The love story of Chris and Eliza goes a long way back during their days of innocence as elementary students. Well, at that time it as merely a childhood admiration that forged a foundation as friends. As the years goes on through high school, the couple became official on their prom night. According to her, he is a genuine, respectful, intellectual, and kind individual. To him, she embodies all that is good and nurturing in the world. According to cupid, the two of them are a match made in heaven — thanks to a serendipitous moment from their youth attending Manresa School in BF Homes.

Tying the knot 15 Earth Orbits later

Eliza credits the longevity of their love in building a solid foundation to their relationship. “We’ve been together for 15 years before tying the knot,” Eliza remarked. The couple learned more about one other's personalities as they worked through challenges and creating incredible moments together.

It was the simple things; Eliza would say when asked what it was about Chris that made her love him so much. In the latter’s case, Eliza's enchanted presence would make every moment spent together brighter and more memorable. Being private people, they enjoyed each other's company without the scrutiny of others or the intrusive reach of social media.

Popping the question

It was during a spontaneous journey to Tagaytay’s mountainous setting when Chris uttered the magical words “Will you marry me?” to Eliza. Feigning to prepare a dish ala-Gordon Ramsey, Chris was able to catch his future wife by surprise, Eliza immediately said “Yes” as tears flowed out of her eyes.

It was the easiest “Yes”, she had said in her whole life.

As the wedding planning stage commenced, it occurred to the couple to also hold their wedding in the place where they got engaged. Tagaytay. Choosing a Modern Filipiniana theme to convey a sense of timelessness, Chris and Eliza also opted for a simple yet elegant celebration attended by their families and closest friends.

The charming ambiance of the Balay Dako was complemented by the delicious food and the pleasant vibe of cool weathered Tagaytay. After exchanging “I do’s”, at the Lady of Lourdes Parish Church also in Tagaytay, the couple celebrated with their loving guests who according to the couple, were the ones who have guided them during “hard and dark times”.

The intimate reception which was filled with laughter, melodic ballads and love, shone a spotlight to the beautiful world Chris and Eliza have created for them since the start of their love story.

But before that, there was a cake problem

Despite how lovely and unforgettable the ceremony and reception ended up being, they were not without their share of misfortune. There was the problem of the first wedding cake falling apart, the wedding car breaking down and a drizzle on the morning of the big day itself.

Eliza and Chris even considered that maybe the weather was God's way of telling them to call off the wedding. Thankfully, the true will of Heaven was revealed, and the couple was able to continue with their celebration of love as planned. The couple's network of loved ones, suppliers, and guests helped them overcome the series of hitches. It turns out, not even a collapsing wedding cake, a troubled car and bad weather can gatecrash the wonderful wedding of Chris and Eliza.

Asked what advice she can give to couples planning their wedding day, Eliza was quick to suggest to “just enjoy the moment. Don't be too perfectionist, have fun. And do it as a couple, don't do it individually”.

Wedding Suppliers

Special thank you to my Photo and Video team, Diseño Photo and Video Services headed by Ms. Mika Gonzales, Wedding coordinator, Ms. Ria Madamba and her team, for the Gowns and Barongs, Mr. Benson Del Valle and Mr. Men Cruz, Florist / Stylist Mr. Julio Cailo, HMUA Mr. Ryan Oliver Lim, Ms. Nicka of Balay Dako, for handling our account and for taking charge of the entourage's giveaways, Mr. Carlo of OLLP, Katrina Dela Cruz-Fernando of Box and Motifs for the photobooth and giveaways, Rings by Angeli  Rings, Ms. Aragon headed lights and sound  Olympus, Giveaways:  Ricky Perez of Ricardo's Casa Tablea Farm Café, Mr. Joseph Santos and Mr. Gino Padilla for entertaining the guests and of course my dear Aunt, Ms. Olive San Juan for the continuous support and love. She has guided me from the wedding planning up until now.