When God Weaves Your Love Story
I think I just experienced the most magical day of my life, and I want to be able to relive it over and over in these words and photos capture by suppliers who have become friends, and who will stay special in both our hearts, forever.
Before I met Juancho I had deliberately given up on marriage.
That’s not coming from a place of bitterness, in fact, it comes from a place of an overflow of goodness, by God’s grace — that I didn’t want to ruin. I was at a point in my life when I felt so satisfied in my relationship with Jesus, I had done everything I wanted to achieve in my career thus far, I traveled, I had the most amazing group of church family, friends, and important people who I loved; I had also just gotten my dog Bowie at that time, so all of my emotional comforting needs were met, minus the bickering or the fights — a life so complete, that I didn’t feel like I needed to get into a relationship, or get married — thinking it would only complicate the dynamics which I already enjoyed.
I surrendered my desire for marriage to the Lord, expecting it to only be a distraction from what seemed to me a perfectly balanced Christian life — not knowing that, in fact, many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. After almost two years of being single, I met Juancho while working together in Unang Hirit as remote hosts, and we fell in love.
There are many people who thought it to be a whirlwind romance; sometimes I would hear strangers talking about us as if we were kids who were acting on impulse and had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. I don’t mind, really, I’ve seen a fair amount of marriages deteriorate, some being much closer to my heart than others, that I understand the incredulousness of people towards our decision.
But I knew we weren’t rushing, and I am also sure that we covered all bases before we decided to finally say our I do’s.
For one, our love story started six years ago, when Juancho would constantly slip in my DM and send me random, innocent messages like — how are you, are you ok, Merry Christmas, penge naman ng pasalubong — and I wouldn’t reply to him because I didn’t personally know him then, only being connected through our socials.
Although we had met in one occasion in 2014, we never really spent time together until I finally worked with him in Unang Hirit. The funny thing is, Juancho was always the torpe type (at least to me). In 2017 when I entered GMA, every time I saw him in artists’ events, he would just say hello, take a picture with me, then walk away. I would always be left baffled at the fact that this tall, handsome man who had always messaged me online, and professed to others that he had a crush on me, would not take advantage of being in the same network, event, room, circle of friends, when he finally got the chance to. It wasn’t until 2018 that he made a solid move to pursue me, while we were doing the morning show together.
It starts at 4:55AM, and being the remote hosts, Juancho and I would have to travel hours before then to reach our destination for the day, and go live on time. We would travel together daily for work, spend hours in our van service cruising through highways that led as far north as Lingayen, Pangasinan, and deep down south to the province of Quezon. Then, on our way home, we’d be stuck in Manila traffic for hours, rushing to get to our next work, but also sinking deeply in conversations about life, work, and God. I was in a really bad season of anxiety and depression when Juancho and I started going out, there would be days when my mood swings were off the charts, or when I’d just be drinking wine to my heart’s content (and my liver’s dismay) — but even then, Juancho never took advantage. He would always bring me home, drop me off in my condo’s lobby, then buy me coffee the next day at work, as if nothing had happened. The first time he really wanted to kiss me was after our first ‘official’ date (everything before then was work-related) and instead of just reaching in for a kiss while we were in his car, he looked me in my eyes and asked, is it okay if I kiss you? I said no, and gave him a kiss on the cheek — not knowing then that he’d be the man I’ll be saying yes to, for the rest of my life.
It was also during our first few months of dating that my family had huge issues that took a toll on me. Despite this, he was the first man I’ve ever dated that looked past those issues and took the initiative to message my family without telling me, revealing his intentions for me, and his desire to meet them. I was hospitalised, my Lola was hospitalised, my Lolo suddenly passed away, and so many other things happened in those first few months of dating — and yet he stayed. Not only pursuing me, but also, growing in the Lord, and learning to navigate through my crazy life and loving those I hold most dearly. He joined his own church community, then a discipleship group; he was patient and worked through some of my biggest character flaws and issues — he loved me the way I’ve always wanted to be loved, and I thought it too good to be true, so I kept praying for God to take him away completely. And yet the Lord allowed him to stay in my life.
The rest was History, as they say. History, for us, in that God writes His story and weaved ours within, as a reminder of His grace and mercy, as a representation of what His sacrificial love for His children looks like, as a testament to His faithfulness, His wisdom, and overflowing glory in both our lives. I often get comments that I ‘deserve’ this kind of love because of what I had gone through, and although I find that to be very endearing, I must say that no, I do not deserve this kind of love. This kind of perfect timing and beautiful love story only happens because of God’s grace, and His grace alone. Juancho and I both have done things we regret; we’ve hurt people, we’ve also hurt each other, and in many ways we have failed God (and continue to do so) — but in His mercy and goodness He allows for joy to overflow in our lives.
While we were going through weeks of pre-marital counselling in our church, Juancho and I would always pray for God’s will to reign. We would reluctantly say, Lord, kung ayaw Mo mangyari tong kasal na to, please tanggalin Mo na kaming dalawa sa buhay ng isa’t isa, ngayon palang. Even when we got engaged, that was still our prayer. And I was sincere, in my heart I told the Lord that I loved Juancho, but not more than I want to grow in love with Jesus — and that, if my love for Juancho will just keep me from loving and serving Jesus, then I don’t want it. This prayer was painful, and scary, and sometimes I didn’t want to pray it, but I knew that a life with Juancho without God being glorified is not life at all. So by the Holy Spirit, we kept praying, and seeking counsel, and praying, and God answered in the most beautiful way — through clear skies, both families’ approval, financial provision, our church leaders’ go signal, in His word, and the unshakeable peace in our hearts. We knew the Lord found favour in our desire for marriage not because it was what we wanted, but because through it, He will be most glorified.
The days leading up to our big day were drenched in rain.
We’ve already faced many adjustments, as we had to move our wedding from Tagaytay (because of Taal’s unrest), to Sofitel Manila in just two weeks. Before settling in Sofitel, I had to do ocular in several other venues that had a garden. Our whole wedding was hinged on a strict “chill policy”. I was a Bridechilla, as most of my suppliers would coin, and I wanted all our guests to be chill on our wedding day, too. Everyone was asked to wear omfortable ‘garden chic’ clothes, my event stylist, Michael Ruiz, was tasked to create a Bohemian-Romantic laid back set-up, and our whole ceremony music would be rendered by acoustic singer-musician, super-chill, Luis Cortez. I couldn’t adjust all of these garden-themed things to fit a ballroom wedding venue, in less than two weeks.
Miraculously, Sofitel’s garden, lawn, and Sunset Pavilion were all available for the ceremony, the cocktails, and reception. We couldn’t believe it. We had everything we needed and prayed for, and it only took us a day to find out, do the ocular, and reserve the place. God indeed, according to His will, provides for His children. Sofitel was also gracious in allowing us to make certain adjustments that we needed to prepare for our wedding - all our food tasting, room reservations, final meetings, suppliers, and contracts were finalised just days before February 9 — clutch life, but it was all settled seamlessly, thanks to our coordinators, Events Embassy Manila, and the most helpful group of suppliers, sponsors, friends, entourage, and family.
I had a vision of walking down the aisle, sun seeping through the sheer fabric of my ethereal dress and veil, looking forward a standing group of mixed friends and family; but that vision in my head became muddled as days approaching our wedding were filled with rain showers. I woke up on our wedding day to overcast clouds and my coordinator calling me on my phone saying they were inclined to start setting up indoors as weather forecast read a 98% chance of rain shower the whole morning and afternoon. I kept praying. I knew I wanted to humble my heart and not fixate on my ‘dream’ wedding, and instead focus on glorifying the Lord in every aspect — so although I prayed for clear skies, and also asked friends to pray with us, I also desired for God’s will be done, even if that meant we would have to move our wedding indoors.
After I had breakfast and did my devo that morning, though, I saw rain pouring on the other side of Manila Bay and I knew our day would be filled with miraculous perfect weather.
And so it was.
That vision came through. Clouds hovered during our ceremony, but the sun peeked through right when I started walking down the aisle. I kept thanking Jesus for a beautiful day - I could barely keep myself from crying out of gratitude, the Lord cares for His children indeed, even in the most minute things. Love was most expressed on that day, as weddings are supposed to go - only in ours, it wasn’t our love for each other that was most magnified in our hearts - but our love for God, because of His love for us, that shone the brightest. It was a beautiful ceremony, we made our vows to each other in front of God and our loved ones, the Gospel was preached, the weather was perfect, and we couldn’t be happier.
The rest of the day sped by us in laughter, and dancing, and surprises after surprises, plus more dancing and laughing. When Juancho and I were driving home the day after, we kept talking about how the wedding was so uniquely us — it was light, and funny, and filled with emotion, it was artsy, it was ringing with music through and through, it was sincere, and honest, and family-oriented, and surrounded by friends, and so fully God-dependent — just how we are, and how we always want to be. It had its quirks, and tiny lapses, it had its most magical moments; it was a picture of the grace-filled life we both enjoy that is only possible through Christ. It was a testament of the overflow of love and joy He pours in our lives, through each other - now sealed together, for forever.
It was the day I married the love of my life, the day when one of my heart’s deepest desires was realised. There have been many days before it, and God’willing, there will be many more to enjoy after — but this season, this day, will forever be etched in my heart as an exemplification of God’s faithfulness, provision, and unrelenting grace magnified in the love Juancho and I have for each other. It’s been a privilege serving God as a single woman for 26 years, but today I can say that I’m looking forward to serving Him for the rest of my time here on Earth, with the one whom my soul loves.
We can barely contain our gratitude and thanks to our suppliers. If you want to create a wedding filled with talent and heart, here is our special team for #PringHomeTheJuan:
Coordinator: Events Embassy
Photo: Chestknots Studio
Video: Treehouse Story
Event Stylist: Michael Ruiz
HMUA Bride: Gela Laurel and Jerry Javier
HMUA Parents: Inang Maria Makeup Artistry
HMUA Entourage: Danah De Belen, MamaRhaye Dela Cruz, Poca
360 Booth: Antonio Ante Jr.
Groom Preps: The Spoiled Groom
Bridal Gown: Liz Martinez Bridal
Bridal Veil: Rica Siena
Styling Consultant: Danae Vernisse
Suit: Nat Manilag Couture
Preps Pajamas: Lisse MNL
Invitation: Sweet Knottings
Invite Illustration: Dani Go
Wedding Instagram Filter: Mabby Triviño
Host: Chuck Araneta
Cake: TopCakes
Caterer: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
Florist: Dangwa Flowers by Clint Carl
Table&Chairs Rental: K & N Rentals
Drapings: Two Best Four Drapes
Lights and Sounds: JS Mina Soundsystem Rental
Photobooth: Flipbooks by Flipbook Project
Plates&Cutleries: Casa Luxia
Ceremony Singer: Luis Cortez
Reception Band: Brass Pas Pas Pas
Souvenir for guests: TFC Perfume
Souvenir for Principal Sponsors: Kevin Ong Patissier
Pastor: Pastor Aumar Aguilar, Christ Commission Fellowship