of the wedding preparation is tedious, but I want to share with whoever is planning to get married to just enjoy the wedding preparation process, work on your budget, and choose the best suppliers for you. When challenges arise, which I’m sure there will be multiple times, just work it out together, and remember that God will always have the best plans for you.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope, and a future”. - Jeremiah 29:11
Groom: I remember what a church minister told me about when God is not giving what we are praying for. It could be one of four things:
1. It is not yet the time.
2. It will do harm to us.
3. It is defiant to God’s orders and will separate us from Him.
4. God has better plans for us that we haven’t realized yet.
So always trust God’s perfect timing.
MESSAGE TO SUPPLIERS
We are truly grateful and we will never forget all of your hard work. Everything you have done for us made our wedding preparation and special day absolutely magical.
Photo and Video - PhotoFarm Digital Collaboration
Photo and Video (Church) - Studio 125
Wedding Coordinator - All About IDo's & Beyond by YrzaCamille
Florist - YsabelaFlorist
Bridal Car - Bridal Car Philippines
HMUA (Bride and Groom) - Jen Eucare & Phritzy Escaner
HMUA (Entourage) - Diana Mendoza & Ellaine Loraine
Reception - Blue Gardens
Venue Styling and Catering - Richgold Weddings
Appetizer Bar - Happy Burritos Appetizer Bar
Cake - Ysabel's Confectionery
Host - Monday Galvez
Band - Project MISMO
Lights and Sounds - Audio B's Sound System
LED Wall - WABS Lights and Sounds
Photobooth - Facebooth
Bridal Gown - Mimas Angels
Bridesmaids Gown - Roberth Gallardo
Groom and Groomsmen Suit - Gardini
Gifts - Cactus and Canvas PH
Crew Meals - Andrei's Packed Meal
MESSAGE TO MS. ANA AND THE REAL BRIDE MAGAZINE
Thank you Ms. Ana Maria Gonzales and the Real Bride Magazine for featuring our wedding and love story. We are truly grateful for your appreciation and love for us. We wish you all the best and success for your business!
