
Jez and Jem came home from the United States to the Philippines to exchange vows before the altar. Set in the romantic and historical city of Vigan, the couple's wedding was marked with warm nostalgia, old world charm, and romance.
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Love Story
Jez and Jem met five years ago in California through Jez's roommate and Jem's officemate, Teng. Every time Jez would drop by Teng's department, she would bump into Jem as well. Teng knew then that Jem had a thing for Jez, so Teng invited the two of them to her brother's birthday party. "Since Jem had no car, as he just migrated to the States, Teng asked [me] to pick up Jem from his apartment so he can drive me [to the party]. It was a ‘getting to know each other' drive to Pasadena," Jez fondly recalls.
After a year, their friendship took a romantic turn. A year and a half into their relationship, Jem planned a weekend getaway in Las Vegas to celebrate Jez's birthday. Jem reserved a table at a fine dining restaurant, which offered a breathtaking view of the bustling neon-lit city. After dinner, they headed to the viewing deck, where Jem handed Jez a blue card which had one word per page saying: "Baby, will you make me the happiest man here tonight?" Jem then took a ring from his coat and asked for Jez' hand. Jez, of course, said yes, and the two had more reasons to celebrate that night.
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Find out about their wedding preparations
Wedding Preparations
Jez and Jem exchanged I do's with a bold and romantic wedding set in the bride's hometown, the historical city of Vigan in Ilocos Sur. The coupl took advantage of the district's old world charm, and their wedding was marked with warm antique accents coupled with unique DIY details.
The couple was completely hands on with their invites, as they purchased a DIY invitation kit that allowed them to personalize their stationery. Moreover, some of Jez and Jem's reception décor were also a result of their collaboration with their relatives and friends. With their labors of love, the couple was able to make their special day warm with nostalgia.
In pulling off a budget-friendly destination wedding, the couple suggests to "consider other resources" to avoid overspending. "Work with a wedding and event planner, because the last thing you want to do is worry about the details of your wedding. Hire vendors not only for their expertise, but [also for their] good personality, listening skills, and professional image to make every client happy and satisfied," the couple adds.